The Best VHS Players
Some people may consider VHS players relics of the past, but they're actually still quite useful. We still have plenty of old VHS movies and home videos that deserve some love, and there are even VHS players that can help transfer your analog videos to digital formats. But with such a long history, VHS players come in a vast range of models and designs. Here, we simplify the search by presenting our top favorites.
What to Look For
There are plenty of excellent VHS players out there, but there are also some crummy options. To weed out the duds from the winners, we used four main questions to guide us: What video output format does it use? Does it reliably play old VHS movies? Is the price fair for the quality? Does it offer high-fidelity audio and video? Our favorite is the Panasonic PV-9450 since it has a familiar design, including a remote, and plays films with clarity. But because the price might be too high for some budgets, we also urge you to check out Panasonic’s PV-V4022 model, which has a simple, user-friendly design. For more of our reviews, read on.
Panasonic PV-9450 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR
Reliable and renowned
When this VCR was released by Panasonic oh-so-many years ago, it was a cutting-edge machine. Because it’s a “4-head, hi-fi” model, it can deliver optimal video and audio quality. With this player, there seems to be far less of that notorious buzzing and wiggly lines that less costly VCRs are prone to produce. We also appreciate the included remote control, which is essential for accessing the myriad of options.
Pros:
- Classic look and design
- Reliably plays VHS tapes
- Rewinds tapes quickly
- Delivers excellent quality
Cons:
- Fairly pricey, considering its age
Panasonic PV-V4520 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR
Record and replay
Another excellent overall option, this endearing little VCR player actually hosts an array of advanced features. Our favorite is its ability to record, and you can playback your recording nearly the moment it’s done. Of course, you still have to rewind the tape, something that the PV-V4520 does rapidly. Add to that the four heads and hi-fi output, and you have yourself a VCR player worth every penny.
Pros:
- The included remote control is illuminated
- Auto rewind feature kicks in when it reaches the end of a tape
- Relatively less expensive than other models of the same quality
- Easy to program to your liking
Cons:
- The Commercial Skip feature can be a little finicky, so you have to get used to its idiosyncracies
Panasonic PV-V4022 VCR VHS Player
Simplicity at its finest
For those of us who yearn for the simplicity of yesteryear, this VHS player is a relief. Its setup involves just plugging it into an outlet and your TV, as programming the clock and settings isn’t necessary for playback. And although it comes with a remote control, you can rewind, fast-forward, play, stop, and record right from the face of the machine itself. For no-frills playback of family videos and VHS tapes, this one is a no-brainer.
Pros:
- Includes video- and audio-in inputs for playing videos straight from compatible video cameras
- Four heads for smoother, clearer video
- Reliable internal hardware minimizes the risk of damaging old tapes
Cons:
- The tape heads can get gunky fairly easily, though you can run a VHS head cleaner to fix the issue
JVC HRA591U 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR
The quality you deserve
Though this JVC unit might come at a higher price, you get what you pay for. Indeed, it’s a premium machine that delivers impressively clear images. The main reason for its high performance is the Pro-Cision 19-micron heads. With four in total, they reliably play and record with nearly the best possible quality. In fact, there are a lot of impressive features on the HRA591U, so we recommend checking it out to see if its advanced design is worth the price.
Pros:
- Solid, durable construction
- Excellent remote control
- Easy to program
- Easy to use
- Tons of advanced controls, including slow-mo and pause
Cons:
- Expensive
JVC VCR VHS Transfer Bundle, HDMI Converter
Modernize your memories
It’s nice to enjoy the warmth of VHS tapes, but saving digital copies of your footage is the best way to share and edit them. That’s why we love this JVC VCR since it comes with an HDMI converter, a USB adapter, and a couple of other useful accessories for digitalizing your tapes. Best of all, you don’t need to be a professional technician to operate it. The straightforward design connects easily with a computer, so you can keep your family videos and old VHSs safe from the ravages of time.
Pros:
- Complete kit for connecting to a computer
- Also plays VHS tapes normally
- Can potentially save you money since digital transfer labs usually cost quite a bit
Cons:
- Though the process isn’t complicated, you’ll still likely need to find instructions online to successfully transfer videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a VCR?
VCRs have internal heads that come in contact with the tape, so they can get dirty over time. If they’re too dirty, the VCR won’t run. Fortunately, cleaning them is easy since there are products called VCR head cleaners. All you have to do is follow the instructions that come with the VCR head cleaner, and your VCR’s heads should be as good as new.
How do you transfer VHS tapes to a computer?
There are several different ways to do this. If your VCR has the basic RCA cable output, you’ll likely need an additional device to convert the signal into USB. You will also likely need to acquire a digital conversion program, which records the analog video signal in a digital format.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.