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Believe it or not, VCRs and VHS tapes still have fans — and valid reasons to keep hunting for a working machine. Maybe you’ve inherited a shoebox of family tapes and want to relive old holidays, or perhaps you’re restoring a retro entertainment setup that looks best with a chunky box sitting under a 32-inch TV. Whatever the reason, the UK market offers plenty of options: high-street retailers, specialist refurbishers, online marketplaces, and local sellers. This guide helps you find the right store, what to expect in price, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Even though VCRs are no longer mainstream, several large UK retailers and electronics chains can still be useful starting points. You’ll often find accessories, capture devices for digitising tapes, or sometimes refurbished combo units that play VHS. These shops are handy if you want a fallback option with a clear returns process and recognizable brand reputation.
Currys PC World typically focuses on modern AV gear, but it’s a helpful place to pick up capture hardware, SCART-to-USB adapters, and cleaning kits. If you want to combine a quick VCR purchase with hardware to digitise your tapes yourself, Currys is a solid one-stop shop. Expect staff to recommend modern alternatives alongside any legacy units they carry.
Argos occasionally lists refurbished or clearance AV equipment via its catalogue and online platform. It’s worth checking for combo DVD/VHS units or third-party sellers that supply conversion kits. Argos is particularly convenient if you want click-and-collect or to inspect a boxed item in person before committing.
John Lewis tends to stock higher-end AV accessories and occasionally hosts third-party sellers in its marketplace. If you value helpful staff and a slightly more curated selection, John Lewis is a good stop—especially for accessories like universal remotes, cleaning supplies, and upscale capture devices.
If you’re after a classic Sony SLV or a robust Panasonic NV-series VCR that actually works, specialist shops and refurbishers are often your best bet. These businesses test, service, and sometimes replace belts and heads so you’re not buying a ticking time bomb. They can be found both online and on the high street.
CeX buys and sells used electronics across the UK and sometimes has VCRs or combo units in stock. One advantage of buying from CeX is that items are graded and usually backed by a short warranty, so you have some reassurance if something fails soon after purchase. You can often test in-store before taking it home.
Independent stores that specialise in retro gear often go the extra mile with servicing and advice. They’ll tell you precisely which models have replaceable belts, where to source scarce parts, and which units are best for long-term reliability. For serious collectors, these shops can be worth the extra price tag.
Marketplaces are where you’ll find the widest selection: NOS (new old stock), well-loved classics, and rare models. Prices vary wildly, so patience and careful searching pay off. If you know how to read seller listings and spot red flags, marketplaces are where dramatic bargains turn up.
eBay is the go-to place for VCR hunting. You can search by region, auction-style or Buy It Now, and even filter for items with video demos. Look for sellers with clear photos, good feedback, and honest descriptions of faults. If you’re trading across the country, factor in shipping cost and the risk of fragile parts getting damaged en route.
Local classified sites are excellent for in-person purchases and testing before you buy. Sellers often want a quick sale, so you can negotiate hard and walk away if the VCR has belt squeal or sticky buttons. Always meet in a safe public place and, better still, bring a TV and a VHS tape to test playback.
Having a working VCR is only half the battle — you’ll need tapes, a head cleaner, maybe a remote, and the right cables. Major online retailers and specialist stores stock these essentials, and you should prioritise trusted suppliers to avoid counterfeit tapes or poor-quality cleaning cassettes that could damage your unit.
Amazon UK has a huge range of blank VHS tapes, head-cleaning cassettes, and capture cables sold both by Amazon and independent sellers. Check reviews carefully — some cheaper tapes deteriorate faster. For cleaning, choose a mild head-cleaner and use it sparingly; over-cleaning can do more harm than good.
Smaller retro specialists often stock genuine or well-preserved blank tapes and the right tools to maintain your VCR. They might also have replacement belts and professional-grade cleaning fluids that hobby stores don’t carry.
Buying used equipment can be a bit like dating: you want to see how it behaves in real life before making a long-term commitment. There are key checks that separate a worthwhile buy from a regret.
Plug the unit in and listen for unusual grinding or loud motors. Ask the seller to load a tape so you can see how smoothly it grabs and ejects the cassette. A belt that slips or a loading mechanism that hesitates usually means a repair bill. Also, note whether the unit is heavy — a reliable VCR often weighs around 15 to 20 pounds, which is a decent sign of solid build quality.
Always test playback on a working TV. Look for stable tracking, clear picture without horizontal lines, and functional stereo or Hi-Fi audio if advertised. Use a tape you know is in good condition — sometimes a bad tape looks like a bad VCR and vice versa. Try both fast-forward and rewind to ensure the transport mechanism runs consistently.
VCRs vary by features: S-VHS capability, Hi-Fi audio, timer recording, and dubbing ports. Decide which features matter to you because they influence both price and usefulness.
Modern TVs may not have composite or SCART inputs, so check compatibility. SCART and composite cables are common in the UK and usually fine for most tapes, but S-Video offers a cleaner picture where supported. If your TV only has HDMI, you’ll need a converter box to bridge the gap.
If you plan to use the VCR to record broadcasts, make sure the timer programming functions work. For many buyers, this is less relevant today, but the feature can be useful for archival projects or timed dubbing between tapes.
Converting VHS to digital is common — and you can either do it yourself with a capture device or pay a professional service. Both routes work; your choice depends on budget, skill, and the quantity of tapes.
To digitise at home you’ll need a working VCR, a capture device with composite or S-Video input, a spare cable of the right length (3 to 6 feet is a typical range for home setups), and software on a computer to record the incoming stream. Cheap USB capture sticks work for occasional projects, while higher-end units give better quality and lower latency.
Professional services cost more, but they provide consistent quality, tape baking (when required), and sometimes frame-by-frame correction. If the tapes are precious family heirlooms or contain important footage, trusting a professional can be worth the extra cost to reduce risk.
Prices for VCRs vary widely. In the UK, expect a basic used VCR to start around £20 to £40, while well-serviced or premium models can fetch £80 to £200 or more, depending on rarity and condition. Combo DVD/VHS units and units with S-VHS or Hi-Fi audio typically command higher prices.
Occasionally you’ll find new-old-stock units or sealed boxes. These can be collector’s items and often attract higher bids on auction sites. If the unit has been stored for a long time, it might still need servicing because rubber belts can perish even when unused.
Some brands built VCRs that stood the test of time. Sony’s SLV and SVO lines, Panasonic’s NV series, and JVC’s HR models earned reputations for durable mechanisms and good playback quality. If you find one of these in solid condition, it’s often a safe bet.
Portable machines and combo DVD/VHS units are great if you want flexibility. They often weigh less (10 to 12 pounds) and are useful for small setups. However, portable units can be harder to service, and combo units sometimes prioritize the DVD or digital section over the VCR mechanism.
When negotiating, leverage what you find during an in-person test: belt noise, sticky buttons, or a slightly wobbly cassette tray are all bargaining chips. Offer to collect locally to save the seller shipping hassle, and be polite — many sellers are hobbyists who will be more open to honest conversation.
Ask if the seller has the original manual, remotes, or spare belts. Manuals help with programming and maintenance, and spares can save you a trip to the repair shop. If the seller can’t provide spares, ask where they sourced parts — a good seller will point you to reliable suppliers.
Hunting for a VCR in the UK is part treasure hunt, part careful inspection. Your best route depends on how much time, money, and technical effort you’re willing to invest. Start with high-street retailers for accessories, check specialist refurbishers for reliability, and dive into marketplaces for variety and rare models. Test in person where possible, prioritise features you need, and don’t be afraid to ask sellers detailed questions. With a bit of patience, you can find a VCR that brings old tapes back to life and fits your budget and setup perfectly.
| VCRs | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Vhs Converter - Vhs C | kr. 309,- |
