10 Best Mp 3 Players For Audio Books 2025 in the United States

The Sony NW-WM1AM2 is a high-end digital music player with excellent audio quality, thanks to its High-Resolution Audio compatibility, native DSD file support, and S-Master HX amplifier. For audio book listeners, this means clear and immersive sound, although such advanced sound features may be more than necessary for spoken word content. It offers a large 128GB storage capacity with an option to expand via an SD card, which is great for storing many hours of audio books without worrying about space. Battery life is noted as long, so you can expect extended listening sessions without frequent recharging.

The 5-inch screen and Wi-Fi connectivity allow easy downloading and streaming, but the player weighs over a pound and measures over 8 inches long, making it less portable and more cumbersome than smaller, simpler audiobook devices. Navigation should be fairly straightforward with its screen, but the advanced features could add complexity for users primarily interested in basic playback functions. The aluminum frame suggests strong durability, making it a solid choice if you want a premium build.

This Walkman is suited for those who value premium sound and large storage and don’t mind a heavier, more complex player. For users seeking an ultra-portable or simple device mainly for audiobook listening, there may be easier and lighter options available.

The FiiO M15S is a high-quality audio player designed primarily for audiophiles but also appealing to audiobook listeners who value excellent sound and a sturdy device. It features a strong battery and dual power supply modes, enabling long listening sessions—an important feature for audiobooks. Storage is 32GB, which should hold a fair amount of audiobook files, though users with large libraries might find this limiting unless they frequently switch or use streaming options.

The player supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi, allowing connection to streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music, which is helpful for audiobook access beyond stored files. Running Android 10 on a Snapdragon 660 processor, its navigation is smooth and familiar, making it easier to browse and select audiobooks without hassle. Its 5.5-inch screen is a good size for reading titles and menus, and while the device is portable, it is somewhat heavier and bigger compared to simpler audiobook players, which might affect pocket convenience.

A standout feature is its ES9038PRO DAC chip, delivering clear, high-resolution audio—more than most audiobook listeners typically need but ensuring crisp voice playback without distortion. Durability is decent with a solid build, though the larger size and weight may feel less comfortable for on-the-go use. The FiiO M15S is best suited for users seeking excellent sound quality and versatile connectivity but could be more than necessary if a lightweight, straightforward device primarily for audiobooks is preferred.

The FiiO M21 is a powerful portable music player that offers excellent audio quality, thanks to its quad CS43198 DAC chips and fully balanced amplification. This means you’ll get clear, detailed sound, which is great for enjoying audiobooks without distortion or background noise. It runs on Android 13 with a Snapdragon 680 processor, providing smooth operation and the ability to use popular audiobook apps easily. With 64GB of built-in storage, you can store a large collection of audiobooks without worrying about space.

The patented Desktop Mode helps preserve battery lifespan by using external power without charging the battery, which is useful if you listen at home. Since it uses a 9V battery (included), you might want to keep spares for longer trips. The 4.7-inch screen is big enough for easy navigation, and the player supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless listening, adding convenience.

Portability is good, as it’s lightweight (6.8 ounces) and compact, making it easy to carry around. The device supports multiple headphone outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm) and offers professional-grade SPDIF and USB audio output options, which are more advanced features than typical audiobook MP3 players. The player’s advanced features might be more than necessary if you’re only looking for something simple to play audiobooks. Also, running Android means it’s more like a mini smart device, which could be a bit overwhelming for users who prefer straightforward controls. This device is best suited for those who want a high-quality audio experience, plenty of storage, and flexibility to use streaming apps, while users seeking simplicity or longer battery runtime on a single charge might want to consider other options.