10 best cassett tapes

Cassette tapes, commonly referred to as cassettes, were a popular analog audio storage medium widely used for recording and playback of audio content.They are related to microcassette recorders, portable audio and video devices, and electronics. Here's what you need to know about cassette tapes:

  1. Format and Physical Characteristics:

    • Cassette tapes consist of two spools with a magnetic tape wound between them.
    • The tape is typically made of a thin plastic material coated with a magnetic substance.
    • The standard cassette size is 4.76 mm (0.1875 inches) wide, but there are also larger formats, like the 8-track.
  2. Audio Recording:

    • Cassette tapes were primarily used for recording and playback of audio content, such as music albums, speeches, lectures, and personal recordings.
    • They were compatible with a wide range of cassette players and recorders.
  3. Microcassette Tapes:

    • Microcassette tapes are a smaller version of standard cassettes, primarily used for voice recording and dictation.
    • They were commonly employed in microcassette recorders, which were compact and portable devices.
  4. Playback and Recording Devices:

    • Cassette players and recorders were available as standalone devices, as well as integrated into various electronics like boomboxes, car stereos, and home audio systems.
  5. Audio Quality:

    • Cassette tapes offered moderate audio quality, which was subject to degradation over time due to wear and tear.
    • High-quality cassette tapes with metal or chromium dioxide (CrO2) coatings provided better sound fidelity.
  6. Rewinding and Fast-Forwarding:

    • Cassette tapes required manual rewinding and fast-forwarding to access specific tracks or sections of recorded content.
    • Some players featured automatic search functions.
  7. Popularity and Decline:

    • Cassette tapes reached the height of their popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.
    • They began to decline in the late 1990s with the emergence of CDs and digital formats.
  8. Mixtapes and Home Recording:

    • Cassette tapes were commonly used for creating mixtapes, allowing users to compile their favorite songs onto a single tape.
    • Home recording was also popular, enabling people to record their voices or music from other sources.
  9. Obsolescence:

    • Cassette tapes have become largely obsolete in the 21st century due to the prevalence of digital audio formats and streaming services.
    • However, they still hold nostalgic value for some audiophiles and collectors.

In summary, cassette tapes were a widely used analog audio storage medium, with standard and microcassettes serving various recording and playback needs. While they have largely been replaced by digital formats, they remain an iconic symbol of audio technology from the past.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best cassett tapes on the market
  

Maxell 108562 Brick PacksMaxell 108562 Low Noise Surface 90 min Recording Time Audio Cassettes, Great for Everyday Recording (Pack of 5) Protective Case Included

Maxell

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Maxell UR-90 Audio Cassette Tape is great for everyday recording. It has low noise surface which provides a suitable media for music and voice recording . The is 60 minutes of recording time or 30 minutes per side. This Cassette toe is ideal for personal and portable cassette players, includes protective case

  • Great for everyday recording. Normal bias audiotape.
  • Comes in a pack of 5 cassettes.
  • Low noise surface provides a suitable media for music and voice recording.
  • 90 minutes of recording time (45 minutes per side).
  • Ideal for personal and portable cassette players, includes protective case.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this an MP3 tape suitable for use with sSony walkman
Answer: No absolutely not. Used it one time with brake cleaner and it never worked again.
Question: The image is of 90 minute tapes. The item description says 60 minute tapes. Which is it
Answer: Hi winster. We do not recommend storing anything inside our sprayers. Clean out the sprayer per the chemical manufactures instructions, and then rinse with warm water to ensure there is no residue. This will ensure the sprayer's seals and gaskets remain intact and undamaged. Thank you for your question. We appreciate it.
Question: is a "1 pack" just one tape, or 5 tapes
Answer: The tank is made from HDPE (high density polyethylene). We do not recommend using either chemical in this unit. For your application you should consider item number 1046.
Question: are these your everyday run of the mill tape cassettes? I need the regular size...thanks
Answer: No. It’s not for paint. It is for spraying pesticides or other chemicals. Thanks

Maxell 108527 Optimally Designed Flat Packs with Low Noise Surface 90 Min Recording Time Per Cassette

Maxell

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Maxell Blank Audio Cassette Tape is optimally designed for voice recording bad its low noise surface provides a suitable media for music as well. The total recording time per cassette tape is 90 minutes or 45 minutes per side.

  • Optimally designed for voice recording
  • Low Noise surface provides a suitable media for music
  • Total recording time per cassette tape is 90 minutes or 45 minutes per side
  • Optimally designed for voice recording, its Low Noise surface provides a suitable media for music, as well
  • Total recording time per cassette tape is 90 minutes or 45 minutes per side

User questions & answers

Question: What type of cassette is this ? Type 1? Type
Answer:
Question: How tapes are included in this pack
Answer: No Amazon doesn’t but Cuddledown & Brooks linen have some nice ones that you can buy separately. 👍
Question: Whats the difference between type 1 and type
Answer: It isn't what I'd call dark. More of a lighter blue grey. It is quite pretty. The duvet cover is holding up well.
Question: will this hold only 45 min per side or does it hold a little more
Answer: My king size measures around 88-1/2". My bed has a footboard that covers the box springs. The duvet drops just below the top mattress. It looks beautiful.

Blank Cassettes, 60 Minute Storage Capacity, Normal Bias Type Flat, Set of 4 for Radio, answering Machines, Boomboxes, and More

Based on 29 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Blank tapes are hard to find, but we've got 'em!

Record on the blank cassette tape using radio players, answering machines, voice recorders, and more! Listen on car radios, radio players, boom boxes, walkman's, and anything else that plays a standard cassette tape. These cassette blank for your needs!





These blank cassette tapes are great for everyday recording, including voice, all types of music, or video tape recorder. These blank cassette tapes for recording 60 minutes of time each! That's 240 minutes of recording in one set. High quality audio cassettes tapes record sound loud and clear. Hear your favorite songs with crystal clear clarity. These blank audio cassette tapes fit all standard recorders and players. Need cassette tapes blank to record the latest music, audio notes, or more? These casette tapes audio tape anything you need. Fits all standard recorders and players. Perfect for song recorder equipment, as tape recorder tapes, car radios, boomboxes, walkman's, and more!



  • These blank cassette tapes are great for everyday recording, including voice, all types of music, or video tape recorder
  • These blank cassette tapes for recording 60 minutes of time each! That's 240 minutes of recording in one set.
  • High quality audio cassettes tapes record sound loud and clear. Hear your favorite songs with crystal clear clarity.
  • These blank audio cassette tapes fit all standard recorders and players. Need cassette tapes blank to record the latest music, audio notes, or more? These casette tapes audio tape anything you need.
  • Fits all standard recorders and players. Perfect for song recorder equipment, as tape recorder tapes, car radios, boomboxes, walkman's, and more!

Maxell 108575 Optimally Designed for Voice Recording Brick Packs with Low Noise Surface - 90 Minute Audio Cassettes, 7 Tapes Per Pack

Maxell

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Maxell UR-90 normal bias cassette tape is optimally designed for voice recording, its low noise surface provides a suitable media for music as well. Total recording time per cassette tape is 90 minutes or 45 minutes per side. Seven cassette tapes included in one package.

  • Optimally designed for voice recording
  • Low Noise surface provides a suitable media for music
  • Total recording time per cassette tape is 90 minutes or 45 minutes per side

User questions & answers

Question: Are these clear
Answer: type 1
Question: Is this tape type 1 (ferro), type 2 (chrome), or type 4 (metal
Answer: As I recall, two blank tapes are included. At least that's how many are on my computer desk.
Question: May I use it in a Sony recorder TCM-200DV
Answer: These are IEC (International Electrotechnical Committee) standards. They provide broad standards for all tapes, and end the need to align a deck for an individual tape. Type 1 is for normal "iron oxide" tapes (Fe2O3), Type 2 is for high-bias "chromium oxide" tapes (CrO2), Type 3 (obsolete) is for FeCr (ferric chrome), and Type 4 is for Fe (Metal). Type 2 tapes tend to be more expensive than type 1, and type 4 tapes are the most expensive. This is because type 2 tapes tend to have less noise and flatter high frequency response than type 1, and type 4 tapes tend to have even flatter highs and even less noise. Some Type 1 tapes are more expensive than other Type 2 tapes, and may be worth the extra price. More expensive tapes come in better shells, have better lubrication, fewer dropouts, smoother frequency response, and better uniformity from tape to tape. Even though the types imply a particular tape formulations, the type really refers to the tape performance. For example, some iron oxide tapes have an unusual oxide formulation with very small grains that conforms to the type 2 standard better than the type 1 standard. These tapes will be labeled type 2, but may not have any chrome in them. Most modern cassette recorders sense the tape type by the holes in the back of the housing and adjust bias and equalization to compensate for the differences. A few top cassette recorders (the Revox and several Nakamichis) automatically align to a particular tape by recording test tones and then setting their own equalization. In practice, each brand and model tape is slightly different. For the very best recordings, adjust your recorder for the tape you use most, or buy the tape which works best in your recorder. Manufacturers adjust each recorder for a specific tape at the factory. So the best tape might be the one referenced in the recorder owner's manual. In a recording studio, it is common to align the bias and equalization for the specific tape used, and stick with that tape. Taken from : http://stason.org/TULARC/entertainment/audio/general/14-24
Question: Will these tapes fit into a car stereo
Answer: 45 PER SIDE

Product features

Blank Audio Cassette Tape

The Maxell UR-90 normal bias cassette tape is optimally designed for voice recording, its low noise surface provides a suitable media for music as well.

Recording Time

Total recording time per cassette tape is 90 minutes or 45 minutes per side. Seven cassette tapes included in one package.

Maxell Corporation

Established in the United States in 1969, Maxell Corporation of America, a technology and marketing leader, is a full line supplier of OEM and consumer batteries, lenses, and digital media products for the consumer, professional and data storage markets.

The company also offers a full line of electronics care and maintenance products, along with storage products and a well-known brand of headphones, iPOD/MP3 peripherals and speakers. In addition, Maxell supplies industrial batteries for Advanced Meter Infrastructure and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, as well as cellular phones and power tools.

Guardians Of The Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 [Cassette]

Hollywood Records

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Guardians of the galaxy awesome mix vol. 1 is the collection of songs featured in the film. Music plays a major role in Guardians Of The Galaxy as the 1970s songs featured in the film are part of the storyline in a unique way. Explaining how the songs come to play in the story, director James Gunn says, 'One of the main story points in the movie is that Quill has this compilation tape (Awesome Mix #1) that he got from his mother before she died that she made for him. It was of songs that she loved, all songs from the 1970s, and that's the only thing he has left of his mother and that's the only thing he has left of his home on Earth. He uses that as a connection to his past and to the sadness that he feels of having left all that and lost all that.'



From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team the Guardians Of The Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand with the galaxy's fate in the balance.



Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy, which first appeared in comic books in Marvel Super-Heroes, Issue #18 (Jan. 1969), stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen, Djimon Hounsou, with John C. Reilly, Glenn Close as Nova Prime and Benicio Del Toro as The Collector. James Gunn is the director of the film with Kevin Feige, p.g.a., producing. Louis D'Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Jeremy Latcham, Nik Korda and Stan Lee serve as executive producers. Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy is written by James Gunn and Nicole Perlman.

Maxell 109085 Brick Packs Optimally Designed for Voice Recording, Low Noise Surface with 60 Min Recording Time Per Tape

Maxell

Based on 838 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Package of eight Maxell UR-60 normal bias cassette tapes / Ideal for voice recordings / 90 Minutes per cassette tape

  • Package Dimensions: 7.62 cms (L) x 11.43 cms (W) x 13.97 cms (H)
  • Product Type: Blank Media
  • Package Quantity: 1
  • Country Of Origin: United States

User questions & answers

Question: What color are they
Answer: Clear? Do you mean the tape case itself? Yes, as is the outer cover, not counting the paper used to write your tape name and song info. I have been using cassettes for 40 years, although not much in the past 10~15 years and these are just standard bias tapes. Perhaps you can be a little more detailed in your question. Good luck!
Question: Do the cassette tape have screws that hold the case together
Answer: Type 1 (ferro) great for voice recordings like minutes, I have never tried them for music, but they would probably do ok as long as you don't need cd quality.
Question: how many cassette tapes comes in a pack
Answer: YES, I am using it in the Sony recorder. It is not good for music, but works well for simple instructions.
Question: Are these tapes microcassettes
Answer: I have not tried to fit it in a car stereo, but they are the same size of my cassettes tapes I used to play in my car stereo. Hope that helps.

Updated Cassette to MP3 Converter, USB Cassette Player from Tapes to MP3, Digital Files for Laptop PC and Mac with Headphones from Tapes to Mp3 New Technology,Black03

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Cassette to MP3 Converter, USB Cassette Player Recorder to MP3 Convertor, Portable Audio Tape Player USB Cassette Capture for Mac PC Laptop





【Main Features】

♫ Rediscover your old cassette tapes on the go.

♫ Convert your old mix tapes and cassette to MP3 to Playback on iPod/MP3 player or burn to CD.

♫ Portable design fits in virtually any bag and enables you to play and transfer anywhere.

♫ Plug and Play USB device, no drivers required.

♫ Flexible battery or USB-powered operation.

♫ Comes with Tape Converter software to guide you through transfer.

♫ Audio output enables you to listen on your stereo, Headphones, or other speaker system.





【System Requirements】

❀ One available USB2.0 port, Requires pentium4 CPU or above

❀ 512MB RAM or above, 1GB free HDD space

❀ CD-ROM for installation

❀ Compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista 32bit 64bit/Windows 7/ 8/ 10





【Package Included】

✔ 1 x USB Cassette Capture

✔ 1 x USB Cable

✔ 1 x 3.5mm jack earphone

✔ 1 x Software CD

✔ 1 x User Manual





【Note】

☞ Battery and tapes are not included.

☞ If you laptop or PC doesn’t have a CD-ROM, contact us and we'll send you a digital copy.

☞ Please refer to the user manual to ensure music optimization, or according the picture to operation. As a reminder, sound quality is highly depended on tape viability.

☞ If you have any question about this item, please feel free to contact us, we will try to help.

  • 【Tape to Digital Files】 USB cassette capture is a small USB tape player that works with all kinds of tapes. Converting the music on your tapes into MP3 files is a new innovation to digital these old tapes in a cheap way. This device also has an easy-to-use USB connection.
  • 【Portable Size Stander 3.5 Jack】 The portable size allows it to fit in virtually any bag and enables you to play and transfer music anywhere. Support 3.5mm AUX jack, you can connect it to your car speaker, speaker, or just connect it with an earphone to listen the music.
  • 【Compact Design】 Lightweight and compact. It runs on battery or USB power. Besides,when it connect to USB power or connects to your computer, This cassette will not need a battery, which is easy to use. You can use power bank as a battery.
  • 【Software Required】 Come with software CD to guide you to convert your cassette tapes , Compatible with all Windows System and Mac OS. It is very easy to convert your cassette collection and edit the Audio.
  • 【Package Included】 If you laptop or PC doesn’t have a CD-ROM, please contact us and we'll send you a digital copy. Package included: 1 x USB Cassette Capture, 1 x USB Cable, 1 x Software CD, 1 x 3.5mm jack earphone, 1 x User Manual ( Cassette tape is NOT included ).

User questions & answers

Question: Are these the same cassettes you can buy at Meijer brand spanking new 5 for
Answer: The case is transparent and the color of the tape is looks brown.
Question: How are these tapes packaged? Are they individually wrapped like in the picture
Answer: Yes I just opened one up and there are tiny ones on each end. Tape cassettes are becoming obsolete but these seem to work in a recorder. I hope this is what you waned to hear.
Question: Are they clear and reel to reel
Answer: There are 8 audio cassette tapes in each package.
Question: is it 90 minutes per side or 90 minutes for the whole tape
Answer: Cindy G these are the Regular size cassette tapes approximately 2 1/2" inch wide X 4" inch long. Not micro size.These fit like a desktop portable recorder from Radio Shack or those older Boom Box's or Stereo Cassette Decks.

Cassette to MP3 Converter, Tape Player Walkman USB Cassette Player from Tapes to MP3, Digital Files for Laptop PC and Mac with Headphones from Tapes to Mp3

OOCLCURFUL

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features: 



Cassettes to MP3

By transferring your cassettes to MP3s in a quiet room, you can enjoy crystal clear sound quality with even the oldest bands.



Walkman Headphones

Lightweight, Compact Size, Better than just a recorder, it works perfectly as an old school, vintage Walkman with any standard headphones.



Auto Reverse Players

The cassette player with auto-reverse. You can choose to listen to music on one side or both sides according to your preferences. Just click the DIR button and it will automatically play the 2nd side, and then put on your headphones, enjoy your music on the go.



Product Details:

USB 2.0 Port

Material: Plastic/Iron

USB Transfers Tapes to MP3

Requires Pentium 4 (1.7 GHz) or Above

VGA Card with 32mb MemoryUSB 2.0 Port

Power Supply: 2×AA Batteries, 3V DC or USB 5V DC Power

Compatible with Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 2000/7/8/10/; Mac older than version 10.5 (Mac operation requires download of free software) 



Package Included:

1 x USB Cable

1 x Software CD

1 x 3.5mm jack earphone

1 x USB Cassette Capture

1 x User Manual (Cassette tape is NOT included)

  • Cassette Tape to MP3 Converter - These tape players are compatible with all kinds of tapes. Connecting the cassette player with computer by the USB Cable, you can convert your old cassette tapes music into MP3 format files. Then you could play these mp3 files on computer, phone, mp3 player or burn to CD
  • Converts Tape to MP3 - It runs on battery or USB power. Besides,when it connect to USB power or connects to your computer, This cassette will not need a battery, which is easy to use. You can use power bank as a battery
  • Cassette Walkman - Compact Size and suitable weight makes you enjoy the music conveniently in any where via 3.5mm jack earphone (included). No installation or drivers required
  • Various Compatibilities - Compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, Mac older than version 10.5. Flexible battery(not included) or USB-powered operation
  • Audio Cassette Player - The audio cassette player can be powered by 2pcs AAA batteries (no included) 3V DC or USB 5V DC Power

Sony 5C90HFR 90-Minute HF Cassette Recorders 5-Brick

Sony

Based on 308 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Sony keeps America's cassette recorders sounding their best with the Audio Compact Cassettes. HF High Fidelity normal bias cassettes are great for music and general recording.

  • Sony keeps America's cassette recorders sounding their best
  • HF High Fidelity normal bias cassettes are great for music and general recording

User questions & answers

Question: Will this fit a mazda miata casette deck
Answer: I don't know because I don't live near a Meijer.
Question: How many minutes per side can I record on a c-90 cassette
Answer: The cassette tapes are wrapped individually & put together in a package.
Question: When recording music on these particular blank cassette, how good is the sound quality
Answer: It is reel to reel if you can take the tape out of the cassette and out it o to a reel and take up reel
Question: Is the sony 90 minute10c90hfr cassette tapes a microcassette
Answer: 45 min per side so it's 90 minutes per tape. Thanks for the question!

Riptunes Portable Cassette Recorder Player, Tape to USB Audio Music Digital Converter, Retro Classroom Shoebox Cassette Player and Recorder USB Player, Cassette-MP3 Converter with Built-in Microphone

Product description

RIPTUNES RCS220 Portable Cassette Recorder Player, Tape to USB Audio Music Digital Converter, Retro tape recorder, Classroom Shoebox Cassette Player and recorder USB Player, Cassette-MP3 Converter with Built-in Microphone Cassette Player and Recorder with A Built in Microphone and one touch recording This Tape Recorder PLAYS MP3 files thru USB flash drives with the built-in USB port CONVERTS TAPE TO MP3 on USB – Convert audio music cassette tape to MP3 format without computer needed , Our unique tape recorder quickly converts old cassettes to MP3 format via simply Inserting a USB Flash Drive while playing cassettes and press record. Fast Forward and Rewind Functions , A Quality speaker for Clear sound quality , with Headphone jack, and a Retractable Handle for portability Power: 120V AC Adaptor Included, or 4 x “C” batteries ( batteries are not included)

  • Cassette Player and Recorder with A Built in Microphone and one touch recording
  • This Tape Recorder PLAYS MP3 files thru USB flash drives with the built-in USB port
  • CONVERTS TAPE TO MP3 on USB – Convert audio music cassette tape to MP3 format without computer needed, our unique tape recorder quickly converts old cassettes to MP3 format via simply Inserting a USB Flash Drive while playing cassettes and press record.
  • Fast Forward and Rewind Functions , A Quality speaker for Clear sound quality , with Headphone jack, and a Retractable Handle for portability
  • Power: 120V AC Adaptor Included, or 4 x “C” batteries ( batteries are not included)

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