Digital technology has long been included in our daily life and has become its integral part - smartphones, tablets, mp3 players and other similar equipment: it is unlikely that any person can imagine their weekdays and weekends without it. One of the most compact and convenient units is the mp3 player, which allows you to listen to music away from powerful music centers, computers and other players.
Literally monthly new models come out that are very different from each other in a number of parameters. Navigating in this market segment is not very easy even for experienced users, so we decided to write a rating of the best mp3 players of 2019. Let us first understand the main operational characteristics of this product, and then proceed to a direct analysis of specific models.
Summary of the rating:
What do you pay attention to when choosing an mp3 player?
This device is an indispensable design for people who can not imagine their daily life without music. It allows you to diversify various activities - travel by transport, sports, even ordinary routine work. Many people take the player with them for a run, while walking animals and so on. Such products have a fairly compact size, on the case of most models you can find a special clothespin, due to which they are securely attached to clothes or bag.
Be sure to find out before buying a device which central processor is installed in it. The fact is that it is in it that the digital music signal is processed, which is then transmitted to an autonomous speaker or headphones. The battery capacity allows you to ensure the duration of the device without the need to connect a charger. All similar designs are usually equipped with an amplifier. Its power level, as a rule, is low due to the compact size of the product itself.
In addition, the sound control will be directly affected by the volume control. It can be smooth or stepwise, on sale you can also find designs equipped with analogue regulators. The software is also important: the better the software, the more formats it will support during operation. Many players have a small display on which to view videos or even feature films. However, most users point to this function as superfluous, since the main task of such a device is to play music in high quality, and movies can be watched on a computer or on a TV.
Be sure to pay attention to the maximum capacity of the device - it is advisable to purchase a player with the most memory, otherwise it will not be possible to accommodate all the tracks you like. When choosing models for inclusion in our review of the best mp3 players, we took into account all these factors, but not only them: considerable attention was paid to the price-quality ratio and user feedback.We tried to choose quite affordable models so that each of our readers could choose the best products for themselves.
Small models for everyday use or sports
4. Sony NW-WS413
Products designed for use during active sports, produced by this company for a long time. The main distinguishing feature is the presence of the Bluetooth module, which allows you to pair with smartphones and other third-party devices. In addition, there is a remote control. The device is reliably protected from dust, dirt and even salt water getting under the case. The player is made in three color options - emerald, black and ivory. All models look very stylish. In general, the player itself looks like ordinary headphones: there are two small cups and a headband. At the same time, the headphones enter deep enough into the ear canals, so all the subtleties of the melody can be heard with good clarity. Despite this, even at maximum volume, this device will not overshadow the sounds of the world.
Included is a cable for charging the battery. Management is quite simple, the buttons are large, rubberized. The body is made in accordance with the international standard IP68, which involves immersion in the water column to a depth of one meter and being there for half an hour. Depending on the configuration, the internal memory can be 4 or 8 GB, where you can download a decent amount of music tracks even in very high quality, for example, in .flac format. In stand-alone mode, when you turn on the full volume, this device can work for about 12 hours, a quick charge function is provided. The sound quality is quite high, there are a number of proprietary settings, any genres will play well, from classical music to modern house, blues, rap and other forms.
Benefits:
- Superior workmanship and assembly;
- Beautiful and stylish appearance;
- Well suited for any ear canals;
- Reliably protected from exposure to contaminants and moisture.
Disadvantages:
- It’s not very convenient to listen under water, even though they are held tight enough.
3. Shanling M0
With small overall dimensions, the device has a fairly wide functionality. The key distinguishing feature is a reliable body made of aluminum, which has additional stiffening ribs, its shape is square. It is covered with a layer of paint, protected from various external influences. In the hand, almost invisible. The volume control wheel is corrugated, so it is quite convenient to scroll through it. The build quality is excellent - all elements of the case are fitted tightly together, no backlashes were noticed. All internal elements are fixed securely, nothing shakes or hangs. All corners are rounded, on the bottom panel there is a headphone jack and a USB Type C wire. The headphone plug is inserted quickly and easily, and is securely fixed in the socket. The volume wheel is also responsible for turning the device on and off.
On the opposite side, there is a slot for plugging in a microSD memory card, with a capacity of up to 512 GB. The diagonal of the display is 1.54 inches, the resolution - 240x240 pixels - is quite decent for such a compact device. Watching a video on it is very inconvenient, however, all the menu items and various settings are visible just fine. Wide viewing angles are also not to be expected - nevertheless it is a player, and not a smartphone or TV. The mass of the product is minimal: it is about 40 grams. The menu is quite clear, it does not have to be understood for a long time, which makes the player even more convenient.
Benefits:
- Elementary control - you can delve into it in a couple of minutes;
- Insignificant overall dimensions;
- Reasonable cost;
- A decent amount of internal memory plus a slot for a flash drive;
- Nice appearance.
Disadvantages:
- The volume control wheel rotates a little taut.
2. Ritmix RF-3450 8Gb
This is one of the cheapest models in our entire review of the best mp3 players, and the device is characterized by rather modest overall dimensions, so it can easily fit even in the pocket of a jacket or trousers. The case is made of high-quality plastic with a matte finish, which reliably protects the structure from slipping out of hands, and also does not allow dirt to accumulate on the surface. The last moment is important due to the fact that the player is made in white. The overall dimensions of the device are small - they can be compared with a standard flash drive. It is connected to a computer or other charger through the most ordinary USB connector, which is hidden under a plastic removable cap. It will reliably protect it from the accumulation of dirt and moisture.
Data exchange with an external device is not too large - about 1 MB per second, so in order to download your favorite music, you have to stock up a decent amount of patience. On the back of the case there is a switch, a headphone jack. From one of the ends there is a slot for installing a memory card, the maximum capacity of which can reach 16 GB. On the front side there is a joystick and a liquid crystal display that displays all the information necessary for the user: the track being played, its duration, remaining battery power, and so on. The display brightness is average, although there is an LED backlight. The sound quality is at a very decent level: bass lines, vocals are clearly audible, mid and high frequencies are optimally superimposed.
Benefits:
- Very practical and easy to use model;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- There is a slot for a memory card;
- The case is opaque, protected from dirt accumulation;
- Extremely affordable cost;
- Fast interface and well thought out menu.
Disadvantages:
- Does not support .flac format;
- Weak battery.
1. Sony NWZ-B183F
This player looks very original, although it is not equipped, unlike most similar designs, with a large touch screen. The display here is notable for its small dimensions, but it is quite bright - everything will be perfectly visible on it even in direct sunlight. In addition, its small size significantly saves charging, it is monochrome, has a light blue backlight. The brightness can be adjusted manually if necessary. The case itself is metal, which only adds practicality to the product - it will not be scratched or covered with a layer of dirt even when used in adverse conditions. Build quality is also quite high. Almost all the buttons protrude slightly beyond the edge of the device, so they can be easily detected by touch. On one side there is a removable cover, under which there is a USB connector. The player itself is small in size - about 8 cm long, about 2 cm wide, 1.5 cm thick.
The sound is quite acceptable, there are a large number of subtle settings. The product is capable of working with many formats. There is a playback memory, so the next time you turn it on, playback starts from the moment the user stopped the last time. A voice recorder, microphone and other additional functions are not provided here, especially since most users consider them simply superfluous.
Benefits:
- Interesting and stylish design;
- No need to use additional wires;
- There is a built-in radio;
- Fairly reasonable price;
- Good sound quality, especially if you connect the appropriate expensive headphones.
Disadvantages:
- The amount of internal memory is only 4 GB.
High-quality players
3.xDuoo X10
Despite the fact that this player is somewhat clumsy in terms of design, its filling is very high quality. Despite the fact that the appearance is not very attractive, the case is made of high-quality aluminum alloy of increased strength, so it is almost impossible to damage it even with aggressive daily use. However, using this product is very convenient. All buttons and switches are analogous, the control wheel has decent overall dimensions, the menu is intuitive, which gives this gadget a significant advantage. On the front panel you can find a fairly large display, the diagonal of which is 2 inches. It is very bright, has an anti-reflective coating, so all the information will be very clearly visible even on a very sunny day. Viewing angles are narrow, but this is quite normal.
Under the screen there are several buttons responsible for navigating the menu and controlling playback. On the top side of the model is a connector for connecting a microUSB cable and a power button, on the left there is a volume rocker and two slots for memory cards, each of which can have a capacity of up to 128 GB. The interface is completely Russified for user convenience, there are not too many menu items - you won’t have to figure it out for a long time. You can optimally evaluate all the advantages of sounding the player using full-size headphones. The sound is quite thick, well divided into plans, the bass line is a bit imposing, which gives the music additional interest. It has accented emphasis, middle and high tones are spelled out quite clearly - not a single note disappears.
Benefits:
- Metal case;
- Good shape ergonomics;
- Smooth operation of all moving elements;
- High sound quality;
- Fully Russified interface;
- Practical design;
- Bright screen.
Disadvantages:
- It is not so easy to get to the reset button;
- High price.
2. Fiio M3K
The model has a small overall dimensions, so it can be easily put in a pocket of any size. The case of the product is aluminum, the front side is covered with tempered glass. Only the upper and lower end parts are made of plastic here, which does not affect the appearance or strength of the device. The design is performed in either silver or black. Build quality, like all models included in our rating of the best mp3 players, is on top. All side corners are rounded, the back panel slides a little in the hands, however, this problem can be easily solved by using a silicone case that comes with the device. The mass of the product is 77 grams, so it will not hinder movement at all.
All keys on the front side are touch-sensitive, a vertical navigation bar is also provided. The AK4376A microchip, which has 32-bit decoding, has its own amplifier with a capacity of 25 mW, acts here as the basis of the device. In the sound field there are certain rises of the lower and upper parts of the range. The first adds intensity to percussion and bass instruments, due to which it is possible to achieve a winning sound for both electronic and acoustic compositions. The firmware works very quickly, navigation is carried out literally in seconds. Additional functions include the presence of a five-band equalizer, absolutely all known music formats are supported.
Benefits:
- Fairly high filling power;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Long battery life;
- The presence of an equalizer with standard and manual settings.
Disadvantages:
- It is almost impossible to notice the output power with the headphones that come with the kit, it is better to immediately buy additional headphones.
1. Cayin N3
It is made in several color options - red, black and light blue. The case has compact overall dimensions, fits easily in the hand. It has an anti-slip coating that reliably protects it from scratches. The back panel has an original finish, which is made of artificial leather. The display here is not touch, but color. Touch buttons are located below it. On the bottom there is a headphone jack and a USB Type-C connector that supports fast charging. On the right side in the upper side there is a power button, and under it is a volume rocker. All keys have embossed symbols that allow you to control the product by touch.
High sound quality is ensured by the AK4490EN microchip, which has small overall dimensions and quite moderate energy consumption. The amplifier here is OPA1622 - it is responsible for the low and mid frequencies. The output power of the headphones is about 260 mW, which is quite sufficient for both vacuum products and classic earbuds. There is also the original wireless high-speed Bluetooth v4.0 interface. The frequency of the central processor Ingenic X1000 is 1 GHz. The graphical shell loads pretty quickly, it works stably, no slowdowns were noticed. The battery life is about 12 hours.
Benefits:
- The presence of a Bluetooth module;
- Included is a silicone case;
- High sound quality;
- If necessary, the user can change the characteristics of the digital filter.
Disadvantages:
- Touch buttons do not have backlighting.
Premium Players
3. Cowon PLENUE J
This player has a luxurious appearance: the end parts are made of polished aluminum, which has increased strength, the front side is covered with shockproof glass, the back panel is made of ribbed plastic, which reliably protects the structure from slipping out of hands. On the top of the product there is a jack for connecting headphones, on the left side there are slots for microUSB cable and microSD memory cards, the maximum capacity of which can be 128 GB. The diagonal of the touch screen is 2.8 inches. No additional functions are provided here - the player is designed exclusively for playing music. The operating system is based on Linux, the battery capacity is 1050 mAh, and in stand-alone mode, the device can work for about 57 hours.
The interface is logical and very clear, there is a multi-channel equalizer that allows you to choose the best sound and save your settings. The player is able to recognize absolutely all available music formats, supports video in .avi, .3gp, .mpeg4 and some others. The display resolution is not too large, so it does not consume too much energy, which saves the player’s charge.
Benefits:
- Compact overall dimensions and small weight;
- Superior production quality;
- It works offline for a long time;
- The sound is deep.
Disadvantages:
- The maximum capacity of the memory card is 128 GB.
2.iBasso DX150
This is another player from a well-known manufacturer of similar products, which is essentially a continuation of the DX line. In its overall dimensions, it is similar to the previous model, however, even in this regard, some changes have been made. The display is now located on the same level with the front panel, there is no corrugation on the rear panel, it has become simply matte. The side insert with a rocker for volume control and other control buttons is quite compact. The case is metal, quite weighty, all its elements are tightly fitted to each other. On the left side there is a slot for a memory card, on the top there is a slot for USB-C and a jack for standard headphones.The display is quite bright, has a decent resolution and color reproduction, which is as close to natural. Its coating is made of oleophobic materials - fingerprints will remain on them.
The firmware works stably, it was created on the basis of the Android platform, but this practically does not affect the battery life. The sound is pretty high quality, absolutely all frequencies are heard very clearly. The player is compatible with headphones of any format, from the cheapest to the models belonging to the premium segment.
Benefits:
- High output power for mp3 player;
- Weighted aluminum case, reliably protected from physical damage;
- Powered by Android;
- There are all the necessary connectors and ports;
- Extended equipment.
Disadvantages:
- The oleophobic coating of the screen is very easily soiled.
1. LUXURY & PRECISION L3
Recognized leader among products related to the premium class, in most respects, which is noted by most users. The company manufacturing this player specializes specifically in the manufacture of such devices, so everything is thought out as carefully as possible with user convenience. The case is made of aluminum, the carbon panel, the mass is negligible, overall dimensions are quite acceptable. All structural elements are reliably fitted to each other: even the slightest backlash or creaks are absent when pressed on the case. The form does not differ in originality - a low parallelepiped with a slightly sloping top panel. On the upper part there are three buttons - one for inclusion, and two programmable, the user will be able to choose their purpose. Volume control is step by step.
The screen is touch-sensitive, all of its elements are quite large, so clicking on them is convenient even in the cold season. Viewing angles for the player are very wide. In the sun, everything is visible quite acceptable. The interface is simple, you can figure it out in a few minutes. The firmware is characterized by stable operation, and the battery provides about 10 hours of operation at maximum volume. The sound is simply excellent in many respects due to the high-quality channel separation. Bass balanced, does not overlap other frequencies.
Benefits:
- There are a couple of customizable buttons;
- Neutral sound that does not give preference to any of the ranges;
- Acceptable power output;
- Good battery life.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
In conclusion, a useful video
The review of the best mp3 players is completed. We, in turn, express the hope that the information that we collected so hard will be enough for you to choose the best product. If you have some questions - at your disposal are comments on this article.
(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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