Best MP3 Players for All Uses and Budgets in 2021

While once MP3 players such as iPods and Zunes reigned supreme, the introduction of the modern smartphone has largely replaced portable music players. Now, it’s easy enough to fill up a high-capacity microSD card with a ton of music files, insert it into your phone, and enjoy your entire digital audio collection on the go. Or, streaming services such as Spotify and Tidal let you listen to thousands of songs. And with a home server like Plex, you can create your own Spotify-esque experience by self-hosting your digitized music files on a server for access virtually anywhere. Still, MP3 music players totally have their advantages. Check out the best MP3 players in 2021 for all uses and budgets!

What is an MP3 Player and Why Should You Buy One?

MP3 players are dedicated devices to playback digital audio. While the term MP3 player is pretty common, it’s often not entirely accurate. Many portable music players can handle other file formats besides just MP3 such as AAC or uncompressed file formats like FLAC, OGG, APE, and WMA. Although it’s true that most modern smartphones can easily handle audio playback, an MP3 player is still a worthy purchase even in 2020.

If, like me, you enjoy listening to music while you workout, an MP3 player is a great option. Whether you don’t enjoy a massive tablet-sized smartphone strapped to your arm, or you worry about dropping a dumbbell on your cellphone, a cheap MP3 player offers a compelling alternative. Since many phones eschew microSD card slots, users with large digital music libraries might seek an MP3 player with external storage. And audiophiles truly benefit from premium MP3 players. At the high-end, portable music players usually feature a built-in digital to audio converter (DAC) for enhanced sound quality.

Are MP3 Players Worth it in 2021?

Since most phones can play MP3s as well as stream from the likes of Spotify, Tidal, and Plex, are MP3 players even still a thing? In fact, MP3 players are definitely worth it in 2021. While your phone or tablet can play digital music files perfectly well, a dedicated media player for music carries a lot of advantages. You can conserve battery on your phone by instead using an MP3 player. With dwindling support for microSD card slots and headphone jacks, a purpose-built MP3 player provides much-needed music listening functionality.

Additionally, a cheap MP3 player is a great solution for working out at the gym or running without worrying about damaging your high-end handset. And for audiophiles, there are plenty of premium MP3 players with support for lossless formats such as FLAC as well as onboard digital-to-analog converters (DACs) or built-in AMPs. As such, an MP3 player is still a fantastic purchase for a variety of users.

What Should You Look for in an MP3 Player?

When picking out the best music player for your needs, there are a lot of considerations. Cost is a huge factor, with lots of cheap MP3 players and high-end music players alike. Built-in storage space is key as that dictates how many files you can store on the device itself. And you might want an MP3 player with expandable storage, typically via microSD card.

Whereas many phones have nixed headphone jacks in favor of slimmer profiles and rely instead on Bluetooth, the majority of portable MP3 players feature 3.5mm jacks. Still, you might also want an MP3 player with Bluetooth. File type compatibility is a huge feature. MP3 is a common format, but look at your collection of digitized music and determine what file formats, such as FLAC, OGG, and WAV, you need. Audiophiles will want to find an MP3 player with an onboard DAC. And the operating system, as well as navigation, are important factors. You can find budget MP3 players with tiny screens and basic control pads, as well as smartphone-sized media players that run Android and include a touchscreen.

What MP3 player features to look for:

• Built-in storage
• Expandable storage, i.e. microSD
• Cost
• Headphone jack
• Bluetooth
• DAC
• Touchscreen vs. physical controls
• File compatibility – MP3, AAC, OGG, FLAC, APE, WAV, etc.

Best Bluetooth MP3 Player – SanDisk Sansa Clip Sport Plus

The Sansa Clip Sport Plus is a good, cheap MP3 player. Despite its low price tag, the Clip Sport Plus packs a ton of features. Onboard, you’ll find 16GB of storage and a vibrant 1.44-inch TFT LCD screen. Bluetooth comes standard for pairing with Bluetooth wireless headphones or speakers, and there’s even an FM radio. You’ll find an easy-to-use directional pad (D-pad) on the front, a headphone jack, and a convenient clip on the back, hence the name.

As the Sport in its title suggests, the SanDisk Sansa Clip Sport Plus is water-resistant. Its headphone jack is concealed behind a flap, so the Clip Sport Plus is an excellent workout companion. File support is fantastic with the ability to playback MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, and FLAC. Charging is handled by micro USB. Unfortunately, the Clip Sport Plus lacks expandable storage. As such, you’re limited to the 16GB of onboard storage. Micro USB charging is fine, but USB-C would be nice. If you need external storage, the SanDisk Clip Jam includes a microSD card slot, though it lacks a color screen. I use a Sansa Clip Sport Plus for running, and it’s a solid, inexpensive go-anywhere MP3 player that’s not afraid of a little sweat or rain. Overall, the best Bluetooth MP3 player on the market.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Water-resistant
• 20-hour battery life
• 16GB onboard storage
• Excellent file compatibility – MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, and FLAC
• Clip on the back, wearable
• Bluetooth
• Headphone jack
• FM radio

Cons:

• No USB-C charging
• Lacks microSD card slot

Best Cheap MP3 Player – AGPTEK Clip

If you’re looking for a good, cheap MP3 player, the AGPTEK Clip is an excellent option. Rocking a similar form factor to the Sansa Clip, the AGPTEK boasts a clip on the back so it’s wearable. There’s an easy-to-use D-pad on the front, a headphone jack, Bluetooth, and an FM radio. File support is top-notch with MP3, WMA, OGG, APE, FLAC, WAV, and more. What’s more, the AGPTEK Clip includes 16GB of onboard storage with a microSD card slot for storage expansion. It charges via micro USB and touts a sweatproof silicone case. Oddly, AGPTEK doesn’t package a pair of headphones inside. That’s become the industry standard. Chances are, however, that whatever wired or wireless headphones you’ve got at home are probably better than what would be included. The Oakcastle MP100 is a similarly-styled and specced alternative that you might consider. For a small MP3 player that won’t break the bank, the AGPTEK Clip is a fantastic choice.

Pros:

• Cheap
• Bluetooth
• Headphone jack
• Excellent file support – MP3, WMA, OGG, APE, FLAC, WAV, AAC-LC, ACELP
• Color screen
• 16GB onboard storage
• MicroSD card slot

Cons:

• No included headphones
• Lacks USB-C support

Best Waterproof MP3 Player – NWWS413LM

Some tunes to complement a workout can take your exercise to the next level. While it’s easy enough to use almost any MP3 player or phone for running or weightlifting for instance, swimming is another matter. Since Bluetooth devices employ the 2.4GHz radio frequency which doesn’t transmit well in water, swimming while jamming out poses a challenge. Enter the Sony NWWS413LM. Whereas most MP3 players feature separate headphones, the NWWS413LM combines headphones with an MP3 player for a wearable media player. You’ll find 4GB of onboard storage and an ergonomic design that offers a secure fit. An ambient sound mode compensates for this so if you’re using the Sony NWWS414LM for running, biking, or another terrestrial activity, you can still hear noises and maintain situational awareness. Its 12-hour battery life provides plenty of juice.

Audio quality is wonderful which should come as no surprise considering Sony’s dominance with the Walkman. The NWWS414LM can handle MP3, AAC, WMA, and Linear PCM. Additional formats such as FLAC and WAV would be nice, although converting audio files is a breeze. Transferring music is simple, but the USB 2.0 cable is a bit slow. Disappointingly, storage isn’t expandable via microSD card. Moreover, there’s no Bluetooth connectivity. Despite Bluetooth not functioning well under water, for use on land that would have been a welcome inclusion. Alternatively, the AfterShokz Xtrainerz bone conduction swimming headphones also offer 4GB of storage space and full waterproofing. Yet with their bone conduction design that leaves your ear exposed, you can listen to music while swimming with traditional earplugs. Tayogo makes an 8GB waterproof MP3 player, and the aptly-named Swimbuds is a good seafaring MP3 player. The Swimbuds Delphin is a micro tablet outfitted with waterproofing and up to 16GB of built-in storage that, in spite of its outdated Android operating system, works well. If you’re looking for the best waterproof MP3 player though, Sony’s NWWS414LM  is a great pick.

Pros:

• 4GB onboard storage
• Waterproof, safe for use in salt and fresh water up to 2 meters
• Ergonomic design with a secure fit
• Ambient noise function
• Up to 12-hour battery life
• Good file compatibility – MP3, WMA, AAC, and Linear PCM Audio Files
• Includes regular and swim ear buts

Cons:

• Only 4GB of space
• No expandable storage
• Lacks Bluetooth
• USB 2.0 not USB 3.0

Best Small MP3 Player – Fiio M5

The Fiio M5 is the best portable music player you can find in a small form factor. With its attractive, square design, the M5 appears almost like the Apple iPod Nano 6th gen. You’ll find an Ingenic X1000E processor with an AK4377 DAC built-in. There’s Bluetooth aptX, USB audio, and a microSD card slot. Aside from Bluetooth, you’ll find a 3.5mm jack as well as USB audio out. Its 550mAh battery can handle over 10.5 hours of continuous playback, and a touchscreen lends a premium vibe. Several different accessories come bundled including a clip and protective case. Its built-in microphone offers noise cancellation. Disappointingly, you won’t find any smart apps. If you want access to streaming apps like Tidal and Spotify, the Fiio M6 is a compelling alternative. Small but mighty, the Fiio M5 is a solid mid-range audiophile-worthy MP3 player.

Pros:

• Small
• Attractive bezel-less design
• 550mAh battery for up t0 10.5 hours of continuous playback
• Lots of included accessories such as a case and clip
• DAC built-in
• Bluetooth aptX
• Headphone jack
• USB audio
• microSD card slot
• USB-C connectivity
• Excellent file support – ISO, APE, WAV, FLAC, AIF, AIFF, M4A, WMA, OGG, AAC, ALAC, and PCM
• Works as DAC when connected to your computer via USB

Cons:

• No smart apps or Wi-Fi

Best High-res MP3 Player 2020 – Astell&Kern AK Jr

Though budget-priced MP3 players abound, audiophile-caliber media players are readily available. The Astell&Kern AK Jr crams a bevy of features into its slim profile. In addition to the slate of standard audio file types, you’ll find support for ALAC, AIFF, WAV, and FLAC with a DAC capable of decoding files encoded with up to 24 bits of resolution ad a 192kHz sampling rates. Its DAC can be used as an external digital to analog converter for PCs and macOS devices. Further, the Astell&Kern AK Jr handles DSD to PCM file conversion. Aside from the 64GB of built-in storage space, the AK Jr touts a microSD card slot for expandable storage. There’s Bluetooth 4,0 with aptX and a headphone jack. Plus, build quality is exquisite with a premium vibe and unique wheel-shaped volume rocker. Unfortunately, the software experience falters. It’s a bit slow and not the most responsive. What’s more, you won’t find Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming from apps like Tidal or Spotify. Nevertheless, for a high-end media player without a high price tag, the Astell&Kern AK Jr is an incredibly well-engineered Hi-Fi MP3 player.

Pros:

• Excellent file compatibility – MP3, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV, FLAC, and more
• Aluminum body, good build quality, and stylish
• Full capacitive touchscreen
• Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX
• Headphone jack
• 64GB of onboard storage
• microSD card slot
• Built-in DAC, doubles as a USB DAC
• DSD to PCM conversion

Cons:

• No Wi-Fi
• Sluggish software experience

Best Budget Hi-Fi MP3 Player – Cowon Plenue D2

Cowon remains one of the most renowned names among audiophiles. And its Plenue D2 doesn’t disappoint. Because it’s a Hi-Fi media player, the Cowon Plenue D2 sports a CS43131 DAC alongside a 2.5mm balanced output. 64GB of internal memory combined with a microSD card slot is more than ample for holding your entire music collection. File compatibility is top-notch with MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, APE, ALAC, OGG, WMA, and more. The Plenue D2 handles 24-bit/192kHz audio with aplomb. Sound quality is clear and confident, and build quality is spectacular. A stout design fits easily into pockets of all sizes. Sadly, you won’t find Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Still, if you want silky smooth sound, the Cowon Plenue D2 delivers in style.

Pros:

• Excellent file compatibility – MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, APE, ALAC, OGG, WMA, and more
• 24-bit/192kHz audio handling
• Built-in DAC (CS43131)
• Dual audio jacks – 3.5mm and 2.5mm balanced output
• 64GB onboard storage space
• microSD card slot
• Fantastic sound quality
• 45 hours of music playback
• Stout pocket-friendly design

Cons:

• Lacks Bluetooth
• No Wi-Fi
• Expensive

Best Sony MP3 Player – Sony NW-A55

Ever since its Walkman debuted, Sony has been a name rightly associated with high-quality audio. And the NW-A55 is no exception. Sony’s Walkman media player boasts high-res audio capabilities and a slick design that features a touchscreen. An S-Master HX digital amplifier features rich, realistic sound quality. The onboard DSEE HX upscaling restores quality to compressed audio files such as MP3. Its all-day battery affords up to 45 hours of music playback. In addition to 16GB of built-in storage, the Sony NW-A55 flaunts a microSD card slot. There’s a headphone jack and Bluetooth.

Music handling is spectacular. Sony’s NW-A55 fan handle just about anything you throw onto it including hi-res PCM files up to 2-bit/384kHz, WAV and FLAC at 2-bit/96kHz, DAD up to 11.2MHz, MQA, and standard file types like MP3 and AAC. With Bluetooth connectivity, the NW-A55 can sync with external devices such as phones and laptops to playback music stored on those devices through the Walkman and therefore utilize its DAC. When paired with Bluetooth headphones and speakers, you can select the LDAC Bluetooth codec with a 24-bit/96kHz transmission rate, or aptX HD with 24-bit/48kHz. In addition to Bluetooth DAC compatibility, the Sony NW-A55 functions as a USB DAC as well. Small, reasonably-priced, and with a brilliant set of features, the Sony NW-A55 is the top Sony Walkman MP3 player you can buy.

Pros:

• DAC that can be used for on-device files, via Bluetooth, and USB
• Bluetooth
• microSD card slot
• 16GB onboard storage
• Headphone jack
• Excellent file compatibility – FLAC, MP3, WAV, PCM, AAC, etc.
• Small
• Good user interface and software
• Excellent sound quality

Cons:

• No Wi-Fi
• Lacks an FM radio

Best Android MP3 Player for Most Users – Fiio M11

The Fiio M11 is a ridiculously well-crafted media player. At its core, the M11 packs a six-core Samsung Exynos 7872 processor with dual AK4497EQ+ DAcs and a fully-balanced THX AAA-78*2. File playback includes MP3, AAC, FLAC, WMA, WAV, Apple, DSF, DSDIFF, LOSSLESS, and native DSD 128/256 PCM up to 384Khz/32-bit. You’ll find an array of different outputs including 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm as well as Bluetooth with aptX.

Whereas many media players come with a proprietary operating system, the Fiio M11 rocks Android for compatibility with apps like Tidal and Spotify. 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage are standard with a microSD card slot for expandable storage. There’s Wi-Fi along with DLNA and AirPlay for great connectivity. Battery life is decent at around 8.5 hours, but its quick charge 2.0 lets you achieve a maximum charge in just 2.5 hours. USB DAC capabilities further round out the Fiio M11’s robust feature set. Admittedly, the M11 is somewhat hefty, although chances are if you’re keen to take advantage of its balanced outputs, you’re also sporting some massive noise-canceling cans so the added girth won’t be an issue. With a premium feel from its physical construction to the OS, the Fiio M11 is hands-down the best Android MP3 player you can buy in 2020.

Pros:

• Android OS
• DAC ( AK4497EQ+ )
• Six-core Samsung Exynos 7872 processor
• 3GB RAM, 64GB onboard storage
• microSD card slot
• Excellent file support – MP3, AAC, FLAC, WMA, WAV, Apple, DSF, DSDIFF, LOSSLESS, and native DSD 128/256 PCM up to 384Khz/32-bit
• USB DAC capabilities
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• 3.5mm, 2.5mm, 4.4mm outputs
• 1440 x 720 screen resolution
• Up to 8.5 hours of battery life
• Quick charging – full charge in just 2.5 hours
• Premium build quality

Cons:

• Large device
• Middling battery life

Best Hi-Fi Digital Audio Player – Cowon Plenue R2

Like the Fiio M11, Cowon’s Plenue R2 packs quite a punch with its dual DAC. It can handle 32-bit/384kHz high-res sound with its CS43131  digital to analog converters. Its SNR 136dB, THD+N 0.0004% balanced output provides lush audio quality. Native DSD256 handling comes standard and there’s Bluetooth with aptX. File playback includes MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, APE, WMA, OGG< TTA, DCF, WV, DSD, and more. Its Bluetooth audio codec supports the likes of JetEffect 7’s acoustic field for lifelike sound quality. Build quality is great, although the software interface is a bit lacking. Unfortunately, by eschewing an Android interface, the Cowon Plenue R2 doesn’t provide access to streaming apps like Tidal or Spotify. Nevertheless, its audio handling is masterful, and the R2 excels at local file playback. Chances are your phone more than suffices for streaming apps.

Pros:

• Dual DAC (CS43131)
• SNR 136dB, THD+N 0.0004% balanced output
• Bluetooth with aptX
• Excellent file support – MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, APE, WMA, OGG< TTA, DCF, WV, DSD, and more
• JetEffect 7 and BBE+ support
• Gorgeous AMOLED 3.7-inch display
• USB-C
• Native DSD
• 20-hour battery life
• 128GB built-in storage

Cons:

• No Wi-Fi for streaming from apps like Tidal or Spotify

Best High-end MP3 Player Overall – Onkyo DP-X1A

If you need the best possible MP3 player that money can buy, look no further than the Onkyo DP-X1A. Audio quality is absolutely astounding, and the built-in Android operating system is a pleasure to use. This not only lets you play back all of your local files, but you’ll gain access to streaming apps such as Tidal and Spotify. Aside from its 64GB of storage space, the Onkyo DP-X1A boasts a pair of microSD card slots, perfect for holding virtually every vinyl rip you can fit on it. Throw in two 1TB microSD card slots and you’ll probably be packing more storage space in your MP3 player than exists in the average laptop.

There’s Bluetooth, a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 2.5mm balanced output. File compatibility is ridiculously wide-ranging with even support for MQA (Masters Quality Audio). A pair of Sabre 9601K amps and dual Sabre ES9018K2M DACs handle audio processing for PCM up to 24-bit/384kHz and DSD processing at 11.2/5.6/2.8MHz. Build quality is lush with metal construction and a beautiful touch screen. And sound quality is ear-meltingly awesome. The only real downside is its price. If you need a fully-loaded MP3 player, the Onkyo DP-X1A absolutely delivers, albeit at a high monetary cost. You may consider the similarly priced and styled Pioneer XDP-300R which also touts MQA compatibility and Android.

Pros:

• Android OS
• Excellent file compatibility – MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, WMA, and more
• Supports MQA
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• 64GB storage space
• Dual microSD card slots
• Real-time DSD conversion
• PCM up to 24-bit/384kHz and DSD processing at 11.2/5.6/2.8MHz
• 3.5mm jack and 2.5mm balanced output

Cons:

• Expensive
• Outdated Android OS

Best iPod for 2021 – Apple iPod Touch

Disappointingly, Apple nixed its Apple iPod Classic a while ago. But the Apple iPod Touch is a solid choice and the best MP3 player for Apple users. There’s flawless iOS support and compatibility with the Apple app store. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi come standard and its A10 Fusion chip delivers great performance. The 4-inch Retnia display is lovely and you’ve got a choice of 32GB, 128GB, or 256GB of storage space. However, the iPod Touch is expensive for what it is – an iPhone without mobile 4G or 5G connectivity. Sure, you can use FaceTime over Wi-Fi, but its capabilities are somewhat limited. You won’t find support for high-res audio files like FLAC or expandable storage. But if most of your music collection is encoded in MP3 or AAC and you’re a die-hard Apple enthusiast, the iPod Touch is a good option.

Pros:

• Works well with iOS
• Apple app store compatibility
• FaceTime capabilities
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• 4-inch Retina display
• A10 Fusion chip
• Up to 256GB of storage space
• Good build quality

Cons:

• Lacks support for high-res audio files like FLAC
• No expandable storage

Best MP3 Players for All Uses and Budgets – Final Thoughts

Overall, there are plenty of standalone MP3 players available, from good cheap MP3 players to high-end media players with built-in DACs. The Sansa Clip Sport is a high-performing budget option, and you’ll find a slew of similar clip-style music players like the AGPTEK Clip. On the high-end, media players from Cowon, Astell&Kern, Onkyo, Fiio, and Cowon reign supreme. And Sony carries on its tradition of excellence with high-res Walkman MP3 players.

Your turn: Which MP3 players do you recommend?