The best turntables for DJs on a budget are the ones that let you learn real vinyl skills without forcing you to work around an unstable motor, weak pitch control, or a tonearm that cannot track dependably. A usable deck should make cueing, beatmatching, back-cueing, and record changes feel predictable; it should not merely play records.
I built this guide around the supplied specifications, included accessories, and buyer-rating data for eight current models. I have not treated a USB socket, a dust cover, or a familiar logo as a substitute for the essentials: direct drive for full-size DJing, a controllable pitch fader, a decent platter, and a tonearm with anti-skate and a proper counterweight.
There is one useful exception. A portable scratch unit can be great for practice and travel, but it is not a replacement for a pair of full-size mixing decks. That distinction matters because forum discussions repeatedly flag belt-drive designs, flimsy tonearms, and poor cartridges as the reasons a low-cost purchase can become a frustrating short-term stop.
The three strongest budget-minded DJ picks answer different needs in 2026
My all-round pick is the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK because its direct-drive motor, quartz speed lock, S-shaped tonearm, switchable preamp, and USB recording cover a wide first setup. The Reloop RP-2000 USB MK2 is the more stripped-back value route for someone who wants direct drive, a built-in preamp, and an eight-percent pitch range, while the Numark PT01 Scratch is the specialist choice for portable scratch sessions.
The best turntables for DJs on a budget in 2026 are compared below
The comparison groups full-size DJ decks and the portable Numark in one place, but it is not a ranking based only on star ratings. Read the feature labels as a fast fit check: direct drive and pitch range matter most for mixing, while USB and a built-in preamp matter most if your system needs a simpler connection path or you want to record vinyl.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK |
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View product |
 Pioneer DJ PLX-500 |
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 Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK |
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View product |
 Reloop RP-7000 MK2 |
|
View product |
 Numark PT01 Scratch |
|
View product |
 Reloop RP-4000 MK2 |
|
View product |
 Reloop RP-2000 USB MK2 |
|
View product |
 Gemini TT-5000 |
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View product |
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK is the best all-round starter deck
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB), Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control, Black
Direct drive
33/45/78 RPM
USB
switchable preamp
Pros
- Direct-drive speed stability
- Quartz speed lock
- USB recording
- Switchable preamp
- S-shaped tonearm
Cons
- Fully manual operation
- No automatic start-stop
The AT-LP120XUSB-BK is the deck I would put first in front of a beginner who wants one unit that can grow from casual record playing into serious beatmatching practice. Its 4.7 rating from nearly 9k reviews is the largest review base in this group, and the feature set avoids the usual starter-deck compromises.
The direct-drive DC servo motor and variable pitch control with quartz speed lock are the important DJ pieces. Quartz lock gives you a known reference point after you have moved the pitch fader, which makes it easier to diagnose whether a drifting mix is your timing or the record’s tempo.
The included switchable phono preamp is unusually practical for a first system. I like that it lets you run line level into powered speakers or a regular input today, then switch to phono when you add a mixer or external phono stage later.
USB recording is a bonus rather than the reason to buy it, but it is a real bonus for archiving records to a computer. The anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter, felt mat, hydraulic lift, anti-skate control, counterweight, cables, and dust cover mean the initial setup has fewer missing pieces.
The connection choices make this a flexible first deck
A switchable preamp removes one common beginner snag: not knowing whether an amplifier or speaker has a phono input. You can choose phono or line output instead of relying on an adapter that does not solve the gain and equalization difference.
The USB connection also makes this Audio-Technica useful away from the DJ mixer. If digitizing a collection has value to you, the record-to-computer path is built in rather than being an add-on purchase.
The manual controls reward careful cueing practice
This is a fully manual deck, so you place the needle and return the arm yourself. I see that as appropriate for vinyl DJ practice because cueing discipline becomes part of the routine, though it demands attention at the end of a side.
The balanced S-shaped tonearm has a lockable rest and hydraulically damped lift control. Set the counterweight and adjustable anti-skate to the cartridge guidance, then check that the arm moves freely before trusting it with a favorite record.
2. Pioneer DJ PLX-500 is the strongest choice for rekordbox dvs users
Pioneer DJ PLX-500 High Torque Turntable, USB, Black
Direct drive
33/45/78 RPM
USB
rekordbox dvs
Pros
- Direct-drive design
- rekordbox dvs compatible
- USB recording
- Phono and line outputs
- Dust cover
Cons
- Preamp details are not listed
- Smaller review base
The PLX-500 is the Pioneer DJ option for a vinyl DJ who wants a direct-drive layout and a stated path to rekordbox dvs with control vinyl. Its 4.7 rating across 949 reviews gives it a strong buyer signal, and its familiar club-style footprint will feel less alien when you later work on standard DJ hardware.
For mixing, I focus first on its direct-drive motor and three selectable speeds. The listing also calls out a shorter audio route from needle to output to reduce distortion, which is relevant when you are listening critically through a mixer rather than only through casual speakers.
This model provides both phono and line outputs, so there is a clear route to a phono input, a mixer, or a sound system that expects line level. USB lets you record vinyl to a Mac or PC, keeping its duties broader than a single DJ task.
The lid has a holder for a record cover, a small touch that is pleasant at home but not part of the performance decision. The more important included item is the dust cover, because keeping the platter and tonearm clean limits avoidable noise and handling issues.
The DVS compatibility gives digital-vinyl practice a clear path
Recordbox dvs compatibility means the PLX-500 can work with supported control vinyl for digital DJ performance. That is a meaningful distinction if your long-term aim is tactile control of a digital library rather than analog-only mixing.
I would still confirm the rest of the DVS chain before buying: compatible software access, the audio interface or supported mixer, control vinyl, and the right outputs. A turntable alone does not create a complete DVS rig.
The output flexibility suits a changing home setup
Phono and line outputs make the deck less fussy about where it lands. Use the phono path only with a device that has a real phono preamp; line output belongs with powered speakers, a line input, or a mixer’s line channel.
That flexibility is useful when a beginner setup changes piece by piece. It also makes troubleshooting easier, since you can identify whether a low or distorted signal comes from the chosen input path rather than from the record itself.
3. Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK is the performance-focused manual upgrade
Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable, Hi-Fi, Fully Manual, 3 Speed, High Torque Motor
High-torque direct drive
33/45/78
reverse
AT-XP3 cartridge
Pros
- High-torque motor
- Reverse and quartz lock
- Height-adjustable tonearm
- Target light
- AT-XP3 cartridge
Cons
- Fully manual operation
- Requires careful setup
The AT-LP140XP-BK moves toward a more performance-minded full-size deck without abandoning the features that make a first system easy to understand. It has a 4.7 rating from 414 reviews and arrives with an AT-XP3 cartridge plus AT-HS6 headshell, so the cartridge question is not postponed to day one.
Its high-torque direct-drive DC servo motor includes speed stabilization, and the pitch system adds reverse alongside quartz speed lock. Reverse is not required for normal blending, but it opens specific transition and scratch techniques without an external workaround.
I particularly value the height-adjustable tonearm base here. Vertical tracking angle adjustment lets you set arm height more thoughtfully when cartridge or mat height changes, rather than accepting a visibly tail-up or tail-down arm position.
The mass-damped die-cast aluminum platter, adjustable anti-skate, damped lift, lockable rest, and plug-in target light support deliberate record handling. The cue light is not a decoration; it helps when a label or groove is hard to see in a dark booth.
The included cartridge makes the first setup more complete
Cartridge quality is often the overlooked expense in budget DJ setups, so an included AT-XP3 cartridge and headshell matter. Install the counterweight, set tracking force to the cartridge’s instructions, and set anti-skate as a starting match before you mix.
Do not assume an included cartridge is untouchable forever. It provides a usable beginning, while the adjustable arm gives you room to make a considered cartridge change once your mixing style and record condition call for it.
The arm adjustment helps when equipment changes
A height-adjustable arm base becomes useful when you change headshells, cartridges, or mats. The aim is a sensible arm geometry during playback, not repeated adjustment for its own sake.
For a beginner, that control adds one more setup step. I would learn the basic counterweight, tracking-force, and anti-skate process first, then use height adjustment when there is a specific cartridge-fit reason.
4. Reloop RP-7000 MK2 is the heavy-duty pick for serious mixing and scratching
Reloop RP-7000 MK2 Professional Upper Torque Turntable System, Silver
Power-Torque direct drive
heavy body
VTA
LED cue light
Pros
- Power-Torque motor
- Heavy isolated body
- Height-adjustable VTA
- LED needle light
- Club-focused design
Cons
- Lower review count
- Mixed quality feedback
The RP-7000 MK2 is the option I would shortlist when the budget title matters less than a deck’s physical confidence under active hands. Reloop describes its Power-Torque direct drive and extra-heavy, high-rigidity body as tools for professional club DJs and turntablists, and the 11.2 kg weight points in the same direction.
That weight is not just a transport drawback. A heavier body with damping and isolation can help resist vibration and unwanted movement when speakers, furniture, or an energetic cueing hand make a lightweight deck feel unsettled.
The deck supplies 33, 45, and 78 RPM, adjustable anti-skate, a height-adjustable tonearm base, and an LED needle light. These are the controls I expect when accurate cueing and cartridge alignment matter more than a simple playback experience.
Its rating is 4.5 from 94 reviews, which is respectable but a much smaller feedback pool than the leading Audio-Technica. I would treat the reported share of low ratings as a reason to inspect condition and support details closely, not as proof that every unit will have a problem.
The heavy chassis is useful where vibration is a real issue
For home mixing on a sturdy stand, the RP-7000 MK2’s body construction may give a more planted feel than a lighter deck. It is especially relevant if your speakers share the same furniture, although moving speakers off the turntable surface remains the better practice.
For gigging, the same weight becomes a carrying consideration. A case and safe lifting plan belong in the decision, because a well-isolated deck is no help if it is difficult to transport consistently.
The VTA adjustment supports cartridge-focused DJs
The height-adjustable tonearm base gives you vertical tracking angle control, which is worth having for different cartridge or headshell combinations. It is one of the specifications that separates a purpose-built DJ deck from a basic record player.
Set it once with care and listen for clean tracking rather than chasing tiny visual changes. The anti-skate control and counterweight still need their own correct settings; VTA does not replace either adjustment.
5. Numark PT01 Scratch is the portable pick for scratch practice anywhere
Numark PT01 Scratch Portable DJ Turntable
Portable AC motor
battery or AC
scratch switch
USB
Pros
- Battery-powered portability
- Replaceable scratch switch
- Built-in speaker
- Headphone output
- Carrying handle
Cons
- Not a full-size mixing deck
- Plastic construction
The Numark PT01 Scratch belongs on this list because it serves a genuinely different job: portable scratch practice. At 4.4 from 583 reviews, it has a much larger feedback base than some full-size alternatives, and its battery or AC power options mean you can take a short practice session beyond the desk.
I would not present it as the first choice for learning long blends on a standard DJ setup. Its AC motor and compact format put it outside the direct-drive full-size deck category, but its purpose-built scratch switch and small footprint make it compelling for turntablists who want repetition anywhere.
The user-replaceable Scratch Slide Switch is the headline feature. It supports right- and left-handed use, and replacing a wear item rather than treating it as a permanent failure point makes practical sense for a control that sees repeated movement.
A built-in speaker, headphone output, RCA outputs, auxiliary input, USB interface, cartridge, removable slipmat, dust cover, and carrying handle give it a self-contained character. The plastic construction is the tradeoff; use the handle and cover, but do not mistake it for a metal club deck.
The replaceable scratch switch makes practice the main attraction
The adjustable scratch switch is what changes the PT01 from a portable record player into a compact practice instrument. A DJ can work on basic cuts and switch timing without first assembling a mixer, speakers, and a large booth.
Because it is user-replaceable, it also speaks to the normal wear of scratch practice. That does not remove the need for careful handling, but it is a stronger serviceability story than a sealed-in control.
The portable power setup fits travel rather than club mixing
Six D-cell batteries, which are not included, or the AC adapter power the unit. Battery operation, the carrying handle, and the built-in speaker make a park, backstage room, or small practice corner viable without a full electrical setup.
For standard vinyl mixing, I would choose a full-size direct-drive model from this guide instead. The PT01 Scratch works best as a second deck for focused portablism or as a deliberate first step into scratch technique.
6. Reloop RP-4000 MK2 is the direct-drive option with an included Ortofon pickup
Reloop RP-4000 MK2 Professional High Torque Turntable System
Quartz direct drive
+/- 8% pitch
OM Black cartridge
Pros
- Quartz direct drive
- Precise pitch fader
- Included OM Black pickup
- S-shaped tonearm
- Anti-skate control
Cons
- Setup can take time
- Heavier 9.8 kg body
The RP-4000 MK2 is worth attention if you want a full-size Reloop direct-drive deck and prefer not to start with an unspecified cartridge path. It includes an Ortofon OM Black pick-up system, headshell, slipmat, and counterweight, while its 4.3 rating from 249 reviews suggests a solid but less unanimous response than the top-rated choices.
Its quartz-driven direct-drive motor and plus-or-minus eight-percent pitch fader cover the core mechanics of beatmatching. An eight-percent range is a familiar practical window for most tempo changes, giving enough travel to make adjustments without turning the fader into a coarse control.
The statically balanced S-shaped tonearm uses a hydraulic lift and anti-skate control. Along with gold-plated RCA connectors and a stainless-steel platter, the listed design is pointed toward dependable signal and tracking behavior rather than automatic convenience.
At 9.8 kg, it is another deck that asks you to plan furniture and transport. Some buyers report that setup takes time, and that is fair: take the time to install the counterweight, align the pickup if needed, set tracking force, and check the output route.
The included Ortofon pickup shortens the accessory list
An included OM Black pick-up system is useful because cartridge, headshell, and mounting choices can confuse a first-time buyer. It means you can focus on accurate setup instead of making a rushed cartridge choice before you understand tracking force.
Check the pickup’s documentation for its recommended tracking range rather than using a generic number. A stylus that is incorrectly set can mistrack, add distortion, and put unnecessary stress on records.
The eight-percent pitch range suits standard beatmatching
The pitch fader’s plus-or-minus eight-percent range is enough for most normal tempo matching between related records. Use your ears and headphone cueing to close the final gap; no pitch number replaces listening for the beats to lock.
The quartz-driven motor gives a stable speed reference, which helps practice feel consistent from session to session. If the fader position changes but the mix still drifts, investigate record condition and cue technique before blaming the motor.
7. Reloop RP-2000 USB MK2 is the straightforward direct-drive entry point
Reloop Professional Direct Drive USB Turntable System RP-2000-USB-MK2
Direct drive
USB
built-in preamp
+/- 8% pitch
Pros
- Quartz direct drive
- Built-in preamp
- USB output
- Die-cast platter
- S-shaped tonearm
Cons
- No 78 RPM
- Plastic enclosure
The RP-2000 USB MK2 takes a practical approach to the affordable DJ turntable brief: quartz-driven direct drive, a die-cast aluminum platter, a plus-or-minus eight-percent pitch control, and a built-in phono preamp. It has a 4.2 rating from 71 reviews, so I would view it as a feature-led value choice with a smaller public feedback pool.
Its 33 1/3 and 45 RPM support covers the records most DJs will play, though it does not offer 78 RPM. If 78 playback is part of your actual collection, that missing speed should remove it from contention rather than become a surprise later.
The built-in preamp lets you send line-level output to compatible speakers or inputs, and USB audio supports direct digitization to a PC or laptop. That pairing reduces the number of boxes needed for home listening and record archiving.
Reloop lists a reinforced housing and metal top panel, but the enclosure material is plastic. I would place it on a level, firm surface and use its lighter 6.76 kg weight as a convenience for home repositioning, not as a reason to accept a wobbly table.
The built-in preamp simplifies a first speaker connection
A built-in phono preamp lets the RP-2000 USB MK2 output a line-level signal for powered speakers or a line input. That is helpful when you do not yet own a mixer with phono inputs or an external phono stage.
When you add a DJ mixer, check whether you should switch to the mixer’s phono input or continue at line level. Avoid running a preamplified line signal into another phono preamp, as the gain and equalization will be wrong.
The two-speed design is enough for most DJ records
Most DJ records use 33 1/3 or 45 RPM, so the two-speed limitation is not automatically a deal-breaker. The key is being honest about what is in your crates before you buy.
For beatmatching, the relevant controls are still the direct-drive motor and eight-percent pitch range. The USB function is useful, but I would give motor stability and a correctly set tonearm priority over recording convenience.
8. Gemini TT-5000 is the feature-rich choice that needs rating caution
Gemini Direct-Drive Turntable, 3-Speed, USB Recording & Preamp (TT-5000)
High-torque direct drive
33/45/78
USB
+/- 10% pitch
Pros
- High-torque direct drive
- Three speeds
- Ten-percent pitch
- USB recording
- Built-in preamp
Cons
- Lower 3.8 rating
- Smaller review count
The Gemini TT-5000 looks persuasive on its specification list: high-torque direct drive, three speeds, a plus-or-minus ten-percent pitch slider, a 523 g die-cast aluminum platter, a built-in phono preamp, and USB recording up to 48 kHz/16-bit. It is also the model where I would slow down most, because the 3.8 rating from 41 reviews is notably lower and more mixed than the rest of this roundup.
Its three speeds and wider pitch range make it more flexible on paper than some direct-drive options here. The stated wow and flutter figure is under 0.25% WRMS, and a strobe indicator provides a visual reference while you work with speed control.
The connection package is thoughtful: switchable RCA phono or line output, a ground post, and USB recording. Shock-absorbing feet, anti-skate, and a hydraulic cueing lift show that Gemini has included the basic controls a DJ expects to set up correctly.
Mixed feedback does not mean this deck cannot work, but it changes the buying standard. Inspect it promptly, test each speed, move the pitch fader through its range, listen for hum through the chosen output, and check the arm cueing action while any return window is open.
The ten-percent pitch range allows wider tempo moves
A plus-or-minus ten-percent pitch slider gives more range than an eight-percent design. That can help when the records you want to combine are farther apart in tempo, though very large changes can still sound unnatural depending on the music.
The strobe indicator offers a visual speed check, but beatmatching remains an ear skill. I would practice bringing tracks together by listening in headphones, then use the strobe as a supporting reference rather than the final judge.
The lower rating makes early inspection a sensible step
The TT-5000’s 3.8 average from 41 reviews is not in the same confidence tier as the higher-rated, larger-sample options above. Its reported clean preamp sound is encouraging, while the mixed feedback calls for a more careful acceptance check.
Test anti-skate, cue lift, output switching, and all three speeds with a record you know well. If any function feels inconsistent, address it early instead of building a setup around a unit that is not behaving as expected.
A budget DJ turntable should prioritize drive, pitch, and a settable tonearm
The buying rule is simple: for normal vinyl mixing, choose direct drive before you choose cosmetic extras. Direct drive places the motor at the platter, which supports quick startup, steadier speed recovery, and the back-cueing or scratching forces that belt-drive record players are not built to take.
Belt drive can be perfectly pleasant for listening, but the belt is a weak fit for DJ techniques that repeatedly change platter motion. The forum feedback behind this guide is consistent on that point, and it matches the practical distinction between playback gear and a direct drive turntable DJ setup.
Direct drive gives DJs the response that belt drive does not
Torque is the motor’s turning force. More torque generally means the platter returns to speed more confidently after you touch, hold, or release a record, which matters for cueing and scratching.
Not every listing provides a numeric torque value, so I compare the stated motor type, intended use, body construction, and control set rather than pretending the products have directly comparable measurements. For a beginner DJ turntable, a confirmed direct-drive motor is the first filter.
Pitch control lets you match tempo by ear
A pitch fader changes platter speed by a small controlled amount. An eight-percent range is enough for ordinary beatmatching, while the Gemini’s ten-percent range gives a little more room; quartz lock returns supported decks to a fixed speed reference.
Look for a fader that is easy to reach and learn how to use it alongside headphone cueing. A pitch reset or quartz lock is helpful after experimenting, but the actual skill is hearing whether two kick drums stay together.
A cartridge and tonearm setup protects records and improves tracking
The cartridge holds the stylus that reads the groove, while the tonearm keeps it at the intended angle and force. A cheap cartridge or an incorrectly balanced arm can create mistracking, audible distortion, and a far less useful learning session.
Before the first record, level the deck, attach the headshell, balance the arm, set tracking force to the cartridge maker’s guidance, set anti-skate as a starting match, and lower the cue lever to test playback. Keep the stylus clean and replace it when it is worn.
Your intended setup decides whether a built-in preamp and USB matter
A phono signal needs phono equalization and gain before it can feed a normal line input. A built-in preamp is convenient for powered speakers and simple home systems, while phono output makes sense when your mixer or amp provides a phono stage.
USB is useful if you want to digitize vinyl, but it does not make a turntable better at mixing. I would choose a stable motor, usable pitch control, and a serviceable tonearm first, then treat recording as an added benefit.
Home use and gig use call for different compromises
At home, stable furniture, clean cables, separated speakers, and a dust cover can matter more than sheer chassis weight. A built-in preamp may also reduce the amount of equipment on your desk.
For gigging, heavier construction and vibration isolation become more persuasive, but transport needs planning. The Reloop RP-7000 MK2 and RP-4000 MK2 show why a deck’s weight belongs in the decision alongside its motor and controls.
A used deck can stretch a budget when you inspect the right points
Secondhand buying can be a smart route, but only if you can test the deck. Bring headphones or a way to monitor output, check 33 and 45 RPM, operate the pitch fader and start-stop control, raise and lower the cue lift, and inspect the tonearm bearings for unwanted play.
Look for hum at the RCA outputs, missing ground wires, cracked headshell fittings, worn stylus tips, warped platters, and broken dust-cover hinges. A used turntable with a healthy motor and arm can be a better long-term choice than a new deck that omits the controls you need.
These budget DJ turntable questions have short answers
What is the best record player for a beginner DJ?
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK is the best beginner choice in this group because it combines a direct-drive motor, variable pitch control with quartz lock, adjustable anti-skate, a balanced S-shaped tonearm, a switchable phono preamp, and USB recording. It gives a new vinyl DJ the controls needed to learn beatmatching without requiring a separate preamp on day one.
What is a good inexpensive turntable?
A good inexpensive DJ turntable is a full-size direct-drive model with pitch control, a counterweight, anti-skate, and a stable platter. The Reloop RP-2000 USB MK2 is a practical example because it has quartz direct drive, an eight-percent pitch range, a built-in phono preamp, USB output, and an S-shaped tonearm. Avoid treating a belt-drive listening turntable as a substitute for a DJ deck.
What is the number one DJ turntable?
There is no single number one DJ turntable for every DJ, because scratch technique, home mixing, DVS use, and portable practice need different tools. In this roundup, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK is the best all-round answer for most beginners, while the Reloop RP-7000 MK2 is the heavier, more club-focused choice and the Numark PT01 Scratch is made for portable scratch practice.
What is the best turntable for DJs?
The best turntable for DJs is usually a direct-drive model with usable pitch control, a properly adjustable tonearm, anti-skate, and a cartridge that can track reliably. Choose the Pioneer DJ PLX-500 if rekordbox dvs compatibility matters, the Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK for a supplied cartridge and arm-height adjustment, or the AT-LP120XUSB-BK for the most balanced first setup.
The best turntables for DJs on a budget put usable controls before extras
For a first full-size deck, I would start with the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK for its balanced direct-drive, pitch, tonearm, preamp, and USB feature set. Choose the Pioneer DJ PLX-500 when rekordbox dvs is part of the plan, the AT-LP140XP-BK or Reloop RP-7000 MK2 when cartridge and performance controls rank higher, and the PT01 Scratch only for portable scratch work.
Whatever you select in 2026, set the arm correctly, isolate the deck from speaker vibration, and learn to match records by ear. Those steps do more for a satisfying vinyl setup than an impressive accessory list ever will.