You didn't accidentally enter a time machine back to 2005. Believe it or not, the MP3 player is not dead. Sure, the classic iPods of yesteryear might be out of the picture, as the best smartphones can do everything they can and more. But, there is still room for a dedicated device for audio. So, whether you’re using it for higher-quality audio or simply to have a compact, affordable music player, we’ve found an option for you.
TL;DR – These are the Best MP3 Players:
The term MP3 player is used loosely here, as playing lossy MP3 files is the least of what these digital audio players or DAPs can do. From the powerful DACs and amplifiers for premium sound when listening on the best over-ear headphones or earbuds to support for different audio formats and various connectivity options, these devices will amplify your listening experience. So, take a look at our top six MP3 players ready to provide a portable home for your music library.
1. Apple iPod Touch
Best MP3 Player
- See it on B&H (open box)
Pros:
- Slim form factor with dependable touchscreen
- Capable of steaming music, gaming, taking photos, and more
Cons:
- Limited availability
Apple discontinued the iPod Touch in Spring 2022, the final iPod available. But you can still grab the device that led the way in the MP3 player market from certain retailers online either new or refurbished. This iPod lets you load up on a library of MP3s, though it doesn’t boast the highest-end DACs or heaps of storage. However, you can listen to music from Spotify and just about any other streaming app with a Wi-Fi connection.
The iPod Touch features a sleek and slim form factor paired with a dependable touchscreen display running on a familiar operating system. Unlike the past several generations of iPhones, you actually have a jack to plug your headphones directly into the device, or there’s Bluetooth for wireless playback. It doesn’t stop there, as the iPod Touch can do just about anything the iPhone does, including gaming and taking photos, except you can’t connect to cellular networks.
2. Mighty 3
Best Budget MP3 Player
Pros:
- Compact, screenless design
- Water and sweat-resistant
Cons:
- Set up issues with Android 14
Reminiscent of the iPod Shuffle, the Mighty 3 has the same compact, screenless design with basic controls and simple functionality. There’s a handy clip built-in to attach to your clothes, or it’s light enough to just toss in a pocket without weighing it down. With a water and sweat-resistant IPX4 rating and durable build, it’s the perfect companion at the gym or on hikes when you want to leave your phone at home. The Mighty 3 also boasts a longer listening time than previous models with up to 8 hours of playback ready to last through marathons or multiple gym sessions, while 8GB of storage means it’ll fit about 1,000 of your favorite songs.
There are requirements to use the device, including downloading the Mighty app to your phone and having either a Spotify Premium or Amazon Music subscription. After that, it’s relatively easy to download music, podcasts, and audiobooks via Wi-Fi to your Mighty 3 for uninterrupted offline listening. An auto-sync feature is an added convenience. However, if your phone runs on Android 14, setup issues may occur. From there, you can connect the best wireless earbuds using Bluetooth or a 3.5mm jack is available for wired listening, just don’t expect some top-tier, high-fidelity audio from this budget-friendly device.
3. FiiO M11Plus
Best MP3 Player Under $1000
Pros:
- Supports a wide range of audio file formats
- Three audio ports and two-way Bluetooth
Cons:
- Bulky design
Not for the casual listener, the FiiO M11Plus is pricey and meant for audiophiles. With it comes support for a broad range of file formats, from classics like MP3 and WAV to FLAC, OGG, and more. The device makes the most of those hi-res file formats thanks to the twin ESS ES9068AS DAC chips and THX AAA-78 amp, providing a hard-to-beat, insanely wide soundstage and stunning detail.
The FiiO M11Plus delivers a solid but slightly bulky music player with a brilliant 5.5-inch touchscreen alongside a volume slider and a programmable button on the side. 64GB of storage is built-in to get you started, though if you have a library full of high-res audio, you’ll need to take advantage of the microSD slot. You also get three audio ports—2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm. Two-way Bluetooth is available for a wireless audio solution, like some of the best Bluetooth speakers, and there’s even support for the LDAC and aptX HD codec.
4. Sony NW-A306 Walkman
Best MP3 Player Under $500
Pros:
- S-Master HX amplifier and DSD support for powerful audio
- Compact build
Cons:
- Limited 32GB of storage
Sony’s NW-A306 Walkman doesn’t offer all the functionality of the iPad Touch, but it leaps way ahead of Apple where it counts; audio experience. It’s ready to level up your sound with the S-Master HX amplifier and DSD support that helps turn your favorite lossless and master-quality audio files into powerful performances. You get a 3.5mm input for those audiophiles who prefer the ultimate listening experience. But when going wireless via Bluetooth, there’s support for aptX HD and LDAC codecs for a near lossless audio stream on supported headphones.
Weighing a quarter pound and being less than half an inch thick, this compact device can go anywhere. The Sony NW-A306 even runs on Android 12 and supports WiFi to stream music. That comes in handy, as it offers a light 32GB storage capacity, but you can always slot in your own microSD to store the extra-large files from audio formats like FLAC and WAV. As an added perk, this MP3 player also serves as a USB DAC connected to your computer when you’re at home.
5. Astell&Kern Kann Ultra
Best MP3 Player When Price is No Object
Pros:
- Speedy octa-core processor and low noise DAC
- Delivers insane clarity and wide soundstage
Cons:
- Eye-watering price tag
For those all-in on high-fidelity audio and willing to spend some serious dough, the Astell&Kern Kann Ultra is the ultimate DAP delivering insane clarity and a wide soundstage. Powering the device is an Octa-core processor and dual ESS ES9039MPRO DACs that should see better speed, reduced power consumption, and lower noise from the previous model that held this spot, the Kann Max. You get four gain levels along with 16 Vrms output, for plenty of power to drive even your highest-end headphones to their optimal state, while playback at 32-bit/768Hz and DSD up to 22.4MHz means you’ll find uncompressed level sound quality.
All that capability lets you take your favorite lossless audio files and play them on the go; it doesn’t matter if your headphones are balanced, unbalanced, or even wireless Bluetooth options with LDAC or aptX HD support. The over 11 hours of battery also means it should last you days before needing a recharge. We can’t forget to mention the top-notch build with everything housed in a sleek, yet slightly bulky aluminum chassis featuring a touchscreen display and large volume dial for easy navigation.
6. SanDisk Clip Jam
Best Impulse Buy MP3 Player
Pros:
- Great for portability with its small size and built-in clip
- FM tuner included
Cons:
- No wireless connectivity
You aren’t going to find quality amps and audio converters on the ultra-cheap SanDisk Clip Jam, though you might be surprised by what you can get for $30. With its compact size and built-in clip, it’s the perfect audio player to take on runs or give to your kids, especially if you don’t want to deal with an expensive portable device. You even get a handful of bright colors to choose from and a screen that displays the song playing.
The SanDisk Clip Jam doesn’t offer wireless connectivity, nor does it support apps or streaming, but there is an FM tuner to get the radio. And you can add a microSD card to augment the 8GB of onboard memory for a total of 40GB to house some of your music library. It also plays MP3, WMA, AASC, OGG, WAV, and FLAC tracks, so this MP3 player might be all you need.
How to Choose the Best Portable Music Player
We tend to call portable music players “MP3 players,” a tacit acknowledgment of the overwhelming popularity of that lossy, highly compromised audio format. But, the most important consideration when shopping for a player is to make sure it supports the format your music happens to be stored in. That might include Apple iTunes tracks in AAC format, or high-quality “audiophile” tracks in FLAC, OGG, or lossless DSD files. Keep an eye on storage capacity as well: A modestly-sized music collection of high-bitrate music can easily climb into the hundreds of gigabytes.
Most audiophiles already know the value of a high-quality digital-to-analog converter (DAC). An MP3 player with a high-quality DAC can easily sound better than your PC’s onboard sound card. And while the advantages of putting a pair of DACs in an MP3 player are debatable, driving the left and right stereo channels with discrete amplifiers can certainly ensure accurate sound reproduction.
Should you care about getting an MP3 with a balanced audio port? It depends upon how good your headphones and hearing are. A balanced port can reduce line hum and increase the signal-to-noise ratio, letting you hear more of your music. But you need to be able to swap a standard 3.5mm headphone cable for a 2.5mm balanced cable – and your headphones ideally need to be designed for balanced connections, or there’s no point.
And if you want to connect your player wirelessly, look for Bluetooth support – ideally, with aptX wireless codec support for higher-quality audio. Otherwise, shop for your audio player by asking the same questions you’d ask for any portable device – do you like the interface, for example, how long does the battery last, and do you want it to do anything besides play music, like run apps or play games.
MP3 Player FAQ
Is an MP3 player worth it?
Given that we’re well into the era where the best Android phones and iPhones are capable of playing all our favorite tracks and a whole lot more, it may seem like dedicated music players are a thing of the past. However, these devices still serve several purposes.
If you’re working out at the gym or heading out on a run, you may want to leave your bulkier phone at home or in a locker, opting for a compact option like the Mighty 3 or SanDisk Clip Jam for listening instead. There is the argument that the best smartwatches have similar functionality, but you won’t get to snag them for the budget price of those MP3 players. These devices are also great for kids, as you can just load them up with your kid’s favorite music without the worry of them accidentally delving into unsavory media online.
Another reason to snag a DAP is the quality of sound. Audiophiles will love the high-resolution, lossless audio support available on higher-end models with its powerful DAC and amp for a wide, detailed soundstage. And of course, these options come with the headphone jack that most smartphones forgo. Many portable music players also support high-res Bluetooth audio for listening on the best wireless headphones.
Can you stream music on an MP3 player?
Yes, you can stream music on certain MP3 players that offer Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to download streaming apps like Spotify, Tidal, and Deezer. However, one of the main reasons you buy these music devices is to listen to your favorite high-quality tracks, which you often download locally to listen offline.
Dave Johnson has been writing about gaming and tech since the days of the Palm Pilot. See him shout into the Twitter void @davejoh.
