Best Audio & Media Players in 2024

Music accompanies the modern person everywhere. Some listen to it at home using a computer or telephone. But there is a category of people for whom this option is not acceptable. Athletes and travelers who love music cannot use these techniques for a number of reasons while traveling or exercising at the gym. You can listen to your favorite tunes even in these cases, if you use the capabilities of mp3 and media players.

Criterias of choice

The huge variety of models offered on the product market can lead to a difficult situation when choosing a player. There are certain characteristics that will help you navigate depending on the requirements of the buyers.

The amount and type of memory, memory cards

Depending on the amount of listening to the desired music or watching video files, you need to select the amount of memory. You should know that 1 GB can hold about 500 minutes of music in good quality. This will not be enough for those who like to listen to it everywhere. Music lovers are better off choosing at least 4-8 GB of memory. The player has a 32 GB memory card slot.

Control buttons and touch screen

It is believed that the touch screen is optional, due to the fact that playing and reading documents is possible on smartphones. The players are designed for listening to music or watching videos, for this reason there is a need only to scroll through tracks or adjust the volume. For this, just a couple of physical buttons are enough. But if they want to have a touchscreen, the buyer can find such models.

PC connection

Most players have the ability to connect to a PC via a USB cable. Only Apple iPods are equipped with a proprietary cable that can be used to connect to a computer. These cables are included with the device. The disadvantage of such cables is their price. If a proprietary cable breaks down or is lost, an expensive purchase becomes necessary. In contrast, USB cables are cheap.

Support for video, graphic and text files, voice recorder, camera

If a person has a smartphone or tablet, the player does not have such features as viewing video, text and graphic documents and other functions. It is only the owner's wish to have them in the player or not.

Display size

For listening to music, a small tablet is enough, and in accordance with the diagonal of the tablet it can be the smallest. This will not affect the quality of the player. The display will have enough track information, and there may be a clock. A 2-inch panel is sufficient for this.

Availability of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

A function such as Bluetooth makes it possible to use wireless headphones.If you prefer to use such headphones, the player must have a built-in chip for Bluetooth.

Wi-Fi support is optional. If there are a sufficient number of USB ports, then there is no need for this method of transferring information from a computer.

FM tuner and transmitter

Radio lovers can find an FM tuner in mp3 and media players. It will allow you to listen to your favorite radio stations at any time. An FM tuner is available on almost all models.

The FM transmitter will be very convenient for motorists in the event that their radio tape recorder cannot play the placed files in modern formats. The player will transmit music at a certain radio frequency, and the radio tape recorder, in turn, will play it.

FLAC and other formats support

The most famous digital audio format is mp3. But FLAC is considered to be of the highest quality. Files of this type take up more space, but make it possible to play music in better sound quality. There are also formats such as AAC, WMA and OGG. But they are not so common.

Battery type and operating time

There are two charging options in player devices. These are our own accumulators and batteries. The players use AA or AAA batteries. Their advantage is that they are easy to replace. But they take up more space than batteries and they cost money to replace. Li-Pol and Li-Ion batteries are not replaceable. But after some time of operation, they hold the charge worse.

MP3 players rating

MP3 player Fiio X1

One of the best will be the choice of the little-known Fiio X1 MP3 player. This brand is the most popular abroad, is in great demand there and is considered the leader among the audio equipment manufacturers. It resembles Apple's iPod in design. The control panel is represented by keys that are located around the navigation wheel. This player has a small display, but it shows the equalizer and other available functions. The body of the Fiio X1 player is made of aluminum. Thanks to this, it is not scary, if he falls, nothing will happen to him. The package includes a cord, rubber cover, screen protectors and stickers for decorating the case. This model is characterized by high quality firmware. The memory capacity of this model is 128 GB.

Video review of the device:

• Convenient control panel;
• Not afraid of falls;
• Rich equipment;
• High quality firmware;
• Button lock;
• Comfortably listen to audiobooks;
• Plays almost all formats;
• High-quality sound reproduction;
• Large amount of memory;
• The charge is maintained for 15 hours;
• The model is light and small.

• The scroll wheel is stuck;
• Designed for music playback only;
• No additional functions: radio, clock;
• The price is above average.

Average price 7000 rubles

MP3 player Sony NWZ-W273

Sony is considered a legend among similar manufacturers. The peak of its popularity has passed, but it is worth paying attention to the Walkman mp3 players of this legendary brand. MP3 players Sony NWZ-W273 are made in the form of headphones that fit snugly and do not let water through. It is very convenient for swimming people. The housing is built into the player and headphones. The complete set consists of a cord, several attachments for running and swimming, and a specific charger.

This is rather a minus, since if you lose it, the device can be thrown away. In order for the music to play, you just need to separate the halves and press the play button. The functionality of this player has several modes, the ability to random play, listen to fragments of melodies and switch folders. The amount of memory is 4 GB. Works non-stop for about 10-11 hours.

More about the device - in the video:

• For athletes and leading an active image;
• Waterproof;
• Stylish and unusual design.

• Short cord;
• Specific charger;
• Swimming attachments reduce sound quality;
• Music is audible to others;
• Fragile construction;
• Expensive for the price in relation to its functionality.

Average price 4000—5000 rubles

MP3 player Apple iPod shuffle 4 2GB

Apple products are currently at their peak of popularity and any product they release immediately takes a leading position in sales. The same applies to the fourth generation Apple iPod shuffle 4 2GB. This is the smallest model recently released, with a stylish design and a case in pink, gold, silver and gray. With just one button, you can turn on and off the player and it also allows you to switch files.

The device is supplemented with one more function that allows you to listen to melodies in random order. But the ability to control with the help of voice is considered unique. For this purpose, there is a special voiceover button on the body of the model. Transparent packaging allows you not to become the owner of a fake. The set comes with a cord for syncing with a computer via itunes. It can also be used when charging the device.

Video about this device:

• Stylish design;
• Guaranteed quality;
• Convenient management;
• Voice control;
• Fast charging time - half an hour;
• Super lightweight model;
• Stylish clip for attaching to clothes;
• Waterproof.

• No display;
• No FM radio;
• Low-quality headphones;
• Small amount of memory;
• Continuous working time about 15 hours;
• The battery is discharged even when turned off.

Average price 4000—5000 rubles in the Internet—shops.

MP3 player Transcend MP710 8Gb

One of the well-known and popular brands for the production of audio equipment and information storage devices is Transcend. Despite the fact that this is a young Taiwanese company, it already occupies a leading position in the industry. The Transcend MP710 8Gb MP3 player was released a year ago. For this reason, it contains all the necessary modern functions. The player is packed in a high-quality package made of thick cardboard. It contains all the necessary information about the equipment. These are ear-mounted headphones, a built-in card that holds 8 GB of memory, an AM receiver and a built-in microphone.

Player overview - in the video:

• Nice and powerful sound;
• Large amount of memory;
• Manufacturer's warranty - 2 years;
• Audio Format Support: MP3, PCM, WMA and WAV;
• Neck strap;
• Lightweight and compact player;
• Case material is impervious to prints;
• Built-in pedometer and clock;
• Listening from where you stopped.

• Nearby control buttons;
• No charge indicator;
• The battery is rated for 20 hours;
• Low-quality headphones;
• The price is overpriced in relation to the quality.

Average price 5000 rubles.

Media players

The advent of plasma TVs has sparked a wave of multimedia applications. As a result, media players appeared. They, in turn, allow you to use the TV not only for watching video files, but also as a personal computer.

Rombica Cinema 4K media player

This model of media players is one of the best among this type of equipment. It has several different connectors, there is a Wi-Fi connection and a wireless network connection.

The package includes:

• Media player;
• Manual;
• AV cord;
• USB 3.0 cable;
• Power Supply;
• Remote control.

More information about the player - in the video:

• Large set of functions;
• Uncomplicated management;
• Convenient sizes;
• Excellent value for money;
• Modern design that attracts attention;
• Multifunctional control panel;
• Two interface options: Nova Launcher and Rombica.

• The package does not include batteries for the remote control;
• The glossy finish is susceptible to mechanical damage;
• Small amount of memory.

Average price 8000 rubles.

Dune HD Solo 4K Media Player

Watching your favorite movies in good quality and having fun is possible when using this media player. The software of this device helps to occupy a leading position in this area and in addition has an excellent set of various functions.

The package includes:

• Media player;
• Remote control;
• HDMI cord;
• Power Supply;
• 2 antennas for Wi-Fi;
• Separate IR sensor;
• Analog audio / video cord;
• Wall mounting brackets.

For more information about the player, see the video:

• Sleek body design;
• Small size;
• In the presence of rubberized legs;
• Active cooling system;
• 4K Ultra HD support.

• The frame rate is low when watching 4K movies.

Average price 20000 rubles.

Media player Rombica Ultimate v02

Many lovers of high-quality video will need this media player. In addition to this, the player has a nice design, small size and good technical characteristics.

Equipment:

• Manual;
• Media player;
• Power Supply;
• Remote control;
• Remote control batteries;
• RCA cord.

• The packing box contains the specifications of the device;
• The clock frequency is at a fairly high level;
• Installed applications for listening to music and watching videos;
• An increase in applications is possible.

• HDMI cable missing;
• Small amount of RAM.

Average price 6630 rubles.

When choosing an audio and media player, you must carefully read the characteristics and opt for the product in which everything you need will be presented in the best quality.