Best cassette players and tape players in 2024 for a retro audio fix

There are a few reasons why you might be searching for the best cassette players. Maybe you’re on a retro kick, looking to separate yourself from the cold, soulless world of streaming digital music. Or perhaps you recently came across a dust-laden collection of tapes during a clearout, and want to relive your youth. Or maybe the thought of a portable mechanical music player simply appeals to your quirkier nature.

Whatever your reasons, we’ve rounded up our top picks of some of the best cassette players (or tape players, if you prefer), around. Just plug in a pair of the best headphones and happy listening!

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Quick list: what are the best cassette players?

The best cassette players you can buy today:

1. We Are Rewind Portable Cassette Player

We Are Rewind’s cassette player is, hands down, the most desirable modern offering currently available. Forged from hardy aluminium and available in a trio of colours (grey, blue, and orange), it’s a guaranteed head-turner. Aesthetics aside, it packs the convenience of a built-in rechargeable battery, along with Bluetooth for wireless headphone streaming. The latter might seem a little pointless given the fact you’re willing to lug around a bulky cassette player, but it’s still nice to have the option of going cable-free. Functional and delightfully tactile, it’s all but impossible to resist. Better yet, its covetable design will go a long way in convincing sceptics why you’d want a cassette player in the first place — which is something that can’t be said for the cheaper plastic alternatives on our list.

2. DIGITNOW! Portable Cassette Player

It might not be made from premium metal materials, but at this price, that’s more than acceptable. A no-nonsense, admittedly uninspiring black and faux chrome plastic design makes for a cassette player that won’t draw much attention, but it’s the tech within that holds this player’s true value. While you can enjoy your tapes the traditional way via a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack (with the option of using a rechargeable battery or a pair of AAs), you can also hook it up to a PC for directly converting your cassette collection to MP3, for archival/more convenient listening purposes. Clever stuff.

3. Docooler Portable Cassette Player

If you want the same cassette-to-MP3 recording functionality of the okayer above, in a package that’s a little more attractive, then Docooler’s cassette player should serve you well. It too, has the option of a rechargeable battery or pair of AAs for power, but makes for a more compelling package with its retro white and orange finish, complete with a transparent tape cover. Whether or not that’s worth paying around a tenner extra for, is up to you.

4. Toshiba Aurex AX-W10C Wireless Cassette Player

Toshiba’s ultra-minimal modern player has a gorgeous all-white build, complete with that all-important transparent front cover to properly show off whatever tape you happen to have on the go. As with many of the other picks on our list, you’re getting dual-battery functionality, with a USB-C rechargeable internal battery along with the ability to use a pair of AA batteries if required. You’re also getting the option to switch on virtual surround sound, along with Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless streaming. If you fancy something a little less transparent, there’s also a white model with a much smaller transparent cutout. It can be tricky finding it in stores, but eBay has proven to be a safe bet so far.

5. NINMLab IT’S REAL Bluetooth Speaker

Sure, this isn’t going to be the absolute best-sounding Bluetooth speaker around, but how many have built-in cassette players and a design this funky? With two 5W speakers, satisfyingly chunky control buttons, and a unique design that makes for a funky statement even when not in use, this remarkable entry also has another fancy party trick — a Bluetooth-enabled cassette tape, which can convert any cassette player (like those found in older cars or boomboxes), into a Bluetooth receiver for streaming tunes from your phone. How’s that for a twofer?

6. Groov-E GVPS525SR

Groov-e’s cassette player is hardly a looker. In fact, it’s about as bland and as nondescript an object as you’re likely to come across. But that’s exactly the sort of 90s design that lends it a nostalgic charm, and it really does appear to have been plucked from before the millennium. Cassette tape functionality is bolstered by a built-in AM/FM radio tuner, and there’s even a built-in speaker if you want to huddle around and listen to tunes with a group of like-minded audio hipsters. Hell, there’s also an integrated microphone if you fancy rolling off any notes to yourself in your spare time. The possibilities are (nearly) endless.

7. Lychee Portable Retro Cassette Tape Player

Younger readers might view the above product with a sort of horrified fascination. Older readers will, however, attest to the fact that yes, some Hi-Fi equipment really did look like this back in the Before Times. Granted, we recall much more attractive cassette players and boomboxes back in the day, but there’s something to be said for the Lychee’s black and brown charm. It’ll certainly attract plenty of attention (both good and bad), but there’s something delightfully kitschy about it that should appeal to most users. Looks aside, it’s got a bona fide cassette player within, along with USB and SD card slots for additional media playback options. Throw in a 3.5mm headphone jack and AM/FM receiver, and you’re getting quite a bit of retro-tastic functionality for a price that’s low enough to warrant an impulse purchase.

Other cassette player recommendations

Our number one choice would be FiiO’s CP13 Portable Stereo Cassette Player, but it’s now sold out after its initial run, with no word on when or if another batch will be released.

If you peruse enthusiast forums like the r/cassetteculture subreddit, the general consensus is that a second-hand Sony Walkman from the 90s is one of your best bets if you’re looking for a quality, authentic cassette-playing experience. With that in mind, you’re welcome to peruse eBay and second-hand shops if that’s the route you want to go down.