10 Best Mp3 Players 2025 in the United States

The Sony NW-WM1ZM2 Signature Series Walkman stands out in the MP3 player category, particularly for audiophiles and those seeking a premium music experience. With a generous 256 GB storage capacity, it allows users to store a vast library of high-resolution audio files, ensuring music lovers have their favorite tracks readily available. The battery life is impressive, allowing for extended listening sessions without frequent recharging, which is a significant plus for on-the-go users.

Audio quality is where the WM1ZM2 truly shines. It features advanced S-Master HX digital amp technology, supporting high-resolution audio formats, including Native DSD. This means you can enjoy an immersive sound experience with remarkable clarity and depth. The inclusion of high-quality components, like the Kimber Kable and large solid high polymer capacitors, enhances audio performance by isolating sound from any external noise.

Portability is another strong point, as it retains a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. The 5-inch LED display is user-friendly, although some might find navigating through its features a bit complex due to its advanced capabilities. Potential drawbacks include its price point, which may be considered steep for casual listeners or those on a budget. Additionally, while the ability to download and stream music adds versatility, it also requires a Wi-Fi connection, which might not always be available or convenient for all users.

The FiiO M21 is a solid choice for anyone seeking a high-quality portable music player with modern features. It offers 64GB of built-in storage, which is ample for thousands of songs, and runs Android 13 on a powerful Snapdragon 680 processor. This means it can smoothly handle popular music apps, making it versatile beyond just playing stored files.

Its standout strength lies in audio quality: with four advanced DAC chips and a carefully designed amplifier, it delivers clear, detailed sound with excellent dynamic range and low noise, making it great for audiophiles or those who appreciate richer sound. The player supports high-resolution audio formats and offers versatile headphone outputs, including both standard and balanced connections, plus options like SPDIF and USB audio output for flexible use with various audio setups. Battery life is thoughtfully managed with a special Desktop Mode that helps prolong battery lifespan during extended use plugged in.

On the portability front, the M21 is reasonably compact with a 4.7-inch screen and weighs under a pound, but it’s a bit larger than typical simple MP3 players due to its advanced features. The user interface benefits from the Android system, providing familiar navigation and app access, though it might feel more complex for users who want a straightforward device only for music playback. The FiiO M21 suits music lovers who want excellent sound quality combined with smart features and app support, but if you prefer a very small, simple player or the longest possible battery life without charging modes, there may be easier options.

The Sony NW-WM1AM2 Hi-Res 128GB Walkman is a high-end MP3 player designed for audiophiles. It boasts 128GB of internal storage, which is ample for storing a large music library, and it also has an SD card slot for additional storage. This makes it excellent for users with extensive music collections. The audio quality is a standout feature, with support for high-resolution audio and DSD files, and the inclusion of the S-Master HX digital amplifier ensures clear and pure sound. The battery life is another strong point, allowing for long listening sessions without frequent recharges. Wi-Fi compatibility adds convenience for downloading and streaming music directly to the device, enhancing its usability.

However, the player is relatively bulky and weighs 1.08 pounds, which may impact its portability compared to lighter, more compact models. The 5-inch screen provides a good user interface, but the size and weight could be a drawback for users looking for a more pocket-friendly device. In terms of additional features, the aluminium frame and high-quality components suggest durability and a premium build, but these also contribute to the higher price point.

This MP3 player is best suited for serious music enthusiasts who prioritize audio quality and storage capacity over portability and cost.