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10 Best Music Players 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable: Fully Automatic Wireless Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth and USB Output Black

The Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable is a solid option for vinyl enthusiasts looking to blend traditional record playing with modern technology. Its easy-to-use one-step auto operation makes it accessible for users of all experience levels, whether you're new to vinyl or a seasoned audiophile. The turntable supports two speeds (33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM), allowing you to play a variety of records, and the included 45 RPM adaptor is conveniently stored for easy access.

Audio quality is a strong point, thanks to the built-in phono preamp and adjustable gain settings, which help tailor the sound to your preferences. The aluminum die-cast platter reduces unwanted vibration, enhancing clarity during playback. Additionally, the option to rip vinyl to digital MP3 files through USB is a great feature for those who want to enjoy their music on the go. Portability is enhanced by the Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless connections to speakers and headphones, which is particularly convenient for users who prefer a clutter-free setup. The RCA cables included also allow for a wired connection for those who prefer traditional setups.

The turntable does have some drawbacks. While it is relatively lightweight at 7.9 pounds, some users might find it lacks the sturdiness of heavier, more premium models, which could impact durability over time. The construction mainly includes plastic, so it may not feel as robust as other options. Additionally, while the auto function is beneficial for ease of use, audiophiles might prefer a manual option for greater control over playback.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Audio Quality
The sound quality is exceptional, revealing new details in the music and providing a crisp, beautiful listening experience.
User Interface
The turntable's automatic function simplifies the vinyl experience: just place the record, push a button, and let the turntable do its thing.
Connectivity
The minimalist design and easy Bluetooth pairing make this turntable a perfect fit for modern setups, sounding fantastic with compact systems like a Bose sound bar and subwoofer.
Durability
Despite the mostly plastic build, the design far outweighs any concerns, making it look and feel premium.
#2

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

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Storage Capacity
The Walkman could benefit from more RAM, as the current lag when loading music could be avoided with an upgrade.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, retaining charge even after several days of inactivity.
Audio Quality
The sound quality is exceptional, offering complete separation of instruments and a brilliant soundstage.
User Interface
The menu navigation can be cumbersome, but sorting by 'album artist' helps manage large collections better.
Durability
The physical design is robust and well-engineered, but the lack of a user-changeable battery at this price point is a downside.
#3

160GB MP3 Player with Bluetooth and WiFi, innioasis Music Player with Spotify,Pandora,Amazon Music,4" Touch Screen Android MP4 MP3 Player for Kids with Libby,Audible,Spotify Kids (White+ Sky-Blue)

The innioasis MP3 Player presents a robust option for music enthusiasts, especially kids. With a substantial 160GB storage capacity, it can hold a vast music library, and the included 128GB SD card enhances this further. This device is ideal for both offline and online music listening, with pre-installed apps like Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon Music, making it versatile for different user preferences.

The 4-inch touch screen makes navigation user-friendly, though some users may find the interface less intuitive compared to more familiar smartphone layouts. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 25 hours of music playback, though video playback is limited to around 5 hours. Charging is convenient with a Type-C port, but users need to ensure they have a compatible charger on hand. Audio quality is strong, supporting varied formats including MP3, WAV, and FLAC, thus catering to audiophiles who value sound fidelity.

Connectivity is well-covered with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options, ensuring stable connections for streaming and syncing with other devices. The device's portability is enhanced by its lightweight build, making it easy to carry around. However, durability might be a concern due to its plastic construction, which may not withstand heavy drops. Parental controls and app restrictions make it particularly suitable for children, offering a safe environment for music and audiobook enjoyment. Potential downsides include the inability to install certain popular apps due to Google Play services limitations and the somewhat basic built-in speaker quality. This MP3 player stands out for its comprehensive feature set and child-friendly design, making it a solid choice within its category.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Storage Capacity
This is my new best friend! It was dead simple to transfer most of the files from my busted iPod touch to here.
Battery Life
The battery life is amazing. The device is small enough to fit even in smaller pockets on women's jeans!
Audio Quality
The sound is immaculate, even on tracks my iPod would glitch on.
Portability
The battery life is amazing. The device is small enough to fit even in smaller pockets on women's jeans!
Durability
I dropped this a lot and I can still use it, practically zero damage. It's like the Nokia 2007 phone of MP3 players.

Buying Guide for the Best Music Players

Choosing the right music player can greatly enhance your listening experience. Whether you're a casual listener or an audiophile, understanding the key specifications will help you find a device that meets your needs. Consider how you plan to use the music player, the types of files you will be playing, and the environments in which you will be listening. This guide will walk you through the essential specs to consider when selecting a music player.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data your music player can hold. This is important because it determines how many songs, albums, or playlists you can store on the device. Storage is typically measured in gigabytes (GB). For casual listeners who mainly stream music, a smaller capacity (8-16GB) might suffice. However, if you have a large music library or prefer high-quality, lossless audio files, you might need a larger capacity (32GB or more). Consider your music collection and whether you plan to store other media like podcasts or audiobooks.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the music player can operate on a single charge. This is crucial for those who use their device on the go, such as during commutes, workouts, or travel. Battery life is usually measured in hours. For occasional use, a player with 10-15 hours of battery life may be sufficient. For more frequent or extended use, look for a device with 20 hours or more. Think about your daily routine and how often you will have access to charging options.
Audio Formats SupportedAudio formats supported by the music player determine the types of audio files you can play. Common formats include MP3, AAC, and WMA, which are suitable for most users. Audiophiles might prefer players that support lossless formats like FLAC, ALAC, or WAV for higher sound quality. If you have a diverse music collection or prioritize sound fidelity, ensure the player supports a wide range of formats. Check your existing music files and consider any future purchases when evaluating this spec.
User Interface and ControlsThe user interface and controls of a music player affect how easily you can navigate your music library and adjust settings. This includes the display screen, buttons, and touch controls. A simple, intuitive interface is important for a smooth user experience. For basic use, a player with straightforward controls and a clear display will suffice. If you prefer more advanced features like customizable playlists or equalizer settings, look for a player with a more sophisticated interface. Consider how you interact with technology and your comfort level with different types of controls.
Portability and Build QualityPortability and build quality refer to the size, weight, and durability of the music player. This is important for users who plan to carry their device frequently. A compact, lightweight player is ideal for activities like jogging or traveling. Build quality is also crucial, especially if the player will be exposed to rough conditions. Look for features like water resistance or shockproof design if you need extra durability. Think about where and how you will use the player to determine the right balance between portability and sturdiness.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options include the ways you can connect your music player to other devices, such as headphones, speakers, or computers. Common options are Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB. Bluetooth is essential for wireless headphones and speakers, while Wi-Fi allows for streaming and downloading music directly to the player. USB connections are useful for transferring files from a computer. Consider your existing audio equipment and how you plan to use the player when evaluating connectivity options. Ensure the player is compatible with your preferred listening setup.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your music listening experience and provide extra functionality. These might include FM radio, voice recording, or fitness tracking. While not essential, these features can add value depending on your needs. For example, an FM radio is great for discovering new music, while voice recording can be useful for taking notes or recording lectures. Fitness tracking features are beneficial for those who use their player during workouts. Think about any extra functionalities that would complement your lifestyle and choose a player that offers those features.

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