Best Portable Cassette Players & Recorders in 2022

Last update: December 29, 2022

Are cassette recorders still made?

There's no question that cassette tapes are on the decline. In fact, cassette recorder production has likely already ceased. That's not to say, however, that you can't find cassette recorders for sale. You might be able to find one at a garage sale or thrift store, but good luck finding new cassettes to play on it!

Are cassette tapes worth anything anymore?

Cassette tapes are not worth anything anymore. They are a relic of the past and hold no value in the present day.

Are cassettes coming back?

The cassette tape was once a must-have item for music lovers, but it eventually lost its popularity to CDs and digital music files. However, there seems to be a cassette tape resurgence in recent years. Many music enthusiasts appreciate the warm, analog sound of cassettes, and the format has made a comeback with indie and underground artists. There’s also a certain nostalgia factor associated with cassettes, which may be why they’re becoming popular again. Whether or not cassettes will stick around remains to be seen, but it’s definitely possible that

Are portable cassette players still available?

Yes, portable cassette players are still available. You can find them for sale online and in some stores that sell electronics.


OfficeLead Cassette Player Tape to MP3 Converter Retro Walkman Auto Reverse Portable Audio Tape Player with Earphones, No Need Computer Review:


The coolest thing ever, this! I converted all of my mixtapes to mp3s one Saturday. Then I discovered THIS BEAUTY—a tape labeled "Christmas '82." It's a recording of me at age three singing holiday tunes with my dad, who has since passed away, and my brother, who was just a year old at the time. Although I was aware that this recording existed, I believed it to be lost forever. I'm very grateful I can convert memories to digital format thanks to your goods!It is really easy to use and performs well as a product. Even better, you may just transfer the tape to a USB. I'll argue that the original tape's quality determines how good the digital music is. Most of mine had the good fortune to be properly preserved and transferred. I did come across one tape that had obviously been overheated in the attic. It had choppy audio and was sluggish.My "Christmas '82" tape, once again, was my greatest find. That was transferred flawlessly despite being about 4 DECADES old!



Sony 5C90HFR 90-Minute HF Cassette Recorders 5-Brick Review:


It's wonderful that you can still buy high-quality blank cassette cassettes in this day and age of technology. Additionally, the pricing is reasonable. If they hadn't yet figured out how to design a wrapping that can be easily removed after all these time, I would have rated this product five stars. Although the clear wrap on the individual cassettes is nearly impossible to remove without causing damage to the plastic jewel cases, the outside wrap on the 5-tape case wasn't too bad. In fact, I scratched the jewel cases because I had to use a razor knife to open them, but I knew at that point that I wouldn't be keeping the jewel cases.



Reshow Cassette Player – Portable Tape Player Captures MP3 Audio Music via USB – Compatible with Laptops and Personal Computers – Convert Walkman Tape Cassettes to iPod Format Review:


For the price, this is better than I had anticipated. The first time I tried to play a tape, it was a touch sluggish and made a squeaking sound. I made the decision to open up this player to inspect the quality and see whether the gears may be lubricated or greased.The rear is secured with three side screws. I took out the screws and then separated the back from the player using a feeler gauge. A piece of insulating tape was resting against the motor belt on the interior, I discovered. I reapplied the tape on the circuit board after cutting it. I also liberally greased the wheels of the tape mechanism and coated the stop/play, FF/RW gear contact points with lithium grease. I observed that the drive belt was thicker than I had anticipated and that the motor was bigger than I had anticipated. The player is made to function for several hours.Update: After buying a second of these players, I discovered upon opening it that some of the units had shrink tubing in place of the insulation tape on the circuit board. This is clearly the better option. I've included images of the two units: one with the insulating tape loose and against the motor/belt, and another with the shrink wrap covering the same wiring harness on the second player.Following this maintenance, the tape player's features operated silently and without any hiccups, and the tape played well at the right pace. I also discovered that the tiny hole on the player's back is for a jeweler's flat-head screwdriver, which may be used to change the tape speed if necessary.I was aware that opening it would void the warranty given the price. I thought it was worth a shot because I had 40 years of experience fixing cassette decks. I'm glad I did since this player is truly rather good.Cons: While the tape is playing, there is a very slight buzzing noise in the headphones. Only when the volume is completely turned down is it audible. Since I purchased this to be used as a Walkman, I did not try the USB audio feature. When I powered the player using the USB port or batteries, the buzzing continued.



Retround Cassette Player Portable Walkman Cassette Tape Player Tape Converter to MP3/WAV/CD via USB, with Earphones Compatible with Laptops/PC Review:


For years, I've wanted to convert my old cassettes. I wasn't certain of the quality I would receive, but I'm happy with it. The device itself is quite simple to use—just plug it into your computer through USB. However, the fact that it can be fueled via USB is highly practical. I'd rather just power this through the PC because batteries aren't that pricey. The sound quality is excellent, and it's convenient to convert the few items that aren't readily available in digital form. Happy with the purchase.



Byron Statics Cassette Player FM Am Radio Walkman Portable Cassette Converter Automatic Stop System Protect Cassette Tape Mic Recorder 2 AA Battery or USB Power Supply Belt Clip with Headphone, Teal Review:


This small tape player is adorable. My old novels are now finally available on tape! Additionally, it has an FM/AM radio that receives FM crystal-clear and AM less so. When using tapes, the sound occasionally warps, but it is passable. If you don't know how the tape should go in and how to do it carefully, getting the tape into and out of the player could be challenging. It is a challenging task due to the lip on the lid. That's wonderful that it comes with some inexpensive headphones.



Byron Statics Walkman Cassette Player Portable Cassette Players Recorders Am FM Radio Lightweight Built-in Speaker USB Power Supply or 2 AA Batteries Automatic Stop System Protect Cassette Tape, Pink Review:


This small tape player is adorable. My old novels are now finally available on tape! Additionally, it has an FM/AM radio that receives FM crystal-clear and AM less so. When using tapes, the sound occasionally warps, but it is passable. If you don't know how the tape should go in and how to do it carefully, getting the tape into and out of the player could be challenging. It is a challenging task due to the lip on the lid. That's wonderful that it comes with some inexpensive headphones.



JENSEN MCR-100 Cassette Player/Recorder Review:


My 40-year-old Panasonic equivalent, which I recently replaced with the Jensen portable cassette player/recorder, had been my dependable stalwart until it broke down during a crucial Association Board Meeting. From that point on, I was aware that I required a reliable recorder, so I started looking for one at various nearby consumer outlet stores. I searched Amazon.com after looking for such a vintage equipment unsuccessfully for a few weeks. I was astounded to find a variety of tape players and recorders at reasonable prices in this venerable establishment. I received what I believed to be a compatible replacement for my old Panasonic recorder within five days after placing my order for a portable recorder. Sadly, I had to return the replacement recorder since I experienced problems with the built-in microphone and volume control. I was lucky to discover the Jensen product supplied by Todays Concept when I resumed my quest for a dependable cassette player/recorder that performed as claimed. Every cent I paid for this portable cassette player/recorder was worthwhile. It is small, light, and simple to use. When pressed, the record, play, fast forward, stop, eject, and pause buttons do not become stuck, which is a benefit for baby boomers like myself who have stiff, arthritic fingers. Although the recorder's built-in condenser microphone performs satisfactorily, I advise utilizing the additional microphone and stand that come with the recorder for the sharpest audio quality. If you want to express your inner ideas, I can tell you that this tiny microphone has the power to capture them. I give this product 4.5 out of 5 stars.



Coby CVR-22 Portable Cassette Recorder Review:


My spouse loves this recorder, and I do, too. He practices piano and recordings as he does so. His piano teacher listens to the recording during each of his weekly classes to offer him advice on how to get better.



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


I needed to buy a cassette player. As part of an assignment, I was transferring audio cassettes to MP3. I was a little concerned after reading several of the reviews on this site. After using this device frequently for a while, I'd want to respond to some of the criticisms from previous reviews and leave you with my own.1) Users of this device have been claiming that it lacks a reverse button, although they somehow weren't aware of this until they received it. You would realize right away that this only has the three functions if you read the entire description and looked at the pictures. pause, fast forward, and play. Solution! There are two extremely easy ways to rewind a tape. The first is to flip the tape over, press fast forward, and then flip it back over to play. The second is to spend $5 on a number pencil and start winding, you whiners.2) The front door of this item is flimsily constructed and easily breaks off. Solution! Stop acting like you need to demolish everything in your path like a tiny pink hulk. I've opened mine numerous times, and it still works perfectly.3) The 5V power supply is not included. Solution! You simpleton, the internet is not a pop-up book; study the specifics; they include all the information required to make a wise choice. The phrase "literally it's in the details section" wasn't just a clever catchphrase. If the product's description isn't particularly thorough, move on to a different seller who provides more information.4) The battery life is insufficient. Solution! Stop purchasing cheap batteries from the dollar store. The likelihood is that they are as inexpensive as you if you can buy six or more for one dollar. Holding on to your cent is keeping Abe from breathing, so let go! Purchase some excellent batteries from a large retailer like Walmart; energizer and duralast are reliable options. Before I had to change a pair of duralast batteries, I had played almost 20 cassette tapes, each of which had a playtime of more than an hour.Once more, I've had this tape player for a little over a month. I've put it to use on dozens of audio cassette cassettes throughout this time. The door is still in good condition, my batteries last for a very long time, and the fact that there are only 3 buttons and no reverse isn't a problem unless you really need something to gripe about. I've given this device's cassette player—which is of decent quality—to several persons who were shopping.



2-in-1 Cassette-to-MP3 Converter Player Recorder - Portable Battery Powered Tape Audio Digitizer, USB Walkman Cassette Player with Manual/Auto Record, 3.5mm Audio Jack, Headphones, Power Cable - Pyle Review:


It is necessary to highlight in white the symbols on the tiny black buttons so that it is clear which ones are which. My eyes don't do well with small black symbols on tiny black buttons. I had to use a magnifying glass to see which button I needed to press before learning where they were located.


Do people still buy cassette?

With the ever-growing popularity of digital music formats, it's easy to forget that people still buy cassette tapes. In fact, the cassette tape industry is still surprisingly strong, and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. There are a few reasons why people still buy cassette tapes. For one, they're relatively cheap. You can usually find a cassette tape for under $10, which is a lot cheaper than buying a digital album or even a CD. Another reason people still buy cassette tapes is because they're easy to use. You don't need any special equipment

Does anyone buy old music cassettes?

There's a growing market for old music cassettes, especially among Gen-Xers and Millennials who remember the format from their youth. While many people get their music from streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, some prefer the sound quality of cassettes, and the nostalgia factor is also a draw. You can often find old cassettes at thrift stores, garage sales, or online, and prices range depending on the rarity and condition of the cassette. Whether you're a diehard music fan or just looking to relive some memories, buying old music cassettes can be a fun and

Does anyone make new cassette players?

Yes, a few companies make new cassette players. The most common are Sony, Panasonic, and JVC. There are also a few companies that make portable cassette players, such as Tascam and Pyle.

Does cassette sound better than vinyl?

There's no simple answer to this question since it depends on a lot of factors, including the specific cassette and vinyl recordings, the playback equipment, and the listener's preferences. In general, though, cassettes tend to have poorer sound quality than vinyl records. They're more susceptible to damage and wear, and they don't provide the same level of audio fidelity. That said, some people prefer the sound of cassettes, and there's a growing market for high-quality cassette tapes.

How can I play a cassette tape without a cassette player?

If you have a cassette tape but no cassette player, you can still play the tape using a few different methods. One way is to use a portable cassette player that can be powered by batteries. Another way is to use a cassette adapter that can be plugged into a stereo system.

How long do cassette tapes last?

The lifespan of a cassette tape largely depends on how well it is taken care of. Generally, if a tape is stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, it can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. Of course, this also assumes that the cassette player itself is still in working order!