Top 5 MP3 Players in 2025 from $40 to $900
2025? Who still uses MP3 players?
In an age dominated by smartphones and streaming, you might wonder who still carries an MP3 player. But here’s the truth: MP3 players are far from dead. Audiophiles, athletes, travelers, and even minimalists still love them — for their dedicated performance, offline playback, long battery life, and superior sound quality.
🎯 Whether you’re a high-res audio purist or just want a lightweight device for workouts, there are compelling reasons to own one today.
💡 Our Top Find team dug deep and found the best MP3 players you can buy in 2025. Here’s our expert-curated list:
- 1. Sony NW-ZX707 – 💵 ~$900
- Best for Audiophiles
- ✅ High-res audio support (FLAC, DSD, MQA)
- ✅ Android OS + Wi-Fi + streaming apps
- ✅ Exceptional DAC and amp
- 💰 Expensive but premium
- 🔋 Battery: ~25 hours
- 2. Astell&Kern A&norma SR35 – 💵 ~$900
- Best Sound Quality
- ✅ Quad DAC, MQA decoding, balanced output
- ✅ Ultra-clear sound, wide soundstage
- ✅ Supports streaming over Wi-Fi
- 💰 Very premium price
- 🔋 Battery: ~20 hours
- 3. SanDisk Clip Sport Plus – 💵 ~$40–$60
- Best Budget MP3 Player
- ✅ Affordable, lightweight, and waterproof
- ✅ Built-in FM radio + Bluetooth
- ✅ Great for workouts
- 💾 Storage: 16GB (no expansion)
- 🔋 Battery: ~20 hours
- 4. FiiO M11S – 💵 ~$480–$530
- Best Android-Based Player for the Price
- ✅ Dual DACs + Hi-Res support
- ✅ Android + Google Play Store
- ✅ USB DAC function for PC
- 💾 microSD expansion
- 🔋 Battery: ~15 hours
- 5. HiBy R6 Pro II – 💵 ~$700–$800
- Great for Customization & Open OS
- ✅ Snapdragon CPU + Open Android
- ✅ Excellent DAC (ES9038Q2M)
- ✅ 4.4mm balanced output
- 💾 Expandable up to 2TB
- 🔋 Battery: ~12–13 hours
✅ Quick Guide: How to Choose the Best MP3 Player
Use this checklist to narrow down your choice:
🔊 For Audiophiles:
- Look for Hi-Res audio support (FLAC, DSD, MQA)
- Choose a player with a dedicated DAC and amp (like Sony NW-ZX707 or Astell&Kern SR35)
🏃♂️ For Sports & Travel:
- Choose lightweight, durable, and waterproof models
- Prefer Bluetooth and long battery life (like SanDisk Clip Sport Plus)
📱 For Streaming & Apps:
- Pick players with Android OS and Wi-Fi for Spotify, Tidal, etc.
- Look for expandable storage (like FiiO M11S or HiBy R6 Pro II)
💰 On a Budget:
- Don’t overpay if you just want basic MP3 playback with Bluetooth
- Go for simple players under $100 (like SanDisk Clip)
🎧 Balanced Audio and Customization:
- Consider models with balanced 4.4mm output and advanced EQ settings
📊 Top 5 MP3 Players (2025) – Comparison Table
| Feature | Sony NW-ZX707 | A&K SR35 | SanDisk Clip+ | FiiO M11S | HiBy R6 Pro II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Price (USD) | $900 | $800–$900 | $40–$60 | $480–$530 | $700–$800 |
| 🔊 Audio Quality | Hi-Res + DAC/Amp | Audiophile-Grade Quad DAC | Basic MP3/AAC | Hi-Res + Dual DAC | Hi-Res + ES9038Q2M DAC |
| ⚙️ Operating System | Android | Proprietary | None | Android (w/ Play Store) | Open Android |
| 🌐 Wi-Fi + Streaming | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| 📡 Bluetooth | Yes (LDAC) | Yes (aptX HD) | Yes (basic) | Yes (LDAC, aptX) | Yes (LDAC, aptX HD) |
| 💾 Storage | 64GB (expandable) | 64GB (expandable) | 16GB (no expansion) | 32GB (microSD) | 64GB (expandable to 2TB) |
| 🔋 Battery Life | ~25 hours | ~20 hours | ~20 hours | ~15 hours | ~12–13 hours |
| ⚖️ Portability | Medium | Medium | Very Light & Small | Medium | Medium-Heavy |
| ⚡ Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C | Micro-USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| 🎧 Balanced Output | Yes (4.4mm) | Yes (2.5mm/4.4mm) | No | Yes (2.5mm/4.4mm) | Yes (4.4mm) |
| 🏋️ Best Use Case | Audiophile listening | Studio-grade audio | Gym / outdoor use | All-rounder w/ apps | Custom setups / Tweaking |
MP3 players in 2025 still have a clear purpose: dedicated audio performance, extended battery life, and freedom from distractions.
From affordable workout-friendly options to premium high-res players, there’s a perfect device for every listener.
Pick the one that fits your lifestyle — and enjoy your music like never before. 🎶
— The Top Find Team
