What comes into your mind when you think about cassette players? To most people, cassette players bring back the memories of the tapes we used to love during those days when CD, Flash drives and modern media players did not exist. Do you still have those old tapes and you have been wondering how you can convert them into MP3s?
Modern cassette players will do exactly that. Apart from listening to your favorite tapes, they also allow you to convert those tapes to a format that is compatible with your laptop, smartphone or any modern device. They may not have the best sound quality but are very durable and convenient.
The other thing most people love about them is that they are highly portable and are also affordable. Today we shall review the best portable cassette players you should consider. Check them below.
Top 10 Best Portable Cassette Players
1. Sony ZSRS60BT
If you are searching for the most reliable portable cassette player, Sony ZSRS60BT Portable Bluetooth Digital Tuner will be an excellent choice. The reason why it comes first in this list is because it comes with more advanced features as compared to others. It uses Bluetooth 2.1 interface and NFC connectivity which allows you to stream music from compatible audio devices. It also comes with a top-loading CD player which enables you to play disc media. The speakers provide a mega bass stereo to ensure that you get the best listening experience.
Additionally, it features FM/AM radio which has over 30 radio stations. This gives you a wide variety of radio stations that will keep you entertained. You can also record CDs or your favorite songs from a CD and then convert them into MP3s using the CD sync feature. The 6 C batteries provides up to 26 hours of playback. In addition, the portable design and the carrying handle allow you to move with it easily.
2. ION iTR06H
ION iTR06H Tape Express Plus is a portable and handheld device that is compatible with all tapes. It comes with an easy to use USB connection which allows you to send music from your tapes to your computer where you can later convert the files into digital files. It also allows you to load digital music from the computer and then record on a CD. With this device, you can rediscover your favorite old tapes using the Tape Express Plus. It has a portable design which enables it to fit perfectly in any bag. It is loud enough and provides an impressive sound quality.
With this device, you can play or transfer music wherever you are. Apart from that, it comes with EZ Vinyl/ Tape Converter software which is very powerful and easy to use. It guides you through the process of transferring your songs through iTunes. The device also features recording settings for chrome cassette tapes and the normal cassette tapes. In addition, the device has an audio output which allows you to listen through headphones and other audio devices.
3. Riptunes RACR400
RipTunes RACR400 Cassette Player is another outstanding cassette player which comes with amazing features. The most notable thing about it is its unique design which enables it to provide an amazing sound quality. The bass controls provide an excellent sound effect and the folding carry handles allows you to move with it easily. As a result, it is among the best cassette players for anyone who loves travelling. The headphone jack output allows you to enjoy your music without disturbing anyone.
You can also stream your favorite songs from Bluetooth enabled devices at a range of 30ft. If you love listening to radio programs, you will be happy to note that you can use it to listen to FM and AM radio stations. You will also find that it has SD and USB slots which allows you to listen to music from different gadgets. The good thing is that it is budget friendly and will serve you for many years. It is also available in different colors.
4. Reshow Re-006
Reshow Re-006 Cassette Player is another top-notch cassette player you can find on the market. The first thing you will love about it is that it has a very beautiful design which enables it to stand out from the rest. Apart from the design, you can also use it as a music recorder. It comes with reliable earphones which allows you to enjoy listening to your favorite songs even in crowded environments. The device has a one-touch button for recording and an auto reverse function.
The Re-006 converts tapes into MP3s which means that you can listen to them through your smartphone or a computer. You can play the recorded music by simply pressing a button. The 3.5 mm output jack enables you to connect it to other devices. To make your work easier when navigating different functions, a user manual is included. You should also note that it is powered by 2 AA batteries which are purchased separately.
5. GPX BCA209B
GPX BCA209B is among the best for anyone in need of a versatile cassette player. What makes it unique is that it has AM/FM function which means that you won’t need to purchase different devices. Apart from that, you can also use it to play cassettes and CDs. It can also record from Radio and CD. The CD player also comes with inbuilt stereo speakers which are very powerful. The LCD display provides details of what is being played. Additionally, it has a load disc player at the top and you can also program your tracks as per your requirements.
It uses AC power but it is also compatible with 6C batteries which makes it convenient when travelling. You should also note that it features a convenient carrying handle which comes in handy when you want to use it in different places. The good thing is that it has a compact design which means that it does not require a lot of space. The auto stop feature is very effective since it stops the device at the end of the tape.
6. USB Portable Cassette Player
If you have never used a cassette player before, this one is among the best you should consider because it is very easy to use. You can use it to convert your tapes into MP3 without using any program. After recording, you are free to transfer the files to any device of your choice. You should also note that it is compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. It also comes with a pair of earphones, storage bag, user manual and USB cable for charging.
When using this device, you can easily record 2-sides music tracks from a tape to a USB drive. The USB port supports different formats such as exFAT, FAT and FAT32 up to 64 GB. This means that you can store up to 2000 songs. Another thing is that it works perfectly with standard 3.5mm AUX jack which means that it is compatible with earbuds, headphones or audio port of car speakers. Through the auto mode, the device can save each song into a separate MP3 file. It also comes with a 12 months warranty.
7. Sony CFDS70-BLK
Here comes another fantastic cassette player from Sony. One of the best things about Sony CFDS70-BLK CD/MP3 cassette player is that it provides a great sound through the inbuilt speakers. You can use it to play CD-R/RW, CDs, and MP3 CDs using the programmable functions. It also features an inbuilt cassette tape deck which has a recording function. The inbuilt FM/AM tuner features 30 stations and it also allows you to save your favorite stations.
It is powered by an AC adapter and it also works well with 6 C batteries which provides up to 19 hours of playback. The Mega bass circuitry enhances the low frequency bass performance by just pressing a button. You can also connect different digital music players through the auxiliary audio output. The other thing about it is that it is affordable and comes from a reputable brand. Apart from that, it has unique features like the LCD display which you can’t find in many portable cassette players. It is lightweight and the controls are easy to use. The only problem is that it does not allow you to skip from one song to another.
8. Feir EC-007U2
This one is a digital USB cassette player which allows you to copy the music directly from the tape to a USB drive. This means that you can use it to convert tapes into MP3 formats. Actually, it is even more convenient than when you are using your computer. Unlike others, it is powered by 2 AAA batteries or through a USB port. Note that the power input should not exceed 5V/0.5 A. It also supports playback which means that you can still listen to your tapes even without converting.
It has a nice design which allows it to fit perfectly in your pocket. As a result, it will be great companion when you are walking or jogging. The 3.5 mm jack allows you to connect it with different audio devices. It is also compatible with Windows 7/ XP and Vista. It is good to go through the user manual before using it to ensure that you have understood how it works.
9. DIGITNOW BR602-CA
With DIGITNOW cassette player, you can convert any cassette tapes into MP3 files. You just need to connect it to your computer, then load a tape cassette and press play. You do not need to install any drivers. Press the ‘Record’ button in the recording software and allow the software to convert it into a digital format. You can send the Mp3 files to your iPod, MP3 player, smartphone or iPhone. Its compact design makes it easy to carry.
You should also note that it can be powered by a USB cable or a rechargeable battery. The audio output allows you to listen to your music through headphones, earbuds or any other speaker system. In addition, it is compatible with Windows 7, windows XP, Vista and other operating systems. It also comes with a user manual, 3.5 mm jack output, software CD and a USB cable. If you are on a limited budget, you will be happy to learn that it is very cheap.
10. Byron KCS-315
Byron KCS-315 Cassette Player is among the most affordable players you can find out there. Despite its low price, it is very reliable and provides an excellent performance. To start with, the device allows you to convert tape into an MP3 format. This means that you can convert your old cassettes and mix tapes into MP3 format. After you are done, you can easily send them to a USB drive without using any device.
It is a multifunctional device since you can connect it to other digital devices such as earbuds, headphones and car speakers through the 3.5 mm AUX jack. The other thing you will be happy about is that it features 2 power supply ways which means that the device can be powered by 2 AA batteries or through a USB power supply. The compact and sleek design enables it to fit perfectly in any bag.
The Verdict
Even though cassette player may seem outdated, they are still useful in today’s world. The best thing about them is that you can use them to revive your old tapes. Most of them will allow you to convert tapes into MP3s which means that you can easily save your old songs in your laptop. If you want to get the best value when buying these units, you should pick any from this list. They are all advanced, affordable, portable and easy to use.