Before online streaming services were a thing, children of the 90s and the older generation listened to music primarily on portable cassette players.
Also known as the Walkman, these players are making a big comeback these days.
As a child of the 90s, I had the pleasure of testing some cassette players on the market.
Out of the seven products, I found Reshow Cassette Player to be the best of its portable size and durable build.
The product is also convenient to use for its converter kit and delivers a clear and crisp sound.
However, these other cassette players on the list are also great buys, as they are also reliable in their performances.
If you are on the lookout for the best cassette player on the market, here are some of the products I tried.
This review also contains a buying guide to help you decide what’s best for you.
Contents
The Best Cassette to MP3 Converters
- Reshow Cassette Player – Best Overall
- DigitNow Cassette Player – Best for portability and playability
- Marantz Professional PMD-300CP – Best Affordable Cassette Deck
- BlumWay Portable Cassette Recorder Player – Best for Quick Conversions
- DigitNow USB Audio Grabber – Best Audio Grabber
- Rybozen Cassette Player – Best for MP3 conversions
- MyPin Cassette to USB Converter – Best for portable MP3 conversions
Also Great | Editor's Choice | Budget Pick |
 |  |  |
Reshow Cassette Player
The Reshow cassette player comes in a durable build and portable size and comes in black and silver color options.
With its conversion kit, the Reshow cassette player makes the MP3 conversion process quick and easy.
The software comes in a CD and runs on all computer operating systems. You can also request a digital version if your laptop doesn’t have a CD ROM.
Converting the songs to MP3 format makes it more convenient since you don’t need to bring the cassette tape anymore.
Moreover, the player can also deliver a crisper sound.
The Reshow cassette player also comes with the standard 3.5mm AUX jack.
Hence, you can use your headphones, speakers, and other similar devices for listening.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- It comes with a conversion kit
- Works well with 3.5mm AUX jack
Cons
- Average connectivity options
DigitNow Cassette Player
The DigitNow cassette player comes in a black/gray design and runs on AA batteries. You also have the option of drawing power from a DC connection if you want.
This cassette player is also known for its quick and easy MP3 conversions with its conversion software.
After installing, connect the Walkman directly to your PC or Mac via USB cable.
However, it’s recommended that you use Audacity or another similar software to digitize your cassettes since the device’s software is not compatible with the latest versions of both Windows and Mac.
DigitNow’s cassette player also comes with a user-friendly interface.
Moreover, it also comes with an automatic reverse feature, enabling you to listen automatically to the other side of the cassette tape.
Pros
- Easy to use
- It comes with an MP3 conversion kit
- Portable design
Cons
- Flimsy construction
Marantz Professional PMD-300CP
The Marantz Professional PMD-300CP is a two-deck cassette player/recorder. Deck A is for playback-only, while Deck B provides both playback and recording.
It comes with a cassette-to-cassette dubbing function, enabling it to preserve or enhance the low-fidelity qualities of both the standard and CR02 tapes.
The Marantz is known for 300CP and for its easy digital archiving using a computer.
You just need to connect the device via USB and download its simple recording program.
This cassette deck also features a rack-mountable design, making it easier to slip into and attach to existing setups.
It also comes with a Noise Reduction feature to achieve a fuller and clearer sound.
The 300CP is also user-friendly with its clear labels and convenient interface.
The LED meters have six segments, displaying the playback levels and the record level.
Pros
- Cassette dubbing feature
- User-friendly interface
- Easy digital archiving
Cons
- Not so durable
BlumWay Portable Cassette Recorder Player
The BlumWay cassette player is a tiny cassette player and comes with headphones, a 3.5mm AUX cable, and a storage bag.
What makes the BlumWay cassette player unique is its easy conversion process.
Unlike other products, BlumWay doesn’t need a computer to convert music to MP3.
Instead, the device saves all the files on a USB drive.
Moreover, BlumWay automatically detects each song and saves them in separate MP3 files.
The BlumWay also comes with control buttons to make it easy to digitize your songs.
As soon as the song starts, you can immediately control the process.
This cassette player also provides two-sided playing.
With a switch, you opt to play on one side and stop, or you can automatically reverse and play the other side of the cassette tape.
Pros
- Easy conversion and digitizing
- Portable design
- Affordable price
Cons
- Flimsy construction
DigitNow USB Audio Grabber
Converting your cassette tapes into MP3 files on your computer requires the use of an audio grabber/ capture.
DigitNow’s USB audio grabber is the best affordable audio in the market.
On the cassette side, the grabber comes with R/L audio connectors and a 3.5mm AUX jack. Either option provides a 2-channel stereo signal.
On the PC side, you get the USB connector.
The DigitNow Audio Grabber does not require any power to use as the power comes from the USB port.
It also does not need any drivers or the installation of additional software.
Your laptop will recognize the device as another USB audio device.
To convert, press record on your chosen audio software and put it in the cassette to play.
After, you can stop both the software and the tape player.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- None
Rybozen Cassette Player
The Rybozen cassette player is a tiny cassette player and only weighs 6.4 ounces, making it easy to carry around.
The Rybozen cassette player is known for its quick and easy MP3 conversion since you can record it on a USB drive.
As such, you can transfer and save the files anywhere.
The device’s support auto mode enables it to detect each song, automatically saving it into separate files.
The default mode is manual, but you can easily switch to the auto mode via a button.
The auto-reverse feature also switches the sides of the cassette tape automatically, making it more convenient.
Rybozen’s cassette player comes with the standard 3.5mm AUX jack, making it compatible with headphones, speakers, and other similar devices.
Pros
- Quick MP3 conversion
- Portable and affordable
- It comes with useful features
Cons
- Decent connectivity
MyPin Cassette to USB Converter
The MyPin cassette player allows for seamless and quick MP3 conversions without a computer.
All you need to do is plug in your USB drive.
This makes it easy to transfer and save your files anywhere.
The converter has a volume control feature to adjust the song’s volume during recording and playback.
MyPin’s auto mode also enables the device to detect the song automatically and saves it in separate files.
The auto-reverse function also automatically switches the sides of the cassette tape while playing or recording.
With its 3.5mm AUX jack, the MyPin cassette player is compatible with headphones, speakers, and other similar devices.
The MyPin cassette player comes with a user manual, headphones, and a carry bag for every purchase.
Pros
- Fast MP3 conversion
- It comes with useful conversion features
- Affordable and portable
Cons
- Cheap construction
Buying Guide
There are numerous cassette players in the market, making it difficult to choose one. But you don’t have to worry.
Here are some factors you need to consider when looking for one.
Build Quality and Portability
Cassette players are made using different materials – the most common being plastic with a metal lining.
For longevity, choose a cassette player made of high-quality and durable plastic.
In terms of portability, the Walkman should be compact and easy to hold.
You can carry most products in your hand and your pocket. Larger cassette players often come with a handle.
Battery Life
Most cassette players run on AA batteries, giving you twenty to twenty-five hours of playing.
Functions
Here are some of the essential functions your Walkman must have:
Automatic Reverse
An automatic reverse feature removes the hassle of manually changing the side of the cassette.
With this function, the Walkman will automatically play the other side.
Built-in Speakers
If you want a crisper and more powerful sound, choose a cassette player with built-in speakers.
FM Radio
A player with an FM radio provides you the option of listening to another entertainment source.
MP3 Conversion
An MP3 conversion feature allows you to convert songs from the analog cassette into the MP3 digital format.
If you’re planning such, it’s best to buy a Walkman with this function.
Noise Reduction
The noise reduction player enables you to listen to your music peacefully without any background noise and other disturbances.
Connectivity Options
Most cassette players have the 3.5mm AUX jack, enabling users to listen using headphones, speakers, and other similar devices.
However, you should get a player that supports a USB connection so that you can listen to modern sources. A player with Bluetooth or an SD-card slot is also recommended.
Conclusion
If you want a blast to the past, consider purchasing a cassette player.
Out of all the products I’ve reviewed, the Reshow Cassette Player is the best.
The Reshow Cassette Player comes with all the features you need in a cassette player at a durable build and affordable price.
You can purchase the cassette player in your local appliance stores and centers.
You can also opt to buy it online via Amazon, eBay, and other selling sites.