The Best MP3 Players
You might be surprised to learn that even in this age of ubiquitous streaming, MP3 players are still widely used. That's because these devices are capable of storing and playing music at a higher bitrate than you're likely to find on streaming services, and they also let you listen without the need for the internet. But MP3 players are hardly a one-size-fits-all category, which is why we've made this list of our favorite devices on the current market. Read on and get ready to jam out.
What to Look For
We kept a few considerations in mind when deciding which MP3 players deserved a place on our list: do they provide excellent sound quality, do they include plenty of storage space, and are they built to last through vigorous usage? A few MP3 players we looked at made the cut. Aiworth’s device ended up taking our top spot, thanks to its superb sound quality and convenient use of Bluetooth. We were also quite pleased with Sandisk’s entry, whose tiny stature and excellent battery life made it ideal for portability. Keep reading to see what else these and other MP3 players did to win our recommendation.
Aiworth 32GB Lossless MP3 Player
A return to form
Aiworth lets you do a lot with a little, making it the best among MP3 players we examined. The consistent Bluetooth connectivity and 32GB of storage mean you’ll rarely encounter a situation where you can’t enjoy your favorite tunes. We also love how many different file types it can store, including high-quality WAV and FLAC files. No matter how you like to store or listen to your music, this is one of the few MP3 players that’s guaranteed to please almost anyone.
Pros
- Its soft metal buttons are both durable and pleasing to the touch.
- The headphone jack allows you to record voice memos and conversations, which many MP3 players cannot do.
- It has a good user interface that lets you transfer music from your computer’s folders to the MP3’s hard drive with ease.
Cons
- It only comes in black, so users who like to accessorize with their MP3 players might be out of luck.
Timmkoo Full Touch Screen MP3 Player
A modern machine
This full-featured device from Timmkoo outclasses not just other MP3 players, but many other visual media players as well. A handy Bluetooth transference system lets you move music and videos from your phone to the player without a hitch. And since it supports 1080p video and high-fidelity lossless MP3 files, you’ll be getting quality along with convenience. This is one of the most versatile MP3 players we came across and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Pros
- It has an impressively long battery life, which makes it ideal for lengthy trips or consistently playing audio during business hours.
- Unlike many MP3 players, it has a passcode/unlock system for extra security.
- It runs on an Android system, so users of Samsung or other Android-supported phones will feel right at home.
Cons
- It doesn’t allow you to download new apps, utilizing only the ones that come with it out of the box.
SanDisk 8GB Clip Jam MP3 Player
A miniature marvel
Size isn’t everything when it comes to MP3 players, and SanDisk stuffs a huge experience into a tiny package. Don’t be fooled by the 8GB storage limit: thanks to its SD card functionality, this player is capable of holding hundreds more gigabytes of music than its hard drive allows for. Coming in at roughly the size of a keychain, this device holds lots of tunes without taking up any space. Other MP3 players might be bigger, but very few of them can claim to be better.
Pros
- It comes in a variety of colors, letting you easily express yourself and accessorize.
- The “Clip Jam” name is appropriate, as this device is easy to clip or pin to your outfit for long walks or gym sessions.
- Unlike most MP3 players, it’s capable of playing WMP files.
Cons
- It’s needlessly difficult to access this device’s volume settings.
Hilwoynes Classic Digital MP3 Player
The thrifty throwback
We all remember the era when the mini MP3 players reigned supreme, and this is one of the best MP3 players for recapturing that nostalgia. The slim body and vibrant colors are sure to recall as many happy memories as the songs you store on it. And with an SD card slot, you can expand the storage space for those songs exponentially. Pleasing aesthetics meet superb functionality to make one of the only MP3 players that give us genuine warm-and-fuzzies.
Pros
- Even without an SD card, its 32GB of storage lets you hold a generous selection of songs.
- It comes with its own earphones, which few MP3 players do.
- This player is astonishingly inexpensive considering all it has to offer.
Cons
- It doesn’t have Bluetooth functionality, requiring you to use wired headphones.
Surfans F20 HiFi MP3 Player
Hi-fi heaven
If you’re tired of MP3 players that can’t play high-end files, look no further than this choice from Surfans. This device can not only play MP3s but also lossless FLAC, M4A, WAV files, and even more, giving you a bevy of options for how you want to listen. It can hold up to 256GB with an SD card as well, letting you comfortably store all those hi-fi files. This is one of the only MP3 players that guarantees you’ll never have to compromise your audio quality.
Pros
- It has a complex yet versatile user interface, letting you access many features and sound options even while music is playing.
- The battery life lasts around 16 hours on a ninety-minute charge.
Cons
- The premium design comes at a premium price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I choose MP3 players over streaming apps?
Since MP3s are stored on your device locally, their sound quality isn’t dependent on having good wireless coverage in your immediate area. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about your own MP3s being removed or becoming unplayable due to licensing issues.
What are FLAC files?
FLAC files are uncompressed digital music files, meaning no sonic detail has to be pared down to fit onto your device or laptop. Not all MP3 players can run FLAC files, but those that do offer an audio experience that many believe surpasses even that of CDs and vinyl.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.