We all live in the 21st century and it seems that in the epoch of smartphones we don’t need any other devices because they can do almost everything. Especially playing the music. You may say that we don’t need such useless devices as MP3 players which will only take place in our pockets and nothing more. In this article, we are going to prove that these thoughts are completely mistaken. Here we collected eight TOP MP3 players which will provide you with the high-end features and really excellent sound quality. Only when compare the sound difference between the smartphone and MP3 player (we mean high-quality good MP3 player) you will feel the real difference between the sound of your favorite songs.
Life with music. How can MP3 players change us for better?
Most probably the majority of us can’t even imagine our life without music. Just think about those crazy moments when you are home alone and your favorite song is played to the maximum volume? At that moment you think that you can conquer the world. Or how about your favorite songs which sound in your headphones on the way to work when it’s an atrocious weather and people around you look like zombies? Remember that feeling when in one of such days you press “play” and hear the first notes of your favorite song? It’s an unbelievable feeling. Some people compare music with art because it can influence our mood and feelings as well as the successful photo or painting. We devoted this article to the best MP3 players because it’s the simplest way to make your day better and to add strength and inspiration when it seems impossible. Actually, it doesn’t matter where you will listen to your MP3 player, whether in the gym or on your way to work or home or maybe just when walking down the street in the evening. In any case, you will feel how the music touches your heart and inspires for new achievements.
We choose these eight best MP3 players basing not only on the quality of sound (however it also was one of the main parameters we noted) but also on the durability, simplicity of using and price. We all are different and need different models which suit our lifestyle. Here you will find waterproof options with the durable body for the people with an active lifestyle as well as options from the world famous companies. All players presented here have different features and price tag but there is one thing that unites all of them – it is the quality of sound. Whichever option from this list you choose, you will never be disappointed. Check our list and choose the best option for all your needs. Each of its participants worth your attention.
We start our list with the Sony NW-A35. This guy is the real recordsman in the world of MP3 players, because it can provide you with the hi-res music during more than forty-five hours. Not bad, yeah? Also this player is equipped with the special technology of amplifying and enhancing which helps it to provide you with an excellent quality of sound. Thanks to the extremely long battery life and other top-notch features this guy has occupied the first place in our list.
- intuitive touchscreen control
- comes in three different colors
- portable minimalist construction
| Brand | Sony |
|---|---|
| Model | NW-A35/B |
| Weight | 7 ounces |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5.0 |
The third position of our chart is occupied with the Onkyo DP-X1 Mp3 player. We included this model in our list because of the whole set of its top-notch features. Being equipped with the quad-core processor, this player will provide you with all your favorite apps without any freezing up or lugging that’s so annoying. Besides the good processor, this option is built on the Android platform and has a flexible and convenient interface.
- quick-control buttons
- real-time dsd conversion
- customizable precision eq
| Brand | Onkyo |
|---|---|
| Model | DP-X1 |
| Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Rating | 4.7 / 5.0 |
The third position of our chart is occupied with the Onkyo DP-X1 Mp3 player. We included this model in our list because of the whole set of its top-notch features. Being equipped with the quad-core processor, this player will provide you with all your favorite apps without any freezing up or lugging that’s so annoying. Besides the good processor, this option is built on the Android platform and has a flexible and convenient interface.
- quick-control buttons
- real-time dsd conversion
- customizable precision eq
| Brand | Onkyo |
|---|---|
| Model | DP-X1 |
| Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Rating | 4.7 / 5.0 |
Simple design and good quality of sound together with the extremely portable size and the ability of this model to attach to any of your clothes have made this option the best choice for those who are always on the go. SanDisk Clip Sport Plus is lightweight, convenient, will provide you with the high-quality music for around twenty hours and has a built FM-radio.
- built-in fm radio
- lightweight and water-resistant
- long 20 hour battery life
| Brand | SanDisk |
|---|---|
| Model | SDMX28-016G-G46K |
| Weight | 2.4 ounces |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5.0 |
From the first view this model may seem similar to the Apple iPod but despite the design, all other features of this guy are absolutely original. The FiiO X3 has a touchwheel navigation and supports Bluetooth 4.1, so you are able to use this model for wireless streaming. Also, this player is equipped with two audio jacks for the maximally balanced output.
- black or red accents
- supports all major file formats
- center button is too sensitive
| Brand | Fiio |
|---|---|
| Model | FiiO-X3IIIBK |
| Weight | 14.1 ounces |
| Rating | 4.2 / 5.0 |
The sixth model in our chart also had a good quality of sound and is simple in use but these are not the features that distinguish it from the crowd of other similar options. This model was created especially for people leading an active lifestyle. Being impact resistant and completely waterproof, this player will not let you down in any conditions. Durable and qualitative model for active people.
- backed by a 2-year warranty
- depth rated to 200 feet
- subpar sound quality
| Brand | AudioFlood |
|---|---|
| Model | Space-5gen-Waterproof-i |
| Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5.0 |
The next option in our list is a bit pricey comparably with many others but it is fully justified with its features. The Astell & Kern AK70 Portable has 64 GB of memory (expandable). Also, it is equipped with both optical line-out and USB connectivity, which together with its outstanding design make this model one of the best choices for the true connoisseurs of high-quality music.
- supports wifi streaming
- very high quality craftsmanship
- difficult to build playlists
| Brand | Astell&Kern |
|---|---|
| Model | AK70RED |
| Weight | 4.6 ounces |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5.0 |
For those who want a first class MP3 player but don’t want to become a bankrupt after its purchasing, we offer the last guy in our list. The AGPtEK A20 can boast of the portable body, high quality of sound, simple and convenient interface and an affordable price tag. It is one of the best budget models available nowadays.
- grippy tactile finish
- limited storage
- will not work with audible ebooks
| Brand | AGPTEK |
|---|---|
| Model | SMPA20AR |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Rating | 3.8 / 5.0 |
How to choose your ideal MP3 player?
So, we have reviewed eight best models of MP3 players available nowadays and the question arises – “which one of them to choose?” Let’s consider in this paragraph on which features you should pay your attention to choose your ideal MP3 player and not to regret about this purchase in the future.
First of all, you should think about your lifestyle. If your life isn’t limited with work and home, and you can’t imagine yourself without hiking, traveling or doing any other activities, it becomes clear that you don’t need bright colors of the players’ body or its super-quality bright display. In such case, the main thing you need is a good battery and high durability. Note when choosing which options are waterproof and impact resistant. Also, pay your attention to the design of the player because some of the models are equipped with the special clips to be attached to your clothes or backpack. Believe us, it extremely convenient when you are traveling. And the battery, of course. Check the duration of the battery’s life when choosing.
For those people who like different apps and appreciate bright design and top-notch display, such options as Apple iPods will suit perfectly. These small guys have conquered a lot of hearts already with the bright colors of their design, small size, and modern features. In such case, the duration of a battery’s life is not the major parameter for you, so you should choose the desired option basing on the amount of storage space, quality of the display, compatibility with your favorite apps, and price. Probably you will not need the super long-lasting battery or waterproof body of the player. Choose your best player by taking into account its weight and size (it’s always important) and the availability of modern technologies implemented.
Note, that whichever type of MP3 players you choose, whether it will be the model with the comparably simple design but with the powerful battery or player with the ability to enjoy fancy animations and apps, you should never forget that it will be your player and without your favorite songs it is just a device. More or less simple mechanism. But when you add there your favorite songs it will transform into your best friend wherever you go. Just choose the best option and give it soul with your favorite tunes.
Steve Jobs, thank you, man!
In the last paragraph of our article, we gonna speak about the technologies. Or rather, the 21st century-technologies. Many of us used to think that Steve Jobs (yeah, that legendary Steve Jobs) was the first who invented the MP3 player. We want to disappoint you, he wasn’t. However, the first generation of iPods from Apple was a real breakthrough in the whole world, there were some other manufacturers who have created MP3 players long before. These manufacturers were SaeHan and AT&T. They offered digital players with the ability to download songs from the Internet and with both the internal and external memory before Apple hype in 2001. And, of course, we shouldn’t forget about the legendary cassette players such as Walkman and CD players such as Discman. These guys have made the whole music epoch.
However, Apple company wasn’t an inventor of MP3 players, in the year 2007 they have created their first unique iPod Touch which was similar to iPhone but without the cellular contract. iPod touches have conquered the world market almost immediately due to their nice and stylish design and significantly higher amount of features available in comparison with other MP3 payers.
Nowadays MP3 players made by Apple still remain one of the most popular models. But, nevertheless, if skip the legendary brand name and compare their features with other models of modern MP3 players, you will be surprised greatly because today you can find some other similar options which features will not be worse and maybe even better than the iPod’s. It’s up to you, whether to be stick to the brand name and quality which is proven over the years or to try something new which can also please you with its high-end features. Choose, try and diversify your life with music wherever you go.
