The best MP3 players. We’re not talking about the iPod original from 2007 that I nonetheless still adore. Unfortunately, newer versions can do a lot more than just play and keep your lossy MP3 files. This guide’s little beauties are high-resolution audio players with better digital-to-analog converters that can fully unlock the FLAC, DSD, WAV, MQA, and ALAC files that your phone can’t (whether you downloaded them or streamed them with an Apple Music, Tidal, or Qobuz subscription, for example). This means you can hear the files you choose at their clearest, most detailed, and lossless best.
The majority of casual users still use their smartphones to get music on the go, but even the most inexpensive music player will provide much better sound quality. As before, you won’t find any classics here (Apple stopped making the last iPod Touch). Brands like FiiO, Sony, and Astell & Kern, which is the giant of the DAP market, will be available this time. Even though many of these players are pretty pricey, that’s only because they can do cool things with your music that your phone can’t.
Top 8 Best Portable Music Players in 2024
1. Sony NW-A306 Walkman
The brave little player is part of Sony’s new (but old…but new!) Walkman line-up, and it can play very high-quality music files at a price that’s much more reasonable than most other options on the market right now. We’re so glad Sony chose to make a comeback with this admittedly nostalgic audio device—the tape cassette interface is a great touch from the past. The Sony NW-A306 came out in 2023.
Not because it can’t play songs well, but because it has some small problems that make it hard to use in general. Sometimes the menu doesn’t work right, the battery life varies, and surprisingly, it sometimes has trouble playing a normal 128kbps audio file. Because of these issues, we had to change our star rating (by exactly half a star). There’s no doubt, though, that the pros here far outweigh the cons, especially when it comes to the money.
When it comes to specs, the Sony NW-A306 is a great choice if you want a dedicated, high-resolution music player. It works with music files that are much better than CD quality, and it shines when they are used. Like many of the other high-res players on this list, it’s also very thin and can fit in your pocket.
Specifications
- Brand: Sony
- Model Name: NWA306/B
- Special Feature: Hi-Res Audio
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
- Memory Storage Capacity: 32 GB
- Color: Black
- Screen Size: 3.6 Inches
- Compatible Devices: Headphone, Smartphone
- Included Components: Player, USB Type-C Cable
- Component Type: Battery
Reasons To Buy
+ Sound that is balanced, clear, and absorbing
+ Small in size and cost
+ Can play very high-resolution music files
Reasons To Avoid
– Hard-to-find files with lower quality
– The touchscreen isn’t very fast.
– It gets very hot very quickly.
2. FiiO M11S Hi-Res
The M11S is intuitive enough to pick up on small or short-lived details, and it can easily send the subtlest, most nuanced, and dynamic changes in a single instrument. It has more than enough space to handle bigger shifts without any problems, and when it needs to, it accurately describes big, wide, well-defined soundstages. The treble might be a bit too bright, but not so much that we’d call it a flaw. Besides, it’s our job to spot flaws, and this is one of them.
One of the best things about this phone is that it runs on Android 10, has a smooth and quick touchscreen, sounds great (punchy but controlled and detailed), and looks great too.
The Fiio M11S does a great job of slightly beating its main competitor, the Astell & Kern a&norma SR25 Mk II (which is also in this review). It’s easy to see the money you’ll save and decide that this nice, high-capacity microSD card is worth the extra money instead of its more expensive rival. Just my opinion.
Specifications
- Brand: FiiO
- Model Name: M11S
- Special Feature: Hi-Res Audio
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
- Memory Storage: Capacity: 3 GB
- Color: Black
- Screen Size: 5 Inches
- Media Type: SD Card, Micro SD
- Included Components: Battery
- Component Type: Display
Reasons To Buy
+ It sounds strong, well-organized, and full.
+ Very good details
+ User design that looks great
Reasons To Avoid
– A hint of treble being shaky
– Not a lot of memory inside
– Battery life as usual
3. Astell & Kern A&Ultima SP3000
However, if you truly place a high value on quality when you are on the move (and have the financial means to do so), the flagship SP3000 should be on your list of potential purchases. Even though it is a little bit bulkier than your typical portable gadget, the high-end player is loaded with a variety of helpful functions and is constructed to the highest standards.
Additionally, given the no-compromise nature of this design, it should not come as a surprise that aptX HD and LDAC codecs are included on the list of specifications when Bluetooth is included on the selection. This allows you to utilize wireless headphones without any issues.
There are no problems with the interoperability of the files. The SP3000 can handle high-quality files with a resolution of up to 32 bits/768kHz, PCM and DSD512, and MQA. This is all made possible by the utilization of the AK4499EX, which is the new flagship digital-to-analog converter chip from Asahi Kasei. In other areas, the engineers at A&K have been working to improve the player’s sound performance by minimizing the amount of noise that is produced inside by the use of a separate analog.
All of this gets us to the purpose of the SP3000, and this is where the premium player really, truly shines since it is where it functions. At the same time as it conveys dynamic contrasts and rhythmic patterns with ability and intuition, the A&K player has a lot of positive qualities that it brings to the table. It possesses a tangible sense of musical awareness. An abundance of detail is present, and the muscular and powerful bass serves to anchor everything, resulting in a soundscape that is cohesive and composed of meat.
Specifications
- Brand: Astell&Kern
- Model Name: A&ultima SP3000
- Special Feature: Touch Screen
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
- Memory Storage Capacity: 256 GB
- Color: Copper
- Screen Size: 5.46 Inches
- Compatible Devices: Laptop
Reasons To Buy
+ Sound that is detailed and trustworthy
+ Fully equipped
+ Great build.
Reasons To Avoid
– Heavy to carry around
– It can feel a little clunky to use sometimes.
4. Astell&Kern A&Norma SR35
The SR35’s high retail price is not the only thing that contributes to its premium identity; the specifications, sound quality, and user interface are all also premium. A remarkable player. Although it is not the lightest digital audio player (DAP) on the market, it is approximately the size of a deck of cards and weighs 184 grams. However, believe us when we say that the four onboard DAC filters and new amp circuits are worth a few additional pounds, and if you can afford it, more than a few extra dollars you will pay it.
While the SR35 is deserving of the highest possible grade of content that you can afford to load onto it, it is also less finicky than many of its competitors. While it is true that you should provide it with all of the FLAC files that are 24 bits and 192 kHz, this specific Astell & Kern will readily tolerate and offer 320 kbps Spotify streaming better than the majority of other devices.
The sound that this player is capable of producing is adept, detailed, and enjoyable to the point that you won’t believe it, regardless of what you’re listening to. You will find that even the shortest listening sessions can turn into lengthy deep dives into tunes that you love, just to discover what this wonderful digital audio player (DAP) can do with them.
Specifications
- Brand: MITER CASE
- Color: Black
- Compatible Phone Models: AK-SR35
- Material: Faux Leather
- Pattern: Solid
Reasons To Buy
+ A sound that is poised, articulate, and enjoyable
+ Exquisite construction and finishing
+ Options for the end-user in plenty
Reasons To Avoid
– Extremely costly (and perhaps more so)
– Battery life might be variable.
– a lack of sufficient internal memory
5. ONKYO DP X1A
However, in contrast to the majority of the other goods in this list, the DP-X1A does have a somewhat similar appearance to that of a phone. However, it is far thicker and features two audio ports: one jack for headphones and one balanced output for people who are interested in a sound that is cleaner and of higher quality overall. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a volume wheel that is simple to operate, tactile playback controls, and two microSD card ports for individuals who have a substantial library of music.
The player is constructed with a full version of Android, complete with Wi-Fi connectivity and the Google Play Store. As a result, it is comparable to an Android version of the iPod touch, and it is capable of performing a wide range of functions in addition to playing music. On the other hand, the Onkyo DP-X1A is a dream come true because it is designed to produce audio of exceptionally high quality.
A wide variety of music formats, such as FLAC, OGG, WAV, MP3, and ALAC, are among those that it is compatible with. About the hardware, the gadget is equipped with two chipsets: one to power the device as a whole and another to manage the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier, which results in a noise-free experience.
The audio player had a variety of different pairs of headphones priced in a range of different prices, and they were astounded by the exceptional clarity and quality of the audio. There is a good reason why the Onkyo DP-X1A is at the top of this list: it is a beast in the world of portable audio.
Specifications
- Brand: Onkyo
- Model Name: DP-X1A
- Special Feature: Hi-Res Audio
- Connectivity Technology Aux
- Memory Storage Capacity: 16 GB
- Color: Black
- Screen Size: 4.7 Inches
- Compatible Devices: Laptop
- Media Type: SDXC, Micro SD
- Component Type: Memory
Reasons To Buy
+ Wonderful sound quality
+ Android makes things very simple to use.
+ Two places for microSD cards
Reasons To Avoid
– Fewer chunks than the others on the market
6. SanDisk 16GB Clip Sport Plus
Because of its compact size and low weight, this MP3 player is the ideal choice for working out. Even though it only has 16 gigabytes of capacity, which is not a lot when compared to a phone, it is still able to store a significant number of music. It supports a rather extensive variety of audio formats, including MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, and WMA, even though it was designed specifically for sporting events.
With a battery life of twenty hours, we discovered that it is quite outstanding. You also get Bluetooth, which is essential for working out because it eliminates the need for cords to get in the way. The user interface is not touch-sensitive, it is not as powerful as your smartphone, and it is becoming increasingly outdated. Nevertheless, it is simple to traverse through the use of hardware buttons that function as playback controls.
You won’t find the sound to be particularly capable, so long as you don’t anticipate it to be of the same level of quality as an audiophile. We discovered that it was a little muddy and had a slight decrease in clarity; nevertheless, this is not something that will be a problem for the majority of people, particularly when you are out on a run or going to the gym.
Specifications
- Brand: SanDisk
- Model Name: clip sport
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Memory Storage Capacity: 16384 MB
- Color: Red
- Screen Size: 1.44 Inches
- Media Type: Micro SDXC
- Included Components: USB 2.0 transfer cable, Quick start guide, Wired earphones, SanDisk Clip Sport Plus wearable music playerUSB 2.0 transfer cable, Quick start guide, Wired earphones, SanDisk Clip Sport Plus wearable music player
- Display Technology: LCD
- Component Type: Playback Controls, Display
Reasons To Buy
+ Very portable and light
+ Not as expensive as rivals
+ Simple to use
Reasons To Avoid
– The sound quality isn’t as good as other ones
7. Sony NW-A55/L
A high-resolution MP3 player from Sony that is reasonably priced, particularly when compared to some of the more expensive products manufactured by companies such as Astell & Kern that are available,.
There is only 16 gigabytes of storage space available on the inside of this MP3 player. Nevertheless, you can greatly increase that with the help of a microSD card. Not only can it accept a broad variety of file types, but it also has an amazing battery life of forty-five hours.
It is a significant improvement over listening to music on your phone because the sound is intense and clear, and even though it might not be the greatest available, it is still a significant improvement.
Specifications
- Brand: Sony
- Model Name: NW-A55/L
- Special Feature: Hi-Res Audio
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Memory Storage Capacity: 16 GB
- Color: Moonlit Blue
- Screen Size: 1.77
- Compatible Devices: Laptop
- Media Type: Micro SDXC
- Included Components: Walkman
Reasons To Buy
+ Solid and good sound performance
+ A Bluetooth
+ Great support for files
Reasons To Avoid
– You can’t store much without a microSD card.
8. COWON PLENUE D3
This is a slender, lightweight, and fashionable music player that is approximately the size of a matchbox. It has a design that is uncomplicated and trendy, and it has a screen that takes up the entire front panel of the device. The earlier D2 model that Cowon produced has been upgraded with additional features, including Bluetooth, a volume control, and other improvements.
It also offers remarkable battery life. In comparison to the majority of the other products on our list, you will have more than thirty hours of playing time with high-resolution songs and forty-five hours of playback time with standard MP3 files.
It is compatible with DSD (DFF, DSF, ISO), FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, APE, MP3, WMA, OGG, and DCF. It also supports a wide variety of other formats. Even though no Wi-Fi is streaming accessible, music sounds fantastic, and you can listen to it on a variety of other devices thanks to Bluetooth. However, you should be aware that if you have wired headphones that are difficult to drive, you should not expect this tiny player to deliver the best output possible.
Specifications
- Brand: COWON
- Model Name: PLENUE D3
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Memory Storage Capacity: 64 GB
- Screen Size: 1.54
- Compatible Devices: Laptop
- Component-Type Amplifier
- Supported Standards: DSD
- Item Weight: 0.25 Kilograms
Reasons To Buy
+ Compared to others, this style is great.
+ Small, light, and competitively easy to carry
+ 45 hours of impressive battery life
Reasons To Avoid
– The screen doesn’t have a lot of detail.
– No streaming over Wi-Fi
Types of The Best Portable Music Players in 2024
Portable music players are must-haves for music lovers in this day and age where music goes with us everywhere. In the year 2024, improvements in technology have made portable music players more popular. These players have many features that make listening to music more enjoyable. This guide walks you through the different types of the best portable music players in 2024, pointing out their unique features and functions to help you pick the right one for your musical trip.
Audio players with a high resolution:
High-resolution audio players, which are made to play back studio-quality sound with unmatched sharpness and detail, are the best on the market in 2024. These players work with many audio files, like FLAC, WAV, and DSD, so they can play back every note and detail accurately. High-resolution audio players have powerful digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and high-quality amplifiers that make listening to music as immersive as going to a live show. High-resolution audio players are the best way for audiophiles who want the highest quality to listen to music on the go.
Streaming players that are wireless:
As streaming has become more common, digital streaming players are becoming more and more popular among music fans in 2024. These players link to streaming services like Spotify, TIDAL, and Apple Music via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to play music. This means that users can enjoy their favorite songs without having to use physical media. Wireless streaming players are flexible and easy to use, and they can play music both online and offline. This makes them perfect for people who want to listen to a lot of music on the go.
Players that are small and light:
In 2024, small and light music players are the best option for people who want to be mobile without sacrificing sound quality. The simple, clean form of these players makes them easy to carry around in pockets or bags. Small as they are, tiny players have great sound quality thanks to improvements in audio technology. These players make it easy to listen to music while commuting, working out, or flying. They are perfect for people who value convenience and portability.
Multifunctional players that come with these features:
In the year 2024, portable music players aren’t just for listening to music; they’re also entertainment places that can be used for different things. You can use FM radio, record your voice, read e-books, and even make calls hands-free with Bluetooth connection built right into these players. Multiple built-in features give multifunctional players more uses than just playing music. They are perfect for people who want an all-in-one portable gadget.
Players that are tough and waterproof:
Rugged and waterproof music players are becoming more popular in 2024. They are made for people who like to be active and go on adventures outside. The construction of these players is very strong, so they can handle drops, shocks, and water. This makes them perfect for working out, camping, and other outdoor activities. Rugged music players give people who live a busy life and need a music player that can keep up with their adventures peace of mind by being waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof.
What To Look For While Buying The Best Portable Music Players in 2024
Quality of the audio:
Make sound quality your top priority. For clear, precise, and immersive sound, look for a music player that supports high-resolution audio and has advanced DAC technology.
Storage Space:
Thoughtfully consider how much music you want to store on the device. For your music library, choose a player with enough storage space or storage choices that can be expanded.
Duration of the battery:
Do some research on the music player’s battery life, especially if you plan to use it for a long time without being able to charge it. For uninterrupted music playing on the go, look for a player with a long battery life.
Design and Portability:
Examine the player’s size, weight, and style. Choose a small, light device that fits easily in your pocket or bag, especially if you plan to use it while traveling or doing things outside.
Graphical user interface and controls:
The music player should have an easy-to-understand interface and settings. Easy access to menus, tracks, and settings for a smooth user experience.
Connectivity Choices:
Verify that it has ways to connect, like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB. Being connected to Wi-Fi gives you access to online streaming services and Bluetooth lets you play music wirelessly to headphones or speakers that are compatible.
Durability and Quality of Construction:
The music player’s durability and build quality are important to think about, especially if you are busy or plan to use it outside. For long-lasting and dependable performance, look for features like tough structure, resistance to water, and shockproofing.
Extra Features:
Learn about the music player’s other features, like FM radio, voice recording, reading e-books, and working with audiobooks or podcasts. To improve your general entertainment experience, pick a player that has the features you want.
Brand Reviews and Reputation:
Research the brand’s image and read reviews from other users to get an idea of how reliable, well-performing, and happy customers are with the music player. For a good purchase, choose a name with a good reputation and lots of positive reviews.
What the price and value are:
The last thing you should do is compare the music player’s price to its features, performance, and total value. Select the choice that provides the best mix of features and prices within your budget.
FAQs: Best Portable Music Players in 2024
Q: What’s the difference between an MP3 player and a high-resolution player?
Most MP3 players trim audio files to make them smaller, but this can lower the quality of the sound. High-resolution audio players, on the other hand, can play uncompressed or lossless audio formats, which means they can play sounds with more information and clarity.
Q: Can I connect my Bluetooth headphones to any handheld music player?
You can connect most modern portable music players to Bluetooth headphones or speakers that are fully suitable. But it’s important to make sure it works with Bluetooth before you buy it.
Q: How much space does my music player need to hold?
How much space you need for storage depends on how big your song library is. If you have a lot of music files, choose a player with a lot of built-in storage or storage that can be added to, like microSD card slots.
Q: Do you need music players that are tough and waterproof for outdoor activities?
Outdoorsy people who like to do things like hike, camp, or swim will love rugged and waterproof music players. These players are long-lasting and protect against the weather, so they will work reliably even in tough situations.
Q: Can I use handheld music players to connect to streaming services like Spotify?
Yes, a lot of portable music players can connect to streaming services over Wi-Fi or cellphone networks. You can stream music right to your computer through services like Apple Music, Spotify, or TIDAL.
Q: The battery of a small music player should last for a long time.
Battery life depends on things like how often you use it, how loud it is, and how much space it has in your phone. Most portable music players can play music for several hours on a single charge. Some types have longer battery lives so they can be used all day.
Q: Does every handheld music player work with high-resolution audio formats?
Some portable music players don’t work with high-resolution audio files. If playing high-quality music is important to you, you should check the device’s specs to make sure it works with formats like FLAC, WAV, or DSD.
Conclusion
When buying a portable music player in 2024, you need to carefully think about several things to make sure you get the best listening experience for your tastes and lifestyle. Putting audio quality and storage space at the top of your list, along with battery life, portability, and connectivity choices, each of these factors is very important in figuring out if the device is right for you.
When making a purchase choice, things like durability, ease of use, extra features, brand reputation, and value for money are also taken into account. It is possible to make a choice that meets your needs and expectations if you carefully consider these factors and your research.
