10 Best Music Players 2025 in the United States

The Sony NW-WM1AM2 Hi-Res Walkman is designed for audiophiles who value exceptional sound quality. One of its standout features is its support for High-Resolution Audio and Native DSD files, making it an excellent choice for those who want to experience music in its purest form. The S-Master HX digital amplifier ensures clean and clear audio, which is a significant strength for discerning listeners.

When it comes to storage, the 128GB capacity is generous, and the added flexibility of an SD card slot allows for expansion, catering to users with large music libraries. The interface is user-friendly, making navigation through your playlists and settings relatively straightforward. Battery life is another plus, offering extended playtime that can easily last through long listening sessions. The Wi-Fi capability is a modern touch, letting users download or stream music directly, which can be convenient.

In terms of portability, the Walkman is compact and has a robust aluminum frame, but its premium build might make it slightly heavier compared to other players. While its durability is enhanced by this design, it may not be the best choice for those looking for a lightweight, ultra-portable option. The price point could be seen as a drawback—this Walkman sits at a higher range, which might not appeal to casual listeners or those on a budget. Additionally, while it offers high-quality features, the complexity of some settings may be overwhelming for users who prefer a simple, straightforward music player.

The Sony NW-WM1ZM2 Signature Series Walkman is designed for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and a rich music listening experience. With a generous storage capacity of 256 GB, it allows users to store a substantial library of high-resolution audio files. The device’s battery life is solid, providing enough playtime for extended listening sessions, which is a plus for those who enjoy long trips or hours of music without needing a recharge.

Audio quality stands out due to the S-Master HX digital amp technology, offering superb sound performance compatible with Native DSD format. The use of high-quality materials, like solid high polymer capacitors and Kimber Kable wiring, ensures that the music plays back with clarity and minimal external noise interference, catering to critical listeners.

Portability is decent, weighing about one pound, but its size might be slightly bulky for some people who prefer ultra-compact devices. The user interface, inspired by analog design, is intuitive and easy to navigate, which is a benefit for those who may not be very tech-savvy. Connectivity features like built-in Wi-Fi enable streaming from various music apps and easy downloading from a PC, enhancing its functionality.

While the premium build quality contributes to durability, it also adds to the price point, making it a significant investment that may not suit everyone's budget. Furthermore, it ranks lower in sales compared to other music players, which might be a concern for users looking for a more popular or mainstream choice.

The Sony NW-WM1ZM2 Signature Series Walkman excels in audio quality and build but may not be the best fit for budget-conscious users or those seeking a compact music player. It’s an excellent choice for dedicated music lovers who crave high fidelity in their listening experience.

The Bose Wave Music System IV in Espresso Black offers remarkable sound quality thanks to its innovative waveguide technology, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize audio performance. Its compact design and sleek finish fit into various spaces, making it a stylish addition to any room. However, its portability is limited by its relatively heavy weight of 11.43 pounds, which means it's more suited for home use rather than on-the-go listening.

With its built-in CD/MP3 CD player and AM/FM tuner, this system supports traditional music formats, appealing to users who have a collection of physical media. The text display feature is a nice touch, providing song information conveniently. Despite this, the model lacks modern music streaming capabilities like Bluetooth, which might be a drawback for users who prefer wireless streaming from their devices.

The user interface is user-friendly, featuring dual alarms and a touch-sensitive top for easy on/off and snooze functions. The slim remote control with 12 presets enhances usability, although some might find relying on a remote less convenient than having direct controls on the device itself.

In terms of connectivity, the system supports auxiliary inputs but misses out on more versatile connectivity options such as USB or HDMI, limiting its integration with other modern devices. Its wireless network compatibility is somewhat outdated, supporting only 802.11 b/g/n standards, which could affect connectivity speed and reliability.

The construction quality is commendable, typical of Bose products, ensuring durability and a premium look. Yet, for the price point, some customers might hope for additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity or a built-in rechargeable battery, which are absent. This system is ideal for those who value superior sound in a home-stationed music player without a need for contemporary wireless features.