The latter is much more popular (and practical) as flash storage options are high enough to store thousands of songs, and they’re also much more compact. There are two basic types of MP3 player: hard drive-based players and flash-based players. You’ll also be able to take your entire music collection with you, without filling up smartphone storage that you’d rather use for apps, photos and videos.Īnd if you’re keen on the idea of hi-res audio, you’ll need to shell out on a dedicated player to get the most out of the latest hi-res albums. There are other benefits: if you’re out and about without your phone charger, playing music through a portable music player isn’t going to drain your phone’s battery. Basic models are often far more robust than a phone – there’s no expensive screen to break – and certain models even add waterproofing, which is perfect for year-round training. If you’re a fitness aficionado and don’t want to take your phone into the gym, or just want something super-lightweight that you can chuck in a pocket, or clip onto your clothes while going out for a run, an MP3 player is a better choice. READ NEXT: Best USB turntables How to buy the best MP3 player for you Can’t I just use my smartphone instead?

Best for high-res audio: Sony Walkman NW-A105 | Buy now.

Best for ease of use: SanDisk Clip Jam | Buy now.

Best for Apple fans: Apple iPod Touch (2019) | Buy now.

Best budget option: Oakcastle MP100 8GB | Buy now.

Best for workouts: Sony Walkman NW-WS413 | Buy now.

Best for swimming: AfterShokz Xtrainerz | Buy now.

If you’re not sure where to start, read on, and if you just want the best budget and high-end options, you’ll find our favourites below. In this list, you’ll find our pick of the best MP3 players and portable music players you can buy, and we’ll also go through some of the things you need to consider before purchasing.

And then, of course, the iPod family is still going strong. Today’s portable music players are a versatile bunch, with some squeezing hundreds of albums into postage-stamp-sized devices, and others boasting the very latest in audiophile-quality, hi-res audio technology. Just as video killed the radio star, you might think that the smartphone was responsible for the demise of the MP3 player.

Best spotify mp3 player