The MP3 player market is in decline. More precisely, the entire dedicated portable media player market is facing waning sales. Not long ago, mobile devices such as cell phones and tablets didn’t have the memory capacity or user interface necessary to handle hundreds of music files; MP3 players filled the void. Now, cell phones and other mobile devices are built to perform the functions for which we once needed dedicated MP3 players. Despite the continuing integration of MP3 players into other types of consumer electronics, there still exist a handful of very capable dedicated portable media players.
Best MP3 Player Overall:
MP3 players today are judged according to the same standard by which they have been judged for nearly a decade: the iPod. Apple’s popular family of mobile music machines has led the market since its 2001 introduction. iPods bring beauty, simplicity, intuitive interface design, and impressive capacity to the table year after year. You aren’t likely to be disappointed with an iPod, but there are viable alternatives when you are seeking the best MP3 player available. Our recommendations feature stunning displays, enormous capacities, and loads of included extras.
Apple iPod touch 4th Generation 8GB Flash MP3 Player
The iPod Touch is the best MP3 player money can buy. Its big and bold screen, fast hardware, and intuitive operating system make it a pleasure to use. The Touch's music player is top-notch and it is loaded with extras. Read Full Review »
Microsoft Zune HD 16GB Black MP3 Player
The Zune HD is a compelling iPod Touch alternative for customers seeking the most immersive musical experience. What the Zune HD lacks in apps it makes up for in excellent media capabilities. Read Full Review »
Apple iPod classic 160GB MP3 Player
With a time-tested interface and enormous capacity, the iPod Classic remains a relevant and competitive MP3 player. If you want to carry your entire music library in your pocket, look no further. Read Full Review »
SanDisk SDMX22-004G-A57K Sansa Clip Zip 4 GB
The Clip Zip is perfect if you want to avoid the bells and whistles of more expensive players and pocket the cost difference. This music player is well-built, keeps things simple, and provides excellent audio quality. Read Full Review »
Apple iPod Nano 6th Generation 16GB MP3 Player
The Nano has evolved rapidly over its lifespan; this latest version doesn't include all the features of its predecessor but is nevertheless a great choice if you are looking for a lot of tech in a small package. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$139.99
Best Small MP3 Player:
Here are the smallest MP3 players that still offer a great overall music experience. These players minimize form factor while attempting to maximize features. Some do it better than others, but don’t expect any of these players to offer an immersive video experience, Wi-Fi, or apps. Despite sacrificing the quantity of features, all of our recommendations have solid build quality and offer great sound processing. You may forget you are wearing them, but you won’t be disappointed by puny sound.
Apple iPod Nano 6th Generation 16GB MP3 Player
It isn't the smallest music player, or even the smallest iPod, but the newest Nano is half the size of its predecessor and sports a great 1-inch touchscreen. This MP3 player is very customizable and a joy to use. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$139.99
SanDisk SDMX22-004G-A57K Sansa Clip Zip 4 GB
The Clip Zip comes in behind the iPod Nano because it lacks some of the Nano's features and customization options. Regardless, the Clip Zip is a very small and very capable music device. Read Full Review »
Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation 2GB MP3 Player
The Shuffle is the smallest iPod money can buy. Unlike previous Shuffles, this latest generation allows you to control the playback of tracks with much greater freedom. Read Full Review »
SanDisk Sansa Clip Plus 4GB Black MP3 Player
The Clip+ is small enough that you will easily forget you are wearing it. For traveling light at a great price, the Clip+ may be unbeatable. Read Full Review »
Sony NWZW262BLK Walkman MP3 player
The W Series Walkman is so compact that it can unobtrusively sit atop its own headphones—which is exactly what this lightweight, integrated MP3 player does. The W Series is a great all-in-one solution for fitness-oriented individuals and those seeking minimal bulk. Read Full Review »
Best MP3 Player For Running:
Fitness MP3 players have to withstand jostling, drops, and sweat while staying out of your way. Even if you own a music-capable smartphone, a gym-only MP3 player makes sense. The players below are unobtrusive—not nearly as bulky as a smartphone—and cost a lot less than a smartphone. You won’t have to worry about your smartphone being exposed to impact and moisture while you workout either. Fitness-oriented MP3 players also need to be easy to operate with a quick glance or—better still—without a glance at all. These players should blend seamlessly into your workout and enhance the experience.
SanDisk SDMX22-004G-A57K Sansa Clip Zip 4 GB
The Clip Zip has a form that won't get in your way. Its simple controls can be operated without looking and its screen is easy to read at a glance. Read Full Review »
Sony NWZW262BLK Walkman MP3 player
The W Series Walkman is built for fitness. The fit might not agree with everyone, but for those who find it comfortable, the W Series is hard to top for exercise. Read Full Review »
Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation 2GB MP3 Player
The iPod shuffle is guaranteed to stay out of your way. This tiny music player features a great voiceover system that allows you to use it without glancing at a screen in the middle of your workout. Read Full Review »
SanDisk Sansa Clip Plus 4GB Black MP3 Player
Like our #1 pick, the Clip Zip, the Clip+ is a rugged little music machine that can be easily operated without having to ponder its screen or menu system. This MP3 player makes a reliable workout partner. Read Full Review »
Apple iPod Nano 6th Generation 16GB MP3 Player
The biggest drawback to this tiny touchscreen music player is its lack of physical buttons. But pair it with a set a headphones with line controls and you have a great MP3 player for exercise. Read Full Review »
Amazon.com$139.99
Best Cheap MP3 Player:
Budget MP3 players offer valuable features for $60 or less. You might give up a lot of non-music extras like apps, web browsing, Bluetooth, and high-tech touchscreens, but you shouldn’t give up quality audio and a great interface. Versions of each player listed below meet these criteria. Each does what you need it to without making you worry about the cost of a replacement in case of an accident.
SanDisk SDMX22-004G-A57K Sansa Clip Zip 4 GB
The Clip Zip is an update to the popular and excellent Clip+. With an updated look and a tweaked interface, the Clip Zip improves upon an already value-packed portable music player. Read Full Review »
Apple iPod Shuffle 4th Generation 2GB MP3 Player
The Shuffle is the least expensive of Apple's iPod line, but this doesn't mean it is the least capable. This player has a innovative voiceover feature and solid build quality, plus it is priced competitively. Read Full Review »
SanDisk Sansa Clip Plus 4GB Black MP3 Player
SanDisk recently updated the Clip+ and renamed it the Clip Zip, our top Budget MP3 Player. However, the Clip+ remains a great music player. Get most of the features of the Clip Zip while saving some money by purchasing the Clip+. Read Full Review »
Sylvania Clip MP3 Player
The Clip is the least expensive MP3 player that still delivers a good user experience and great audio quality. If your needs are simple and your wallet is nearly empty, the Clip is a great choice. Read Full Review »
Sony NWZW262BLK Walkman MP3 player
Save money and get a unique music player by purchasing the W Series Walkman by Sony. This player's innovative design and great sound quality are what make it a fantastic value. Read Full Review »
