The Best Portable Cassette Players
Believe it or not, cassette players are still a thing. And why shouldn’t they be? The classics never go out of style. Yes, you may be hard-pressed to find a gym rat pumping iron while sporting a giant yellow Walkman, but believe me, retro is stylish. And modern cassette tape players offer up so much more than the ones we used to purchase at the local mall. For instance, many new models can plug into your laptop, and with a couple of clicks, your music’s downloaded and ready to be transferred over to your device of choice. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry, you can still purchase a good old-fashioned portable cassette player and listen to those tapes just as you did back in the day. After all, let’s face it, some things were never meant to change.
Portable Cassette Player From Byron Statics
A Classic That Delivers Old School Charm
Sometimes, simple is best. There’s no point in changing a classic if it works just fine. And that’s exactly what you’re going to get with this player from Byron Static – a classic. This beauty has all the old-school charm and appeal of the original portable cassette player. Not only will it play your cassette tapes, but it also allows you to scroll through the dials of its built-in AM/FM radio. Additionally, this player can be used as a tape recorder. So yeah, the classic charm is front and center with this throwback.
Pros:
- Mirrors the original portable cassette player look
- Built-in recorder and AM/FM radio
- Comes with a belt clip
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Can occasionally play your tapes too fast
- May have recording issues from time to time
MYPIN USB Cassette To MP3 Converter And Portable Player
USB Cassette To MP3 Converter Plus Portable Player
More than just your average portable cassette player, MYPIN’s device allows you to convert your cassettes to MP3 without the use of a computer. It doesn’t get much easier than that. As an added convenience, the cassette player can automatically switch sides of the tape while converting. Also, you can use headphones, earbuds, or connect the device to your car speakers.
Pros:
- Converts cassettes to MP3 without a computer
- Can be synced with car audio speakers
- Vintage look
- Automatically switches tape sides when converting
Cons:
- A clicking sound may appear in recordings after transfer
- Playback volume can sometimes be softer after the MP3 conversions
DIGITNOW Bluetooth Cassette Player
Transmit Music To Bluetooth Receivers
Not satisfied with being just a typical portable cassette player, DIGITNOW raises the bar with a device that can transmit music to other Bluetooth receivers. Simply push the ‘play’ button and you’re connected. But this device can also be treated like an old school portable player by playing your classic cassettes. As a bonus, it has an auto-reverse function that turns your tapes over quickly.
Pros:
- Connects to Bluetooth devices
- Can function as a regular cassette player
- Auto-reverse function turns tapes over quickly
- Easy connectivity
Cons:
- A light hum is sometimes heard during playback
- Not compatible with Windows 10
Lyss Electronics Portable Cassette Player With Speaker
A Classic Look and Feel
Portable cassette players have been around for over 40 years, so obviously there’s a charm and sense of nostalgia that keeps them around. Lyss sees that and responds to it with their updated take on a classic. Although the original look and feel are still there, the construction has just improved. In fact, Lyss takes such pride in their work that they offer a 3-year warranty with every purchase. That’s a true testament to the durability of a solid throwback.
Pros:
- All the features of the original classic portable cassette player
- 3-year warranty
- Built-in speaker
- Lightweight and easy to transport
Cons:
- The built-in speaker can sometimes sound fuzzy
- The included earbuds aren’t of the highest quality
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the present-day portable cassette players different from those of decades past?
As technology has changed over the last 40 years, so has the portable cassette player. Yes, the basics are still there, but the overall package has been given a huge upgrade, one that blends old school charm with modern machinery. The players of today will not only play your classic cassettes but can also plug straight into your computer and transfer over those musical memories. Some of these players are even Bluetooth-activated and have the capability to connect with most Bluetooth speakers.
With all the modern services I can use to listen to music on my iPod, laptop, or phone, why invest in a portable cassette player?
A classic never goes out of style. And portable cassette players are generally much less expensive than an Mp3 player or laptop. Plus, much like vinyl, old school cassettes have a very authentic sound that you can’t get with a streaming service. Retro is surging. Throwbacks are considered in-style. So yes, keeping up with the times can sometimes mean rewinding the clock.
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