4 best portable media players

Portable media players, often referred to as MP3 or MP4 players, are electronic devices designed for playing digital audio and video files on the go. They have been popular for their compact size, portability, and the ability to carry and enjoy music, videos, and other multimedia content without the need for an internet connection. Here's what you need to know about portable media players:

Digital Audio and Video Playback: Portable media players are primarily designed for playing digital audio files, such as MP3, AAC, and WMA, as well as digital video files in formats like MP4, AVI, and WMV.They can also display photos and text files.
Storage Capacity: These devices come with various storage capacities, ranging from a few gigabytes to several hundred gigabytes or more. The storage capacity determines how much content you can store on the device.
Compact Design: Portable media players are typically compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in a pocket or bag. They are ideal for use during travel, exercise, or daily commutes.
User Interface: They feature intuitive user interfaces, often with touchscreens, buttons, or a combination of both, to navigate through menus, select content, and control playback.
Battery Life: Battery life varies depending on the model and usage patterns, but portable media players are designed to provide several hours of continuous playback on a single charge. Some models also offer power-saving features.
File Transfer: To load content onto a portable media player, you can connect it to a computer using a USB cable and transfer files from your computer's media library or other sources.
Support for Various Formats: Many media players support a wide range of audio and video formats, ensuring compatibility with most digital media files.
Wireless Connectivity: Some modern portable media players have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless syncing of content or streaming from online services.
Custom Playlists: Users can create custom playlists, organize their music and video libraries, and often use features like shuffle and repeat to customize their listening or viewing experience.
Accessories: Various accessories are available, such as headphones, external speakers, protective cases, and armbands, to enhance the usability and protection of the device.
Additional Features: Depending on the model, portable media players may offer additional features such as FM radios, voice recording, e-book reading, and support for apps and games.
Obsolete by Smartphones: While portable media players were once very popular, their demand has declined with the widespread adoption of smartphones, which can also function as media players. However, dedicated media players may still be preferred by those who want to preserve their phone's battery life, enjoy superior audio quality, or have a device solely for media consumption.

Overall, portable media players have played a significant role in the evolution of personal entertainment devices, and they continue to be a viable choice for individuals who prioritize dedicated media playback capabilities and extended storage capacity.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best portable media players on the market

Sony NW-ZX507/S Walkman Hi-Res 64GB MP3 Player, Silver

Sony

Based on 21 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Give your music collection the love it deserves with the incredible high-quality audio of the ZX507 Walkman Advanced internals meet the latest technology for a uniquely modern listening experience Connect to streaming services to download your favorite tracks or enjoy your own music collection with rich vinyl-quality audio

Precision engineered for improved sound quality
Truly authentic sound with Hi-Res Audio
Use your favorite streaming platforms with Android support
USB Type C connectivity
S-Master HX digital amplifier for pure sound quality
In the box Walkman USB cable Startup Guide Instruction Manual

User questions & answers

Question:	The file-importing seems too Windows-centric. For a Mac it depends on 3rd-party software that can go away or become incompatible
Answer:	Hi, Alan B. Rosenthal! For Windows we only have the music center app. See the link below for more details. https://musiccenter.sony.net/en/ Regards, David
Question:	can this drive a 300 Ω Impedance headphones
Answer:	Hi, L. Ari, No. This Walkman cannot run a 300 Ohm headphones. -Vincent
Question:	why does it cost so much compare to all other mp3 players
Answer:	So yes the player is expensive But Sony in this is a bargain considering all the parts are manufactured by Sony in house They are not buying off the shelf parts like capacitors or oscillators or even the DAC’s from a manufacturer who mass produces them Sony designs and test and makes all parts in house. So you end up with a better player thoughtfully designed Unlike astell and kern. The use dacs that are premade and cost wayyyyy less that what astell and kern sell them for. Astell and kerns 3,000 dollar player has dacs that are maybe 50-100 dollars to manufacture but sell them for $$$ in pretty aluminum cases If however your looking for a cheaper solution I’d recommend the hifime S2 dac It runs off your phone battery just make sure to buy the otg cable and then plug your headphones in using the standard 3.5mm jack I own one and it sounds really good. And for about 130 Bucks you can get the dac and cable down load tidal or Qobuz and get amazing quality very affordable Just my 2 cents I hope this helps
Question:	Can the display be extinguished during play or be set to darken automatically if user hasn't pressed buttons for "x" seconds
Answer:	Hi, Alan! If a certain amount of time elapses without any button or screen operations on the playback screen, the display will switch to the cassette tape screen. You can also turn the [Display tape playback screen] function on or off from the menu of any screen in “Music player”. Tap the menu items in the following order: (Options) － [Settings] － [Play on cassette tape screen]. Note: The player will automatically turn off the screen if you have displayed the tape playback screen for 10 minutes. Regards, Sam

Product features

NW-ZX507 Walkman ZX Series

Give your music collection the love it deserves with the incredible, high-quality audio of the ZX507 Walkman. Advanced internals meet the latest technology for a uniquely modern listening experience.

Android Compatibility

Supported by Android and compatible with Wi-Fi, the NW-ZX507 offers even more ways to listen to your music. Enjoy your favorite streaming & music apps right on your Walkman, use platforms like Spotify, Pandora, YouTube music, Tidal, or Apple Music, or connect to a PC to access your music collection.

DSEE HX restores all your compressed music files

Upscales compressed digital music files and takes them closer to the quality of Hi-Res Audio.

High Resolution Audio for uncompromised sound

Enjoy the subtlest nuances in higher-than-CD quality Hi-Res Audio.

Hi-Res audio in maximum quality

Reduces distortion and noise across a wide range of frequencies for rich, full-bodied sound.

Precision engineered for improved sound quality

With advancements in design and sound quality such as advanced lead-free soldering, a premium aluminum milled frame for low impedance, and a gold-plated circuit board, the NW-ZX507 delivers a superior listening experience for all of your music.

Effortless control with the large touch screen

With the 3.6-inch, full-color touch screen, you're in complete control.

20 hours of music playback

Enjoy up to 20 hours of 128 kbps MP3 playback or up to 18 hours of 96 KHz FLAC hi-res music playback

Go wireless with BLUETOOTH

Use your favorite BLUETOOTH headphones to listen to your favorite content.

USB-C Charging

USB Type-C port for easy charging and connectivity with a range of devices.

SanDisk 32GB Clip Sport Go MP3 Player, Blue - LED Screen and FM Radio - SDMX30-032G-G46B

SanDisk

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Keep the music on and your phone off with the lightweight clip sport go MP3 player that's designed for your workout. Supporting iTunes and other audio content, its high-performance dynamic acoustic quality makes almost any activity A richer experience. And because it clips on easily, It’s perfect for the way you move. The clip sport go player also features a built-in FM radio, along with a crisp LED screen and physical buttons that help you easily navigate through your content. Holding up to 8, 000 songs (32GB versions) and up to 18 hours of battery life, your favorite music helps you go The distance.|Estimates; may vary based upon host device, file attributes and other factors.| based on continuous playback at 128 Kbps MP3; actual life and performance may vary depending upon usage and settings; Battery not replaceable.

Super-lightweight player clips on to your clothes or gear and stays in place for a worry-free workout
Supports iTunes (AAC codec) content
Built-in FM radio perfect for the gym or your outdoor run
Crisp LED screen and physical buttons for easy navigation
High-performance dynamic Audio quality and voice recording

User questions & answers

Question:	will it work with audible.com books
Answer:	I downloaded audiobooks using Windows 10.
Question:	Can you speed up play in audiobooks
Answer:	Yes USB 2.0 cable to charge/transfer data, earphones and 1-Year Limited Warranty included in Retail Box - we can only speak about units sold by RS Enterprises.
Question:	Can you play audio books on this
Answer:	I am unhappy with how the SanDisk Clip Jam handles audiobooks altogether. I am switching back to either my old SanDisk 4GB Clip (discontinued by the manufacturer) or to the phone with https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ak.alizandro.smartaudiobookplayer. That app is specifically for books. It does it all: not just bookmarks but allows you to make lists of characters, notes etc. Always keeps your place. Plays everything in order. Very useful and convenient. And the developer (Alex Kravchenko) responded to my question immediately. The Clip Jam may be good for songs, but not great for books.
Question:	does this product have bookmarking for audiobooks
Answer:	My upgraded windows 10 does not recognize it. the computer did when I had 7 and 8 on it but not anymore....I am looking for answers and so far nothing.

Product features

SanDisk Clip Sport Go MP3 player

Keep the music on and your phone off with the lightweight Clip Sport Go MP3 player that’s designed for your workout. Supporting iTunes and other audio content, its high-performance dynamic acoustic quality makes almost any activity a richer experience. And because it clips on easily, it’s perfect for the way you move. The Clip Sport Go player also features a built-in FM radio, along with a high-resolution LED screen and physical buttons that help you easily navigate through your content. Holding up to 8,000 songs (32GB*) and up to 18 hours of battery life, your favorite music helps you go the distance.

Clip music on

The SanDisk Clip Sport Go is a super-lightweight and durable MP3 player that securely clips onto clothing or gear for a reassured workout.

Supports iTunes & other content

The Clip Sport Go player includes support for iTunes (AAC codec), Audible DRM, Windows Media Audio (no DRM), and MP3 formats.

Built-in FM radio

The Clip Sport Go player features a built-in FM radio so you won’t miss your favorite DJs or news while you’re on the move.

Crisp screen & easy navigation

The crisp LED screen and physical buttons help you easily navigate to your favorite playlist or content.

Dynamic audio

High-performance dynamic audio quality allows the Clip Sport Go player to provide a rich acoustic experience.

8,000 songs & 18-hour battery

Holding up to 8,000 songs (32GB*) and up to 18 hours of battery life, your favorite music on the Clip Sport Go player helps you go the distance.

Legal Disclaimers

*1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less. Estimates; may vary based upon host device, file attributes and other factors Based on continuous playback at 128 kbps MP3; actual life and performance may vary depending upon usage and settings; battery not replaceable.

SanDisk and Clip Sport Go are registered marks or marks of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Portable Waterproof Multimedia Disc Player - 7in Screen White Digital Music Audio Video Player w/ Dual Stereo Speakers, CD DVD Tray, RCA, USB, Rechargeable Battery, Headphones, Remote - Pyle PLMRDV74

Pyle

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pyle Model: PLMRDV74

Water Resistant & Weather-Proof CD/DVD Player

7’’ Portable CD/DVD Player, Built-in Rechargeable Battery, USB/SD Readers, Built-in Speakers, Headphone Jack

Features:

Lightweight, Compact & Portable Entertainment

Water Resistant & Weather-Proof Design

Hi-Res Widescreen Display

Top-Loading CD/DVD Tray

Built-in Rechargeable Battery

Dual Full Range Stereo Speakers

USB Flash & SD Memory Card Readers

Digital Audio, Image & Video File Support

Versatile Digital Media File Compatibility

User-Friendly Control Interface

Front Panel Button Control Center

Headphone Jack, 3.5mm

Convenient Tabletop Kickstand

Picture Configuration Settings

Multi-Language Support

Anti-Shock Playback

Perfect for Indoor/Outdoor Use

What’s in the Box:

Portable CD/DVD Player

Wireless Remote Control

Earbud Headphones

Power/Charging Adapter

Aux (RCA-to-3.5mm) Connection Cable

Technical Specs:

Display Type: 7.0’’ -inch LCD

Marine Grade Rating: IP-X6

Screen Resolution: 800 x 480 Pixels

Aspect Ratio: 16:9/4:3

Monitor Rotation: 270 Degree Left/Right

Battery: 1500mAh, Li-Polymer

Frequency Response: 20-20kHz

Dynamic Range: >85dB

T.H.D.: <1.0%

CD/DVD Compatibility Type: MPEG4, VCD, CD-RW, DVD-R

Digital Media File Support: MP3, WMA, JPG, VCD, EVD, VOB

Maximum USB/SD Flash Memory Support: Up to 32GB

Battery Operated Remote, Requires x ‘AAA’, Not Included

Power: 100/240V (12V DC Power Adapter)

Unit Dimensions (L x W x H): 10.3’’ x 7.1’’ x 1.7’’

The Pyle Portable CD/DVD Player features rugged marine-grade construction. Water resistant and weather-proof design allows for compact multimedia entertainment indoors or out -- rain or shine! The hi-res widescreen display outputs a bright and crisp picture while the built-in rechargeable battery provides portable video power on the go. This DVD player makes for a great travel companion on road trips, plane flights or even personal poolside parties. Use the included earbud headphones for personal listening or play your audio via the dual built-in stereo speakers. Playback even more of your favorite digital media files thanks to the convenient USB Flash and SD Memory Card Readers -- all designed so you can stay entertained for hours-on-end. Enjoy water resistant and portable multimedia with the Pyle Weather-Proof CD/DVD Player.

7” LCD screen: The Pyle waterproof multimedia player Features 7in Hi-Res widescreen LCD display W/ 800x480p screen resolution and 270° monitor rotation which outputs a bright and crisp picture for endless entertainment. Includes headphones and remote
WATER-RESISTANT: The portable disc player features IP-X6 marine grade waterproof rating. The rugged, water resistant and weatherproof design allows for compact multimedia entertainment indoors or outdoors - rain or shine
4 inputs: features digital audio, image and video support W/ versatile digital media file compatibility. It has a top loading CD DVD tray, USB flash, SD Card slot, RCA audio input, 3. 5mm headphone jack. It is also equipped w/ Multi-language support
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY: Features 1500mAh Li-Polymer built-in rechargeable battery that provides portable video power on the go. A great travel companion on car road trips or plane flight. Charging power adapter is already included for your convenience
Front panel control: This lightweight and compact player has a user-friendly front panel button control center W/ dual full range stereo speakers and a convenient tabletop kickstand. It is equipped w/ picture configuration settings and anti-shock playback

User questions & answers

Question:	Do any of the Pyle multimedia players connect to Bluetooth speakers
Answer:	It includes 3 different lenght tubes for mounting, you can definitely use the short one. As for the bulbs, at least mine brought them, they are LEDs. However I bought a model with a different lamp.
Question:	is this player region free
Answer:	The product was useless didn’t come with all the parts to install
Question:	Just wondering if pyle model:plmrdv74 have a memory? would i be able to continue watching the movie where i left out
Answer:	I think they’re LED diodes? No bulbs.
Question:	This has speakers, correct? Can be heard without headphones? Thank you
Answer:	No just one.

SanDisk 8GB Clip Jam MP3 Player, Black - microSD card slot and FM Radio - SDMX26-008G-G46K

SanDisk

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Put the fun back into music-on-the-go with the compact and colorful Clip Jam digital music player you can clip on and take anywhere. The bright one inch screen and big navigation buttons make it easy to drag, drop and play files in popular audio formats including AAC. Add even more music via the micro SD card slot for up to 18 hours of big sound.

Super lightweight wearable personal music player
Deep rich sound quality with a built-in micro SD card expansion slot
Play audio files in lots of formats (MP3 WMA (no DRM) AAC (DRM free iTunes) and Audible (DRM only)
Big bright readable screen and large navigation buttons up to 18 hour battery life
2 year limited warranty

User questions & answers

Question:	Does it can play flac
Answer:	I own one and it DOES play flac :)
Question:	Will this support a 32gb or 64gb microsdhc card
Answer:	It's a SDHC device, so theoretically, 32 GB is the max. However, if you can reformat the microSD card to FAT32 from exFAT, larger cards will work. I use a 512 GB card for my Audible library.
Question:	Can you lock this one so you don't accidentally push a button
Answer:	Press and hold the back button (not left/previous). A closed padlock will appear. Press and hold again and an open padlock will appear.(This is actually an undocumented feature. I found it accidentally.)
Question:	when playing audio books does it remember where you left off last
Answer:	This isn't an answer to the question, but it's very pertinent to audio books: I was initially very frustrated because it didn't play the files of a book in the correct order. After upgrading to the latest firmware (very easy once I thought of it), files play in the correct order. Also if your using MP3 files like I do (rather than using audible), you probably want to create a top level folder named Audiobooks so the play recognizes this is a book rather than music.

Product features

SanDisk Clip Jam MP3 player, 8 GB, Black

The SanDisk Clip Jam player puts the fun back into listening to music while on the move. This lightweight clip-on MP3 player comes with 8 GB of storage, so you can carry up to 2,000 of your favorite songs or audiobooks, and it also has a built-in microSD card slot, so you can add even more storage . Compatible with most popular audio formats and featuring an FM radio tuner, the player delivers great sound for up to 18 hours . Its bright screen and large navigation buttons let you easily choose songs and create playlists.

What's in the Box?

Tote A ll Your Tunes in Style

The SanDisk Clip Jam player has 8GB of wearable storage, so you can clip it on and carry your music collection and favorite podcasts or audiobooks anywhere. If you need additional space, the Clip Jam player comes with a built-in microSD card slot . The compact and lightweight player is available in a rainbow of bold colors--black, blue, green, orange, and pink to match your personal style.

Supports Most Popular Audio Formats

Now you can enjoy audio from almost any source, because this digital music player is compatible with many popular audio formats, including MP3, WMA (no DRM), WAV, and Audible (DRM only). With AAC file compatibility, the player allows you to load songs from your iTunes library without having to first convert them to MP3 format.

Big Sound, Long Battery Life

The SanDisk Clip Jam player delivers rich sound quality that helps make your commute and workouts more pleasurable. And you can crank up the volume without having to constantly recharge your player--the battery lasts up to 18 hours on a single charge.