A magnetic recording medium is provided that comprises a non-magnetic support and at least one magnetic layer above the support, the magnetic layer comprising a ferromagnetic powder dispersed in a binder, and the binder comprising a polyurethane resin having a weight-average molecular weight of 200,000 to 400,000. There is also provided a magnetic recording medium that comprises a non-magnetic support, a non-magnetic layer above the support, the non-magnetic layer comprising a non-magnetic powder dispersed in a binder, and at least one magnetic layer above the non-magnetic layer, the magnetic layer comprising a ferromagnetic powder dispersed in a binder and the binder of the magnetic layer and/or the non-magnetic layer comprising a polyurethane resin having a weight-average molecular weight of 200,000 to 400,000.