5 of the Best Modern MP3 Players You Can Buy in 2026

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Sometimes all you want is music. While it may be harder to find a smartphone that doesn’t support MP3s or audio streaming services these days, having a digital audio player (DAP) that focuses almost exclusively on playing songs can be a good way to listen without interruption. Of course, there are still old MP3 players out there in the wild, but purchasing them can be questionable, and many of today’s players offer features we’ve come to rely on. With that in mind, we wanted to look at the best modern MP3 players that are worth your money.

By exploring what real customers have to say around the web, we’ve discovered a variety of players who have something to offer those looking to get acquainted with the world of DAPs, although some of these players may also turn the heads of audiophiles. Additionally, many of these players support file formats other than MP3, including lossless formats like FLAC and WAV, giving users plenty of audio options.

Even though old players remember the days of MP3 players before the original Apple iPod (probably the most iconic MP3 player of all time), today’s devices can still offer their own listening experiences while giving users more control over their music. For anyone looking for options outside of streaming services or more traditional physical formats, a solid MP3 player may be the answer – and some of the prices on these items certainly help.

Built with an ESS ES9018K2M digital-to-analog converter (DAC) known for its dual-channel 32-bit performance, the $123.99 Surfans F20 Hi-Fi MP3 player has specs that might even make audiophiles take a second look. With 32-bit/384kHz audio decoding and native support for DSD128 (Direct Stream Digital), this DAP supports FLAC, WAV, MP3, WMA and much more. Users can also get information about their favorite tracks on the device’s 2-inch TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) LED display.

The unit starts with a 64GB microSD card, although users can upgrade to 512GB. For connections, there’s two-way Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless speakers or headphones, as well as a 3.5mm headphone output and a 1.5V line output for auxiliary inputs. The F20 also promises up to 10 hours of battery life with a 1,500 mAh lithium-ion battery and charges via USB-C. Users can also use the device’s USB-C port to connect it to a computer, allowing it to serve as an audio decoding amp.

Maintaining a 4-star rating with 5,034 reviews on Amazon, users give this one points for its smooth interface with a multi-folder file structure, strong battery life, and a good option for high-resolution and lossless music – although, sometimes, good luck telling the difference. However, users note that the device is not waterproof and several users report that it is not user-friendly. Despite this, 72% of customers rate it 4 stars or higher, and it could be a good introduction for those who want to deepen their knowledge of high-quality audio.

Touting itself as the world’s first portable Hi-Fi player to include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 mobile processor, the Amazon’s Choice JadeAudio FiiO JM21 Hi-Res Music Player for $179.99 does its best to pack a lot into a 13mm-thick device. Aside from running a custom variant of Android 13, it also features an 8-core Kryo 265 architecture clocked at up to 2.4GHz. Another notable feature of this DAP, its two Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, associated with two SG Micro SGM8262 operational amplifiers, delivering a balanced output power of 700 mW.

Supporting audio formats such as MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, WMA, OGG, etc., the JM21 has a storage capacity of 32GB and supports microSDHC, microSDXC and SD cards. There is also bi-directional Bluetooth 5.0 support. In terms of other connections, users can also connect it to an Apple or Windows machine to achieve sampling rates of up to 384kHz in 32-bit. Through Android, users can also download third-party apps such as Apple Music and FiiO’s own Music app.

Looking at 504 Amazon reviews, customers give this one 4 stars for punching above its weight class when listening with wired headphones, although users also find the Bluetooth sound quality solid. Although users find it to be of respectable quality overall, some have reported Bluetooth connectivity issues. Still, users might want to pair this one with one of the best wireless Hi-Fi headphones.

Looking at MP3 players with powerful options is great, but there’s nothing wrong with considering simpler products as well. That’s not to say that the Amazon’s Choice AGPTEK 32GB MP3 Player with Bluetooth is feature-free, but this one may be for those who look at price before specs. Hey, it’s significantly cheaper than some original iPods on eBay. Available in 32GB or 64GB options (expandable to 128GB with a microSD card), this one also comes with a high-resolution 2.4-inch curved screen.

What’s interesting about this device is that in addition to supporting MP3 and high-quality formats like FLAC, WAC and WMA, it also includes FM radio, video playback and TXT e-book reading only. Bluetooth 5.3 support is available for wireless connections to headphones or car speakers, although users should note that this device does not support Wi-Fi. However, it promises up to 48 hours of music playback time (6.5 hours with Bluetooth) with its 500 mAh battery.

With a 4-star rating and 8,523 reviews on Amazon, users give the AGPTEK high marks for its long battery life, solid sound quality, and overall value for money. Although customers find the AGPTEK easy to use and navigate, some warn that the device can lock up randomly. Despite this, this DAP is #1 on Amazon’s list of MP3 and MP4 players, and the fact that the device costs less than a modern AAA gaming title makes it attractive.

After looking at a few high-end options as well as something more budget-friendly, Amazon’s Choice Mechen M30 Hi-Fi MP3 Player for $82.99 may be a good compromise between cost and specs. Holding a 4-star rating with 746 reviews, the big appeal of this DAP is that it has DSP audio as well as a dual-encoding DAC, making it suitable for a variety of formats such as MP3, WAV, FLAC, etc.

Made of an aluminum alloy shell and featuring a scroll wheel for navigation, the M30 also has a 2-inch LCD screen that displays track information and even lyrics while music plays. The device comes with a 64GB SD card (expandable to 256GB) and the 1,500mAh battery offers a 2-hour charging time via USB-C along with 25 hours of continuous playback. However, it’s worth noting that the device doesn’t come with headphones, so users may want to make sure of that (just be sure to avoid those brands), although there is a line-out option for connecting to home audio systems.

For what it’s worth, a reviewer from Audiophile Heaven praised the M30’s sound, particularly its midrange and bass. Looking at Amazon reviews, users are disappointed by the lack of Bluetooth support, although high marks are given to its user-friendly interface and overall build quality. It’s also worth mentioning that customers and reviews have given the device points for its battery life. That said, this one might surprise those looking for an MP3 player.

We end our list with the SnowSky/FiiO Echo Mini Hi-Fi Bluetooth MP3 Player for $59.99, mainly because it comes highly recommended on Reddit as a solid MP3 player for those on a budget. Despite its retro look, the device packs two DACs and supports a variety of audio formats, including WAV, FLAC, MP3, and more. There’s also a color IPS display and the DAP includes a “retro-inspired” user interface and control buttons.

With 8GB of onboard storage, the device supports microSD cards up to 256GB. Wired connections are supported via 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs, and there’s also Bluetooth 5.3 for a reliable pair of wireless earbuds. As for battery life, the Echo Mini promises 15 hours of listening time with its 1,100mAh battery and charges via USB-C. For those who like to fine-tune their audio, this one supports gain adjustment and EQ, as well as precise 120-step volume control. Users can even fast forward or rewind their tracks.

According to Amazon reviews, the Echo Mini has a 4.1-star rating with 320 reviews. Customers appreciate the device’s small size and overall solid sound quality. Although customers find the low price of this player a positive, several complain about the user interface, with one user calling it clunky. Since it can also serve as a DAC for a computer, this may appeal to those looking for retro style with modern amenities.

When determining which devices to make this list, we scoured the web to see what users with real experience have to say about these digital audio players. We also ensure that every item has at least a 4-star rating on Amazon, based on hundreds, if not thousands, of reviews. In terms of cost, we do our best to look for a variety of price points to suit the user’s budget, and we also try to find items that have something unique. Where applicable, we also award bonus points as an Amazon’s Choice item.