To compare the propagation characteristics of super Gaussian vortex beam with Gaussian vortex beam in air, the transmission equation of these beams in a turbulent atmosphere are deduced by using the Fresnel diffraction integral formula. Using the random phase screen method, an atmospheric turbulence analysis model is established, and intensity distributions and beam quality are calculated for vortex beams with different parameters. Results indicate that beam quality is influenced by topological charge, transmission distance, and turbulence intensity. Among these factors, transmission distance has the most obvious effect on beam quality for a super Gaussian vortex beam, whereas topological charge has a more obvious effect on Gaussian vortex beam quality.