If you truly care about the sound quality of your music, it's time to invest in an MP3 player. Unlike today's smartphones, MP3 players have a built-in audio jack (or a few), and — save for the iPod Touch — easily expandable memory.
To determine the best MP3 players worth buying, we constantly evaluate products from reputable audio brands at various price points — from super affordable to undeniably luxurious. Our picks all play high-res audio, have impressive battery life, and are small enough to slide into your pocket.
When shopping for an MP3 player, consider the size and quality of your digital music collection. If you own a lot of music in lossless file formats and don't want to compromise on audio quality, consider getting an MP3 player with an advanced DAC (digital-to-analog converter). A high-end MP3 player will also improve the quality of the sound from high-impedance headphones.
But if you're simply looking to untether your music library from your smartphone, a more affordable model should fit the bill just fine.
Storage
In addition to the audio hardware and performance, it's important to consider the amount of available storage an MP3 player offers. You should either consider a product with ample built-in memory, or one with a built-in microSD card slot for easy expansion. Today's splurge-worthy MP3 players will most likely offer you a combination of both.
Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity is a must if you plan to use your media player with wireless headphones or earbuds. On the other hand, Wi-Fi-equipped products are all but guaranteed to bring you access to your favorite streaming service. If you are subscribed to one, look for onboard Wi-Fi.
When it comes to wired connectivity, avid audiophiles with vast collections of headphones and earbuds should look for players with more outputs. Such products cost more, but their audio performance and ability to accommodate virtually every wired headset are worth investing in.
Check out these thoroughly researched MP3 players that are worthy of your ever-growing music collection.
This portable music player by AGPTEK stands out with an eye-catching, minimalist design and an affordable sub-$50 sticker. The device looks considerably more expensive, thanks to a metal frame, curved glass panels, and touch button controls.
The product’s audio capabilities and support for lossless formats are also solid for the money. It's not compatible with streaming services, but this is not a dealbreaker given its price tag.
Available in black or blue, the player has a color screen, plenty of expandable storage, long battery life, integrated FM radio, built-in speaker, and up-to-date Bluetooth 5.0. It can also double as a pedometer and voice recorder.
Sony’s NW-A105 Walkman MP3 player has all the bells and whistles that you're looking for: excellent audio quality, support for a wide array of audio files, expandable storage, stock Android interface with access to all streaming services, and robust connectivity.
The player's fantastic sound is powered by a high-resolution amplifier, a sophisticated enhancement engine, and support for a plethora of audio codecs, among other bits. There’s even an option to add a nostalgic, vinyl-like effect to your favorite digital tracks!
The player has long battery life, but be mindful that streaming content over Wi-Fi, checking your email, and using Android apps will significantly impact it.
The HiBy R3 Pro Saber MP3 player is sleek, feature-packed, easy to use, and reasonably priced. Its audio performance is also stellar, courtesy of its high-quality audio components. The player also supports a wide range of audio file formats.
What makes the HiBy R3 Pro Saber stand out in its price range is an intuitive touchscreen interface and compatibility with streaming services, a duo of audio connectors, and up-to-date wireless connectivity. However, it lacks onboard storage, so you must purchase a microSD card alongside the device.
You can order the media player in black, gray, green, or red.
The AGPTEK H50 delivers all the essentials in a compact package. Its high-tech, machined metal housing, color screen, tactile buttons, and multifunctional rotating knob belie its sub-$100 price tag. The same goes for the product’s support for a wide range of audio file formats.
You should be aware that the media player has no built-in storage, so you’ll need to get a memory card for it. It supports up to 128GB microSD cards, so adding one won’t break the bank.
The product’s retail package includes a carrying pouch and convenient USB-A adapter.
The SanDisk Clip Sport Plus is our favorite pick for workout warriors who want a break from their phones. It's cute, compact, water-resistant, and super affordable.
Features include a 1.44-inch color display, adequate memory for the price, and FM radio. Bluetooth connectivity is also onboard for pairing the gadget with your go-to gym headphones or earbuds.
The Clip Sport has solid battery life, too. And despite its low price tag, it includes a pair of earbuds in its retail package. Available in black, red, or blue, the audio player comes with a 2-year warranty.
Other: 6-inch touchscreen, 4 audio outputs, Android OS
FiiO’s M17 is the best media player for discerning audiophiles. It has a beautiful metal body with impeccable craftsmanship and best-in-class sonic capabilities. The Android player also offers access to every music streaming service and digital audio format out there.
The M17 packs a fast Qualcomm chip and desktop-worthy hardware with a trio of DACs and four audio outputs. Other noteworthy highlights include a sharp 6-inch touchscreen, a massive battery, and an ambient light system.
In a manner befitting its price tag, the product comes with a leather case and desktop cooling stand, among other accessories.
Sony’s NW-WS413 earphones have an integrated MP3 player with 4GB of storage and a fully waterproof body, which allows you to take the headset player for a swim — even in saltwater! According to its maker, the product can survive submersions of up to 6.6 feet underwater.
The media player is also dustproof. It has a comfy and secure fit, and dependable battery life for its form factor.
Other noteworthy highlights include intuitively placed controls and a handy USB dock for fast charging and transferring music from a computer. You can order the Sony NW-WS413 in black or blue.
Other: 6.1-inch OLED display, Waterproof, Android OS
The audio jack-toting Sony Xperia 5 III smartphone is also an awesome audio player. Like the brand's greatest media players, it can deliver an amazing sonic experience from any content — from your personal collection to the best streaming services.
Sony’s smartphone can even make your old MP3 files sound better. It is compatible with hi-res audio (both wired and wireless), as well as Sony’s immersive 360 Reality Audio format.
The Xperia 5 III is also an excellent 5G Android phone with a fast chip, a captivating OLED display, and a stellar triple camera. A bigger and pricier Sony Xperia 1 III with similar capabilities is also available.
Excellent set of wired and wireless connectivity features
Sleek design and convenient audio controls
Needs a bigger and sharper screen
Key Specs
Storage: 64GB (expandable via microSD card slot)
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Other: 3.6-inch touchscreen, Android OS
Sony's Walkman NW-ZX507 is the best option under $1,000. It packs two wired audio outputs, and can also stream high-quality audio over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Just like the Sony NW-A105 Walkman, the NW-ZX507 runs Android, so you can also access apps and streaming services.
The luxe media player has a milled aluminum housing with convenient audio control buttons on its side. Its build also keeps electrical noise out of the acoustic experience.
This MP3 player has plenty of expandable storage and a solid battery life. Its touchscreen is equally handy for browsing through music and navigating apps.
Stellar audio performance and connectivity features
iPhone-like user experience
Long battery life
Storage upgrades are pricey
Key Specs
Storage: Up to 256 GB
Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Other: 4-inch Retina display, Apple iOS
The iPod touch can do so much more than just play your music collection, thanks to a powerful chip, a crisp Retina display, two cameras, and Apple iOS.
Apple’s platform sets the iPod Touch apart from all competitors, bringing access to millions of apps, games, and all music and video streaming services. The iPhone-resembling player is also compatible with FaceTime and iMessage — all you need is an iCloud account.
The iPod Touch comes with a set of wired EarPods. There are six color variants (pink, blue, gold, red, silver, and space gray) and three storage options to select from.
Stefan VazharovSenior Technology EditorStefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015; He previously covered tech products for GSMArena.com and his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics.
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