Best MP3 Players
Check out the best MP3 players, as rated by Digital Trends’ expert reviewers.
The once ubiquitous MP3 player has become elusive in recent years with the rapid growth of smartphones more than capable of holding an entire library of music and streaming songs on-line. However, dedicated MP3 players still serve a purpose, whether as an on-the-go jukebox, a lightweight music player for runners or many other handy uses. Below you’ll find the best MP3 players, as rated by our expert reviewers.
Our best MP3 players list is continually updated as new products enter the market.
Apple iPod Touch (4th generation)
The returning touch-screen champ, Apple’s 4th-generation iPod Touch retains its title with a Retina display, HD video recording, a faster processor,and a competitive price.
- Pros: Incredibly thin, sleek design, High-resolution…
- Cons: Below-average file support, Low-res rear camera…
- Buy online:
- J&R $289.00
- ABT $299.00
SanDisk Sansa Clip+
SanDisk's Clip is truly the people's MP3 player
- Pros: Affordable; simple to use; small and lightweight;…
- Cons: Exposed miniUSB port; lackluster styling
- Buy online:
- Kmart $57.75
- Amazon.com $39.40
- PROVANTAGE $51.29
SanDisk Sansa Fuze+
Sansa’s Fuze+ introduces a large 2.4-inch screen, touch controls, and capacity up to 16GB, all while costing less than the iPod Nano.
- Pros: Sleek, lightweight design, Colorful, modern…
- Cons: Clumsy touch controls, Screen difficult to watch…
- Buy online:
- Sears.com $89.99
- Amazon.com $43.99
Not seeing anything you like? Head over to our full MP3 Player Reviews page to find the motherload.
Microsoft Zune HD 16GB
The Zune HD is an extremely refined personal media player and should be the video junkie's player of choice.
- Pros: Incredible 3.3-inch OLED display; small…
- Cons: No open App Store; initial stuttering on video…
- Buy online:
- Amazon.com $2.00
Microsoft Zune HD 32GB
The Zune HD is an extremely refined personal media player and should be the video junkie's player of choice.
- Pros: Incredible 3.3-inch OLED display; small…
- Cons: No open App Store; initial stuttering on video…
- Buy online:
- Amazon.com $2.00
Microsoft Zune 120GB
As a piece of hardware, it's easy to dismiss the Zune as yet another iPod wannabe...
- Pros: Capacity; screen size; tight software integration;…
- Cons: Still not as polished as an iPod; requires monthly…
- Buy online:
- Amazon.com $799.99
Apple iPod Nano Review (Sixth Generation)
Apple strips features from the iPod Nano in favor of a smaller size for its sixth generation, but a slick touch interface helps negate the lost frills.
- Pros: Almost impossibly tiny, Ultra-intuitive touch…
- Cons: Missing camera, video playback, notes, games…
- Buy online:
- J&R $144.99
- ABT $139.00
iRiver Astell and Kern AK100
If premium sound is your guiding priority, and you have the cash, this digital music player may be worth taking a chance on, quirks and all - just don’t expect it to behave like a new iPhone.
- Pros: Stunning sound quality, Extensive file…
- Cons: Slightly sluggish UI, Some quirks in function…
- Buy online:
- Buydig.com $699.00
Samsung Galaxy Muse
People who are into iPod shuffle-type MP3 players should dig the $50 Samsung Muse. You get a small, light, clip-able device that delivers decent audio, which is all you need. The fact that it can sync music from a smartphone as well as a PC is a nice bonus, though choosing individual tracks can be a challenge.
- Pros: Affordable price, 2x storage of iPod Shuffle…
- Cons: Low storage capacity, Need a Samsung phone for all…
Apple iPod Shuffle 3G
Apple advances style at the expense of its other guiding principle: ease of use.
- Pros: Tiniest iPod yet; flawless Apple build quality;…
- Cons: Only works with specific (and rare) headphones;…
- Buy online:
- Amazon.com $3.38
