Best Turntable Cartridges of 2026

Last updated on 04/04/2026

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Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge with Microlinear stylus and HS10 Headshell Red

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge with Microlinear stylus and HS10 Headshell Red

Aluminium tapered cantilever design.
Improved generating efficiency.
Reduces crosstalk effectively.

Main Highlights

Aluminium tapered cantilever
Para-toroidal coils improve generating efficiency
Centre shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk
Durable low resonance polymer housing
Pre-assembled with a lightweight aluminium headshell (AT-HS10) for a quicker, easier set-up

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Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge with Microlinear stylus and HS10 Headshell Red

Aluminium tapered cantilever design.
Improved generating efficiency.
Reduces crosstalk effectively.

Main Highlights

Aluminium tapered cantilever
Para-toroidal coils improve generating efficiency
Centre shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk
Durable low resonance polymer housing
Pre-assembled with a lightweight aluminium headshell (AT-HS10) for a quicker, easier set-up

Value for Money

Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Superior sound quality delivered.
Long-lasting performance ensured.
Enhanced listening experience provided.

Main Highlights

AT-VM95MLH
Universal 1/2"-mount head shell for 4-pin Turntable cartridges
Durable low-resonance polymer Housing
Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to head shell with just two screws - no nuts required
Aluminum cantilever

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Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Superior sound quality delivered.
Long-lasting performance ensured.
Enhanced listening experience provided.

Main Highlights

AT-VM95MLH
Universal 1/2"-mount head shell for 4-pin Turntable cartridges
Durable low-resonance polymer Housing
Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to head shell with just two screws - no nuts required
Aluminum cantilever

Nagaoka MP 110 Hi-Fi turntable cartridge systems

Nagaoka MP 110 Hi-Fi turntable cartridge systems

Crystal clear sound clarity.
Modern construction materials.
Full dynamic range.

Main Highlights

Produces crystal clear clarity over every sound frequency
Up-to-date modern construction materials
Fluidity across the frequency spectrum
Separates every detail
Full dynamic range

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Nagaoka MP 110 Hi-Fi turntable cartridge systems

Crystal clear sound clarity.
Modern construction materials.
Full dynamic range.

Main Highlights

Produces crystal clear clarity over every sound frequency
Up-to-date modern construction materials
Fluidity across the frequency spectrum
Separates every detail
Full dynamic range

Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML VM95 series Microlinear stereo cartridge Red

Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML VM95 series Microlinear stereo cartridge Red

Elegant aluminium cantilever design.
Exceptional 25,000Hz frequency response.
Compatible with all VM95 stylus.

Main Highlights

Aluminium cantilever
3.5mV output voltage
Compatible body with all VM95 Series stylus assemblies
20 to 25,000Hz frequency response
VM95 Series cartridges features two M2.6 threaded inserts allowing the installation of the cartridge onto tonearm or removable headshell without the use of nuts.Each cartridge is provided with one pair of 8mm M2.6 screws, one pair of 11mm M2.6 screws and two plastic washers.

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Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML VM95 series Microlinear stereo cartridge Red

Elegant aluminium cantilever design.
Exceptional 25,000Hz frequency response.
Compatible with all VM95 stylus.

Main Highlights

Aluminium cantilever
3.5mV output voltage
Compatible body with all VM95 Series stylus assemblies
20 to 25,000Hz frequency response
VM95 Series cartridges features two M2.6 threaded inserts allowing the installation of the cartridge onto tonearm or removable headshell without the use of nuts.Each cartridge is provided with one pair of 8mm M2.6 screws, one pair of 11mm M2.6 screws and two plastic washers.

Ortofon 2M Red - all-purpose Moving Magnet Cartridge with a tipped Elliptical diamond and split pole pins with a copper wire, red

Ortofon 2M Red - all-purpose Moving Magnet Cartridge with a tipped Elliptical diamond and split pole pins with a copper wire, red

Delivers open, dynamic sound.
Features tipped Elliptical diamond.
Excellent compatibility with systems.

Main Highlights

All-purpose Moving Magnet cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth
The 2M Red features a tipped Elliptical diamond and split pole pins with a copper wire
An improved engine provides an increased output of 5.5 mV and an optimized sound reproduction and a high level of sonic accuracy
The cartridge body is manufactured from Hopelex, which ensures high rigidity while eliminating unwanted resonances
The 2M Series provides excellent compatibility when used in an assortment of playback systems and with a wide variety of phono preamps

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Ortofon 2M Red - all-purpose Moving Magnet Cartridge with a tipped Elliptical diamond and split pole pins with a copper wire, red

Delivers open, dynamic sound.
Features tipped Elliptical diamond.
Excellent compatibility with systems.

Main Highlights

All-purpose Moving Magnet cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth
The 2M Red features a tipped Elliptical diamond and split pole pins with a copper wire
An improved engine provides an increased output of 5.5 mV and an optimized sound reproduction and a high level of sonic accuracy
The cartridge body is manufactured from Hopelex, which ensures high rigidity while eliminating unwanted resonances
The 2M Series provides excellent compatibility when used in an assortment of playback systems and with a wide variety of phono preamps

Reloop Concorde Black - Spherical pickup system with robust construction for turntables - professional sound, suitable for scratching, (black)

Reloop Concorde Black - Spherical pickup system with robust construction for turntables - professional sound, suitable for scratching, (black)

Superior sound with minimal wear.
Tough build for reliability.
Effortless SME attachment installation.

Main Highlights

Spherical needle cut: Good sound quality with low wear made by Ortofon
Robust construction: Reliable, even when using in the club
Easy installation: Easy attachment to the tonearm with SME attachment
Suitable for scratching, from professionals to beginner DJs
Professional quality and build

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Reloop Concorde Black - Spherical pickup system with robust construction for turntables - professional sound, suitable for scratching, (black)

Superior sound with minimal wear.
Tough build for reliability.
Effortless SME attachment installation.

Main Highlights

Spherical needle cut: Good sound quality with low wear made by Ortofon
Robust construction: Reliable, even when using in the club
Easy installation: Easy attachment to the tonearm with SME attachment
Suitable for scratching, from professionals to beginner DJs
Professional quality and build

Audio-Technica AT-XP3/H Cartridge Mounted with AT-HS6BK Headshell Blue

Audio-Technica AT-XP3/H Cartridge Mounted with AT-HS6BK Headshell Blue

Audiophile DJ cartridge included.
Durable robust design.
Compatible with upgrade styli.

Main Highlights

Audiophile DJ cartridge AT-XP3 pre-mounted on the AT-HS6BK Headshell
VM dual magnet construction
Durable robust design for high-quality specialist DJ playback
Carbon fiber-reinforced ABS cantilever and nylon wire suspension ensure precise tracking
Compatible with the replacement styli ATN-XP5 and ATN-XP7 for an upgrade

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Audio-Technica AT-XP3/H Cartridge Mounted with AT-HS6BK Headshell Blue

Audiophile DJ cartridge included.
Durable robust design.
Compatible with upgrade styli.

Main Highlights

Audiophile DJ cartridge AT-XP3 pre-mounted on the AT-HS6BK Headshell
VM dual magnet construction
Durable robust design for high-quality specialist DJ playback
Carbon fiber-reinforced ABS cantilever and nylon wire suspension ensure precise tracking
Compatible with the replacement styli ATN-XP5 and ATN-XP7 for an upgrade

Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Quality meets affordability.
Impressively durable product.
Remarkable good quality.

Main Highlights

Model AT-VM95E/H Type VM Stereo Dual Magnet Mounting 1/2' centres Frequency Response 20 - 22,000 Hz Channel Separation 20 dB (1 kHz) Output Channel Balance 2.0 dB (1 kHz) Output Voltage 4.0 mV (@ 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) Vertical Tracking Angle 23° Vertical Tracking Force Range 1.8 - 2.2g (standard 2.0 g) Stylus Shape Elliptical Stylus Size 0.3 x 0.7 mil Stylus Construction Bonded Round Shank Cantilever Alu
minium Pipe Coil Impedance 3.3 kO (1 kHz) Coil Inductance 550 mH (1 kHz) DC Resistance 485 O Static Compliance 17 x 10 - 6 cm / dyne Dynamic Compliance 7 x 10 - 6 cm / dyne (100 Hz) Wire Used for Coil T.P. Copper Recommended Load Impedance 47,000 O Recommended Load Capacitance 100-200 pF Weight 15.5 g Dimensions 21.2 × 21.4 × 62.4 ( H x W x D mm) Replacement Stylus AT-VMN95E

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Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Quality meets affordability.
Impressively durable product.
Remarkable good quality.

Main Highlights

Model AT-VM95E/H Type VM Stereo Dual Magnet Mounting 1/2' centres Frequency Response 20 - 22,000 Hz Channel Separation 20 dB (1 kHz) Output Channel Balance 2.0 dB (1 kHz) Output Voltage 4.0 mV (@ 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) Vertical Tracking Angle 23° Vertical Tracking Force Range 1.8 - 2.2g (standard 2.0 g) Stylus Shape Elliptical Stylus Size 0.3 x 0.7 mil Stylus Construction Bonded Round Shank Cantilever Alu
minium Pipe Coil Impedance 3.3 kO (1 kHz) Coil Inductance 550 mH (1 kHz) DC Resistance 485 O Static Compliance 17 x 10 - 6 cm / dyne Dynamic Compliance 7 x 10 - 6 cm / dyne (100 Hz) Wire Used for Coil T.P. Copper Recommended Load Impedance 47,000 O Recommended Load Capacitance 100-200 pF Weight 15.5 g Dimensions 21.2 × 21.4 × 62.4 ( H x W x D mm) Replacement Stylus AT-VMN95E

Goldring E3 High-Output Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge for Record Player Vinyl Turntable Needle Hi-fi - with Spherical Stylus & Aluminium Cantilever

Goldring E3 High-Output Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge for Record Player Vinyl Turntable Needle Hi-fi - with Spherical Stylus & Aluminium Cantilever

Super-elliptical stylus reduces sibilance.
Magnetic Duplex Technology enhances soundstage.
Expertly pre-set stylus angle.

Main Highlights

Introducing the E3: The E3 cartridge features same aluminium cantilever as the E2, but benefits from a superior, bonded, super-elliptical stylus. This gives it better high frequency detail retrieval over ordinary elliptical or types due to its smaller front-to-back radius. The main effect is the reduction of sibilance, especially in high level vocal recordings.
Magnetic Duplex Technology: All cartridges in the range feature Magnetic Duplex Technology- a 'dual magnet' generator assembly means it can more accurately reproduce the stereo information in the record groove, providing better channel separation and a more involving and musical sound stage.
Expert Adjustment: The E-series cartridges have been designed to allow micro-adjustments during production. It means the cartridge can be safely installed on a turntable because the angle that the stylus makes with the record surface has been pre-set. The result is an optimised channel balance that ensures a consistent and reassuring performance for the life of the product.
Stylus/Cantilever: Featuring spherical styli with a choice of cantilevers, the E1 and E2 models are ideal as an upgrade to any budget, pre-fitted or obsolete cartridge. The E3 model with its re¬fined super elliptical stylus is a worthwhile upgrade for those wishing to squeeze even more information and detail from the record groove.
Specifications: Colour: Violet, Cantilever: Aluminium, Stylus profile: Elliptical, Stylus radius: 0.3 x 0.7 mil, Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, Channel balance: 1.5 dB at 1 kHz, Channel separation: >20 dB at 1 kHz, Sensitivity: 3.5 mV (1 kHz @ 5 cm/sec), Load resistance: 47 kΩ, Fixing centres: 12.7 mm (0.5 in), Playing weight: 1.5 g - 2.5 g (2.0 g recommended)

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Goldring E3 High-Output Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge for Record Player Vinyl Turntable Needle Hi-fi - with Spherical Stylus & Aluminium Cantilever

Super-elliptical stylus reduces sibilance.
Magnetic Duplex Technology enhances soundstage.
Expertly pre-set stylus angle.

Main Highlights

Introducing the E3: The E3 cartridge features same aluminium cantilever as the E2, but benefits from a superior, bonded, super-elliptical stylus. This gives it better high frequency detail retrieval over ordinary elliptical or types due to its smaller front-to-back radius. The main effect is the reduction of sibilance, especially in high level vocal recordings.
Magnetic Duplex Technology: All cartridges in the range feature Magnetic Duplex Technology- a 'dual magnet' generator assembly means it can more accurately reproduce the stereo information in the record groove, providing better channel separation and a more involving and musical sound stage.
Expert Adjustment: The E-series cartridges have been designed to allow micro-adjustments during production. It means the cartridge can be safely installed on a turntable because the angle that the stylus makes with the record surface has been pre-set. The result is an optimised channel balance that ensures a consistent and reassuring performance for the life of the product.
Stylus/Cantilever: Featuring spherical styli with a choice of cantilevers, the E1 and E2 models are ideal as an upgrade to any budget, pre-fitted or obsolete cartridge. The E3 model with its re¬fined super elliptical stylus is a worthwhile upgrade for those wishing to squeeze even more information and detail from the record groove.
Specifications: Colour: Violet, Cantilever: Aluminium, Stylus profile: Elliptical, Stylus radius: 0.3 x 0.7 mil, Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, Channel balance: 1.5 dB at 1 kHz, Channel separation: >20 dB at 1 kHz, Sensitivity: 3.5 mV (1 kHz @ 5 cm/sec), Load resistance: 47 kΩ, Fixing centres: 12.7 mm (0.5 in), Playing weight: 1.5 g - 2.5 g (2.0 g recommended)

Audio-Technica AT-XP5/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo DJ Cartridge with Headshell Red

Audio-Technica AT-XP5/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo DJ Cartridge with Headshell Red

High-quality specialist DJ playback.
Durable robust design.
Precise tracking guaranteed.

Main Highlights

Audiophile DJ cartridge AT-XP5 pre-mounted on the AT-HS6BK Headshell
VM dual magnet construction
Durable robust design for high-quality specialist DJ playback
Carbon fiber-reinforced ABS cantilever and nylon wire suspension ensure precise tracking
Compatible with the replacement styli ATN-XP3 and ATN-XP7

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Audio-Technica AT-XP5/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo DJ Cartridge with Headshell Red

High-quality specialist DJ playback.
Durable robust design.
Precise tracking guaranteed.

Main Highlights

Audiophile DJ cartridge AT-XP5 pre-mounted on the AT-HS6BK Headshell
VM dual magnet construction
Durable robust design for high-quality specialist DJ playback
Carbon fiber-reinforced ABS cantilever and nylon wire suspension ensure precise tracking
Compatible with the replacement styli ATN-XP3 and ATN-XP7

We scanned 1294 products

We reviewed these offers relevant to the Turntable Cartridges within online retailers such as Amazon, eBay and other local retailers, ensuring we covered all major brands and models. The products we selected come from trusted brands like Audio-Technica, Nagaoka, Ortofon, Reloop, Goldring, all of which have a reputation for consistently delivering high-quality products that users love and innovative approaches for function & design.

For the best Turntable Cartridges in the market, we considered we took a deep dive into 6471 online reviews , focusing on elements like user satisfaction, performance in real-world conditions, and long-term reliability. Our ranking also evaluates each review’s relevancy, authenticity, up-to-dateness and depth so that the comparison is more sound.

We concluded that:

The clear winner of our analysis is Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge with Microlinear stylus and HS10 Headshell Red. We love many things about this product by Audio-Technica. What sets it apart from the competition is Aluminium tapered cantilever design, Improved generating efficiency, Reduces crosstalk effectively.
The best value product for most shoppers and where user satisfaction is continuously the highest is Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell by Audio-Technica based on online reviews by bloggers, experts and online shoppers.
The biggest bargain at the moment for Turntable Cartridges and the best cost-to-value ratio is Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML VM95 series Microlinear stereo cartridge Redat Audio-Technica with a 7% discount.
Our list of the best Turntable Cartridges is updated regularly to reflect new releases and changes in product availability, so be sure to check back often for the latest rankings and discounts.