Best MP3 Players, Portable Media Players and Digital Audio Players 2023

So while you should really be giving it all of the 24bit/192kHz FLAC files, this particular Astell & Kern will readily tolerate and deliver 320kbps Spotify streams better than most. Also, while the SR35 deserves the best standard of content, it’s less fussy than many rival players. Sound quality is superb for the price, detailed, and well-balanced, with an impressively wide soundstage. With over 12 hours of battery life, it outperforms most entry-level players. Despite its price, it packs twin Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, supports 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256, and includes high-performance op-amps in a fully balanced layout. Activo launched the Q1 in-ears to go with it at the end of 2024 and our full Activo Q1 review is glowing about them – and the sound profile combines superbly with the player.

• Tap the mic button, and the app will identify music playing nearby and build playlists with similar songs.• Unlimited free movies & TV shows.
• Apple Music isn’t supported either – apparently Apple’s disdain for tiny square music players runs deep.
• It can also play at loud volumes without ever sounding harsh or confused.
• With 32GB of space and the possibility to increase it to 128GB with a TF card, the AGPTEK is perfect if you have an extensive – and ever growing – music collection.
• Despite their mastery of multi-tasking, smartphones are not necessarily the best option if your focus is purely on playing music.

By reducing audio fidelity, the recording size could be slashed from 600–6,000 megabytes per hour to 14.4–144 (depending on sample rate). Player Mods specialises in upgrading iPod Classics with optional Bluetooth, more storage, larger batteries, USB-C charging and even an AirTag, so it won’t get lost. If you’re dead set on an iPod Classic, one option is to buy a deliberately souped-up version with the features that we all wish Apple would provide. Plus, of course, you’re relying on a 3.5mm headphone jack, with most iPods not supporting Bluetooth connections. There are too many compromises with an iPod, from the difficult reliance on iTunes to the need to convert into Apple-friendly file formats such as AAC and ALAC. Obviously, we couldn’t publish our findings about an MP3 player we believe to have been modified here.

The presentation is indeed hugely likeable overall, with a tonal balance slightly on the rich side, and a combination of power and finesse that feels very mature for a source at this level that most headphones will get along just fine with. There’s no chance the SR35 will miss a beat with the music you send its way. We’re currently testing the budget FiiO M21 player, so stay tuned to see if this model makes our list following a full review. They’re all well-equipped in terms of features, too. Award winner, although all of them offer a superb sonic performance at their respective price point. Despite their mastery of multi-tasking, smartphones are not necessarily the best option if your focus is purely on playing music.

For compact music storage at an affordable price, look no further than our quality Bush MP3 players. Because MP3 files are smaller and more efficient, they became the dominant standard for music downloads and portable players. Next, you’ll want a high-quality audio player, and a capable set of headphones or speakers to do those files justice. MP3 players were also designed specifically for music playback, which gives them advantages over smartphones in areas like audio performance, battery life, and storage. Hi-res audio players are absolutely worth it if this iOS MP3 player app sound quality is your main priority. Pairing one of the best MP3 players with the best wired headphones gives you a portable listening setup that’s perfect for road trips, travel or high-fidelity listening on the move.

What’s the difference between balanced and unbalanced output on hi-res players?

It’s also worth noting that even the best Bluetooth connections still compress audio, so wireless listening won’t sound quite as good as a wired connection. They still support high-quality audio without the flagship price tag. If you want top-tier sound quality, generous storage and a premium design, models like the Astell & Kern A&norma SR35, Fiio M11S and Fiio M23 are hard to beat. He has specialized in phones and tablets over the years, but has also reviewed audio tech extensively, including headphones and MP3 players.

The best money-no-object MP3 player

September 13, 2026Added several more FAQs to the guide to help people decide whether an MP3 player is right for them, and to explain a few things around file conversion and more. Created a new ‘Other players we tested’ section to spotlight other solid options that didn’t quite make the cut. It also means if we don’t like it for sound, design, usability and features, we simply won’t recommend it here.

You can’t officially download Spotify songs as MP3 files. If your MP3 player has a microSD slot, you can also load music onto the card separately and insert it directly. Embedding the artwork directly to the MP3 ensures it’ll display properly on MP3 players and any other devices you use. Just keep in mind that every time you export an MP3 after editing it, you’ll lose a little more audio quality due to compression. To edit an MP3 file, you’ll need an audio editing program.

Consider your library size and choose expandable players for future growth. They eliminate digital noise from cellular radios and provide superior amplification for demanding headphones. The right cables, storage, and protection can significantly enhance your listening experience. Custom Android builds focus on audio performance while maintaining essential smart features and app compatibility.

This media player combines a bevel-less touchscreen and Android functionality with four high-quality DACs and a shedload of wired and wireless connectivity, making it my fave for the moment. These MP3 players from FiiO, Sony and Actico are at the forefront of a digital-library revival – here’s my top choices Personal cassette players or CD players mean you don ‘t have to go digital – and your collection of tapes and CDs doesn’t need to go to waste. Check out some of the ultra-compact Sony MP3 players; they feature a bass boost button, so you won ‘t be compromising on sound.