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10 Best Portable Music Players 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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

The FiiO M21 is a well-rounded portable music player that impresses with strong audio performance and modern features. It comes with a 64GB storage capacity, which should be ample for a large music collection without needing extra cards. Powered by a Snapdragon 680 processor and running Android 13, the device offers smooth operation and compatibility with various popular music apps, making navigation and playback simple.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,207
Storage Capacity
Battery Life
Audio Quality

Most important from
123 reviews

Storage Capacity
Limited internal storage may require purchasing a memory card for large playlists.
Battery Life
The device offers excellent battery-saving options like Desktop Mode, which helps preserve battery health during extended use.
Audio Quality
The audio quality is absolutely amazing, delivering clear and powerful sound without needing an external DAC.
Portability and Design
Build quality feels premium and solid, with a well-made design that includes a pre-installed silicone wrap and screen protector.
User Interface and Controls
The larger screen size makes it easy to use without reading glasses, enhancing overall usability.
#2
10.0 score

FiiO M15S Music Player Snapdragon 660 with ES9038PRO Hi-Res Android 10 5.5inch MP3 Player WiFi/MQA/Bluetooth 5.0/Spotify/Tidal/Amazon Music Support

The FiiO M15S is a high-end portable music player that stands out for its excellent audio quality and robust features. With a storage capacity of 64 GB, it offers ample space for a significant music collection, and the option to stream music from services like Spotify and Tidal adds even more versatility. The player boasts impressive audio quality, thanks to the ES9038PRO DAC chip, which ensures clear and high-resolution sound. It supports a wide range of audio formats, making it suitable for any audiophile's needs.

Rating
10.0
Battery Life
Audio Quality
Supported Audio Formats

Most important from
70 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, often lasting beyond 50% even after extended use.
Audio Quality
The audio quality is exceptional, with a rich detail that surpasses many high-end setups.
Supported Audio Formats
High-resolution FLAC files play smoothly with no glitches or stuttering.
Portability and Design
The player is heavy and exudes quality, but the button placement can be inconvenient.
User Interface and Controls
The Android interface is fast and reliable, with no glitches or crashes.
Connectivity Options
The FiiO M15S powers even demanding headphones effortlessly.
#3
9.4 score

FiiO M17 Portable Desktop-Class Music Player

The FiiO M17 Portable Desktop-Class Music Player is a powerhouse in the world of portable music players, delivering exceptional audio quality due to its desktop-class DAC and THX 788+ headphone amp. This results in superior resolution and minimal distortion, making it ideal for audiophiles. The extensive connectivity options, including multiple headphone outputs, USB ports, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices and accessories.

Rating
9.4
Battery Life
Audio Quality
Supported Audio Formats

Most important from
56 reviews

Battery Life
The extensive battery life and dual power supply system make the M17 both a powerful desktop DAC/headphone amp and a portable device.
Audio Quality
The M17 delivers unparalleled sound quality, surpassing even high-end desktop audio setups with separate DAC and amp.
Supported Audio Formats
The M17's ability to use high-resolution music formats like WAV and FLAC truly enhances the listening experience.
Portability and Design
Despite its substantial size and weight, the M17 is surprisingly portable, fitting comfortably into cargo pants pockets.
User Interface and Controls
While the interface can be challenging to navigate initially, studying the manual helps overcome usability hurdles.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth connectivity is seamless and reliable, quickly connecting to various wireless devices without issues.

Top 10 Best Portable Music Players 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

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

Storage Capacity: 64GB
Battery Life: 1 9V battery required
Audio Quality: four CS43198 DAC chips, two-stage amp
Supported Audio Formats: Hi-Res Audio
Portability and Design: 4.7-inch IPS, Titanium Gold, 6.8 oz
User Interface and Controls: Android 13
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, dual jacks, SPDIF

Chosen by 1207 this week

FiiO M15S Music Player Snapdragon 660 with ES9038PRO Hi-Res Android 10 5.5inch MP3 Player WiFi/MQA/Bluetooth 5.0/Spotify/Tidal/Amazon Music Support

Storage Capacity: 64 GB
Audio Quality: ES9038PRO DAC chip, high-res sound
Supported Audio Formats: wide range of formats
Portability and Design: bulky, 2.42 pounds
User Interface and Controls: 5.5-inch display, Android 10
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, USB

FiiO M17 Portable Desktop-Class Music Player

Storage Capacity: 4 GB
Battery Life: 10 hours
Audio Quality: desktop-class DAC, THX 788+ amp
Supported Audio Formats: MP3, SD Card, Micro SD
Portability and Design: may impact portability for some
User Interface and Controls: Android 10 OS
Connectivity Options: AirPlay, 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 2.4G

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))

Storage Capacity: 64GB built-in, expandable microSD
Battery Life: respectable, extendable by desktop mode
Supported Audio Formats: lossless DSD, MQA
Portability and Design: 1.46 pounds, aluminum alloy finish
User Interface and Controls: 5.5-inch screen, Android 10 OS
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB DAC, AirPlay

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

Storage Capacity: 128 GB
Battery Life: Long battery life
Audio Quality: High-Resolution Audio, S-Master HX, DSD
Supported Audio Formats: High-Resolution Audio, Native DSD
Portability and Design: Aluminum frame, 1.08 pounds
User Interface and Controls: 5-inch screen, intuitive controls
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi compatibility, Wireless

MP3 Player with Bluetooth, AiMoonsa Music Player with Built-in HD Speaker, FM Radio, Voice Recorder, HiFi Sound

Storage Capacity: 128GB, expandable to 256GB
Audio Quality: Built-in HiFi speaker, DSP chip
Supported Audio Formats: FLAC, APE, and popular formats
Portability and Design: 70g, zinc alloy, 1.8-inch screen
User Interface and Controls: 1.8-inch screen, touch backlit buttons
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 5.2, wired earphones, Type-C

Philips Portable CD Player Boombox Bluetooth with Cassette Player All in one Powerful Stereo Boom Box CD Player for Home Mega Bass Reflex Speakers, Radio/USB/MP3/AUX Input with Backlight LCD Display

Storage Capacity: 128GB (USB, FAT32 format)
Audio Quality: Enhanced stereo sound with dual speakers
Supported Audio Formats: CD, MP3, WMA
Portability and Design: Heavy at 8.73 pounds, user-friendly
User Interface and Controls: Large buttons, backlit LCD display
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, USB, Auxiliary
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Buying Guide for the Best Portable Music Players

Choosing the right portable music player can greatly enhance your music listening experience. With a variety of options available, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your personal needs. By focusing on these specs, you can find a device that offers the best balance of sound quality, storage capacity, battery life, and additional features that suit your lifestyle.
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 only need a few playlists, 8-16GB might be sufficient. For those with larger music libraries or who prefer high-quality audio files, 32GB or more would be ideal. Consider your music collection size and whether you plan to store other media like podcasts or audiobooks when choosing the right storage capacity.
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 can range from a few hours to several days. If you use your player frequently and for extended periods, look for a device with longer battery life, typically 20 hours or more. For occasional use, a shorter battery life might be acceptable. Think about your daily routine and how often you can recharge the device to determine the best battery life for you.
Audio QualityAudio quality refers to the clarity and fidelity of the sound produced by the music player. This is important for an enjoyable listening experience, especially for audiophiles who appreciate high-fidelity sound. Audio quality can be influenced by the player's hardware, supported audio formats, and built-in equalizers. Basic models may offer standard sound quality, while higher-end models support lossless audio formats and advanced sound processing. If you are particular about sound quality, look for players that support high-resolution audio and have good reviews for sound performance. For casual listeners, standard audio quality may suffice.
Supported Audio FormatsSupported audio formats refer to the types of audio files that the music player can play. This is important because it affects the compatibility of your music files with the device. Common formats include MP3, AAC, and WMA, while higher-end players may support lossless formats like FLAC and ALAC. If you have a diverse music library or prefer high-quality audio, ensure the player supports a wide range of formats. For most users, support for common formats like MP3 and AAC will be adequate. Check your existing music files and preferred formats to choose a player that meets your needs.
Portability and DesignPortability and design refer to the size, weight, and overall aesthetics of the music player. This is important for convenience and ease of use, especially if you plan to carry the device with you frequently. Portable music players come in various sizes, from compact and lightweight models to larger ones with more features. If you need a player for workouts or travel, a smaller, lightweight design is preferable. For home use or if you prioritize a larger screen and additional features, a bigger device might be suitable. Consider how and where you will use the player to determine the best design for you.
User Interface and ControlsUser interface and controls refer to how you interact with the music player, including the display, buttons, and navigation system. This is important for ease of use and accessibility. Some players have touchscreens, while others use physical buttons or a combination of both. A well-designed interface makes it easy to browse your music library, create playlists, and adjust settings. If you prefer a simple, straightforward experience, look for a player with an intuitive interface and easy-to-use controls. For more advanced users, additional features like customizable settings and gesture controls might be appealing. Think about your comfort level with technology and how you prefer to interact with devices.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options refer to the ways you can connect your music player to other devices, such as headphones, speakers, or computers. This is important for versatility and convenience. Common connectivity options include 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. If you value wireless convenience, look for a player with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. For those who prefer wired connections or need to transfer large files, ensure the player has a reliable USB port. Consider how you plan to use the player and what devices you will connect it to.

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