Best Turntables with USB 2026 | Digitize Your Vinyl
AT-LP120X ($349) is best for USB recording. Budget option: AT-LP60X ($149). Digitize your vinyl collection with US prices and software tips.
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Take Our QuizUSB turntables let you digitize your vinyl collection — turn records into MP3s, FLACs, or WAVs on your computer. If you've got rare records, irreplaceable family recordings, or just want your vinyl on your phone, USB output makes that possible.
But here's the thing: most people who buy USB turntables rarely use the USB. They buy it as insurance, then never plug in the cable. That's fine — these are good turntables with or without the USB. Just be honest about whether you'll actually digitize anything before paying extra for the feature.
The Picks
| Turntable | Price (reviewed) | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB | ~$149 | Budget USB | View on Amazon |
| Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB | ~$349 | Best overall | View on Amazon |
*Prices approximate at time of review.*
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB
The AT-LP60XUSB is the budget LP60X with USB output added. Same fully automatic operation, same built-in preamp, same reliable belt-drive mechanism. The USB port sends audio directly to your computer for recording.
Good for occasional digitizing — converting a few favorite records or preserving something rare. The recording quality matches the turntable's output: clean and enjoyable, not audiophile reference. For most people's purposes, it's more than adequate.
Audio-Technica includes Audacity (free recording software) on their website, though you can use any recording app. Connect via USB, hit record, flip the record when it's time. *(Price when reviewed: ~$149 | View on Amazon)*
Best budget USB turntable — automatic operation, simple digitizing
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
The AT-LP120XUSB is the one to get if you're serious about both listening and digitizing. Direct-drive motor, removable headshell for cartridge upgrades, pitch control, built-in preamp with bypass — it's a proper turntable that happens to have USB.
The USB output quality is better here because the turntable itself is better. Upgrade the cartridge and your digital recordings improve too. If you're digitizing a large collection, the LP120XUSB handles marathon sessions without breaking a sweat.
This is the turntable most vinyl digitizers on r/vinyl and the Steve Hoffman Forums recommend. Good enough for serious archival work, versatile enough for everyday listening. *(Price when reviewed: ~$349 | View on Amazon)*
Best USB turntable overall — direct drive, upgradeable, serious archival quality
Software for Digitizing
Audacity (free): Open-source, works on Mac and Windows. Record, split tracks, remove clicks and pops. The standard tool for vinyl digitization. Available from audacityteam.org.
VinylStudio ($29): Designed specifically for vinyl digitization. Automatic track splitting, click removal, and RIAA correction. Worth the money if you're digitizing more than a handful of records.
iZotope RX ($129+): Professional audio restoration. Removes clicks, pops, and surface noise with surgical precision. Overkill for casual use, but fantastic for preserving rare records.
Tips for Better Recordings
Record at 24-bit/96kHz if your software supports it — you can always downsample later, but you can't add resolution after the fact.
Clean the record before digitizing. Every pop and click gets captured permanently. Our vinyl care guide covers proper cleaning.
Use a good cartridge. The USB output captures whatever the stylus extracts. An upgraded cartridge means better digital files. See our cartridge upgrade guide.
Record the full side, then split into individual tracks in your software. It's easier and more accurate than trying to start/stop between songs.
Do You Actually Need USB?
Be honest with yourself. If you've had a turntable for years and never plugged in a USB cable, you probably don't need this feature.
If you have specific records you want to preserve — a deceased relative's collection, out-of-print pressings, recordings that aren't available digitally — USB is genuinely valuable.
If you just want to listen to vinyl on the go... consider that most vinyl is available on streaming services. The convenience rarely justifies the effort of digitizing your entire collection.
For our full recommendations at every price point, see our best record players guide. Trying to decide between the LP60X and LP120X? Our head-to-head comparison breaks it down.
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Start the QuizFrequently Asked Questions
What is a USB turntable used for?
USB turntables allow you to connect directly to your computer to digitize vinyl records into MP3, FLAC, or WAV files. This is ideal for preserving rare records, creating digital backups, or playing vinyl rips on portable devices. The USB output sends the audio signal directly to your computer for recording.
What is the best turntable with USB?
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB ($349) is the most popular option, offering excellent sound quality, direct drive, and USB output. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB ($179) is the budget choice. For higher quality, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC USB ($599) adds audiophile performance with USB digitization capability.
What software do I need to digitize vinyl?
Most USB turntables include basic software like Audacity (free, open-source). For better results, use software like Adobe Audition, iZotope RX for audio restoration (removing clicks and pops), or VinylStudio ($29) which is designed specifically for vinyl digitization with automatic track splitting and RIAA correction.
Does USB affect sound quality when playing records normally?
No, the USB output is independent of the regular phono/line outputs. You can still connect the turntable to your speakers normally - the USB port is simply an additional output for computer connection. Most people use USB turntables primarily for listening, occasionally connecting them to digitize specific records.
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