Crosley vs Audio Technica | Who Makes the Better Turntable?

Turntables are an excellent tool for listening to music, and are still popular during our digital age because of the audio qualities they provide. You get more warmth, richness, and depth when listening to music with a turntable than you do streaming audio on your cell phone or through another device.

Crosley and Audio Technica are two of the biggest producers of turntables still on the market today. Each company is dedicated to producing high-quality turntables that allow their customers to connect with music like they never have before. We’re going to discuss each brand in detail to determine the qualities best for each.

Are you and avid music lover who understands the value of using a turntable? Or, are you new to vinyl and looking to connect with music on a deeper level? Either way, you’re going to want the best turntable available, so keep reading to learn whether Crosley or Audio Technica makes the better turntable for your needs.

What’s the Difference Between Crosley and Audio Technica Turntables?

Crosley and Audio Technica are both retailers who are focused on providing technology that allows people to experience high-fidelity audio files. Each company has a variety of turntables that range from beginner level turntables to those for professional DJs.

The main difference between these two companies is the amount of features their turntables have. Crosley has 51 turntables available on their website, while Audio Technica only has 24. You can find a lot more features with Crosley’s turntables, so they’re ideal for people who are looking to manipulate the audio file to a greater extent.

About Crosley

The Crosley brand got its start in the early 1920s when Powell Crosley Jr. created an affordable crystal radio set for the masses. This brand dipped its toes in more than radio stations in their beginnings but refocused on music in 1989 when they put out a line of vintage-inspired electronics under the name Crosley Brands.

This brand created a full-sized jukebox replica in 1998 and then introduced its turntables in 2011. A new line of turntables was released in 2015, and the brand celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2021 with the release of a Bluetooth portable turntable.

Read more about Crosley turntables on the Crosley website here

About Audio Technica

Audio Technica was founded in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita. He was a curator at an art museum who wanted to bring high-fidelity audio to the public through innovative technology and affordable prices.

This brand is a family run business, and has stayed true to their roots throughout the years. Audio Technica has produced microphones, turntables, headphones, and other high-quality audio devices in an attempt to make high-fidelity music more accessible for everyone.

Read more about Audio-Technica on their website here

What Types of Turntables Does Crosley and Audio Technica Offer?

Both brands are dedicated to producing audio equipment that allows listeners to experience the authentic, warm, and rich notes of audio files. Crosley and Audio Technica have produced multiple turntables, and we’re going to take a closer look at their products in this detailed guide.

Crosley Turntables

turntable crosley with record on it

Crosley has an impressive 51 products listed under their turntables category on their website. They offer classic styles and modern designs infused with current technology. Through Crosley, you can find turntables with a range of features, colors, and prices. Let’s explore the various aspects of their turntables.

Features:

  • AM/FM Tuner
  • Cassette Player
  • Direct Drive
  • Adjustable Tonearm
  • Belt-Drive
  • Bluetooth Out
  • External Speakers
  • Bluetooth In
  • Headphone Jack
  • CD Player
  • Built-in Speakers
  • AUX In
  • USB Output

Colors:

  • Red
  • Multicolor
  • Pink
  • Yellow
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Gray
  • Black
  • Brown
  • White
  • Blue

Price Range: $60-$500

Prices are subject to change and may not be totally accurate. 

Audio Technica Turntables

an audio technica turntable on a table
My starter Audio Technica turntable that works great for me as a first time buyer.

Audio Technica makes it easy for beginners and experts alike to browse through their turntables. They have categories for entry-level turntables, professional DJ turntables, and more. They have turntables specifically for audiophiles, along with some special edition turntables that feature unique designs.

We’re going to break down the turntables Audio Technica offers by all four categories.

Entry-Level:

  • Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable With Headphones
  • Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable With Headphones (Wireless, USB, and Analog)
  • Fully Automatic Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable

Professional DJ:

  • Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable (USB and Analog)
  • Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable

Audiophile:

  • Fully Manual Belt-Drive Turntable
  • Direct-Drive Turntable

Step-Up:

  • Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable (Wireless and Analog)
  • Manual Belt-Drive Turntable (Wireless and Analog)
  • Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
  • Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog and USB)
  • Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog, Wireless, and USB)
  • Fully Manual Belt-Drive Turntable

As you can see, Audio Technica offers a range of product features just as Crosley does. However, they have a higher price range as their turntables generally cost between $150-$850.

Prices are subject to change and may not be totally accurate. 

Comparison Questions (Crosley vs Audio Technica):

Which Brand Offers Turntables With More Features?

Which Brand Offers Turntables With More Features

You’ll find similar features with Crosley and Audio Technica’s turntables. They each feature turntables that have USB, analog, and wireless options. However, Crosley’s turntables set them apart.

Crosley offers turntables with Bluetooth capabilities, and they also have other features that you won’t find with Audio Technica. If you’re looking for additional features with your turntable, then you’ll want to go with Crosley.

Is Crosley or Audio Technica More Affordable?

The cost of a turntable is generally going to depend on who it was made for. Beginner turntables are always going to be more affordable than those made for professional DJs. Crosley and Audio Technica offer products for every level of music enthusiasts, and each has a wide price range.

The turntables available on Crosley’s website cost between approximately $59-$469, while Audio Technica’s turntables range between $149-$849. If you’re looking for the most affordable turntable, then you’ll have better luck shopping with Crosley.

Which Brand Do Customers Prefer?

One of the greatest aspects of the internet is the ability to thoroughly research a product before you buy it. Crosley and Audio Technica have both been around for quite some time, so customers have taken to various internet platforms to give their opinions about each brand’s turntables.

Most people seem to prefer Crosley’s turntables to Audio Technica’s. Customers prefer the adjustable speed features of Crosley’s turntables, along with their removable head shells. Crosley’s turntables also have more features than Audio Technica’s, which is a big selling point for beginners and experts alike.

Both Crosley and Audio Technica are considered cheaper brands for turntables, so if you’re going to go with one of them, then you’ll want to pick the brand that offers the best features for high-fidelity audio. In this comparison, most customers agree that the best brand is Crosley.

The Verdict– Which Should You Choose?

Crosley and Audio Technica are both retailers of audio equipment including headphones, microphones, and turntables. Their turntables have various features and a wide price range. Crosley’s turntables have more features than Audio Technica, and as of today their price range is lower. If you’re looking for an excellent turntable that has a variety of features to choose from, then you can’t go wrong with Crosley!

Either way you are getting a good quality turntable, you are searching in the right direction. My Audio Technica has worked great for me too! I hope my tips can narrow down and help you make a decision based on your wants and needs! Thanks for tuning in.