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10 Best Cheap Mp 3 Players 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Sony NW-WM1ZM2 256GB Signature Series Premium Digital Music Player

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Sony NW-WM1ZM2 256GB Signature Series Premium Digital Music Player

Sony

10.0 score

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The Sony NW-WM1ZM2 is a high-end digital music player with a large 256GB storage capacity, which is excellent for storing thousands of songs and far exceeds what you'd usually expect in a cheap MP3 player. It delivers superior audio quality, supporting 24-bit/96 kHz and native DSD files for a rich, detailed sound experience. The gold-plated copper body and advanced digital amplifier demonstrate Sony’s focus on premium sound performance.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,311
Audio Quality
Portability and Design

Most important from
17 reviews

Audio Quality
The music experience feels deeply analog, delivering a rich, warm sound with a truly immersive 3D soundstage that invites repeated listening.
Portability and Design
The combination of advanced audio components and large storage supports audiophile-grade listening but results in a bulkier, less portable design.
#2
9.1 score

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

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

FiiO

9.1 score

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The FiiO M21 is a well-built portable music player that offers impressive audio quality for its price category. It features a strong Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor with Android 13, giving you smooth performance and access to popular music apps, which is a step above many traditional MP3 players. With 64GB of built-in storage, it provides ample space for thousands of songs, and you can expand it further via a microSD card.

Rating
9.1
Battery Life
Audio Quality
Portability and Design

Most important from
123 reviews

Battery Life
Desktop Mode effectively preserves battery health by bypassing the battery during extended use, a feature appreciated by heavy users.
Audio Quality
Audio quality is exceptional, delivering clear, detailed sound that outperforms even some premium competitors without needing an external DAC.
Portability and Design
Build quality feels solid and durable, complete with a pre-installed silicone wrap and screen protector for added protection right out of the box.
User Interface and Controls
The player offers a smooth, responsive user interface powered by a strong Snapdragon 680 processor running Android 13, making navigation and app use seamless.
Additional Features
The nostalgic 'Cassette tape mode' adds a fun, unique touch that enhances the overall listening experience.
#3
8.8 score

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

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

Sony

8.8 score

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The Sony NW-WM1AM2 Walkman is a high-quality digital music player known for its excellent sound thanks to features like the S-Master HX digital amplifier and support for high-resolution audio files including native DSD. It offers a large 128GB built-in storage, which can be expanded via an SD card, allowing you to carry a vast music library. The battery life is described as long, which is helpful for extended listening sessions. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity for downloading and streaming music directly, adding convenience not always found in basic MP3 players.

Rating
8.8
Storage Capacity
Battery Life
Audio Quality

Most important from
94 reviews

Storage Capacity
Despite the software challenges, the touchscreen is responsive and the device supports large storage expansions, handling vast libraries smoothly once set up.
Battery Life
Battery life falls short of Sony's claims, with actual use closer to around 12 hours rather than the advertised 40, which disappoints some users.
Audio Quality
The sound quality is exceptional, delivering clear instrument separation and a rich soundstage that fully engages listeners without fatigue.
Portability and Design
The build quality is robust and premium, featuring a solid aluminium frame that feels durable but contributes to a heavier device.
User Interface and Controls
The software experience is frustrating and cumbersome, with the proprietary Music Center for PC causing frequent issues when loading, organizing, or deleting music.

Top 10 Best Cheap Mp 3 Players 2025 in the United States

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FINIS

FINIS Duo Underwater Music MP3 Player with Bone Conduction Audio

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#1

Winner

10.0  score
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Sony

Sony NW-WM1ZM2 256GB Signature Series Premium Digital Music Player

Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Audio Quality: 24-bit/96 kHz, native DSD, amp
Portability and Design: Gold-plated copper, 1 lb, 5.75x3.69x8.13
User Interface and Controls: 5-inch LED, two headphone jacks
Additional Features: Wi-Fi support

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22% OFF

Chosen by 1311 this week

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Slide 1

FINIS

FINIS Duo Underwater Music MP3 Player with Bone Conduction Audio

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#2
9.1  score
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FiiO

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

Storage Capacity: 64 GB
Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio
Portability and Design: 4.7-inch screen, 14.9 oz, Dark Blue
User Interface and Controls: Android 13, 4.7-inch screen
Additional Features: Snapdragon 680, quad DAC, balanced amp

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#3
8.8  score
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Sony

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

Storage Capacity: 128 GB
Battery Life: Long battery life
Audio Quality: S-Master HX amp, Hi-Res Audio
Portability and Design: 5-inch screen, Aluminium, 1.08 pounds
User Interface and Controls: Enhanced, complex than budget models
Additional Features: Wi-Fi, DSEE Ultimate, polymer capacitor

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32% OFF
#4
8.8  score
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FiiO

FiiO M23 Hi-Res MP3 Music Player Android 10 Snapdragon 660 with AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, 5.5inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 3.5mm/4.4mm (Dark Blue(Aluminum Alloy))

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#5
8.2  score
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HiBy

HiBy R6III 2025 DAP Player Hi Res Audio MP3 Player with Class A&AB Amp/Android 12/Bluetooth 5.0/WiFi/64G+2TB Expandable Memory

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#6
7.9  score
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HiBy

HiBy R4 mp3 & mp4 Players spotify Player with Bluetooth and WiFi 4-Way HiFi DAP Android 12 OS 3.5mm po+4.4mm bal 32G+2TB Scalable Memory

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#7
7.9  score
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FiiO

FiiO M11S Hi-Res MP3 Music Player with Dual ES9038Q2M, Android 10 Snapdragon 660, 5.0inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 2.5mm/3.5mm/4.4mm (Titanium)

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#8
7.6  score
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Sony

Sony Walkman NW-A105 Hi-Res 16GB MP3 Player, Black

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#9
7.3  score
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JadeAudio

JadeAudio/FiiO JM21 Android 13 Hi-Res Music Player MP3 with Snapdragon 680, Bluetooth WiFi USB DAC 12.5H Playtime (Sky Blue)

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#10
7.0  score
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HiBy

HiBy Digital M300 Android MP3 Player with Bluetooth and WiFi Streaming Player Android 13 Snapdragon 665 HiFi Audio (PCM/DSD) FM Radio Speaker Touchscreen 32GB + 2TB Expandable Storage

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Mp 3 Players

When choosing a cheap MP3 player, it's important to focus on the features that matter most to you. While budget-friendly options may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end models, they can still provide a great listening experience if you know what to look for. Consider how you plan to use the MP3 player, whether it's for workouts, commuting, or just casual listening at home. This will help you prioritize the features that are most important to you.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to how much music and other media the MP3 player can hold. This is important because it determines how many songs you can store on the device. Storage is usually measured in gigabytes (GB). For casual listeners, 4GB to 8GB might be sufficient, holding around 1,000 to 2,000 songs. If you have a larger music library or want to store other media like podcasts or audiobooks, you might want to look for a player with 16GB or more. Consider your music collection and how often you want to update the content on your device when choosing the right storage capacity.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the MP3 player can operate on a single charge. This is crucial for ensuring that your device lasts through long commutes, workouts, or travel without needing frequent recharges. Battery life can range from a few hours to over 30 hours. If you plan to use the MP3 player for extended periods without access to a charger, look for a model with longer battery life. For occasional use, a shorter battery life might be acceptable.
Audio QualityAudio quality determines how good the music sounds when played through the MP3 player. This can be influenced by the player's hardware and the file formats it supports. While high-end models may offer superior sound, many budget MP3 players still provide decent audio quality. Look for players that support popular audio formats like MP3, WMA, and AAC. If you're an audiophile or very particular about sound quality, you might want to read reviews or test the player before purchasing.
Portability and DesignPortability and design refer to the size, weight, and overall build of the MP3 player. This is important for comfort and convenience, especially if you plan to carry the player in your pocket or use it during physical activities. Smaller, lightweight models are ideal for workouts and on-the-go use, while slightly larger models might offer better durability or additional features. Consider how and where you'll be using the MP3 player to determine the best size and design for your needs.
User Interface and ControlsThe user interface and controls determine how easy it is to navigate and use the MP3 player. This includes the screen, buttons, and menu system. A simple, intuitive interface is important for quickly finding and playing your music, especially if you're using the player while on the move. Some players have touchscreens, while others use physical buttons. Think about your preference and how you plan to interact with the device. If possible, try out the controls before buying to ensure they are user-friendly.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality of the MP3 player. These might include Bluetooth connectivity, FM radio, voice recording, or expandable storage via microSD cards. While not essential, these features can add convenience and versatility to your device. Consider which additional features are important to you based on how you plan to use the MP3 player. For example, Bluetooth is useful for wireless headphones, while expandable storage allows you to increase the device's capacity as needed.

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