Audio-Technica LP60X vs LP120X 2026 | $149 vs $349

Not sure which setup is right for you?

The AT-LP60X costs $149. The AT-LP120X costs $349. Both are made by Audio-Technica. Both are good turntables. The $200 gap buys you a lot — but whether you need what it buys is a different question.

The Quick Answer

If you just want to play records with zero fuss, get the LP60X. If you're serious about vinyl and want room to grow, get the LP120X.

AT-LP60X ($149): The Simple One

The AT-LP60X is fully automatic. Press start, the arm drops onto the record. When the side finishes, it lifts and returns. No counterweight to set, no alignment to worry about. Plug it into powered speakers and go.

Built-in phono preamp. Belt-drive motor. Proper tracking force that won't damage your records. It does everything a turntable needs to do and nothing more.

What you can't do: upgrade the cartridge (you can replace the stylus, not the cartridge itself), adjust tracking force, change the anti-skate, or connect it via USB. It's a fixed system — by design.

Sound is warm and enjoyable. Not revelatory, but genuinely pleasant. Bass is present, highs are smooth, and the overall presentation is easy to listen to for hours.

Best for: First-time vinyl buyers, casual listeners, people who want simplicity, anyone unsure if vinyl is really their thing.

*(Price when reviewed: ~$149 | View on Amazon)*

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X~$149

The simple one — fully automatic, zero fuss, great for casual listeners

View on Amazon

AT-LP120X ($349): The Serious One

The AT-LP120X descends from the Technics SL-1200 — the turntable that defined DJing. It's a completely different machine from the LP60X.

Direct-drive motor for instant start and rock-solid speed. Removable headshell so you can swap cartridges. Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate. Pitch control. USB output for digitizing vinyl. Built-in preamp with a bypass switch for when you upgrade to an external one.

It's a manual turntable — you cue the arm yourself. Some people prefer this ritual. Others find it annoying. It becomes second nature fast.

The sound is noticeably better than the LP60X, but the real advantage is headroom. Swap the stock cartridge for an AT-VM95E ($59) or Ortofon 2M Red ($99) and the improvement is immediately obvious. The LP60X can't do this. The LP120X can keep improving as your budget and ears develop.

Best for: Vinyl enthusiasts, anyone planning to build a collection, DJs, people who want upgrade flexibility, anyone who knows they're in this for the long haul.

*(Price when reviewed: ~$349 | View on Amazon)*

Audio-Technica AT-LP120X~$349

The serious one — direct drive, upgradeable cartridge, built to last a decade

View on Amazon

Head-to-Head

The $200 Question

Is the LP120X worth $200 more? If you're going to get serious about vinyl — building a collection, upgrading components, really listening — yes. The LP120X is a platform you can grow with for a decade.

If you want to play records casually, maybe spin some thrift store finds or your parents' old collection, the LP60X does the job beautifully for $200 less. There's no shame in the LP60X. It's a great turntable.

Here's my rule of thumb: if you're already buying records regularly and spending real time listening, get the LP120X. If you're just dipping your toes in, start with the LP60X. You can always sell it and upgrade later — they hold their value well on the secondhand market.

Both are available everywhere — Amazon, Best Buy, Crutchfield, Target, and most audio retailers. Audio-Technica's US support is solid if anything goes wrong.

For our full picks at each price point, see our best turntable under $200 and under $500 guides. If you already own the LP120X and want to improve the sound, our cartridge upgrade guide is the next step.

Find Your Perfect Setup

Answer a few quick questions and get personalised recommendations.

Ready to find your perfect setup?

Our quiz matches you with the right turntable, speakers, and accessories.

No email required