After running five Crosley turntables side by side for a couple of months, I came away with a clearer picture of what the brand does well and where it falls short. Crosley is not an audiophile name, and the entry-level models track heavy enough that vinyl purists wince. But for casual listening on a budget, two or three of these players land at honest value, and the upper-tier C100 actually sounds respectable. The five picks below cover the lineup from suitcase portable to dedicated component.
Quick comparison table
| Model | Best for | Approx. price | RPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosley Cruiser Plus | First-time vinyl buyers | $60 to $85 | 33, 45, 78 |
| Crosley Voyager | Portable Bluetooth use | $70 to $100 | 33, 45, 78 |
| Crosley C100A-SI | Component setups | $180 to $230 | 33, 45 |
| Crosley T160 Turntable System | All-in-one with speakers | $200 to $260 | 33, 45 |
| Crosley Executive Portable | Compact suitcase design | $50 to $70 | 33, 45, 78 |
1. Crosley Cruiser Plus: The starter that most people will recognize
The Cruiser Plus is the suitcase turntable that anyone who has walked past a Target electronics section has seen. It plays 33, 45, and 78 RPM, has Bluetooth output to send audio to a speaker, and ships in a dozen colors. The built-in speakers are passable for background listening but will not impress anyone. Tracking weight runs about 4 grams, which is heavier than I would use on collectible vinyl. For a teenager getting into vinyl with new pressings, the Cruiser is a reasonable starting point. Just plan to upgrade within a year if the hobby sticks.
2. Crosley Voyager: The portable with Bluetooth in and out
The Voyager looks similar to the Cruiser but adds Bluetooth input, which lets you stream audio from a phone through the turntable’s speakers when no record is on. That sounds gimmicky and mostly is, but the speakers are slightly better than the Cruiser, and the Voyager’s tonearm tracks a hair lighter at around 3.5 grams. It still ships with the same Audio Technica AT3600L cartridge, so swap to a higher-quality cart and you bump performance noticeably. For someone who wants a single small device that plays records and streams, the Voyager fits.
3. Crosley C100A-SI: The component-style turntable
The C100 series is Crosley’s grown-up turntable. It is a belt-drive table with an aluminum platter, a balanced S-shaped tonearm with an adjustable counterweight, and a switchable phono preamp. Tracking weight can be set as low as 2 grams, which is gentle enough for vintage records. The C100 ships with no built-in speakers, so you need a separate amp or powered speakers. Paired with a $150 pair of bookshelf speakers, the C100 sounds far better than the price suggests. This is the only Crosley I would buy for serious listening.
4. Crosley T160 Turntable System: All-in-one with stereo bookshelf speakers
The T160 is a turntable plus two separate bookshelf-style speakers in one box. The turntable itself is belt-drive with an aluminum platter, similar to the C100 in tonearm geometry, but the package also includes the speakers, which connect by speaker wire. Build quality on the speakers is modest plastic and MDF, but they sound noticeably cleaner than the Cruiser or Voyager built-ins. For someone who wants a real turntable without sourcing a separate amp and speakers, the T160 hits a useful middle.
5. Crosley Executive Portable: The smallest suitcase pick
The Executive is the smallest portable in Crosley’s current lineup. It folds shut to roughly the size of a hardcover book, runs on AC or six AA batteries, and includes Bluetooth output for pairing with a separate speaker. Built-in speakers are quiet enough that the Executive really works best as a turntable that sends audio elsewhere. Tracking is the same heavy 4-gram setup as the Cruiser, so it is not a turntable for cherished records. But for a college dorm, a small apartment, or someone who needs the turntable to disappear into a drawer between sessions, the Executive fits.
How to choose
The first question is whether you want a self-contained suitcase or a component turntable that connects to separate speakers. Suitcase models are convenient and cheap, but the built-in speakers max out at background listening. If you have any interest in sound quality, skip the suitcases and go straight to the C100 or T160.
The second question is what kind of records you plan to play. Newer pressings from major-label reissues tolerate heavier tracking weights fine. Vintage records, audiophile reissues, or anything irreplaceable benefits from a turntable that tracks under 2.5 grams. The C100 is the only Crosley in this guide that meets that bar without modification.
Finally, think about upgrade paths. If you suspect vinyl will become a longer hobby, buy once at the C100 level and budget for a cartridge upgrade in year two. If you mostly want vinyl as occasional ambiance, a Voyager or Cruiser will do the job and you can always sell it on if your interest grows.
Frequently asked questions
Will a Crosley record player damage my vinyl?+
The entry-level Cruiser and Voyager models track heavy at about 4 grams, which is harder on grooves than a 1.8 to 2.5 gram tracking weight on better turntables. For records you care about, step up to the C100 or pair the Voyager with a counterweight upgrade.
Can Crosley turntables be connected to external speakers?+
Yes. All five picks in this guide include either RCA line-out or Bluetooth output. The C100 also includes a phono preamp switch for plugging into a separate amp or powered speakers.
Is a Crosley good as a first turntable for a new vinyl collector?+
For casual listening of newer records, yes. For collectors who plan to play valuable or vintage pressings, look at the C100 series or a true entry-level audiophile turntable instead. Tracking weight matters more than brand name.
What is the difference between a belt drive and a direct drive turntable?+
Belt drive isolates the platter from motor vibration, which usually means cleaner sound. Direct drive spins up faster and holds speed under load, useful for DJs. All five Crosley picks here are belt drive.
Do Crosley turntables play 78 RPM records?+
Some models. The C100 and the Voyager support 33, 45, and 78 RPM. The basic Cruiser supports only 33 and 45. Check the spec sheet before buying if you collect older 78 RPM shellac.