10 Best Music Players 2026 in the United States

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.

The FiiO M21 is a solid choice for music lovers looking for a portable player that handles high-quality audio with ease. It comes with 64GB of built-in storage, which should be enough for a sizable music library, and supports expandable storage via Micro SD cards, giving you flexibility. Running on the efficient Snapdragon 680 processor and Android 13, it offers smooth navigation and compatibility with popular music apps. The 4.7-inch screen is a good size for easy control without making the device bulky.

One of the standout features is its impressive sound quality, thanks to four CS43198 DAC chips and a two-stage headphone amplifier, which work together to deliver clear, detailed audio with low noise. The player supports Hi-Res Audio and DSD formats, appealing to audiophiles seeking rich sound. It also offers versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth with LDAC support, Wi-Fi, dual headphone outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm), USB audio, and SPDIF, covering most needs whether you're using wireless or wired headphones.

Battery life is decent, and the unique Desktop Mode helps preserve battery health when plugged in for long listening sessions. The build is sturdy and portable, weighing about 15 ounces, making it easy to carry around. On the downside, the inclusion of a 9V battery (rather than a built-in rechargeable battery) may be less convenient for some users used to USB charging. Also, while Android 13 offers app support, the interface might feel more complex compared to simpler dedicated music players for those wanting a straightforward experience. This device is well-suited for users who want a high-quality, versatile music player with strong audio performance and expandable storage. It fits best for audiophiles and tech-savvy listeners comfortable with Android but might be a bit advanced for those seeking a simple, plug-and-play device.