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Though incredibly nostalgic for many of us, cassettes are not entirely redundant even with today’s amazing technology. Lots of still have cassettes from decades ago, and a portable cassette player is necessary to play them.
Fortunately, you don’t have to waste money on a device that plays only cassettes since all modern portable cassette players can do a lot more – like connect to the radio, play CDs, connect your other devices, and more. Some can even transfer your cassette files to new, more modern formats for safe keeping.
No matter how long it’s been since you used a cassette player, it’s a good idea to have a refresher on what they can do and how to choose the right one for your needs; that’s where we come in.
We spent 22 hours analyzing 25 different products, and we used 840 customer reviews to develop a list of the best portable cassette players in Canada.
These modern cassette players are more versatile, high-quality machines that will simultaneously brig you back to childhood while supplying you with all the modern conveniences. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to choose your new portable cassette player without hesitation or regret.
Following our last update, we recommend the Byron Statics Portable Cassette Player for its portability, ease of use, and value.
In a rush? Buy it Now on Amazon!
Portable Cassette Player Comparative Table
| Product | Summary | Rating | Price | |
|
TOP PICK
|
Byron Statics Portable Cassette Player
|
|
9.4/10 | See price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BOOMBOX PICK
|
Victrola 1980s Retro Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player
|
|
9.8/10 |
Our Pick for The Best Portable Cassette Player
Byron Statics Portable Cassette Player Review
The Best Overall
Byron Statics
When it comes to traditional, high quality cassette players, there is no better option than the Byron Statics Portable Cassette Player. If you’re in the market for a device that delivers crisp audio and encourages your creativity, this is the model for you.
What We Think of The Byron Statics Portable Cassette Player
This Byron Statics cassette player is one that everyone could make use of. It comes in two vibrant colors, pink or blue, to add some style to your life. It weighs slightly over half a pound and is only 4.5” at its longest dimensions, so it is incredibly easy to stow in a purse or carry around as a handheld. Since it is about as portable as it gets, we are sure everyone could make use of it in some way or another.
There is one feature that tends to cause a divide. Depending on what you are looking for, the simplicity of this device may be a good thing or a bad thing. This cassette player is only compatible with cassette tapes. You cannot hook up any devices to it, or listen to any radio stations. This single functionality may be appealing to you if you are looking for something easy to use and straightforward, but it is also very limiting which may be a problem for others.
I absolutely adore this cassette player. I got it as a gift for my last birthday and I’ve been using it every single day ever since (nearly three months now). It is incredibly lightweight and portable, and it is pretty simple. It’s exactly the style I wanted, and I can use it to both listen to cassette tapes or record my own stuff on them. Couldn’t recommend this any higher to similar minded people!
Emma E.
Since there isn’t any sophisticated functionality, this cassette player is incredibly affordable. No matter your budget, this highly portable cassette player could become your new favorite product. You can run it off its battery or connected to a USB cable, so you’ll never find yourself without power. The best part is that you can use this to record your own content on cassette tapes.
Byron Statics Portable Cassette Player Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.5” x 3.1” x 1.2”
- Colour: Blue or pink
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
- Playable Medium: Cassette
- Power Source: USB cable or battery
Byron Statics Portable Cassette Player Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Very portable
- Easy to use even for beginners
- Records
- Affordable
Cons
- No additional functionality
Our Final Opinion about the Byron Statics Portable Cassette Player
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Byron Statics Portable Cassette Player is our top pick for cassette newbies and aficionados alike. With a highly portable design, ease of use, and affordability, there is no reason for you to not buy this product. What are you waiting for?
Our Boombox Pick for a Portable Cassette Player
Victrola 1980s Retro Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player Review
The Boombox Choice
Victrola
If you are looking for a cassette player that is way more than just a cassette player, the Victrola 1980s Retro Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player is the perfect match for you. With unbeatable functionality and a great style, it’s no wonder this is our top boombox pick.
Victrola 1980s Retro Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player Video Review
What We Think of The Victrola 1980s Retro Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player
If you are wanting an all around incredible cassette player, this Victrola 1980s model is for you. It has a classic retro vibe to it, and a large speaker that delivers unbeatable sound quality. Whether you are using it indoors or out, for a small gathering or large party, this boombox cassette player will be heard. It weighs only 10 lbs so is very easy to cart around, and it is durable enough to tag along on camping trips and other travels.
This boombox can really do it all. It has Bluetooth connectivity so it is easy to work with, and it can bring you music and entertainment in so many ways. You can use traditional cassette tapes, you can access radio stations, and it is compatible with aux cables, SD cards, and USBs. With this machine, you’d never need to listen to music another way.
When it comes to boombox style cassette players, I really don’t think it gets much better than this one. It has dual power options, so much connectivity, and is just really high quality in terms of sound and design. Whatever needs you have for a boombox cassette player, this won’t let you down. I can’t speak to its longevity yet, but I’m hoping to have this for many years.
jeremiah p.
One of the great things about this boombox cassette player is that it has dual power options. You can connect it to an outlet with its power cord or run it straight off its battery; you’ll never be without great sound. It has a large handle and a large display to make things easier for you, and the sound quality is something you’ll never forget. It is fairly expensive for a cassette player, but we guarantee that its versatility and sound quality won’t leave you disappointed.
Victrola 1980s Retro Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player Specifications
- Dimensions: 17.9” x 9.5” x 5.3”
- Colour: Silver
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Playable Medium: Cassette, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, SD card, USB, AUX-in
- Power Source: Power cord and battery
Victrola 1980s Retro Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Excellent versatility to play music
- Large handle for portability
- High-quality sound
- Large display
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Victrola 1980s Retro Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Victrola 1980s Retro Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player is a great option for anyone looking for some versatility in their machine. Although expensive, the sound quality and easy to use display are perfect reminders of what this machine has to offer.
Alternative Products to Consider
Victrola VBB-25-SLV Mini Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player Review
The Budget-Friendly Boombox Alternative
Victrola
It isn’t always easy to spend a lot of money on unneeded products like cassette players. We are always happy to find a budget friendly alternative to standard products, and the Victrola VBB-25-SLV Mini Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player is exactly that. It doesn’t sacrifice quality, either.
What We Think of the Victrola VBB-25-SLV Mini Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player
Victrola’s mini boombox cassette player is a remarkable little unit. It weighs nearly three pounds and has a very appealing mini design. It has a traditional silver exterior and dual power supply: whether you have access to an outlet or you need to rely on its battery, this cassette player will keep the entertainment coming. With a diverse range of playable mediums including cassettes, USBs, SD cards, AM/FM radio, and even Bluetooth connections.
The wireless power option combines with this unit’s light weight and mini dimensions makes this the perfect travel companion. If you still want high quality, shareable sound that is versatile in terms of entertainment source, it really doesn’t get better. One thing you will have to watch out for is that this model can have a tendency to eat your tapes if you aren’t careful; sometimes they are just defective. With warranty protection though, you should be able to get a refund or replacement if you end up experiencing this issue.
I am always looking for a bargain, and coming across this mini boombox/cassette player was one of the best finds of the month for me. I’ve wanted an old school cassette player for quite a while now, because I am just a fan of the experience as a whole (my parents always said I was born in the wrong generation). Couldn’t have found a better option than this one!
hannah s.
Compared to regular boombox cassette players, this model is a lot more affordable, and that’s one of the things we love about it. Sometimes you’re just in the market for the boombox aesthetic without the hassle of a large unit with a high price tag. This is the perfect combination for boombox lovers looking to take things retro without also losing a big portion of their paycheck.
Victrola VBB-25-SLV Mini Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.8” x 6.3” x 3.4”
- Colour: Silver
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- Playable Medium: USB, AM/FM radio, cassette, Bluetooth, SD card
- Power Source: Power cord or battery
Victrola VBB-25-SLV Mini Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Smaller boombox for easier portability
- Wireless power option
- Bluetooth connectivity to play music from a device
- More affordable
Cons
- Sometimes eats the tape
Our Final Opinion About the Victrola VBB-25-SLV Mini Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Victrola VBB-25-SLV Mini Bluetooth Boombox with Cassette Player is the perfect choice for people wanting a portable cassette player, an affordable cassette player, a high quality cassette player, or all of the above. It might eat your tape sometimes, but we feel it is a risk worth taking.
Studebaker Portable Retro Home Audio Stereo Review
The Aesthetic Choice
Studebaker
If you really want to go back in time, the Studebaker Portable Retro Home Audio Stereo is the best for you. With a retro aesthetic and high quality design, you’ll instantly travel back in time without losing out on all the modern technologies and improvements.
What We Think of the Studebaker Portable Retro Home Audio Stereo
If you’re wanting a cassette player that makes a visual statement as well as an audible one, you’ve got the perfect product in this Studebaker model. It has the retro boombox design while being enhanced by high quality speakers and some extra functionality. You can use this model with cassettes, to listen to the radio, or to plug in another device (like your phone) using an aux cord. It is black instead of silver which is a unique take on the traditional metallic appearance of boomboxes.
We love the dual power options that this boombox offers. You can take it anywhere and use its battery power to keep the entertainment going, and if you are in a location where you have access to an outlet, you can recharge the battery and conserve it for later use. This model weighs only 3.35 lbs, so it makes a great travel companion even though it has average boombox dimensions.
The dual power options is one of the main reasons I purchased this model instead of a couple other ones I was looking at. I like being able to choose whether I drain the battery or conserve it when I have access to an outlet. I do wish it had some Bluetooth capability, but it does have an auto stop and recording capability, which I feel evens out the loss of the Bluetooth. Great product overall.
rain E.
There isn’t any Bluetooth connectivity, but you still can connect other devices using the aux in feature. One thing we love about this model is its auto stop function. This protects your cassette tapes from damage and keeps them pristine for years. You can also use this boombox cassette player to record yourself or surrounding noise onto your own tapes for future listening. Throw in a large speaker with high-quality sound and you’ve got the perfect mix of style and value.
Studebaker Portable Retro Home Audio Stereo Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.5” x 3.5” x 6.2”
- Colour: Black
- Weight: 3.35 lbs
- Playable Medium: AM/FM radio, cassette, aux-in
- Power Source: Power cord or battery
Studebaker Portable Retro Home Audio Stereo Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Great appearance
- Large speaker with high-quality sound
- Aux input for MP3, phone, or other device
- Cassette auto stop and recorder built in
Cons
- No Bluetooth
Our Final Opinion About the Studebaker Portable Retro Home Audio Stereo
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Studebaker Portable Retro Home Audio Stereo is the best aesthetic choice. It has a large speaker and an appealing design, one that is sure to take you back to the good old days. If you don’t mind the lack of Bluetooth connectivity, this model has everything you need.
SuperSonic SC-3200 Retro Boombox Review
The Analog to Digital Alternative
SuperSonic
A great sounding boombox is already an awesome product, but sometimes, you just want more. The SuperSonic SC-3200 Retro Boombox takes functionality to a whole new level with its ability to convert cassette tapes into USB and SD files. How does that sound?
What We Think of The SuperSonic SC-3200 Retro Boombox
When you need a boombox to make a statement for the ages, this SuperSonic model is up to the task. Let’s start off with the basics. This boombox runs off of a power cord, so you won’t ever be able to rely on battery power if you’re away from an outlet. That is one inconvenience, and a second is that there is no Bluetooth connectivity offered by this device; you’ll need a different model if that’s a feature you’re after.
This SC-3200 model has quite a diverse range of playable mediums. You have the traditional cassette readability and access to AM/FM radio, but you also can use SD cards and USBs. This is also one of the lightest boomboxes at only 3.7 lbs; it won’t be difficult to carry around and it is durable enough to hold up to some travel and outdoor exposure.
I have always been a big fan of boomboxes, even after they faded out in place of better technology. I think they have great style and produce great sound, so I was very happy to see this great product marketed. Honestly, I don’t have enough good things to say about this boombox, so I’ll just tell you that if you enjoy good quality music and you want a retro feel, this is the thing for you.
darren U.
The most unique thing about this boombox is its ability to convert cassette tapes into SD or USB files. This really makes it stand apart from other comparable boomboxes on the market, and it’s why we are so excited about this product. All of the older souls out there will have music and homemade tapes that they don’t want to lose, and this boombox lets you conserve all of those memories in the new digital age.
SuperSonic SC-3200 Retro Boombox Specifications
- Dimensions: 13.3” x 7” x 4”
- Colour: Black
- Weight: 3.7 lbs
- Playable Medium: AM/FM radio, SD card, USB, cassette
- Power Source: Power cord
SuperSonic SC-3200 Retro Boombox Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- USB and SD compatible
- Converts from cassette to USB and SD
- Has AM/FM radio
- Lightweight for portability
Cons
- No Bluetooth
Our Final Opinion About the SuperSonic SC-3200 Retro Boombox
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the SuperSonic SC-3200 Retro Boombox is one of the coolest products on our list. A unique function makes this one of the most unique models we can offer you, and its overall quality and reliability doesn’t suffer as a result of its analog to digital functionality.
Jensen SCR-75 Stereo Cassette Player Review
The Handheld Alternative
Jensen
interested in an intimate, secluded listening session. That’s where the Jensen SCR-75 Stereo Cassette Player comes in. It is a handheld cassette player that truly lets you escape to another world.
Jensen SCR-75 Stereo Cassette Player Video Review
What We Think of the Jensen SCR-75 Stereo Cassette Player
If you need a cassette player that can be taken anywhere, this Jensen model is it. It weighs only 0.6 lbs and runs solely off of battery power, enabling you to have your entertainment source functional anywhere you travel. It has a black exterior and comes with a pair of matching earbuds; you won’t need to dig yours out from the junk drawer or purchase a new pair. How convenient is that?
This cassette player can obviously read cassette tapes with ease, but it also gives you access to FM and AM radio stations for those times you don’t want to choose what to listen to, or you just want some more diversity and some conversation to entertain you during your daily activities. It is a pretty simple model, and for some that may be an issue. However, we are willing to bet that there are a lot of individuals out there who would love the retro simplicity, because its really simple to use too.
This Jensen stereo cassette player is one of the best multi-functional sound machines I have ever owned. It is so light weight and easy to take everywhere since it runs off batteries instead of a power cord. It comes with ear buds, and it doesn’t only play cassettes; you get radio stations too when you don’t want to choose what to listen to! Couldn’t ask for anything better.
james w.
Although this device’s weight and size make it easily portable, there is another great feature that really allows you to take it anywhere, and that is the belt clip. Whether you want to use this cassette player while running, working out, gardening, or any other activity, the belt clip will keep the cassette player close to you, safe, and still allow you to have the use of your hands. It has an auto stop feature to protect your cassette tapes, too.
Jensen SCR-75 Stereo Cassette Player Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.4” x 4.3” x 2”
- Colour: Black
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
- Playable Medium: AM/FM radio, cassette
- Power Source: Battery
Jensen SCR-75 Stereo Cassette Player Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Comes with matching earbuds
- Very portable
- Has a belt clip for walking/running/exercising
- Auto stop for cassette
Cons
Cons
- Simple functioning
Our Final Opinion About the Jensen SCR-75 Stereo Cassette Player
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Jensen SCR-75 Stereo Cassette Player is a device that would benefit everyone. Although simple, it offers the best portability and convenience of any other cassette player. It even has a belt clip, so although it is a handheld model, you can enjoy it’s sound while engaging in any activity.
Sony WM-FX488 Walkman Stereo Cassette Player Review
The All-Inclusive Alternative
Sony
If you are in the market for a cassette player that can do everything, the all inclusive Sony WM-FX488 Walkman Stereo Cassette Player is exactly what you’re looking for. In addition to radio and cassette listening, you have access to weather channels and TV. It doesn’t get better than that.
What We Think of The Sony WM-FX488 Walkman Stereo Cassette Player
You may think we are bluffing when we call this cassette player the all-inclusive alternative, but we stand by it. This is because you can use cassette tapes with it, listen to AM and FM radio, access weather channels, and even listen to TV! You bring us another cassette player that can do all that and more, and we will be happy to revert our titling (pro tip, you won’t find one).
This cassette player is also incredibly portable. It is 11” at its longest side, but weighs only 0.7 lbs. Can you believe that? It is one of the lightest cassette players on the market as a result, which makes it incredibly portable. Its battery power source adds to its portability and convenience, and we are all about that. It comes in a standard silver color which we quite enjoy. Since we expect you’ll be taking this quite a few places, it would be a good idea to find a carrying case to protect its appearance on the move.
I am such a huge fan of this product. I love that I can use cassettes with it and it still has radio stations too. It’s really lightweight, so I pretty much take it everywhere with me now. It’s the perfect way to escape from the hustle and bustle of a big city, and the included headphones are pretty comfortable, even for long term use. Highly recommend!
samantha R.
There are a couple of things we’d love for you to know. First off, this cassette player has a 40-station memory. This will prevent you from wasting time searching for your favorites every time you turn it on. It will also come with over-ear headphones. They are comfortable and don’t diminish the sound quality, so you can be certain that you are getting the best experience possible. We understand that its price may remove it as a purchase option for some, but its quality and inclusiveness makes it worth the extra money in our opinion. Is it missing anything?
Sony WM-FX488 Walkman Stereo Cassette Player Specifications
- Dimensions: 11” x 7” x 3”
- Colour: Silver
- Weight: 0.7 lbs
- Playable Medium: TV, AM/FM radio, cassette, weather channels
- Power Source: Battery
Sony WM-FX488 Walkman Stereo Cassette Player Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has TV and weather reception
- Includes over-ear headphones
- 40-station memory
- Very portable
Cons
Cons
- Very expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Sony WM-FX488 Walkman Stereo Cassette Player
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Sony WM-FX488 Walkman Stereo Cassette Player is one that offers the most diversity in terms of listening mediums. Whatever you are in the mood for, and wherever you are, this stereo cassette player is up to the job. It’s quite expensive, but its rich features make it worth it.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Portable Cassette Player
What are the Benefits of a Portable Cassette Player?
Portable cassette players are a wonderful retro way of enjoying music on the go. Handheld models are great for exercising and other activities that require the use of your hands, and bigger models are great for parties, camping, and more. The biggest advantage is that most cassette players can also work as recording devices. If you’ve ever wanted a private, non-hackable way of expressing yourself, keeping a cassette diary would be a great way to do that. Portable cassette players are obviously portable, and many will have a dual power supply so they can use an outlet for power when able, but can also run off their battery when you don’t have access to another power source. Portable cassette players are also highly affordable for the most part, although there are some more expensive models on the market, but these have additional features that aren’t always needed or wanted. Lastly, portable cassette players are highly durable, so they will hold up better to frequent travel than other audio systems.
How to Properly Choose Your Portable Cassette Player
- Price.
The price of your portable cassette player will likely be one of the most important factors you consider before purchasing. Many cassette players are incredibly affordable, but there are models that have price tags to make you hesitate. If you’re looking for basic play and record features, the product will be budget friendly, but features like audio conversion, Bluetooth, and more playable mediums will elevate the price point.
- Portability.
Portability is evidently one of the most relevant factors for a portable cassette player. Not every model will perform the same, and there are differences to note. Small handheld models will be the most portable since they are the lightest and smallest in size; these are great for travelling when you have limited space and need to be able to throw it in a bag. Larger models are still portable because they don’t weight much either, are highly durable, and will likely have two options for a power source.
- Power Source.
There are two ways a portable cassette player can receive its power: it may require a power cord or it may run off a battery. Smaller handheld models are usually battery powered because they are used more on the move. Large boombox style cassette players can run off a power cord, battery, or even both. Dual power supplies are quite common and they are incredibly convenient.
- Connectivity.
Some cassette players have Bluetooth or aux cable connectivity on top of their cassette abilities, and this is an awesome way to increase the versatility of the device. If you’re wanting to do more with your cassette player than simply listen to or record cassette tapes, this extra connectivity is something you should be looking for.
- Playable Mediums.
The playable mediums of a cassette player refers to its radio station compatibility and the ways it can read files. Most portable cassette players will have a combination of cassette readability and access to AM/FM radio stations. Some more advanced devices will also give you access to weather and TV channels, or even SD cards. The more diverse the mediums are, the more you’ll pay for your cassette player.
- Accessories.
Some cassette players will come with a pair of headphones or earbuds, and this is the most common accessory you’ll find included with a cassette player purchase. This is an incredibly thoughtful addition on the company’s behalf, and we feel it is a marker of a good product. Other cassette players may come with a carrying or protective case, but headphones/earbuds will be the most common addition.
- Auto Stop.
Auto stop is an awesome feature that can really protect your cassette tapes from damage. When you reach the end of a tape, the player will notice and will stop reading the tape immediately. This will prevent it from eating the tape and causing irreversible damage to your cassettes. Most high quality portable cassette players will have this feature, but not all do, so it’s a good idea to check before your purchase if this will be valuable to you.
- Record Functionality.
Recording on cassette tapes used to be commonplace, but in this day and age, it is very rarely done. If you’re looking to experience that for yourself, a cassette player that also allows you to record your own content on cassette tapes is exactly what you need. This is a fairly common feature so it won’t be too difficult to find.
- Warranty.
Warranty coverage is always a good idea, no matter the product. When it comes to portable cassette players, there are many things that could break that would completely render them useless. Especially if you are investing in a high quality, sophisticated cassette player, you are going to want some protection to get a refund or replacement if it comes to that.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of portable cassette players allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
