The Best Small Mp3 Players For 2024

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
SanDisk 16GB Clip Sport Plus MP3 Player, Red
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: SanDisk 16GB Clip Sport Plus MP3 Player, Red

A powerful, affordable, water-resistant MP3 player. With 16 GB of storage, the SanDisk Clip Sport Plus MP3 player features a built-in FM tuner to keep you entertained on the go. It also has an intuitive control interface and easy-to-use buttons that make it perfect for kids too. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: SYRYN Swimbuds Flip Bundle | 8 GB Waterproof Music Player Compatible

Stay safe and active this summer with SYRYN Swimbuds Flip Bundle. The 8 GB waterproof music player is perfect for pools and the easy to use shuffle mode will keep you from getting bored during your swim. Read Review

3. Budget pick: SanDisk 16GB Clip Sport Go MP3 Player, Black

The SanDisk 16GB Clip Sport Go MP3 Player is designed for active lifestyles and features a super-lightweight clip that stays in place. The player clips on to your clothes or gear and stays put while you workout, so you can enjoy your favourite tunes worry free. It also includes a built-in clip and carabiner to attach to your bag or belt loop. Read Review

4. Best Realiable: Sony NWE394/B 8GB Walkman MP3 Player (Black)

The Sony NW-E394 is an 8 GB Digital music and photo player with FM radio, Drag & drop from iTunes (PC) or Windows Media Player, Rechargeable battery with up to 35 hours audio playback, Alarm and timer function, Playlists compatible and Earbud style Headphones. It also includes a USB cable. Read Review

Today’s music listeners are on the go more than ever, and they need devices that can go wherever they do. Small MP3 players are smaller versions of the traditional MP3 player. These devices usually have a microSD card to store songs, radio or other media.

Since these smaller devices don’t take up much space, they’re perfect for those who enjoy listening to music while running, walking or any other time they are away from home. If you’ve narrowed your search to small MP3 players, read on for our recommendations of the best small mp3 players available.

Our experts have determined the models that would be the greatest fit for your requirements, specifically SanDisk 16GB Clip Sport Plus MP3 Player, Red, after doing extensive study and analysis over a considerable time. Consider SYRYN Swimbuds Flip Bundle | 8 GB Waterproof Music Player Compatible as an alternative if you're still undecided. Other suggestions on this list are definitely worth considering, and we've put up a useful shopping guide to help you decide!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 SanDisk 16GB Clip Sport Plus MP3 Player, Red
Our Score:
9.9
SanDisk
  • Affordable, water-resistant MP3 player. (IEC 60529 IPX5: Tested to withstand water flow (12.5L/min) at 3 min. Must be clean and dry before use.)
  • 16GB capacity stores up to 4000 songs (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.) (Based on 3.5 min songs @ 128kbps bitrate. Approximations: results will vary based on file attributes and other factors.)
  • Built-in FM Radio (FM radio functionality requires wired headphones)
  • Bluetooth wireless technology lets you go wireless for even more freedom in your workout
  • Lightweight and durable, clips to your clothes or gear
TOP Choice #2 SYRYN Swimbuds Flip Bundle | 8 GB Waterproof Music Player Compatible
Our Score:
9.7
Swimbuds
  • Easy to Use Shuffle Mode - Three large, tactile buttons enable you to easily operate the SYRYN mid stroke. Engage the onboard shuffle feature while you swim to instantly refresh your favorite playlists on the fly
  • Stay Active & Be Safe - We are excited that pools have begun to reopen around the country. Swimming with music is a great way to shake off the quarantine blues!
  • Superb battery life & plenty of storage - Get 10 hours of real playback time from a single charge + 8Gb of storage is enough for up to 2,000 of your favorite songs. Uploading music to your SYRYN is drag & drop simple. SYRYN supports all popular formats, including MP3, AAC, WAV, and WMA. formats. (Protected iTunes AAC files purchased before April 2009 may be deleted and redownloaded to update them into SYRYN compatible AAC files). Connects seamlessly to Mac & PC.
  • 100% Waterproof (IPX8) - The SYRYN is built for swimmers and protected by a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defects! It is fully submersible and can withstand sustained pressure up to 10 feet below the surface.
  • Timeless Design and Functionality - Not everyone wants another complicated gizmo or tethered smartwatch. The SYRYN draws from the compact form and function of players' past, without tying you to a smart phone like other compact devices today.
TOP Choice #3 SanDisk 16GB Clip Sport Go MP3 Player, Black
Our Score:
9.6
SanDisk
  • High-performance dynamic audio quality and voice recording
  • Super-lightweight player clips on to your clothes or gear and stays in place for a worry-free workout
  • Built-in FM radio perfect for the gym or your outdoor run
  • Supports iTunes (AAC codec) content
  • Crisp LED screen and physical buttons for easy navigation
  • Alarm and timer function, Playlists compatible, Earbud style Headphones and USB cable included
  • Digital music & photo player with FM radio, Drag & drop from iTunes (PC) or Windows Media Player, Rechargeable battery with up to 35 hours audio playback
  • [Hi-Res Lossless Audio Player] Delivers in-depth detailed high resolution audio. Supports distortion-free hifi music with all popular file format of Flac, Wav, WMA, MP3 and Native DSD (up to 128 bit/5.6 MHz) using the famous Texas Instruments Burr Brown PCM5102 DAC.
  • High-grade zinc alloy chassis lends the player its high quality, sturdy protection. 16GB MicroSD card and a pair of random earphone included. 30 days return policy without giving reason. 1 year replacement service.
  • [MP3 Player with Bluetooth] 2-way Bluetooth 4.0 supporting high-definition wireless audio (Qualcomm aptX). Either work as a sender delivers signal or as a receiver to amplify music wirelessly.
  • Easily navigate through the scroll wheel. Intuitively controls Play/Pause and Next/Previous with 1 finger. Line out and earphone out ports for flexible usage including in car auxiliary cable or a home audio system
  • MicroSD slot supports up to 256GB and USB OTG provided for enormous storage expansion. System can handle up to 14,999 music files. Small size slides easily into and out of any pocket. Perfect to carry.
  • ✔【Bi-directional Bluetooth 】: This high res audio player features of Bluetooth V4.0 of for communication that will change your life, double-way lossless wireless bluetooth transmission with APT-X protocol. Music player can broadcast to bluetooth-enabled devices such headphone, speaker etc; and also can be a Bluetooth receiver
  • ✔【 Humanization design】: This digital music player adopts 2.0" HD screen. Distinctive ALPS scroll control wheel enables fluent operation, a high-grade zinc alloy chassis gives a comfortable feel and touch, not to mention sturdy protection for prolonged durability
  • ✔【Outstanding Battery. Expandable Storage】Enjoy up to 10 hours of uninterrupted high-res audio by headphone or Bluetooth. F20 player does not have build-in memory, but an extra 32GB SD card already inserted in player. You can expand the storage up to 256GB via 128 GB SD card or via another 128GB USB OTG (OTG cable not included) and enjoy a music library as long as 14,000 songs
  • ✔【High Resolution Music Player】: This bluetooth mp3 player owns outstanding superior audio, adopts advanced DSD decoding technology to reduce distortion; the hi-res audio player can capture the depth and breadth of each note. It's ideal for audiophile to enjoy live music
  • ✔【 Lossless Audio】: Lossless Music Player Utilizes advanced PCM510xA 2.1 VRMS, 112/106/100 dB Audio Stereo DAC chip, with a maximum sampling rate of 44.1¨C384 kHz /32 bit. Supports all major lossless music formats: FLAC, WAV, WMA, M4A, MP3, MP2, AAC, APE, ALAC, OGG, AIFF, DFF, Native DSD64 (2.8MHz) DSD 128(5.6 MHz), etc
  • FORMATTED FOR YOU: The CDMP-4000 Player Features A Bright Display Screen That Allows For Easy Navigation Through Tracks and Info, Making The Process Simple and Straightforward. This Music Player Also Features Balanced XLR, RCA and Record Outputs, and 2 ¼" MIC inputs & Rear Combo XLR input for extra audio options Giving This Unit Added Utility
  • BIG SOUND, SMALL UNIT: The CDMP-1500 Provides You With Single, Continuous, Instant-Start & Cue Play Modes To Provide Ambiance for An Audience Without Having To Monitor The Unit. Convenient IR Remote Allows Control While Away From The Unit For Added Convenience
  • TRUST GEMINI, AN INDUSTRY LEADER: History Has Always Been An Important Part Of The Gemini Culture. Since 1974, We've Provided Innovative Products For DJs, Musicians, Sound Contractors and Professional Installers Around The Globe. This Is What Drives Us As An Industry Leader Is DJ and Audio Equipment
  • NEVER MISS A BEAT: Theis Unit In The CDM Series Features Rugged Durability With The Addition Of Anti-Shock Capabilities with RAM Buffer Memory Assures Consistent, Seamless Performance Night After Night, Without Worry of External Disruptions
  • MULTIMEDIA PERFORMANCE: The CDMP-1500 Music Player Features CD, MP3, and USB Compatibilities with Auto BPM Readout. Also Incuded Is A Pitch Rotary Knob and Frame Accurate Search for Maximum Beat Matching Control and Clearly Defined Sound
  • Ergonomically designed for a secure fit and long-lasting comfort, Ambient noise function so you aren’t isolated from the world around you, Up to 12-hours playback
  • 4GB Sports Wearable MP3 Player, Waterproof: For use in salt & fresh water up to 2-meters deep, Sweat resistant, dust proof design endures through the toughest training conditions
  • Drag & drop from iTunes for Mac or Windows, Playback MP3, WMA, AAC, and Linear PCM Audio Files, Supplied: USB dock, regular & swim earbuds (1set each), adjustment loop, Hi-Speed USB 2.0
  • FM Tuner Interfaces With Fitness Club Tvs
  • Up To 8gb Storage Plus A Card Slot For Memory Expansion
  • 1.44" Lcd Screen
  • Easy Clip-on Design
  • Super Lightweight
  • FEATURES: The Sony NW-E394 Walkman features 8GB of internal memory, ClearAudio+ technology, a dynamic normalizer and an Alarm/timer function.
  • BUNDLE INCLUDES: Sony NW-E394 Walkman Audio Player (8GB, Black) and Knox Gear Hardshell Case for Sony Audio Recorders (Black)
  • MULTIFUNCTIONAL: This digital music and photo player with FM tuner has a life of up to 35 hours of music playback.
  • COMPATIBILITY: Easily drag and drop from iTunes (PC) or Windows Media Player with USB connection.
  • DISPLAY: 1.77" (128x160) colorful TFT/QVGA display
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best small mp3 players?

Storage Capacity

Also, you should think about the MP3 player’s storage capacity. You should determine how many videos or songs you want to store and what data your computer has. You will then be able choose the right one. Storage capacity can now range from just 1 gigabyte to an amazing 160 gigabytes.

Sound Quality

An MP3 player that provides excellent audio quality is the one you'd choose if you were a musician. An individual who isn't knowledgeable about sound quality and music wouldn't know the differences between different MP3 players made by different companies. Sony MP3 players are considered to have the highest sound quality.

Size, Weight, And Shape

People who care about how the MP3 player looks and feels are likely to consider this factor. You can choose between a small and discreet one that you can conceal in your pocket or one larger to display to others.

Battery Life

It is important to decide if the player will be used on long journeys. Consider buying a model with a longer life battery if you do. Some players can last up to 30 hours. It may be shorter if it is being used frequently.

Display Type

There are currently a variety of display options. There are three types of display available: Touch Screen; Multi-Touch Retina Display and Color Displays. You can make choices with touch screen displays. Multi-Touch Retina displays are the next generation of touch screen displays. They allow for selections to be made with just the touch of your finger. These displays are more easily readable by humans than standard touch screens. As the name implies, Color Displays are displays with colors. These displays cannot be controlled by a finger and are simpler. Color Displays are typically found on MP3 players. They have buttons that enable you to navigate the MP3 player.

Ease Of Use

Also, you need to assess how simple the MP3 player can be used. If you are going to be using it, you might choose a more complicated model. If you're giving the item as a gift, you should choose one that is easy to use and intuitive.

Features Available

Some buyers consider other features before purchasing, such as an FM plus recorder or voice recorder and alarm facilities.
There are many features that can be added to your MP3 player depending on its brand. The more features your MP3 player has, the more it will cost you.

FAQs

What Is Better, An MP3 Player Or IPod?

Original iPod was a simple MP3 player. The best MP3 players for budget are more functional than those of the past, and often cost less.

Does Anyone Still Use MP3 Players?

Even in this age of Spotify and mobile phones, there are still many reasons for using an MP3 player. These MP3 players can be taken with you on trips or hikes and will save you money on your phone's battery. The MP3 Sport, a compact gadget that can be worn around the waist for running or exercise is ideal. The MP3 player is smaller than smarter counterparts and has a much smaller footprint.

What Is The Best MP3 Player To Buy?

The best MP3 players depend on what you need. A small budget-priced 8GB MP3 player is good for children, but a larger Bluetooth MP3 player can be more expensive and feature built-in speakers, FM radio, and data transfer. Hi Fi lossless audio output is the preferred option for MP3 players.

How Are You Going To Download Music To Your MP3 Player?

To transfer and download music files, you need to be connected to your computer. You will need a cable to connect your MP3 Player with your computer. The cable may be included with the package, but sometimes it is not. To transfer music, you can either use FireWire or a USB. USB is the fastest.

Do All MP3 Players Have Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a feature that most MP3 players now have, but not all. You can verify Bluetooth by looking in the Bluetooth logo box. It should be prominently displayed. If you do happen to buy an MP3 player without Bluetooth, and only have wireless headphones, you don't need to panic. All of my non-Bluetooth models I tried came with cheap, wired headphones.

How Good Is Your Eye Sight?

These display screens are very small, so you will need to have them if you wish to see the music being played. You can also use the screen to control the volume and even shuffle songs. It is important to test it in all weather conditions, indoors or outdoors. Are you able to see the screen clearly?

What File Formats And Audio Codecs Do MP3 Players Support?

MP3 players can play what file types and audio codescs?
Most electronic devices can support many audio formats. Some of these are compressed, which results in a decrease of quality. Some are slightly compressed, but they do not compromise on quality. Uncompressed formats can be found with the same quality but take up more space. Below is a listing of some common formats: WAV, FLAC and AIFF.

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About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.