Best Cassette Players

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 1, 2024
Feel like listening to books on tape? Would like to revisit your collection of old mixtapes? Or maybe you just like purchasing vintage cassette tapes? If any of these questions hit close to home, there isn't a better solution to your problems than a simple cassette player. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Playback
Power Source
Extras
Dimensions
Warranty
 
PROS

The Mega-bass technology delivers powerful basses and enhances the overall sound. With its help, you will be able to enjoy your favorite mixtapes with a much deeper and richer sound than ever before. The Automatic Volume Limiter System will allow you to experience music with just the right level of volume.

CONS

The batteries don't last. 

OUR VERDICT

Sony has always been one of those companies that put the quality of sound above everything else and the Sony WMFX197 is a great example of that philosophy. So, if you're looking to breathe a new life into your old tapes, this player is the best way to do that.

detailed parameters
Playback

-Tape

-FM/AM-radio

Power Source

2 x "AA" batteries

Extras

Mega-bass technology, Automatic Volume Limiter System (AVLS), belt clip, headphones included

Dimensions

3.38 x 4.63 x 1.26 inches

0.3 lb

Warranty

1 year

PROS

If you prefer listening to music on your own, the model has you covered with a quality sound system and a pair of headphones. But if you're not the headphone type, a couple of built-in speakers with a 5-band equalizer are there for you. An external telescopic antenna will help you find your favorite station and ensure better signal quality. 

CONS

There's no auto stop feature. 

OUR VERDICT

We would recommend the Broksonic TSG-45 player to the kind of customers who aren't just looking to revisit their favorite collection of mixtapes but are interested in a highly functional device that offers an array of additional features on top of the playback ones.

detailed parameters
Playback

-Tape

-FM/AM-radio

Power Source

3 x "AA" batteries

AC (adaptor not included)

Extras

2 built-in speakers with 5-band equalizer, recording feature (built-in microphone), external antenna, carrying strap, headphones included

Dimensions

6.5 x 4.5 x 1.8 inches

~0.7 lb

Warranty

1 year

PROS

A belt clip will allow you to easily hook the player to your belt. With 4.75 x 3.25 x 1.25 inches in overall dimensions and about 0.3 pounds in weight, the product will prove to be a pretty good option if you're planning on carrying it around with you. The small size is further improved by the fact that the said clip is detachable.

CONS

The quality of the earbuds is a bit poor. 

OUR VERDICT

If you're the kind of person who likes listening to old books on tape or purchasing vintage cassette tapes but you do not really have a lot of money to spare on that hobby of yours, the Jensen SCR-68C radio cassette player shall prove to be right up your alley.

detailed parameters
Playback

-Tape

-FM/AM-radio

Power Source

2 x "AA" batteries

AC (adaptor not included)

Extras

Belt clip, earbuds included

Dimensions

4.75 x 3.25 x 1.25 inches

~0.3 lb

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The model comes equipped with a powerful built-in speaker, making it a great option for sizable classrooms with lots of students. In addition to the built-in microphone, the cassette player boasts a jack for an external microphone. A built-in USB port will allow you to play MP3 files on USB flash drives.

CONS

Modern headphones do not work with the 1/4" jack, so you'll need an adaptor. 

OUR VERDICT

There are a few things that make the Hamilton Buhl HA802 such an attractive option. But mostly it is the automatic recording level function that ensures steady sound levels and the model's outstanding versatility that makes it simply perfect for a classroom setting.

detailed parameters
Playback

-Tape

-USB

Power Source

4 x "C" batteries

AC (5-feet power cord)

Extras

Built-in speaker, 2 headphone jacks, recording feature (built-in microphone and jack for external mic), jack for remote control, built-in handle

Dimensions

5.75 x 10.5 x 2.15 inches

2.1 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Using the USB port, you'll be able to capture and convert old tape to the MP3 format, while the playback feature will let you check the recorded file. The port supports FAT, FAT32, and exFAT formats up to 64 gigabytes. The reverse feature will let you automatically record two-sided tracks to the USB drive from the tape. 

CONS

The battery compartment is located in the cassette deck, so you will have to take out the cassette to change to batteries. 

OUR VERDICT

The BlumWay 8541723849 is up there with the best budget cassette players. Sure, there's not much here you haven't seen before. There doesn't have to be. You'll be able to play and transfer your favorite tracks anywhere, anytime. The device's compact and portable.

detailed parameters
Playback

-Tape

-USB

Power Source

2 x "AA" batteries

USB (cable included)

AC (adapter not included)

Extras

Cassette-to-MP3 converting feature, reverse function, 3.5-mm audio cable, storage bag and headphones included

Dimensions

4.4 x 3.2 x 1.25 inches

0.4 lbs

Warranty

2 years (registration required)

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Sony WMFX197

It's All About the Sound

Sony has always been about the quality of sound first and foremost and the stereo cassette player in question is no exception to that rule. For the most part, the model owes that quality of sound to the Mega-bass technology. Aside from delivering the sort of powerful basses that really have no business being attached to such a slim player, the technology enhances the overall sound. With its help, you will be able to enjoy your favorite mixtapes with a much deeper and richer sound than ever before.

Another element that is worth mentioning is the Automatic Volume Limiter System (AVLS). This nice little feature will allow you to experience music with just the right level of volume, making sure that the headphones do not completely drown the outside noise but also let you listen to music with maximum comfort.

Aside from the said technologies, this handheld cassette player doesn't really differ that much from your average model. There's a belt clip with a pretty self-explanatory purpose. In addition to the player itself, you will receive a nice pair of headphones that will be able to match the quality of the player.

To rephrase our earlier point, Sony has always been one of those companies that put the quality of sound above everything else and the Sony WMFX197 is a great example of that philosophy. If you're looking to breathe a new life into your old tapes, this is the way to go.

Review of Sony WMFX197

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $83.78
Stock In stock
ASIN B0007RPW3Q

 

Broksonic TSG-45

Listen the Way You Want

Back in the days, cassette players used to offer their owners a lot of versatility, with a number of useful functions that didn't strictly pertain to listening to music. Evidently, the people behind the Broksonic TSG-45 decided to revive that approach, introducing a player that includes just about everything you would want out of a device like that.

If you prefer listening to music on your own, the model has you covered with a quality sound system and a pair of headphones. But if you're not the headphone type or you like to share your musical tastes with the surrounding crowd, a couple of built-in speakers with a 5-band equalizer are there for you. And if you ever get tired of your tapes, simply whip out the external antenna and find your favorite station.

Or, you know, makes some memories while you are at it and use the recording feature that utilizes the built-in microphone to record anything you want, from a conversation with your friends or a catchy tune to a message for your future self. Now, it isn't the smallest cassette tape player out there, so the manufacturers made sure to include a carrying strap to make the question of transportation a tad more convenient.

All in all, we would recommend the Broksonic TSG-45 player to the kind of customers who aren't just looking to revisit their favorite collection of mixtapes but are interested in a highly functional device that offers an array of additional features on top of the playback ones.

Review of Broksonic TSG-45 Walkman AM/FM Stereo Cassette Recorder with Dynamic Stereo Headphones
Last updated price $169.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01GISWDRU

 

Jensen SCR-68C

Revisit Your Favorite Tapes

The Jensen SCR-68C is one of the most well-rounded options on the market and here are a few reasons why. First comes the price of the model. For about 15 bucks, you will get yourself the ability to revisit your favorite collection of mixtapes. Second is the size and the weight of the player. With 4.75 x 3.25 x 1.25 inches in overall dimensions and about 0.3 pounds in weight, the product will prove to be a pretty good option if you're planning on carrying it around with you. Of course, the manufacturers made sure to include a belt clip that will allow you to easily hook the player to your belt. But if you do not necessarily care for it, the detachable nature of that belt clip will provide you with a nice little opportunity to take it off.

In addition to the belt clip, the portable cassette player comes with a pair of earbuds. Unfortunately, the quality of the earbuds leaves quite a bit to be desired. But given that both the player and the earbuds together cost about 15 bucks, you can't really hold that against the company behind it. Finally, though it sort of comes without saying, the model will allow you to listen to your favorite tapes or any AM FM radio.

So, if you're the kind of person who likes listening to old books on tape or purchasing vintage cassette tapes but you do not really have a lot of money to spare on that hobby of yours, the Jensen SCR-68C radio cassette player shall prove to be right up your alley.

Review of Jensen SCR-68C Stereo Cassette Player with AM/FM Radio

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $50.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0016BQECA

 

Hamilton Buhl HA802

A Classroom Setting Option

The company behind the Hamilton Buhl HA802 advertises their product as a classroom cassette player and we can certainly see why they decided to stick with that kind of marketing strategy. First things first, with 5.75 x 10.5 x 2.15 inches in overall dimensions and 2.1 of weight, this isn't necessarily the kind of model that you could always carry around with you. That said, the manufacturers did make sure to add a handle in order to make the process of transportation a bit easier. So, sure, this isn't the most portable option on the market, but the player works perfectly fine in a classroom setting.

For instance, the model comes equipped with a powerful built-in speaker, making it a perfect option for sizable classrooms with lots of students. The recording feature is also there. But, in addition to the built-in microphone, the cassette player boasts a jack for an external microphone, so you could always use that if the internal one ever proves to be insufficient.

Other than that, we would be remiss not to mention the built-in USB port that will allow you to play MP3 files on USB flash drives. This nice little addition makes the model a pretty versatile solution, providing you with the opportunity to enjoy the advantages of older and newer technologies. Plus, further adding to the versatility aspect, the player can be powered via 4 "C" batteries or the 120-volt 5-feet AC cord.

To bring this review to a logical conclusion, there are a few things that make the Hamilton Buhl HA802 such an attractive option. But mostly it is the automatic recording level function that ensures steady sound levels and the model's outstanding versatility that makes it simply perfect for a classroom setting.

Review of Hamilton Buhl HA802 Classroom Cassette Player

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $49.86
Stock In stock
ASIN B000CBR4XS

 

BlumWay 8541723849

Convert the Tracks

The BlumWay 8541723849 could make some changes on the name front. Other than that though, this is an awesome cassette player.

Measuring 4.4” (L) x 3.2” (W) x 1.25” (H), the device is more than portable, especially considering that its weight barely reaches 0.4 pounds (without the batteries).

Now that we've reached the power source part, you can power this player via two AA batteries, the supplied USB cable, or any standard AC adapter (you'll have to purchase one separately though).

Using this USB cable (and, needless to say, the USB port), you'll be able to capture and convert old tape to the MP3 format, while the playback feature will let you check the recorded file. The port supports FAT, FAT32, and exFAT formats up to 64 gigabytes.

At the same time, the reverse feature will let you automatically record two-sided tracks to the USB drive from the tape.

The 3.5-mm jack and cable will let you hook headphones to this device, including the headphones that come with the package.

As far as the product's foibles are concerned, the battery compartment is located in the cassette deck, so you will have to take out the cassette to change to batteries.

Besides that, the BlumWay 8541723849 is up there with the best budget cassette players. Sure, there's not much here you haven't seen before. There doesn't have to be. You'll be able to play and transfer your favorite tracks anywhere, anytime.

Review of BlumWay 8541723849 Portable Cassette Player
Last updated price $29.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07MM8NSFB

 

What Is a Cassette Player?

Of course, we would be lying if we said that cassette tapes are still one of the most popular sources of music (though the technology is certainly not willing to die just yet). Hell, the majority of the millennial generation probably wouldn't even be able to tell a cassette player from a VHS one. 

Now, if you're one of them, this is all quite simple. A cassette player is a device that can be used to listen to cassette tapes. The majority of these devices will also allow you to listen to the radio. 

A good chunk of them also come with the sort of functions that provide the user with the ability to record just about anything they want. In order to adapt to the ever-changing world of information technologies, the manufacturers of some of the newer cassette players have started to implement USB ports that make it possible to listen to digital recordings through USB flash drives. 

So, whether you would like to revisit your collection of mixtapes or introduce your kid to your favorite music, any one of these cassette players presents the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Now, if you still aren't sold on this admittedly ancient technology and prefer a more modern touch, our reviews of boomboxes and MP3 players are there for you.

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Publish Date: 2018-07-24 14:31:27