10 Best Cassette Players
Teac W-1200
If you’re a true audiophile who spares no expense it’s hard to do any better than the Teac W-1200 . This is one of the few new decks that offers features from the heyday of cassettes, such as computer control, Dolby-equivalent noise reduction, and automatic dubbing.
- Usb output for digitization
- Pitch adjustment knob
- Softly-opening tape deck doors
Jensen Retro
The Jensen Retro is a pocket-sized player with a better build quality than many other new Walkman-style models. It’s still made of plastic, but a durable, smooth enclosure and solid-feeling buttons make all the difference when it comes to longevity and user experience.
- Great radio reception
- Built-in speaker and headphones jack
- Consistent playback speed
Pyle Dual
Although not portable, the Pyle Dual compensates by providing two decks for transferring music or voice from one tape to another, and a USB port for converting audio to an MP3 format. On the downside, you’ll need to connect it to speakers before you can hear anything.
- Runs on mains power
- Feels solid at nearly 12 pounds
- No auto-reverse feature
Sony Boombox
For a very modest price, the Sony Boombox features dual-speaker stereo sound and plays CDs as well as tapes. This particular model also includes an AM/FM tuner and an auxiliary input jack, so you can use it to listen to music from other devices.
- Bass enhancer button
- 30 station presets
- Decent frequency response
Teac Home Theater Receiver
Teac Home Theater Receiver on Walmart
It may not be cheap, but the Teac Home Theater Receiver is a versatile choice, as it boasts not only a tape deck but also a CD player and a turntable. Additionally, the USB output lets you connect it to your computer, whether that happens to be a Mac or a PC.
- Useful for digitizing your music
- Integrated speakers
- Not overly complicated to use
Naxa NPB-268
The Naxa NPB-268 is a combo model that provides surprisingly good audio fidelity given its small size. Additionally, you can use its built-in speaker to amplify tracks from your MP3 player or phone by taking advantage of its 3.5-millimeter auxiliary input jack.
- Can also play cds
- Very affordable
- May be too quiet for some
Reshow Cassette
The Reshow Cassette is not only a functional, compact player, but when hooked up to a computer it doubles as an audio interface. This means that, in addition to normal listening, it can also be used to convert your favorite mixtapes to MP3s as well.
- Transfer cable and earbuds included
- Auto-reverse functionality
- Poor-quality buttons
Victrola Classic
The Victrola Classic emulates the look of a 1980s blaster-style boombox, complete with large woofers and an array of bright lights. Despite its old-school appeal it still has some modern features, such as the ability to play audio files from an SD card or thumb drive.
- Records to cassette and usb
- Can stream music via bluetooth
- Subpar bass response
Riptunes Wireless
The Riptunes Wireless is a fine option for pumping up the jams whether you’re hanging out by the pool or cleaning the house. And if you get tired of your tape collection, you can use the Bluetooth connectivity to stream from devices that are within 30 feet.
- Choice of red or silver
- Not too big at 12 inches long
- Required d batteries not included
Byron Statics Portable
Byron Statics Portable on Walmart
If you’re a casual listener and you simply want an inexpensive solution look no further than the Byron Statics Portable . This quirky looking machine definitely cuts a few corners to achieve its price, but it still has useful functions like reverse and record.
- Runs on aa batteries or 5 volts dc
- Voice activation system
- Playback can be a bit fast
