In recent years, portable players have gradually faded into the background. Modern smartphones with extensive functionality are displacing such devices from the electronics market. However, many users still prefer to listen to music and other audio files on MP3 players. Someone chooses such gadgets for their small size, someone saves battery power on their smartphone, someone uses such accessories on hikes, in the gym and on long trips - the reasons are different, but the quality of the product should always be at its best. The editors of the Yanashl website have prepared for you a rating of the best portable players for 2022.
For athletes, audiophiles and book lovers
Despite the fact that it is 2022, and people are more interested in the question of where to download the best MP3 player for Android, some categories of listeners prefer to have separate devices for music.
First of all, they are fitness fans. Taking a six-inch phone with you to training runs the risk of breaking it, and calls are also a distraction during class. The audio player is small, lightweight, and it is much more difficult to drop it when running or jumping. And if you connect wireless headphones to it, it will become even more convenient.
Secondly, a specialized player provides cleaner and higher quality sound than a smartphone. Many manufacturers rely on this, producing pocket audio players for musicians and simply lovers of good music.
Finally, customer reviews show that many are looking for an MP3 player to listen to audiobooks - it’s unclear to us why a separate device is needed for this, since even electronic readers now have MP3 built in. But we took into account all the wishes when we compiled a selection of the best MP3 players in 2022.
Sports MP3 player with Bluetooth: ranking of the best
What is important for a sports audio device? Be compact, lightweight, waterproof if possible, support wireless headphones (and therefore have Bluetooth). All this is well implemented in the models below.
Sony NW-WS623
Sony Walkman is a brand that has been famous since the 80s. It was under this brand that the company released a sports audio player combined with headphones. This is an ideal option for athletes: it is lightweight, wireless (in the form of a headband), and water-resistant. It supports Bluetooth - that is, it can be used standalone, as well as connected to a smartphone as Bluetooth headphones.
- Without screen
- Bluetooth and NFC support
- Battery life: 12 hours
- Weight: 32 g
- IP65 moisture protection standard
Ritmix RF-5100BT 16Gb
Another nostalgic budget brand. The player from Ritmix has a design that can be attached to clothing and also supports Bluetooth - so you can secure it so that it will not fall, and connect wireless headphones so that nothing interferes with your workout. The device is equipped with a small display, so you can watch videos and listen to the radio on it. The gadget has enviable autonomy: you don’t need to charge it for more than a day.
- Watch video
- microSD memory card
- Radio
- Operating time 25 hours
- Dimensions 40x68x21 mm
- Dictaphone
Digma Z4 16GB
A model similar to the previous one in functionality - from fastening to memory capacity, but slightly smaller. Smaller sizes, less weight, less autonomy, smaller screen diagonal - in a word, Ritmix in miniature. If compactness, lightness and low cost of the device are important to you, this audio player is well suited. It is no coincidence that in 2022 it is considered the choice of buyers - unlike the previous brand, which was it in 2007.
- Watch video
- microSD memory cards
- Radio
- Operating time 20 h
- Weight 27 g
- Dimensions 37x59x18 mm
- Dictaphone
Inexpensive models (up to RUB 5,000)
You don't have to buy an expensive device to listen to music. Budget models also cope well with the task.
Digma C2L 4Gb
pros
- Design reliability
- Decent sound
- Long charge retention
- Ease of use
- Compact dimensions
- Availability of a clip
Minuses
- The indicator is too bright
- Unreliable headphones
From 990 ₽
The player for comfortable listening to tracks will be useful during sports training. The size of the built-in memory is 4 GB. Additionally, the player is equipped with FM radio, controlled by buttons. This compact model weighs only 14 g.
Ritmix RF-3410 4Gb
pros
- Clear surround sound
- Holds charge for a long time
- Has a sleep timer and clock
- Availability of equalizer
- Bright design
Minuses
- Weak clip
- Low-quality voice recorder
From 1009 ₽
The player with a color screen is easy to use and plays several music and text formats. The case is made of durable plastic; using a clip, you can fix the device on a bag or clothing. The size of the built-in memory (8 GB) can be increased by connecting a flash drive. On one charge the player works up to 10 hours.
Sony NWZ-B183F
pros
- Good build
- Great sound
- Practical button layout
- Charges quickly and lasts a long time
- Nice appearance
Minuses
- Inconvenient reset button
- Simple headphones included
From 3109 ₽
Through a USB connector hidden under the cover of the device, charging is carried out and files are downloaded. The monochrome screen displays information about the battery status and the melody being played. The product allows you to listen to downloaded songs and favorite radio waves.
Best MP3 Players for Sound Quality
Let's turn to the second category of pocket player lovers: audiophiles. So-called Hi-Fi players are produced especially for them. Their distinctive feature is high-quality sound with support for lossless formats.
Sony NW-A55
Another representative of the Walkman series - this time Hi-Fi. It supports audio with a maximum bit depth/sampling rate of 24/192, which is not the best. But the list of formats is extensive: music can be in MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, APE, Apple Lossless, WAV, PCM, AIFF, DSD, DFF, DSF. The player is clad in an aluminum case, has a color LCD display and Bluetooth for connecting headphones. Separately, it should be noted the battery life: the device can not be turned off for as long as 45 hours!
- microSD memory cards
- Radio
- Operating time 45 h
- Weight 99 g
- Dimensions 55.7×97.3×10.8 mm
- Metal body
Colorfly C10
Audiophiles highly value the older version of this player, the Colorfly C4, and this model is its successor. In reviews of the sound of the device, professionals are full of praise: each instrument sounds as intended by the sound engineer in the studio. The gadget supports 32/192 files, but in a small number of formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, APE, WAV, DSD. It is packaged in a noble case made of metal and wood, which is why it is quite heavy for its class.
- Weight 170 g
- Dimensions 67x105x19 mm
- Metal body
Pioneer XDP-30R
This model also supports 32/192, but in a different set of formats: MP3, AAC, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, PCM, AIFF, DSD. The gadget is highly praised by amateur audiophiles for its sound quality, ten-band equalizer and good central audio processor. They also note the convenient touch screen, long operating time (can be used for 2-3 days) and stylish design in a metal case. A separate bonus is two slots for microSD cards.
- Touch screen 2.5″
- microSD memory cards
- Weight 120 g
- Dimensions 63x94x15 mm
- Metal body
From aliexpress
Excellent players for playing music are presented on the Aliexpress website.
AIKEGLOBAL HIFI USB
pros
- Not bad power
- Decent sound
- Compact dimensions
- Attractive design
Minuses
- Inconvenient volume control
- Doesn't turn on with flash drive
From 155 ₽
The player copes well with playing MP3 and WAV formats, and works up to 20 hours on a single charge. The metal case is reliable and resistant to mechanical damage. The device fits easily into your pocket.
Kebidu
pros
- Flawless board execution
- Availability of control panel
- Picks up Bluetooth signal quickly
- Built-in radio receiver
- Non-standard design
Minuses
- Crooked soldered buttons and indicator
From 194 ₽
The car device supports MP3, WMA, WAV formats, and operates up to 20 hours on a single battery charge. The player supports a memory card, and thanks to the built-in radio, you can always listen to your favorite stations.
ZHKUBDL
pros
- Great sound
- Sufficient volume level
- Equalizer with settings
- Compact dimensions
- Neat appearance
Minuses
- Bad headphones included
From 1217 ₽
The lightweight miniature player supports several common music formats and allows you to listen to audiobooks. The device is equipped with FM radio and voice recorder. Thanks to the small screen, you can view photos, run games, and read text files. The body is made of reliable aluminum.
MP3 player for audiobooks 2022: top
We really became interested in which MP3 player is best to buy specifically for audiobooks. Perhaps an “audio reader” needs a good amount of memory - your library of recordings can be quite extensive. And the ability to not only listen to music, but also view documents - in case you want to read with your eyes - will definitely be useful.
Cowon X9 32Gb
This player has 32 GB of internal memory for your books and microSD support. And in addition - a 4.3″ color touch screen, on which you can even watch videos with subtitles - the device can “understand” their formats. MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, WAV are supported for audio. The device is equipped with a powerful battery that lasts 600 hours in sleep mode, and more than 100 when in use.
- Radio
- Operating time 110 h
- Weight 159 g
- Dimensions 72.5×114.9×12.2 mm
- Built-in speaker
- Dictaphone
Hidizs AP200 32Gb
This elegant player not only has the ability to select different file types, but also the entire Android operating system on board. It supports Wi-Fi, so technically you can even go online from it to download a new audiobook. The player belongs to the Hi-Fi class, so pleasant sound will be a bonus. Versions with 64/128 GB memory are also available at a slightly higher price.
- 3.54″ color touch screen
- Watch video
- microSD memory cards
- Operating time 10 hours
- Dimensions 60.5×106.5×15.7 mm
- Android operating system
- Metal body
Criterias of choice
An MP3 player is a gadget that allows you to listen to music pre-recorded on it using headphones or other devices. In addition to basic options, such devices are often equipped with the ability to record audio files, Internet access via WI-FI, and data transfer via Bluetooth. Below you can find out whether there is a need for such options, and also receive information about the optimal technical characteristics of a high-quality player.
Memory
If you plan to download a lot of music to your device, then make sure that the gadget’s memory capacity is at least 4-8 GB. This indicator will allow you to download entire albums of your favorite artists to the device. You can also take a closer look at models with a built-in memory card slot.
Control
To switch music, adjust volume and other functions, the player must be equipped with control buttons. The main requirement for them is ergonomics and convenience. The main advantage of push-button devices is that you don’t even have to take the device out of your pocket to change the music.
If you are a fan of touch screens, then purchasing such a model will not be difficult. Nowadays, finding an MP3 player with a sensor on the market is easy.
Computer integration
In most cases, the player is connected to a PC via a USB cable, which is always included with the device. The connectors are usually standard, so if a cable breaks, finding and buying a new one will be quite easy and inexpensive.
Format support
The most popular and widespread format for listening to music is MP3. However, in addition to it, there are a number of other formats. For example, if a user uses iTunes to listen and download audio files, he will need a portable player with AAC support. Some users prefer to install music only in FLAC format. The sound of such files is much higher quality and cleaner.
We recommend that you always check in advance about support for a particular file type in order to avoid returning the product.
Battery
The MP3 player operates using either batteries or a built-in rechargeable battery. Each method has its pros and cons.
- Batteries – the most commonly used types are AA and AAA. They are inexpensive and always easy to change. However, batteries take up more space and, accordingly, affect the thickness of the device.
- Battery – Portable players usually have lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. Both have high quality and safety of use. The disadvantages include the fragility of the battery; with constant use, they fail after a year or two.
FM tuner
For those who like to listen to the radio, gadgets with a built-in FM tuner are suitable. Purchasing such a model will not be difficult; most modern devices have the ability to listen to the radio.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Gadgets that support these options are much more expensive. However, if you use wireless headphones, a player with Bluetooth functionality will become a necessity. In addition, users often prefer to transfer music to their device via Bluetooth.
But Wi-Fi support is not entirely optional, since the device will not provide full Internet access.
Display
This is not a very important parameter, since the MP3 player is required to display information about the music track and nothing more. You shouldn’t overpay for a large and colorful screen; a 2-inch diagonal display in monochrome will suffice.
Additionally
Additional options include:
- camera - it is not required at all in a portable player, since it still will not allow you to create a high-quality photo;
- playing video files, displaying text documents is also not required; modern smartphones exist for similar functions;
- a voice recorder is a controversial addition; in this case, everyone makes their own decision about the need for this parameter;
- the ability to install games is also a useless feature that eats up battery power.
Once you have decided on the functionality of the portable player, you can begin to search for a suitable model.
