Comparisons of magnetic anisotropy and switching behavior of CoCr-based alloy and Co/Pd multilayer media were made using a vector vibrating sample magnetometer. Magnetic anisotropy energy was determined from angle-dependent measurements of the transverse magnetization, using a simple approximate expression for transverse moment versus applied field and rotation angle. Switching behavior was deduced from hysteresis and angle-dependent energy-loss measurements. The multilayers were found to switch by curling and domain wall motion, while the Co78Cr17Ta5 and Co 70Cr15Ta5Pt10 media were found to switch by nearly coherent (Stoner-Wohlfarth) rotation. Plasma oxidation of the multilayers was found to slightly reduce the amount of coupling, but degraded readback amplitude to a contact recording transducer. © 1995 American Institute of Physics.