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

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Sony NW-WM1AM2 Hi-Res 128GB Walkman Digital MP3 Music Player

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,378
Audio Quality
Storage Capacity
Durability

Most important from
96 reviews

Audio Quality
The sound quality is so immersive and clear that it fully engages you, revealing subtle details and a brilliant soundstage that makes listening a blissful experience.
Storage Capacity
The device handles large music libraries effortlessly, with 1TB storage and smooth playback of FLAC files, though there can be a slight lag when scrolling through albums or loading music initially.
Durability
Its robust aluminum body and premium build give a solid, durable feel, making it a device that feels like a serious investment in quality.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, with minimal power drain even when unused for extended periods, supporting long listening sessions without frequent recharging.
Portability
The Walkman is heavier and larger than typical audiobook players, which may impact portability, but this trade-off comes with premium sound quality and expansive storage.
Ease of Navigation
The interface can be slow to display album art and music metadata, and sorting options initially cause confusion, though features like sorting by 'album artist' are present but not immediately obvious.
File Compatibility
The device handles large music libraries effortlessly, with 1TB storage and smooth playback of FLAC files, though there can be a slight lag when scrolling through albums or loading music initially.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,378
Audio Quality
Storage Capacity
Durability

Most important from
96 reviews

Audio Quality
The sound quality is so immersive and clear that it fully engages you, revealing subtle details and a brilliant soundstage that makes listening a blissful experience.
Storage Capacity
The device handles large music libraries effortlessly, with 1TB storage and smooth playback of FLAC files, though there can be a slight lag when scrolling through albums or loading music initially.
Durability
Its robust aluminum body and premium build give a solid, durable feel, making it a device that feels like a serious investment in quality.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, with minimal power drain even when unused for extended periods, supporting long listening sessions without frequent recharging.
Portability
The Walkman is heavier and larger than typical audiobook players, which may impact portability, but this trade-off comes with premium sound quality and expansive storage.
Ease of Navigation
The interface can be slow to display album art and music metadata, and sorting options initially cause confusion, though features like sorting by 'album artist' are present but not immediately obvious.
File Compatibility
The device handles large music libraries effortlessly, with 1TB storage and smooth playback of FLAC files, though there can be a slight lag when scrolling through albums or loading music initially.
#2

FiiO M21 Android 13 Portable Music Player MP3 Snapdragon 680 4* CS43198 DAC Chips Hi-Res Audio DSD Bluetooth LDAC (Titanium Gold)

Rating
9.7
Audio Quality
Ease of Navigation
Battery Life

Most important from
162 reviews

Audio Quality
The M21 delivers exceptional sound quality with its quad DACs, providing a clear and powerful audio experience without needing an external DAC.
Ease of Navigation
A larger screen and fast, responsive interface make navigation effortless, even without reading glasses.
Battery Life
Desktop mode cleverly preserves battery life by bypassing the battery when plugged in, ideal for home listening sessions.
Storage Capacity
Limited internal storage encourages use of memory cards for large audiobook collections, which is manageable for most users.
Portability
Portability is a strong point, with a compact and lightweight design that outshines bulkier DAPs.
Durability
Build quality feels solid and durable, enhanced by included accessories like a silicone wrap and screen protector.

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.

Rating
9.7
Audio Quality
Ease of Navigation
Battery Life

Most important from
162 reviews

Audio Quality
The M21 delivers exceptional sound quality with its quad DACs, providing a clear and powerful audio experience without needing an external DAC.
Ease of Navigation
A larger screen and fast, responsive interface make navigation effortless, even without reading glasses.
Battery Life
Desktop mode cleverly preserves battery life by bypassing the battery when plugged in, ideal for home listening sessions.
Storage Capacity
Limited internal storage encourages use of memory cards for large audiobook collections, which is manageable for most users.
Portability
Portability is a strong point, with a compact and lightweight design that outshines bulkier DAPs.
Durability
Build quality feels solid and durable, enhanced by included accessories like a silicone wrap and screen protector.
#3

80GB MP3 Player with Bluetooth and WiFi, MP4 MP3 Player with Spotify,Spotify Kids,4" Full Touch Screen with Pandora, Music Player with Audible,Android MP3 with Speaker (Gold_Black)

Rating
9.7
Battery Life
Storage Capacity
Ease of Navigation

Most important from
4125 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life comfortably supports many hours of playback, though fast chargers may not revive the device if fully discharged—using a slower charger resolves this.
Storage Capacity
Supports large microSD cards up to 1TB, offering ample storage beyond the built-in memory, which is essential for large audiobook and music collections.
Ease of Navigation
The touchscreen interface takes some getting used to and can feel a bit sluggish, but navigation is manageable after a short learning curve.
Portability
The compact size is perfect for on-the-go use, fitting comfortably in a pocket during workouts without being noticeable.
Audio Quality
Audio quality is impressive, especially when using quality headphones or speakers, with customizable sound profiles and an effective graphic equalizer.

The INNIOASIS G1 MP3 player is a versatile choice for audiobook lovers who also enjoy streaming music. Its 80GB of storage (64GB built-in plus a 64GB SD card) means you can save plenty of audiobooks and music without worrying about running out of space. The device supports numerous audio formats including MP3 and WAV, so most audiobook files will play without issue. Navigation is made easy by its 4-inch full touch screen, offering a smooth experience when browsing books or playlists. Portability is a strong point; it’s lightweight and compact, making it convenient to carry around during commutes or workouts.

Battery life stands out with up to 25 hours of playback using wired earbuds, which is excellent for long listening sessions. Audio quality is boosted by a HiFi sound module, giving clear sound that’s especially good for spoken word content. The added bonus of apps like Audible and Kindle means you can listen to or read books without using your phone, avoiding distractions. Bluetooth 4.2 support allows pairing with various wireless headphones or speakers, although it may not be the newest Bluetooth version. The device has a sturdy feel, but as a touchscreen gadget, it may require some care to avoid screen damage.

Some users mention the interface can take a bit of getting used to, and video playback features might be more than needed for pure audiobook listeners. Also, parental controls are a thoughtful addition if kids will use the player. The INNIOASIS G1 MP3 player suits audiobook fans who want a combination of good storage, solid battery life, easy navigation, and streaming options, though it might be more complex than a basic audiobook player.

Rating
9.7
Battery Life
Storage Capacity
Ease of Navigation

Most important from
4125 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life comfortably supports many hours of playback, though fast chargers may not revive the device if fully discharged—using a slower charger resolves this.
Storage Capacity
Supports large microSD cards up to 1TB, offering ample storage beyond the built-in memory, which is essential for large audiobook and music collections.
Ease of Navigation
The touchscreen interface takes some getting used to and can feel a bit sluggish, but navigation is manageable after a short learning curve.
Portability
The compact size is perfect for on-the-go use, fitting comfortably in a pocket during workouts without being noticeable.
Audio Quality
Audio quality is impressive, especially when using quality headphones or speakers, with customizable sound profiles and an effective graphic equalizer.

Buying Guide for the Best Mp 3 Players For Audio Books

Choosing the right MP3 player for audiobooks involves considering several key specifications that will ensure you have a pleasant listening experience. Audiobooks often require different features compared to music playback, such as longer battery life, ease of navigation, and storage capacity. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting an MP3 player for audiobooks.
Battery LifeBattery life refers to how long the MP3 player can operate before needing a recharge. This is crucial for audiobooks because they can be lengthy, and you don't want your device to die in the middle of a chapter. Battery life can range from a few hours to several days. If you listen to audiobooks frequently or for long periods, look for an MP3 player with extended battery life, ideally over 20 hours.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity is the amount of space available on the MP3 player to store files. Audiobooks can be large files, especially if they are lengthy or high-quality. Storage capacity is typically measured in gigabytes (GB). For audiobooks, you should aim for at least 8GB of storage, but if you plan to store a large library of books, consider a device with 16GB or more.
File CompatibilityFile compatibility refers to the types of audio files the MP3 player can play. Audiobooks come in various formats such as MP3, AAC, and WMA. Ensure the MP3 player supports the formats you commonly use. Most modern players support a wide range of formats, but double-check to avoid any inconvenience.
Ease of NavigationEase of navigation is about how simple it is to move through menus and find specific chapters or bookmarks. Audiobooks often require you to pause, rewind, or skip sections, so a user-friendly interface is essential. Look for MP3 players with intuitive controls, clear displays, and features like bookmarking or chapter skipping.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to carry the MP3 player around. Since you might want to listen to audiobooks while commuting, exercising, or traveling, a lightweight and compact design is beneficial. Consider the size and weight of the device, and if it has a clip or strap for easy carrying.
Audio QualityAudio quality is the clarity and richness of the sound produced by the MP3 player. While audiobooks don't require the same high fidelity as music, clear and crisp audio is still important for understanding the narration. Look for players with good sound quality and, if possible, test them with an audiobook to ensure the voice is clear and pleasant.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the MP3 player can withstand wear and tear. If you plan to use your device frequently or take it on the go, it should be sturdy and resistant to damage. Look for MP3 players with robust construction and, if possible, water resistance to protect against accidental spills or rain.

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