7 of the coolest turntables of 2026 — including a superbly tacky anniversary edition, and an ode to Rammstein

Fancy getting into vinyl, or upgrading your existing setup? This year has delivered some especially interesting new turntables, ranging from the classy to the tacky, and from the practical to the surely-just-for-show. I've rounded up some of our favorites below.Oxblood is clearly in vogue, because we have not one but two decks in the moody hue: Technics' Friz Hansen turntable with a matching lamp, and Pro-Ject's ultra-minimalist Debut Evo 2.Looking for something less understated? Rammstein fans should gear up to grab one of respected turntable brand Clearaudio's limited-edition themed decks when they finally become available in October. The brand's love letter to the German metal gods isn't simply a band logo slapped onto an existing turntable either — it was created in collaboration with Rammstein as a "fully independent model" featuring a metallic lacquer finish and dimmable LED lighting. If you think that's bold, wait until you see Technics' other notable 2026 release. This limited-edition turntable is based on the SL-1200 model, and designed to mark its 55th anniversary. The inner workings remain largely untouched compared to the base model, but the exterior is altogether flashier: the theme here is gold, and lots of it. Everything from the tonearm to the controls to the platter has had the Midas touch applied — it even has a gold slip mat. Scroll down for a closer look at all these decks and more — and hit the More details button for links to additional info.Top turntables Fluance RT87 turntable View at Fluance Technics Direct Drive Turntable System 55th Anniversary Edition Read more: Technics' classic SL-1200 turntable is getting a 55th anniversary edition — and the big upgrade is 'lots of gold'View at Technics Goldring GR3 Read more: Goldring's GR3 turntable is all about style and convenience, but there's one aspect I wish I could switch off...View at Goldring ProsDetailed, rhythmically adept and confident soundExcellent pre-fitted cartridge is part of its plug-and-play convenienceGreat standard of build and finishConsCan sound slightly insubstantial at the top of the frequency rangePhono stage really should be defeatableNot short of competition Philips Fidelio FT1 (UK only) Read more: I tested the Philips turntable with a CD player squirreled away in its plinth and honestly, for this money it's hard to argue with the versatilityView at Philips Pros+Energetic and quite communicative soundSpecified like a music centre of the old school (with some wireless stuff thrown in too)Tremendous flexibility where partnering equipment is concernedConsSplashy treble responseLow frequencies sound slightly remoteQuieter when physically connected than when using Bluetooth Technics Limited Edition Fritz Hansen Turntable Read more: 'Music is an art of time. Time flows without form': Technics releases a burgundy turntable, ties itself in knots over a matching 1930s lamp collab, we're all confused (but secretly I love it)View at Technics Sony PS-LX5BT turntable Read more: It ain't heavy, but Sony's new budget Bluetooth turntable is still a winner eight days a weekView at Sony ProsEnergetic and forward, but not unsubtle, soundaptX Adaptive compatibility = lossy 48kHz wireless connectivityIntegrated phono stage and fully automatic operationConsLittle issues at either end of the frequency rangeConstruction feels a little insubstantialFixed counterweight Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 View at Pro.ject Clearaudio Rammstein turntable (available Oct 2026) Read more: Clearaudio just unveiled a stunning Rammstein turntable and truly, ich will!