In addition to the audio hardware and performance, it’s important to consider the amount of available storage an MP3 player offers. Having said that, if you're simply looking to untether your music library from your smartphone, a more affordable model should fit the bill just fine. A high-end MP3 player will also improve the quality of the sound from high-impedance headphones. If you own a lot of music in lossless file formats and don't want to compromise on audio quality, you should consider getting an MP3 player with an advanced DAC (digital-to-analog converter). When shopping for an MP3 player, consider the size and quality of your digital music collection. Our picks all play high-res audio, have impressive battery life, and are small enough to slide into your pocket.

To determine the best MP3 players worth buying for yourself or gifting to your favorite audiophile, we constantly evaluate products from reputable audio brands at various price points - from super affordable to undeniably luxurious. Unlike today's smartphones, MP3 players have a built-in audio jack (or a few), and - save for the iPod Touch - easily expandable memory. If you or one of your loved ones truly care about the sound quality of your music, it's time to invest in an MP3 player. If you’re looking to buy ASAP, we recommend the latest Sony Walkman NW-A306. We’ll continue monitoring the product landscape to make sure we’re bringing you the most up-to-date products and industry information.

The discontinued iPod touch will be available while supplies last, so we stand by our recommendation. Editor’s Note: Our product picks are current as of February 2023.

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