Victrola vs. Crosley: two names, one big question.
If you’re new to vinyl, this is probably where your search started—and where things got confusing fast.
Good news: we’re cutting through the noise. Here’s a clear, honest look at both suitcase players—how they’re built, how they sound, and which one actually makes sense for you.
Both have that irresistible analog charm, promising convenience and a hit of nostalgia through their suitcase-style players. And sure, they don’t win over the audiophile crowd—forums love to tear them apart.
This isn’t that. We’re just going to compare them for what they are: accessible, affordable entry points into the vinyl world. Let’s take a look.
Table of Contents
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about picking between the Crosley Voyager and Cruiser Plus, broken down into the following sections:
- Design and Portability
- Build Quality
- Audio Features and Connectivity
- Speaker Quality
- Color Options
- Price and Value
- User Reviews and Reputation
- Conclusion: Victrola vs Crosley—Which Should You Choose?
Affiliate Disclosure: We’re a small team of vinyl enthusiasts—if you get value from our insights, using our affiliate links (including Amazon Associates) helps us earn a commission and keep the lights on at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Recordbuilds.com!
Design and Portability
Both the Voyager and Cruiser Plus embody the signature suitcase-style design, emphasizing portability and a vintage aesthetic. However, subtle differences in their design may influence your preference.
Victrola Journey:
Victrola’s Journey record player embodies the brand’s signature minimalist, vintage style. It features a compact suitcase design with a foldable carry handle, making it easy to transport. At just 2.7 lbs, it’s one of the lightest options available making it easy to relocate in your room or transport beyond your walls.
Crosley Cruiser Plus:
Crosley’s Cruiser Plus takes a slightly different approach. While still a suitcase-style turntable, its design leans more retro, with vibrant colors and playful patterns to choose from. Weighing 5.5 lbs, it’s slightly heavier than the Journey but still portable enough for most users. The Cruiser Plus also includes a sturdy handle and durable latch for secure transport.
Winner: Tie
Both models are equally portable, though the Victrola Journey’s lightweight design edges it slightly toward portability purists, while the Crosley Cruiser Plus wins on style variety.
Build Quality
Ok lets get real. When we talk about build quality it is not talking about the turntable mechanisms. The tonearm, cartridge, platter, etc. (kind of everything) leaves more to be desired. Here, we are more so looking at the exterior suitcase shell that houses all of these components.
Victrola Journey:
The Journey is constructed primarily from lightweight plastic. While this contributes to its portability, it also makes it less robust than some competitors. It’s perfect for casual use, but frequent transport or rough handling may result in wear over time.
Crosley Cruiser Plus:
The Cruiser Plus is built with lightweight materials, prioritizing portability. While it’s suitable for casual use, it may not withstand frequent travel or heavy use as well as the Voyager.
Winner: Crosley Cruiser Plus
Both the Journey and the Cruiser plus are constructed from plastic. However, we give the edge to the Cruiser due to its hand wrapped exterior, giving it a sturdier and more premium feel and reinforced corners and durable latch provide extra protection during transport. While neither are built for heavy-duty use, the Crosley holds up better for long-term use compared to the Victrola Journey.
Audio Features and Connectivity
Both models are equipped with features that blend vintage vinyl playback with modern technology, but there are notable differences in their audio capabilities and connectivity options.
Victrola Journey:
The Journey comes with a three-speed belt-driven turntable capable of playing 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records. It includes Bluetooth input, allowing users to stream digital music through its built-in speakers. However, it lacks Bluetooth output, meaning you can’t connect it to external wireless speakers. The RCA outputs provide an option for wired speaker setups.
Crosley Cruiser Plus:
Like the Journey, the Cruiser Plus supports three-speed playback and includes Bluetooth input. However, it also offers Bluetooth output, giving users the flexibility to connect to wireless external speakers. Additionally, the RCA output allows for wired connections, and pitch control provides some customization for playback.
Winner: Crosley Cruiser Plus
With its Bluetooth output capability, the Cruiser Plus takes the lead in connectivity options.
Speaker Quality
The built-in speakers on both models are designed for convenience, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy your records straight out of the box. However, they may fall short for those seeking high-fidelity sound and a more immersive listening experience. If you’re looking to bypass the limitations of the built-in speakers and unlock the full potential of your setup, check out our post on the best speaker pairings for these record players
Victrola Journey:
The built-in speakers on the Journey deliver decent sound for casual listening. They are suitable for smaller rooms or personal use but lack the depth and clarity needed for immersive listening experiences.
Crosley Cruiser Plus:
The Cruiser Plus’s built-in speakers offer similar sound quality but can be easily bypassed using external speakers via Bluetooth or RCA output. This added flexibility makes it a more versatile choice for users seeking better sound quality.
Winner: Tie
The built in speakers are comparable between the two models. However, the ability to connect to external Bluetooth speakers makes the Cruiser Plus a more versatile choice.
Color Options
When it comes to aesthetics, suitcase record players often double as decor pieces, making color options an important factor for many buyers. Both the Victrola Journey and Crosley Cruiser Plus offer unique palettes that cater to different tastes, from subtle elegance to bold statements.
Victrola Journey:
Victrola offers the Journey in a range of neutral and muted tones, including turquoise, blush, and black. These options cater to users who prefer understated and classic aesthetics.
Crosley Cruiser Plus:
Crosley’s Cruiser Plus shines in this category, offering over a dozen colors and patterns, from vibrant pastels to bold floral prints. It’s the go-to choice for those wanting their record player to reflect their personality.
Winner: Crosley Cruiser Plus
With its extensive color range, the Cruiser Plus outshines the Journey in customization.
Price and Value
When it comes to affordability, both the Victrola Journey and Crosley Cruiser Plus aim to provide value without breaking the bank.
Victrola Journey:
Priced at $90, the Journey is one of the most budget-friendly suitcase turntables on the market. Its affordability makes it an excellent choice for beginners or casual listeners.
Crosley Cruiser Plus:
At $90, the Cruiser Plus is quite similar specs to the Journey but with additional features like Bluetooth output and a sturdier build.
Winner: Cruiser Plus
User Reviews and Reputation
When it comes to user reviews, the Victrola Journey and Crosley Cruiser Plus both receive solid praise from casual listeners. Again, we recommend putting your hand over your ears or eyes when talking to audiophiles or scrolling reddit, but that is how it goes.
Victrola Journey:
4.5 stars on Victrola Site
4.2 stars on Amazon
The Victrola Journey is praised for its affordability and ease of use. While most users appreciate its portability and classic design, some mention concerns about long-term durability and sound quality.
Crosley Cruiser Plus:
4 stars on Crosley Site
4.3 stars on Amazon
Similar to the Victrola Journey, some users express concerns about sound quality and long-term durability. While the Cruiser Plus offers more advanced features, like Bluetooth output and a sturdier build, its built-in speakers are still considered underwhelming by audiophile standards. For many, pairing it with external speakers significantly improves the listening experience.
Winner: Tie
Both models cater to entry-level users and receive comparable feedback within their price range.
Conclusion: Victrola vs Crosley—Which Should You Choose?
Both the Crosley Voyager and Cruiser Plus cater to vinyl enthusiasts looking for an accessible entry point into the world of turntables. While neither model is perfect, each offers unique strengths that cater to different preferences.
| Feature | Victrola Journey | Crosley Cruiser Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $90 on Amazon | $90 on Amazon |
| Design & Portability | Compact suitcase design with foldable carry handle; ultra-lightweight at 2.7 lbs. | Classic suitcase design with vibrant colors and playful patterns; 5.5 lbs with a sturdy handle and latch. |
| Build Quality | Lightweight plastic construction; good for casual use but less robust for frequent transport. | Hand-wrapped exterior with reinforced corners; durable latch for better protection during transport. |
| Audio Features & Connectivity | Three-speed belt drive, RCA output, and Bluetooth input (no output). | Three-speed belt drive, RCA output, Bluetooth input, and Bluetooth output for external speakers. |
| Speaker Quality | Decent sound for casual listening; suitable for smaller rooms. | Comparable built-in speaker quality but offers Bluetooth output for external speaker connections. |
| Color Options | Neutral and muted tones like turquoise, blush, and black for a classic aesthetic. | Over a dozen vibrant and playful color options, including pastels, bold patterns, and special editions. |
| User Reviews & Reputation | 4.5★ on Victrola; ~4.2★ on Amazon. Praised for affordability and ease of use; some durability and sound concerns. | ~4★ on Crosley; ~4.3★ on Amazon. Appreciated for Bluetooth output and durability; slightly pricier historically. |
Here’s how we think it breaks down:
Choose the Victrola Journey if:
- You prioritize affordability.
- You prefer a compact, understated design.
- You don’t need Bluetooth output for external speakers.
Choose the Crosley Cruiser Plus if:
- You value vibrant color options.
- You want the flexibility to connect to external Bluetooth speakers.
- You prefer a sturdier build for long-term use.
In the end, the Victrola vs. Crosley debate boils down to what matters most to you. Both models are fantastic choices for beginners and casual listeners, offering an affordable and nostalgic way to dive into the world of vinyl. However, it’s worth remembering that these suitcase players are quite basic in their functionality.
But before you rush to purchase or upgrade, slow down — we’ve already mapped out your next move.
Our suitcase/all-in-one record player guide covers all the models that matter, easy tweaks to make them sound better, and clear upgrade paths when you’re ready for more. Think of it as your roadmap from first spin to full setup — no audiophile attitude, just honest help.
