There’s a reason the Onkyo DP-X1A sits atop this list – it’s a beast in the portable audio world. We tested the player with multiple pairs of headphones across multiple price ranges, and were stunned with the clarity and exceptional quality of the audio. In terms of hardware, the device has two chipsets, one to power the overall device, and one to handle the DAC and amplifier – resulting in a noise-free experience. It supports a range of music formats, including FLAC, OGG, WAV, MP3, ALAC, and more. Speaking of the sound quality, it's an absolute dream. Unlike the iPod, however, the Onkyo DP-X1A is built for super-high-quality audio. The player is built with a full version of Android 5.1, complete with features like Wi-Fi connectivity and the Google Play Store, which results in an MP3 Player that is to Android what the iPod Touch is to iOS. The device has an easy-to-use volume wheel, as well as physical playback buttons and two microSD card slots for those with a sizable collection of music. The DP-X1A looks a little bit like a phone, but much thicker with two audio ports – one headphone jack and one balanced output for those interested in a cleaner and overall better quality sound. The Onkyo DP-X1A isn't the most compact device on this list, but we think it's the best MP3 player you can buy, offering lots of customizability, an intuitive interface, and fantastic sound.

This means added durability and sleeker styles to slip in your pocket.Ī little chunky compared to the competition As well as a performance upgrade, their design has also been improved. Thanks to new innovations in audio engineering, they’re always improving on sound, with features like hi-res audio support and built-in DACs (Digital-to-Analogue Converters) becoming commonplace. Pair one of these devices with a pair of the best headphones and you’ve got high-quality music that travels with you wherever you go. Whatever the reason, today's top MP3 players are capable of storing your music library at a much higher bitrate than your 2009 iPod Shuffle ever could. Or you might want to save your mobile data and battery while you’re out and about.

Maybe you don’t want to be tied to your phone all the time.

But MP3 players are far from obsolete and still a fantastic choice for some people. Music streaming services have made listening to music on-the-go easier than ever and our smartphones can hold huge amounts of tracks, albums and podcasts. That doesn’t mean MP3 players are as popular as they used to be.

Best mp3 player for audiobooks 2012