Top 10 MP3 Players

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

There were times when mobile phones didn't even try to replace the music player. Now MP3 tracks are most often played on a smartphone. But that doesn't mean MP3 players are a thing of the past. Such devices still exist today, they can be found without any problems in some online stores. However, among them it is easy to stumble upon outright rubbish. To prevent this from happening, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with our rating before buying. He will tell you which model to buy. It will also make it clear that some MP3 players sound noticeably better than most smartphones.

Ranking of the best MP3 players

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Ranking of the best MP3 players	1	Astell&Kern A&norma SR15	RUB 52,990
	2	iBasso DX150	RUB 35,590
	3	Fiio X5 III	RUB 17,990
	4	Apple iPod Touch 6 32Gb	RUB 16 487
	5	Sony NW-A55HN	RUB 19,590
	6	Cayin N3	RUB 8,690
	7	Fiio X1 II	RUB 6,840
	8	Colorfly C3 8Gb	RUB 4,590
	9	Sony NWZ-B183F	RUB 3 260
	10	Ritmix RF-4850 8Gb	RUB 1,050

Astell&Kern A&norma SR15

Rating: 4.9

A player with a rather unusual name opens our selection. Its cost will also seem unusual. Many readers think that such devices should now be sold literally for a penny. This model shows that the opposite situation is now observed. Astell&Kern A&norma SR15 стоит дороже большинства существующих сейчас смартфонов! They ask for about 53 thousand rubles for this MP3 player! And they have the right, because in terms of sound quality, no smartphone is suitable for this device.

This MP3-player turned out to be quite plump. This indicates the presence of high-quality components inside, ideally converting digital sound into analog. On the metal case of the device, designed in a special way, there is a 3.5 mm audio jack. We recommend using it for listening to music. Be sure the player will output sound to any headphones, even overhead monsters! And try to upload exclusively uncompressed tracks to the device – for example, saved in FLAC format. Interestingly, the device even understands Apple Lossless, which is good news.

Sound can also be output to a wireless headset by using Bluetooth for this. However, in this case, you will significantly lose in sound quality.

Плеер Astell&Kern A&norma SR15 способен порадовать и возможностью подключения к глобальной паутине, для этого в него встроили поддержку Wi-Fi. This is mainly needed for timely firmware updates. Of course, the device provides some other functions as well. But if you have a smartphone, it will seem to you that it is better to use it than an MP3 player with a 3.3-inch display, the resolution of which is only 480×800 pixels.

This device contains a lithium polymer battery. It is charged via the micro-USB connector, and this process will be required quite rarely, even if you are going to listen to many tracks every day. By the way, 64 GB of permanent memory are allocated for their storage. If this does not seem enough, then no one will prohibit using an arbitrarily large microSD card.

Advantages

• Perfect sound quality;
• Decent amount of permanent memory;
• There is a slot for microSD;
• Unusual and memorable design;
• A metal body is used;
• Decent display
• There are modules Bluetooth and Wi-Fi;
• Long battery life;
• All popular audio formats are supported.

disadvantages

• Astronomical price tag;
• The player is not easy;
• A micro-USB connector is being used.

iBasso DX150

Rating: 4.8

Another Hi-Fi player in our rating. It features an elegant control panel located on one of the side ends. It has not only an analog volume control, but also three keys used to switch tracks and pause playback. However, you can easily find fault with their arrangement – the fact is that you will have to forget about pressing them in your pocket. It would be better if the buttons were on the top or bottom.

This model cannot be called any cheap. This is due to the presence of two central audio processors here at once. They are AKM AK4490EQ chips. It seems that their capabilities will be enough for any audiophile. Interestingly, it is one of the few portable devices that supports audio files up to 384 kHz sampling rate. And it also uses a replaceable amplifier module! The player also has a slot for a memory card. The device supports up to 2 TB drives, which do not yet exist. As for its own memory, it is built-in 32 GB. God knows not what, but at first, many buyers will have enough of this volume.

The front panel of the device has a color display with a diagonal of 4.2 inches and a resolution of 768×1280 pixels. Unlike the previous model, this MP3-player is able to show photos and start video playback. Confused only by the sensor used here. It reacts very badly to light touches of the user. This is the only inconvenience this player will cause. Someone will also pay attention to the thickness of the gadget. But this is a Hi-Fi player, it cannot be thin.

The device firmware is based on the operating system Android. In the device settings, you can activate Bluetooth, thereby transmitting sound to the headset. But it is better to do it all the same by a wired method, only in this case you will be able to enjoy music in its best quality. Especially if this music is saved in uncompressed FLAC format. By the way, you can transfer files from a computer via a cable – the process is very fast, because the USB 3.0 specifications are used here. Well, the Wi-Fi module is responsible for connecting to the Internet. The manufacturer could also add a SIM card slot, but in this case, it would not have turned out an MP3 player, but a smartphone.

A lithium polymer battery is hidden under the metal body of the device. Its full charge lasts for 11 hours of intensive use. Little, but nothing else was expected when using the operating system here Android.

Advantages

• The device has two built-in audio processors;
• Elegant metal body;
• A replaceable amplifier module is used;
• Built-in USB Type-C connector;
• Full-fledged on board Android;
• Supports FLAC and some other formats;
• Good display resolution;
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are present;
• Support for very high sample rate audio has been implemented.

disadvantages

• Not very long battery life;
• The screen is not the most sensitive sensor;
• Very high cost;
• Weight reaches 245 g;
• The buttons to control playback are not in the best place.

Fiio X5 III

Rating: 4.7

One of the most inexpensive Hi-Fi players available on the Russian market. In most stores, they ask about 24 thousand rubles for it. At the same time, the gadget feels like a much more expensive product. Mainly due to the metal body and impressive thickness. I am glad that in terms of weight, the device still cannot be compared with a brick or something like that – an MP3 player is not heavier than most flagship smartphones.

There are many interfaces and controls on the ends of the device. Including the device received a convenient volume control wheel. There are also buttons for switching to the previous and next song.

Like some other modern MP3 players, the Fiio X5 III operates with Android. This means that the user will have a familiar functionality – the device will allow not only listening to music, but also watching videos, going online and performing other actions. Access to the global web is carried out via Wi-Fi. Also, this model received Bluetooth – module. But using a wireless headset is recommended only as a last resort. You will feel all the beauty of sound only with a wired connection. It should be noted that the interfaces present here include line and coaxial outputs. This suggests that you will be able to output sound not only to headphones, but also to some speakers.

Of course, this player supports a variety of uncompressed audio file formats. This allows you to enjoy CD quality sound. Also, the device can be used as an e-book. Curiously, even PDF is supported here. But it's better to forget about reading magazines, because a very modest 4-inch screen with a resolution of 480×800 pixels is built in here.

If you are a music lover, you will definitely want to keep a huge media library. By default, Fiio X5 III provides only 32 GB of permanent memory, part of which is occupied by the operating system. But no one forbids additionally inserting a microSD card. And even two! This is exactly the number of slots present here. The maximum system should detect is 256GB drives.

Converting digital audio to analog audio is done here using a pair of DACs called the AKM AK4490EQ. Sound power per channel reaches 480 mW. It seems that this will be enough for most buyers. But 10 hours of battery life from a full charge of the lithium-polymer battery is by no means an impressive parameter. But there is nothing you can do about it, because the operating system Android itself consumes a decent amount of power. As for the charger, it connects to the micro-USB connector.

Advantages

• Built-in two audio processors;
• A large number of connectors;
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are present;
• Elegant design with metal body;
• Wide functionality implemented thanks to Android;
• A wide variety of audio file formats are supported;
• Understands sound with a sampling rate of 384 kHz;
• Built-in two slots for memory cards.

disadvantages

• Micro-USB connector is used;
• Not the longest battery life;
• Mediocre display
• The operating system does not have enough RAM at times.

Apple iPod Touch 6 32Gb

Rating: 4.6

The company Apple gets most of the revenue from smartphone sales. However, she does not forget about other devices. For example, some online stores still sell her MP3 player. The iPod Touch 6 is practically a copy of one of the old iPhones. It uses the same 4-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 640×1136 pixels. Also, the device received iOS – an operating system, thanks to which the device is able to boast the widest possible functionality. Many customers use iPod Touch 6 not so much for listening to music as for watching movies, including those with permission Full HD.

We want to warn you right away about one serious drawback. This player has 32GB of permanent memory. And that's all, there is no way to expand this volume, since there is no slot for a microSD card. Only the ability to listen to music from iTunes saves the situation. But this can only be done in the range of a Wi-Fi network, since it will not work to insert a SIM card into this device.

The device supports many serious audio file formats. But you shouldn't rely on the gorgeous sound quality. Alas, this is not a Hi-Fi player. There is not even a separate audio processor here, sound processing is assigned to the standard Apple A8! But the device got a rear camera with a resolution of 8 megapixels. Whether MP3 buyers need it is another matter.

You can connect both wired headphones and Bluetooth a headset to this device. You will not feel much difference in sound. As for the operating time, the video player will last about 8 hours in playback mode. Well, you can listen to music for more than a day. In theory. In fact, it all depends on how many applications are installed and which ones are running in the background. Not everyone will be pleased with the charger connector, which is Lightning. But if you have already owned at least one Apple smartphone, then this is unlikely to cause you any problems.

Advantages

• The player is compact and lightweight;
• The body is made of metal;
• Wide functionality provided by iOS;
• There is a camera;
• Built-in wireless modules Bluetooth and Wi-Fi;
• Many audio file formats are supported.

disadvantages

• The sound quality is not perfect;
• No memory card slot;
• Finding on sale is becoming more and more difficult;
• Often not very long battery life;
• There are no separate buttons for switching tracks.

Sony NW-A55HN

Rating: 4.5

Sony still makes its own MP3 players. Did you think that she completely forgot about her Walkman brand? One of her latest devices of this kind is the Sony NW-A55HN. This device is quite different from smartphones of the same manufacturer. Although it also uses a touchscreen display. It is packed in a metal case that can be painted in one color or another. At the same time, the MP3 player received surprisingly narrow functionality. If competitors can play videos and open images, then the emphasis is on music. It is possible that it is for the best.

The resolution of the 3.1-inch screen installed here is 480×800 pixels. And if this does not in any way hint at the price segment, then this cannot be said about memory. Its volume does not exceed 16 GB, while a considerable part is occupied by the firmware. Yes, you understood correctly. The Sony NW-A55HN MP3 player belongs to the mid-budget segment. Therefore, you do not need to rely on gorgeous sound quality. There is a DAC here, but it is not one of the expensive models. This is evidenced by the fact that the device does not support audio files with a sampling rate of more than 192 kHz. As for the formats, the device understands FLAC and Apple Lossless, and AIF, and many other files.

The best way to experience the music is with wired headphones. The only pity is that this MP3 player is unlikely to pull out any overhead monsters. The fact is that the sound power per channel here does not exceed 35 mW. By the way, the set includes good headphones with one distinguishing feature: they are supplemented with an active noise canceling function. This should appeal to everyone who is going to use the device in the subway and other noisy places.

Like many other modern MP3 players, the Sony NW-A55HN can be paired with a Bluetooth headset. The connection of some accessories is significantly accelerated due to the presence of an NFC chip here. But when transmitting sound through the 'blue tooth', you will have to forget about listening to FM radio, since by doing so you deprive it of the antenna.

It remains to add that the product is not equipped with the most capacious battery. However, with the firmware used here, which is noticeably simplified, a full charge can be enough for as much as 45 hours of battery life. And if this will certainly please, then the charging connector will cause the opposite feelings – it has a proprietary shape.

Advantages

• Nice design with metal body;
• There is an FM radio;
• There are NFC modules and Bluetooth;
• A wide variety of audio file formats are supported;
• Includes noise canceling headphones;
• Long battery life;
• Weight does not exceed 99 g.

disadvantages

• Little own memory;
• The display may appear too small;
• No internet access;
• Proprietary charging connector.

Cayin N3

Rating: 4.4

A real handsome man who changes the mind about modern MP3 players. If the top models have a screen in the entire front panel, then this device received a very small display, under which the touch buttons are located. And there is also a sticker that says that the device supports Hi-Res Audi o. She hints that this is a full-fledged Hi-Fi player, albeit with a price tag not exceeding 10 thousand rubles.

Like all representatives of the top half of our rating, the Cayin N3 has a metal body. As for the display, its diagonal is only 2.4 inches. The resolution of 360×400 pixels allows you to view all menu items and information about the song being played. And you don't need more, because this device is not intended for viewing videos or graphic files.

On the ends of the MP3 player, you can find not only additional keys, but also numerous interfaces. There are coaxial and line outputs, as well as a USB Type-C port. The latter, which is important, corresponds to the speed characteristics of USB 3.0. Well, the first two are used to connect headphones and even relatively small speakers. Support for Bluetooth – connections is also implemented here, but the sound is still transmitted through it not in the best quality.

As expected, such a portable player is capable of playing a wide variety of audio files – from standard MP3 to advanced Apple Lossless. It's nice that the device even recognizes audio tracks with a sampling rate of 384 kHz. Store the library on a memory card. The maximum recognizable volume of removable storage is 256 GB.

A lithium-ion battery is hidden under the metal casing of this MP3 player. Its full charge lasts for 12 hours of continuous use. If you like to fall asleep to music, then the sleep timer will definitely come in handy. We draw your attention to the fact that the supplied cable may be defective – it will not allow either transferring music to the player or charging it. The problem is solved by buying a new wire. Such an unpleasant surprise may await the buyer.

The conversion of digital sound into analogue here is carried out using the AKM AK4490EQ DAC. Its presence allows us to hope that the owner of this MP3 player will be able to enjoy music in all its glory. Well, the sound power of 130 mW per channel makes it clear that the device will “pump” even some speakers, not to mention the on-ear headphones.

Advantages

• High sampling rate supported;
• Highly affordable price tag;
• Understands a wide variety of audio file formats;
• Built-in DAC;
• A large number of connectors for audio output;
• A USB Type-C port is used;
• Weight is only 100g;
• Good sound power.

disadvantages

• Not everyone will like the touch buttons;
• Little own memory;
• Modest functionality;
• Not the longest battery life.

Fiio X1 II

Rating: 4.3

Another Hi-Fi player in our selection. However, it can be considered as such only conditionally. Still, it does not produce sound in the quality that the players that opened our rating could boast of. However, the majority will be satisfied with the capabilities of the TI PCM5242 audio processor built into this model.

This device turned out to be relatively small. About half of the front panel is occupied by a 2-inch color display with a resolution of 320×240 pixels. It is mainly intended for displaying information about a music composition and changing settings. Playback control is assigned to the touch pad located under the display. It is overly sensitive, so occasional track switching occurs. This happens until you get used to such a sensor.

This player has the most simplified firmware. But this does not prevent him from recognizing a wide variety of audio file formats. We recommend listening to music in FLAC and Apple Lossless. This should be done in wired headphones connected to the 3.5 mm jack. And these headphones must be good – I have repeatedly helped to choose just these. Built into the player and Bluetooth – the module, but in a wireless headset any music will turn into a mess, as if it were an MP3 file with a low bitrate. And this is not a problem with this device, it is the trouble of the 'blue tooth' itself.

Most often, MP3 player manufacturers save on permanent memory. It just so happened that it is she who is now the most expensive structural element. In Fiio X1 II, there is no memory from the word 'absolutely'. You will have to store your music exclusively on the microSD card. The maximum system recognizes a 256 GB drive.

Despite the relatively low cost, this player can be paired with very large headphones. The manufacturer has stated a sound power of 100 mW per channel. As for battery life, you shouldn't expect miracles. Fiio X1 II owners claim ten hours of sound. The lithium-ion battery is charged via the microUSB connector.

Advantages

• Weight does not exceed 102 g;
• A metal body is used;
• Almost all audio file formats are supported;
• Built-in module Bluetooth;
• Decent sound quality.

disadvantages

• No memory of its own;
• Overly sensitive touch wheel;
• Built-in microUSB connector;
• Not very broad functionality;
• A very simple display.

Colorfly C3 8Gb

Rating: 4.2

Sometimes even very cheap Hi-Fi players have some storage space. For example, the Colorfly C3 comes with 8GB onboard storage. This is enough for several albums saved in FLAC format. And it is recommended to listen to just such music, since the player will easily allow you to understand why MP3 compositions weigh so little. Although you shouldn't count on perfect sound quality, because the device includes a modest TI PCM1770 audio processor. Perhaps the main advantage of the Colorfly C3 over ultra-budget MP3-players is not the sound quality, but the ability to connect very large on-ear headphones.

Of course, when buying such a device, you don't have to limit yourself to so many modest amounts of music. You can use a microSD card to store 64, 128 or even 256 GB of audio files on it. Track selection is done here using the touch panel. This is a typical solution used in many inexpensive devices of this kind. Of course, the touch panel will not allow you to blindly control the player when it's in your pocket. The device also has a OLED – display. But its diagonal is only 0.82 inches. In short, it seems almost completely useless.

If the MP3 players discussed above provided Bluetooth and sometimes coaxial output, then there is nothing of the kind. Wireless transmission of sound is completely excluded. Well, for connecting headphones, a standard 3.5 mm jack is used. And the network adapter connects, horror, to the miniUSB port. It used to be a popular connector found in DSLR cameras, the Sony PSP game console and some other devices. Now it seems archaic.

The player understands a strictly limited set of audio file formats: MP3, WMA, FLAC, APE and WAV. From a full charge, the device sounds for 8-12 hours, depending on the type of headphones connected. This will be enough for some, but some will remain dissatisfied.

Advantages

• There is a certain amount of your memory;
• All major audio file formats are supported;
• Metal body;
• Weight is only 100g;
• The firmware works without any problem.

disadvantages

• Minimal functionality;
• Missing Bluetooth;
• A miniUSB connector is used;
• The touch controls are unlikely to be liked by anyone;
• Sampling rate is limited to 48 kHz;
• Very small display
• The backlighting of the buttons goes out almost instantly.

Sony NWZ-B183F

Rating: 4.1

Of course, our review cannot only consist of Hi-Fi players, because not everyone can afford them. This collection must include Sony NWZ-B183F. This is a simple MP3-player that sells for only 3 thousand rubles. There is no longer any large display. No, the screen is preserved, but it allows you to see the name of the song, get acquainted with the playback mode and understand how much the battery is discharged. It is curious that even such an inexpensive device received a metal case. It also boasts physical buttons that you can press even in your pocket.

The Japanese manufacturer recommends using its device while doing sports. Indeed, such a miniature gadget will not be felt on the body when you run or lift a barbell. How could it be otherwise if it weighs only 30 g? If you also connect waterproof headphones to it, it will be absolutely wonderful! Just remember that they must be wired. Alas, but Bluetooth this player did not receive.

Despite its modest size and weight, the device was endowed with some amount of internal memory. More specifically, the user is waiting for 4 GB. But there is no slot for a microSD card. This does not allow using the device during a long flight or anywhere else – you simply will not have enough stock of music stored on it. And is it necessary to say that the device only understands MP3 files? Other formats are not accepted not so much for the sake of saving on 'hardware', but because of the lack of storage space.

Sony once made a name for itself on radios. This is partly why she continues to integrate the FM tuner into many of her devices. There is also a Sony NWZ-B183F. The product is able to store the maximum frequency of three dozen radio stations in its memory, which can be considered an impressive result. Most cities in Russia simply do not have that many!

Since the MP3 player is so simple, you can count on a long runtime. And what is the use of battery power here? Indeed, a full charge of the lithium polymer battery lasts for 18-20 hours of sound. An excellent result with which you can forget about the network adapter for several very long workouts!

Advantages

• Metal body;
• There is a digital equalizer;
• Easy and convenient control;
• Modest weight;
• There is an FM radio;
• Nice design;
• Very long battery life;
• Lots of color options.

disadvantages

• Low sound power per channel;
• Only MP3 format is supported;
• No slot for MP3 card;
• Missing Bluetooth.

Ritmix RF-4850 8Gb

Rating: 4.0

The cheapest representative of our review. For this model, they ask only 1,500 rubles, and sometimes less! It is clear that such an inexpensive MP3 player will not be able to play movies or provide any other functionality. It's amazing that it is capable of recognizing FLAC files! At this cost, it seemed that the device would only play much lower quality MP3 music.

The front panel of this device contains not only the control panel, but also the 1.8-inch display. Its resolution is 128×160 pixels. This is quite enough not only for familiarization with the name of the composition, but also for viewing graphic files. The product also received 8 GB of permanent memory. If that doesn't seem enough, you can insert a microSD card. The only pity is that only a 16 GB drive is recognized by the system as much as possible.

This player is equipped with a modest battery, and there is no amplifier or DAC at all. In this regard, the user is waiting for a sound power in the region of 5 mW per channel. Therefore, only 'earbuds' or 'earplugs' can be connected to the player, it is better to forget about on-ear headphones. As for the working time, it does not exceed 8 hours. Charging is carried out through a terribly outdated miniUSB connector, you have to put up with this.

Advantages

• There is an FM radio;
• There is a digital equalizer;
• Wide functionality;
• Supports many audio file formats;
• There is a certain amount of own memory;
• Not the worst LCD display;
• Very low cost.

disadvantages

• Very short operating time;
• Low sound power;
• Unpretentious plastic case;
• A miniUSB connector is used;
• Hangs on some songs;
• Short service life (often just over six months).

Conclusion

This is a list of the best MP3 players sold in Russian online stores. We tried to talk about both top-end and inexpensive models. Now you just have to choose a specific device based on your preferences and financial capabilities.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.