The Audio Technica LP120 and LP140 seem to be pretty popular. For ~$500 and under there isn’t a whole lot more you can expect, (at least they aren't Crosleys) so they are definitely good turntables for the money. Only caveat is that a few years ago the LP120 had some issues with the anti-skate not working. That has been remedied in the newer versions. I seriously looked at them when I was buying a TT for my den but ended up going with a U-Turn Orbit Special, I got the upgrade acrylic platter and the Ortofon 2m Red (though I will replace the stylus with a 2m Blue in a few months).
I’ve been pretty happy with it and its quality. You can decide to either get their "OK" Pluto 2 phono amp built-in or not get one if you want to use a better external one, like the price appropriate Schiit Mani or iFi Zen Phono.
Good luck going down the rabbit hole of vinyl...Once you go in, you’ll never go out...
Turntable question; Does Audio Technica make any good turntables?
In the $500 to $1000 range does Audio Technica make any good turntables, either belt drive or direct drive? Compared to say Pro-Ject, Fluance, Rega, Music Hall, Technics, etc.