Crosley Voyager Portable Turntable Review: Style Meets Simplicity, But How Does It Sound?

There’s a certain magic to vinyl that digital streams can’t replicate. It’s the ritual of sliding a record from its sleeve, the gentle drop of the needle, and the warm, tangible crackle before the music begins. For years, I watched from the sidelines, assuming the world of turntables was an exclusive club for serious audiophiles with deep pockets and technical know-how. The thought of balancing tonearms, setting anti-skate, and investing in pre-amps was intimidating, to say the least. My desire was simple: to play my dad’s old records and start a small collection of my own without needing an engineering degree or a second mortgage. This quest for an accessible, stylish, and user-friendly entry point into the world of vinyl is what led us directly to the doorstep of the suitcase record player, and specifically, to the model we’re examining today.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Record Player

A record player is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for anyone looking to experience music in a more deliberate and engaging way. It bridges the gap between the convenience of modern technology and the rich, analogue sound of the past. For many, it’s about reconnecting with physical media, admiring album art, and listening to an album as a complete work, from start to finish. The main benefit of a portable, all-in-one model like the Crosley Voyager is its sheer accessibility. It removes the primary barriers to entry—cost, complexity, and space—that often deter newcomers from exploring the joys of vinyl.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic beginner’s dilemma: you’re curious about vinyl, you love the aesthetic, and you want a simple plug-and-play solution. You might be a student in a dorm room, a new collector on a budget, or someone looking for a fun, portable way to play records at a gathering. It’s for the listener who values style, simplicity, and versatility over pure audiophile performance. On the other hand, this might not be suitable for those who are serious audio purists or individuals looking to archive rare and valuable records. A seasoned audiophile will likely seek out a component system with a high-end turntable featuring a magnetic cartridge, an adjustable counterweight, and a dedicated phono pre-amp for maximum sonic fidelity and minimal record wear over time.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The biggest advantage of a suitcase player is its compact, self-contained design. When closed, the Crosley Voyager is about the size of a small briefcase, making it incredibly easy to store on a shelf or slide under a bed. This is a stark contrast to traditional hi-fi setups that require dedicated space for the turntable, amplifier, and separate speakers. Before buying, consider where you’ll use it and if portability is a key factor for you.
• Performance & Connectivity: Performance in this category is about versatility. Look for a player that can handle all three common record speeds (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM) to ensure you can play any vinyl you come across. Modern features like Bluetooth are a huge plus; the ability to use the player as a Bluetooth speaker for your phone, or to send the vinyl audio out to a better Bluetooth speaker, dramatically increases its value. Also, check for outputs like RCA and a headphone jack, which provide crucial pathways for upgrading your sound down the line.
• Materials & Durability: Suitcase players typically use a combination of wood, plastic, and metal components. The Crosley Voyager features a wood-based case wrapped in vinyl material, with metal latches and plastic internal components. While it’s not built like a high-end, heavy-plinth turntable designed to damp vibrations, its construction is focused on being lightweight for portability. For its intended use, the materials feel appropriate and sturdy enough for transport and regular listening.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The core appeal here is simplicity. An all-in-one player should be ready to go almost straight out of the box. Long-term care is minimal but important; you’ll want to keep your records and the stylus clean with a simple brush. The ceramic stylus on players like this is designed for longevity but will eventually need replacing after many hours of play, a straightforward and inexpensive process.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Crosley Voyager Portable Turntable stands out in several areas, particularly for its blend of classic aesthetics and modern features. You can explore its detailed specifications and current colour options here.

While the Crosley Voyager Portable Turntable is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models that balance cost and quality, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Crosley Voyager in “Dune”

Opening the box of the Crosley Voyager Portable Turntable feels like a step back in time. There’s no complex assembly, no bag of intimidating parts—just the turntable itself, nestled securely in protective packaging, and a small box containing the power adapter. We chose the “Dune” colour, a sophisticated, sandy beige that feels both vintage and perfectly at home in a modern living space. It’s a refreshing departure from the standard black or faux-wood finishes that dominate the market.

The first thing we noticed was the build quality. As one user noted, it “feels like great quality materials.” The case is solid, the clasps are firm and satisfying to click open and shut, and the handle feels robust enough for its “Voyager” name. Lifting the lid reveals a clean, logically laid-out deck. The controls are intuitive: a single knob for power and volume, a switch for selecting speed (33/45/78 RPM), and another for switching between Phono, AUX, and Bluetooth modes. The inclusion of a cueing lever—a small arm that safely lifts and lowers the tonearm—is a welcome feature at this price point, offering protection for both your needle and your vinyl. It immediately presents itself as a product designed to be used and enjoyed, not just admired.

A Deep Dive into the Crosley Voyager’s Performance

An attractive design is one thing, but a record player lives and dies by its performance. We spent considerable time with the Crosley Voyager Portable Turntable, testing its every feature, from spinning classic LPs to streaming digital playlists. Our goal was to understand exactly who this turntable is for, where it excels, and where its limitations lie. We put it through its paces as a standalone unit, a Bluetooth speaker, and the heart of a budding external speaker setup.

Design and Portability: The Suitcase Aesthetic

The Voyager’s greatest strength is undoubtedly its design. Crosley has mastered the art of nostalgic tech, and this turntable is a prime example. The suitcase form factor isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a brilliant fusion of function and style. When closed, it’s an unassuming, chic little briefcase. We carried it from the living room to the office to the back garden, and its lightweight nature (at just 2.5 kg) makes it genuinely portable. As one user aptly put it, “It’s easily portable and looks like a small case when folded away.” This makes it perfect for someone who doesn’t have a dedicated “listening station.”

The Dune finish is executed beautifully, giving it a premium look that belies its budget-friendly price tag. The material is tactile and seems durable enough to handle occasional travel. The hardware—latches, hinges, and corner protectors—is finished in a complementary metallic tone that enhances the vintage vibe. When open, it’s an instant conversation starter. It becomes a piece of functional decor, which is a major selling point confirmed by users who called it “stunning” and a “lovely decorative piece for any room.” However, it’s worth noting that mass production can lead to inconsistencies. While our unit was flawless, one user reported receiving a unit with poor finishes, a reminder that quality control can vary at this entry-level price point.

Sound Quality: Built-in Speakers vs. The Outside World

This is the most critical and often contentious aspect of any all-in-one turntable. Let’s be direct: the built-in, full-range stereo speakers are a compromise. They are small, and by the laws of physics, they cannot produce deep, resonant bass or crystal-clear, shimmering highs. We found the sound to be very mid-range focused. It’s perfectly adequate for casual listening in a small room, like an office or bedroom. Spinning a folk album like Nick Drake’s *Pink Moon*, the vocals and acoustic guitar came through with a pleasant, warm, if slightly boxy, character. But when we put on a bass-heavy record like Daft Punk’s *Random Access Memories*, the limitations became obvious. The sound lacked punch and felt constrained.

However, this is where the Voyager reveals its secret weapon: its outputs. Echoing the sentiment of a savvy user who said it “sounds loads better than the built in speakers” when connected to an external soundbar, we plugged the turntable into a pair of powered bookshelf speakers via the RCA jacks on the back. The transformation was immediate and astounding. The soundstage opened up, the bass became present and defined, and the highs gained clarity. The turntable itself, as a playback mechanism, was suddenly revealed to be quite capable. The slightly “metallic” sound one user mentioned from the built-in speakers vanished, replaced by a much richer and more dynamic audio experience. This is the key to unlocking the Voyager’s true potential. Think of the built-in speakers as a convenient bonus for portability, but consider the RCA outputs as the primary path to great sound. For anyone starting their vinyl journey, the ability to make such a significant and simple upgrade is a massive advantage.

Features and Functionality: More Than Just a Record Player

The Crosley Voyager Portable Turntable is packed with features that elevate it beyond a simple playback device. The 3-speed functionality is essential, allowing us to play everything from standard 33 1/3 RPM LPs and 45 RPM singles (an adapter is typically included or easily acquired) to older 78 RPM shellac records from a bygone era. The belt-drive motor operates quietly, and the auto-stop feature, which halts the platter at the end of a record, is a convenient touch.

The Bluetooth functionality is a standout. We first tested it as a receiver. Pairing our smartphone was instantaneous, and in seconds, we were streaming a Spotify playlist through the Voyager’s speakers. This effectively turns the record player into a stylish Bluetooth speaker, perfect for when you just want some background music without spinning a record. More impressively, it also functions as a Bluetooth transmitter (a feature often found on more expensive models). We were able to pair the Voyager with an external Bluetooth soundbar, wirelessly sending the audio from a playing record across the room. This provides a clean, wire-free way to upgrade the sound, adding incredible modern convenience to an analogue format.

Finally, there’s the pitch control dial. This is a feature usually reserved for DJ turntables, and its inclusion here is a fantastic bonus. One Italian user noted that the instructions weren’t clear and that turning it inadvertently could make singers sound like “the Chipmunks.” They are correct. This dial allows for micro-adjustments to the platter’s speed. If a record sounds slightly too fast or slow, a tiny turn of this knob can correct it, ensuring perfect pitch. It’s a professional-level feature that demonstrates a thoughtful approach to design, even in a beginner-friendly package. Combined with the gentle action of the cueing lever, these features show that the Crosley Voyager is designed with both the music and the user experience in mind.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings are strongly corroborated by the experiences of other users. A recurring theme is the Voyager’s position as an ideal first turntable. One first-time vinyl collector conducted extensive research and, despite warnings from audiophiles about budget players, concluded, “For me, it’s good enough for the money.” This perfectly encapsulates the product’s appeal: it provides an accessible entry point without the £200+ investment required for an Audio-Technica or Fluance setup. This same user discovered the “hack” of connecting to an external speaker, confirming our own tests that this is the best way to enjoy the player.

The aesthetic appeal is universally praised. Comments like “lovely design,” “stunning,” and “bello esteticamente” (aesthetically very beautiful) appear frequently. Many buyers appreciate that it functions as both a music player and a piece of decor. The dual-purpose Bluetooth functionality is also a highlight, with users loving that they can use it as a speaker for their phone or connect it to better speakers. On the more critical side, feedback is consistent with the product’s price point. The complaint about a “suono un po’ metallico” (slightly metallic sound) aligns with our assessment of the built-in speakers. The rare but notable mention of “inadmissible” finishes and dirt on arrival serves as a valid caution about quality control in the budget electronics space.

How Does the Crosley Voyager Compare to the Alternatives?

The Crosley Voyager Portable Turntable occupies a specific niche, but it’s important to understand the landscape. Depending on your priorities—be it sound quality, budget, or features—one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

1. 1 BY ONE Bluetooth Turntable Hi-Fi System

If your priority is audio quality out of the box and portability is not a concern, the 1 BY ONE Hi-Fi System is a significant step up. This is not a suitcase player but a component system that includes a turntable with a proper counterweight and a high-quality Audio-Technica magnetic cartridge, bundled with a pair of 36-watt powered bookshelf speakers. The sound fidelity will be vastly superior to the Voyager’s built-in speakers, offering a richer, more detailed listening experience. It’s the ideal choice for someone with a dedicated space for their setup who wants an all-in-one package that delivers genuine hi-fi sound without the guesswork of matching separate components.

2. 1 BY ONE Bluetooth Turntable with Speakers

This 1 BY ONE model offers a compelling middle ground. Like the Crosley Voyager, it features built-in speakers and Bluetooth for a self-contained experience. However, its key advantage is the inclusion of a magnetic cartridge and a more robust, non-portable plinth design. While its built-in speakers will still be a compromise compared to separate ones, the superior cartridge will extract more detail from your records and cause less wear over time. This is a great alternative for someone who wants the simplicity of an all-in-one player but is willing to sacrifice the Voyager’s suitcase portability for a bump in core audio hardware and sound potential.

3. Fluance RT82 Turntable

The Fluance RT82 represents the next tier of the vinyl hobby and is aimed at the budding audiophile. This is a pure turntable—no built-in speakers, no Bluetooth, and no built-in pre-amp. It is designed to be the centerpiece of a proper component stereo system. It boasts superior build quality with a heavy MDF wood plinth to reduce vibrations, a high-performance Ortofon OM10 cartridge, and a servo-controlled motor for exceptional speed accuracy. This player is for the person who is ready to invest in a separate amplifier (or receiver) and speakers. It offers a clear upgrade path and a level of sonic performance the Crosley Voyager cannot match, but it comes at the cost of convenience and a higher total investment.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Crosley Voyager Portable Turntable?

After extensive testing, our verdict on the Crosley Voyager Portable Turntable is clear: it is a fantastic product for its intended audience. This is not a turntable for the seasoned audiophile chasing sonic perfection. Instead, it is the perfect gateway into the world of vinyl for the curious beginner, the style-conscious music lover, or anyone seeking a fun, portable, and versatile record player. Its strengths lie in its beautiful retro design, its incredible ease of use, and its surprisingly robust feature set, including Bluetooth in/out and pitch control.

Its primary weakness, the limited quality of the built-in speakers, is not a deal-breaker but rather an invitation to upgrade. By simply connecting it to a pair of external speakers or a soundbar via the RCA outputs, the Voyager transforms from a charming novelty into a genuinely enjoyable music source. It successfully lowers the barrier to entry for vinyl, making the format accessible, affordable, and incredibly fun. For its price, it offers an unbeatable combination of style, features, and potential.

If you’ve decided the Crosley Voyager Portable Turntable is the right fit for your journey into vinyl, you can check its current price and purchase it here.