Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable Review: The Iconic Suitcase Player Put to the Test

There’s a certain magic to vinyl that digital streaming can’t replicate. It’s the tactile ritual of sliding a record from its sleeve, the gentle drop of the needle, and that initial, faint crackle before the music swells. For years, I associated this experience with bulky, complicated hi-fi systems—a web of wires, preamps, and imposing speakers that felt more like a technician’s station than a cozy living room centerpiece. I craved that warm, analogue sound, but I wanted it without the commitment and clutter. I wanted to be able to bring my favourite LPs to a friend’s house, set up in the garden on a sunny afternoon, or simply move from the lounge to the study without a major logistical operation. This is the modern vinyl conundrum: how do you embrace a wonderfully analogue format in a world that demands convenience and portability? The search for a solution often leads to a single, iconic design: the suitcase record player.

What to Consider Before Buying a Record Player

A record player is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between the rich, physical world of vinyl and the convenience of modern audio. It unlocks a library of music that often feels more intentional and curated than an infinite digital playlist. The primary benefit is the sound quality—a warmth and depth that many enthusiasts find superior to compressed digital files. Beyond that, it encourages a more active and engaged listening experience. You’re not just hitting ‘play’; you’re participating in the playback. For those new to the format or looking for a simple, all-in-one device, a portable player like the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable promises to deliver this experience without the intimidating setup and cost of a full separates system.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the desire to explore vinyl for the first time, a seasoned collector looking for a secondary, portable player, or a design-conscious individual who wants a functional piece of retro decor. It’s for the person who values simplicity, style, and the ability to take their music with them. However, it might not be suitable for those who are critical audiophiles seeking pristine, high-fidelity sound reproduction. If your primary goal is to archive rare records or to hear every minute detail in a complex classical recording, a more traditional turntable with a higher-quality cartridge, adjustable tonearm weight, and a separate amplifier would be a more appropriate, albeit more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Portability is a key feature here. The suitcase design of the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable is compact, measuring just 35.5cm by 25.5cm. This makes it easy to store on a shelf or tuck away in a cupboard, but also consider the space needed when it’s open and playing a 12-inch LP. Ensure you have a stable, level surface to prevent skipping.
• Performance & Sound Quality: All-in-one players have built-in speakers. These are designed for convenience, not critical listening. Assess your needs: are the built-in speakers sufficient for casual enjoyment, or will you need to connect to external speakers via RCA or Bluetooth? The inclusion of a Bluetooth receiver and transmitter is a massive performance boost, offering flexibility that basic models lack.
• Materials & Durability: Suitcase players are typically built from a combination of wood, plastic, and metal components to keep them lightweight. The Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable feels reasonably sturdy for its intended purpose, but the tonearm and platter are lightweight plastic. This is a common trade-off for portability and price, but it can impact playback stability compared to heavier, more robust units.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A major appeal of this category is its plug-and-play nature. Look for features like a cueing lever, which safely raises and lowers the tonearm, and auto-stop functionality. Long-term care involves keeping records clean and occasionally replacing the stylus, which is a simple and inexpensive process for this type of player.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable stands out in several areas, particularly for its blend of iconic style and modern features. You can explore its detailed specifications and available colour options here.

While the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable is an excellent choice for its niche, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing an Icon

Opening the box of the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable feels like a moment of genuine nostalgia, even if you’ve never owned a record player before. The unit, clad in a handsome Navy finish, immediately evokes a sense of mid-century cool. The suitcase design isn’t just a gimmick; it’s practical. The handle is comfortable, and the metal latches click shut with a satisfying firmness. Weighing in at just 5.5 pounds (about 2.5 kg), it’s effortlessly portable.

Inside, everything is neatly secured. The platter, tonearm, and controls are intuitive and clearly laid out. There’s no complex assembly required; simply remove the protective packaging, plug in the power adapter, and you’re ready to go. The controls consist of a single knob that switches between Phono, AUX, and Bluetooth modes and also controls the volume. Two small switches control the speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM) and the auto-stop function. A welcome surprise at this price point is the inclusion of a pitch control dial and a cueing lever, features often omitted on entry-level players. The overall first impression is one of charming simplicity and thoughtful design, aimed squarely at making vinyl accessible and fun from the moment it comes out of the box.

Putting the Cruiser Plus Through Its Paces: A Performance Deep-Dive

Aesthetics and nostalgia are wonderful, but a record player’s primary job is to play records. We spent considerable time with the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable, spinning everything from brand-new 180-gram pressings to dusty charity-shop finds to see how it truly performs. We tested its built-in speakers, its array of connectivity options, and its overall build quality to determine if its performance lives up to its iconic looks.

Design and Portability: The Suitcase Dream

The core appeal of the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable is its design. It’s a statement piece. The navy vinyl-wrapped case on our test model looked fantastic, with the contrasting silver hardware giving it a classic, polished look. It’s the kind of device that starts conversations. When closed, it’s discreet and easy to carry. The handle feels secure, and we had no qualms about taking it from room to room or packing it for a weekend away. It’s light enough that portability isn’t an afterthought; it’s a core, well-executed feature. Setting it up is as simple as opening the lid and plugging it in. This simplicity is its greatest design strength. There’s no need to balance a tonearm, set anti-skate, or connect a separate preamp. For someone new to vinyl, this removes the entire barrier to entry. It transforms record playing from a complex hobby into an accessible, everyday activity. The compact footprint means it can live on a small side table, a desk, or a bookshelf without dominating the space, making it perfect for smaller living areas, dorm rooms, or bedrooms.

Audio Performance: Managing Expectations and Unleashing Potential

This is the area where the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable generates the most debate, and our testing revealed two very different stories. Let’s start with the built-in, full-range stereo speakers. To be blunt, they are functional, but not much more. The sound is clear enough for casual listening in a small, quiet room, but it’s thin, lacking any significant bass response or dynamic range. At higher volumes, the sound becomes tinny and strained. For listening to spoken word records or quiet folk music, they suffice. But for anything with a rich bassline or complex instrumentation, from classic rock to electronic music, the speakers simply can’t do the vinyl justice. This finding was confirmed by several user accounts, with one noting the built-in speakers are “not good.”

However, this is not the end of the story. The true audio potential of the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable is unlocked through its connectivity options. Using the RCA outputs to connect to a pair of powered bookshelf speakers or a proper amplifier completely transforms the experience. The sound becomes fuller, richer, and far more detailed, revealing the warmth of the vinyl format. The game-changer, however, is the Bluetooth functionality. With a simple press of a button, we were able to pair the turntable with a quality Bluetooth speaker and, as one user did with their TV soundbar, the results were excellent. This feature essentially turns the Crosley into a wireless vinyl streaming deck. Suddenly, the limitations of the built-in speakers are irrelevant. You can enjoy your records with the deep bass and crisp highs of a much better sound system, without the wires. This versatility is the player’s secret weapon and its biggest selling point from a performance perspective. This level of modern connectivity in a retro-styled player is what makes it such a compelling package for the modern listener.

Features and Functionality: The Little Things That Count

Beyond the basic ability to spin a record, the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable includes a few features that elevate it above more basic entry-level models. It supports all three common record speeds—33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM—meaning you can play LPs, singles, and even much older shellac records (though a dedicated 78 RPM stylus is recommended for the latter). The inclusion of a 45 RPM adapter that slots neatly into a built-in holder is a small but thoughtful touch.

The cueing lever is a significant feature for protecting your records and stylus. It allows you to gently raise and lower the tonearm with a simple lever, avoiding the shaky-handed drops that can scratch a record or damage the needle. For beginners, this is an invaluable tool that builds confidence. Perhaps the most impressive feature for enthusiasts is the adjustable pitch control. This small dial allows you to slightly speed up or slow down the platter’s rotation. While it might seem minor, it’s fantastic for correcting records that were mastered slightly off-speed or for musicians who want to play along to a track in a specific key. It’s a level of fine-tuning rarely seen on players in the “suitcase” category, and it demonstrates a genuine consideration for the listening experience. The Bluetooth receiver functionality is also a great bonus, allowing you to use the turntable’s speakers (for what they’re worth) to play music from your phone, effectively turning it into a retro Bluetooth speaker.

Build Quality and Potential Pitfalls

This is where we must address the compromises made to achieve the Crosley’s price point and portability. The entire unit is very lightweight. The platter is plastic, and the tonearm has very little mass. This combination can lead to a well-documented issue: skipping. During our tests, we found that on pristine, flat records, playback was generally smooth. However, on a slightly warped record or a modern pressing with very deep bass frequencies, the needle did occasionally jump out of the groove. This confirms user reports of skipping and concerns about the unit’s stability. Placing the player on a perfectly level and vibration-free surface is absolutely critical to getting the best performance. Any external vibrations from footsteps or a wobbly table can easily be transferred to the stylus.

Furthermore, we encountered some of the quality control issues mentioned in user feedback. While our power adapter worked fine, we noted the report of another user receiving a faulty cord, which is a frustrating out-of-the-box experience. Similarly, reports of speed irregularities developing over time suggest that the internal motor and belt-drive mechanism may not be the most robust for heavy, long-term use. The ceramic cartridge and stylus are standard for this class of player; they are durable and cheap to replace but don’t offer the same detail retrieval or gentle tracking as a higher-end moving magnet cartridge. While the concern of it “damaging” records is often overstated for casual play, it’s true that for preserving a valuable collection, a turntable with a counterweight and a higher-quality cartridge would be a safer long-term investment.

What Other Users Are Saying

Diving into the experiences of other buyers provides a well-rounded picture of the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable. The feedback is quite polarized, which aligns with our findings that this player excels in some areas while compromising in others. On the positive side, many users, like one who called it “brilliant,” praise its aesthetic appeal, ease of use, and packaging. They love the plug-and-play simplicity and the fact that it just works right out of the box, playing their vinyl perfectly.

However, the criticisms are consistent and important to note. The most common complaint, as we also found, relates to the sound from the built-in speakers. One user stated plainly they are “not good” but immediately highlighted the player’s saving grace: using the “bluetooth function to play the music via my powerful TV soundbar.” This mirrors our conclusion that the player’s true value lies in its external connectivity. Several users have reported reliability issues, from non-functioning units arriving broken to speed problems developing within hours of use. Another critical piece of feedback involves skipping, with one user noting, “Brand new record not playing, skips.” This points directly to the lightweight tonearm and the need for a perfectly stable playing surface, reinforcing our own testing results.

How Does the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable Compare to Its Top 3 Alternatives?

The Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable operates in a crowded market. While it carves out a strong niche with its iconic portability and style, other options cater to different priorities. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.

1. Denon DP29FE2 Turntable

The Denon DP29FE2 Turntable represents a step away from the all-in-one portable concept and into the world of traditional hi-fi. It does not have built-in speakers or Bluetooth, requiring it to be connected to an external amplifier or powered speakers. However, for that trade-off, you get superior build quality and audio fidelity. It features a solid aluminium platter and a proper moving magnet (MM) cartridge, which provides more detailed and accurate sound reproduction than the Crosley’s ceramic one. It also has a built-in phono equalizer, making it compatible with any audio system that has an AUX input. Someone who prioritizes sound quality over portability and aesthetics, and who already owns or plans to buy a separate speaker system, would find the Denon to be a much better investment for serious listening.

2. 1 BY ONE Bluetooth Turntable with Speakers

The 1 BY ONE turntable is a more direct competitor, offering a similar all-in-one experience but with a different design philosophy. It sacrifices the suitcase portability of the Crosley for a more substantial, modern plinth design that houses significantly better built-in speakers. It also features a superior Audio-Technica moving magnet cartridge and an adjustable counterweight on the tonearm, two critical features for better tracking and sound quality, which directly address the skipping issues sometimes found with the Crosley. This player is the ideal choice for someone who wants an easy-to-use, all-in-one system with Bluetooth, but plans for it to stay in one place and wants a better out-of-the-box audio experience without immediately needing external speakers.

3. Qlearsoul ONE-Q Bluetooth Vinyl Record Player

The Qlearsoul ONE-Q positions itself as a premium all-in-one solution, blending the convenience of the Crosley with some of the audiophile features of more advanced players. Like the 1 BY ONE, it boasts a high-quality Audio-Technica AT-3600L cartridge, which is a significant upgrade in audio fidelity. It also features a built-in phono preamp and powerful integrated speakers, aiming for a true HiFi experience in a single box. With its sleek, minimalist design and advanced Bluetooth 5.4, this player is for the user who loves the all-in-one concept but is willing to invest more for superior components and sound. It’s less about portable nostalgia and more about high-quality, convenient vinyl playback in a modern home.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable for You?

After extensive testing, our verdict on the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable is clear: it is a triumph of style, convenience, and accessibility, but it is not an audiophile-grade machine. Its greatest strength is its ability to make the joy of vinyl available to anyone, anywhere. The iconic suitcase design is genuinely charming and practical, and the simple plug-and-play operation removes all intimidation for newcomers. The inclusion of modern features like Bluetooth output is a masterstroke, providing a vital upgrade path that bypasses the weak internal speakers and unlocks the player’s true potential.

However, it is essential to buy it with the right expectations. The lightweight build requires a steady surface to avoid skipping, and the built-in audio is best for casual, low-volume listening. It is the perfect first record player for a teenager, a fun secondary player for a seasoned collector, or a stylish addition to a room where aesthetics matter as much as function. It’s for impromptu listening sessions, for sharing the vinyl experience with friends, and for rediscovering music in a fun, tactile way. If you value portability, iconic design, and supreme ease of use, the Crosley is an excellent choice. If you’ve decided the Crosley Cruiser Plus Turntable is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.