Digital music players have transformed how we enjoy our favorite tunes. These devices let us carry thousands of songs in our pockets. They’ve made it easy to listen to music anywhere, anytime.
Digital players come in many shapes and sizes, from tiny clip-on models to larger touchscreen devices.
The most popular type of digital player today is the smartphone. Almost everyone has one, and they can store and play music along with many other functions. But dedicated music players still have their place. They often offer better sound quality and longer battery life than phones. Some people prefer them to keep their music separate from other apps and distractions.
When choosing a digital player, sound quality is key. Look for one that supports high-resolution audio formats if you want the best sound.
Storage space is also important – more is usually better.
Battery life can vary a lot between models. Think about how long you need it to last between charges.
We tested many digital players to find the ones that sound great and are easy to use.
Best Digital Players
We’ve compiled a list of top digital players to help you enjoy your favorite media on the go. These devices offer great sound quality, storage capacity, and user-friendly features. Our picks include options for different budgets and needs.
Micca Speck 4K Media Player
The Micca Speck 4K is a great buy for anyone looking to play media files on their TV without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Compact size
- Supports 4K video
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited file format support
- No built-in storage
- Basic user interface
We’ve been using the Micca Speck 4K for a few weeks now, and we’re pretty happy with it.
It’s tiny – about the size of a deck of cards – which makes it perfect for tucking behind our TV or taking on trips.
The player works well with both old and new TVs.
We plugged it into our 4K TV and our old 1080p set, and it looked good on both. The picture was sharp and clear, and we didn’t notice any lag or stuttering when playing high-quality videos.
One thing we really like is how simple it is to use.
We just plug in a USB drive or microSD card, and it starts playing our videos, music, or photos right away.
The remote is basic but gets the job done. We found it easy to navigate through our files and adjust settings.
Sony Walkman NW-A306
We think the Sony Walkman NW-A306 is a good choice for music lovers who want high-quality sound in a small package.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Long battery life
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support
Cons
- Small storage space
- Slow startup time
- Pricey for its features
This little music player packs a punch. We tried it out and were impressed by its sound.
The aluminum body feels solid in our hands. It’s light enough to carry around easily.
The 32GB storage isn’t much, but we can add more with an SD card.
We like that we can download music directly to the player using Wi-Fi. Bluetooth lets us use wireless headphones too.
Battery life is a big plus. We got about 35 hours of playtime, which is great for long trips.
The 3.6-inch screen is small but clear enough to see song info. While it’s not cheap, the sound quality makes it worth considering for serious music fans.
Surfans F20 HiFi Player
We think the Surfans F20 is a solid choice for music lovers who want high-quality sound in a portable package.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Supports many audio formats
- Long battery life
Cons
- Small screen size
- Slight learning curve
- Limited built-in storage
The Surfans F20 packs a punch in the sound department. We tried it out and were impressed by how clear and detailed the audio was.
It handles lossless formats like FLAC and WAV with ease. The player felt good in our hands, with a nice metal body that seems tough.
We liked the scroll wheel for navigating menus. It took a little getting used to, but soon felt natural.
The 2-inch screen is on the small side, which can make reading song info tricky. But it’s bright and easy to see outdoors.
Battery life is a big plus. We got about 10 hours of playback before needing to charge.
The Bluetooth works well for wireless headphones or speakers. It can also receive Bluetooth audio from other devices. While there’s no built-in storage, it comes with a 32GB SD card. You can add more storage up to 256GB total.
TIMMKOO Q5 Digital Player
We think the TIMMKOO Q5 is a good pick for anyone who wants a basic digital player with extra features.
Pros
- Big 4-inch touchscreen
- Long battery life
- Bluetooth and WiFi
Cons
- Can’t download music online
- Limited app options
- Some quality issues
The Q5 has a nice big screen that’s easy to use. We liked watching videos and looking at pictures on it.
The screen is bright and clear. It plays music and videos well too.
This player can run for a long time on one charge. We got about 2 days of music playback before needing to plug it in again. That’s great for trips or long days out.
We had fun using Bluetooth to connect wireless headphones and speakers.
The WiFi lets you move files from your phone, which is handy. But you can’t use it to get music from the internet. You have to put songs on it yourself with a cable or WiFi transfer.
innioasis Digital Player
We think this digital player is a good choice for music lovers who want a dedicated device with streaming and offline options.
Pros
- Large 160GB storage capacity
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Supports many music and audiobook apps
Cons
- Can’t install Google Play apps
- Some users report reliability issues
- Interface may take time to learn
The innioasis digital player packs a lot of features into a compact device.
We like its 4-inch touchscreen and 160GB of storage, which includes 32GB of built-in memory plus a 128GB SD card. This gives us plenty of space for our music library and downloads.
One of the best things about this player is its WiFi capability.
We can stream music from popular services like Spotify and Pandora without needing our phones.
It’s great for kids or anyone who wants a dedicated music device. The Bluetooth function lets us connect wireless headphones or speakers too.
We found the audio quality good, especially when using wired headphones.
The battery lasts about 25 hours for music playback, which is nice for long trips.
While it can play videos, the 5-hour video battery life is less impressive. The parental controls are a useful touch for families. Some users had issues with longevity, so keep the 1-year warranty in mind.
Oilsky 80GB Music Player
We think this versatile device is a great choice for music lovers who want streaming and local playback options in one compact package.
Pros
- Combines MP3 player and streaming capabilities
- Large 80GB storage with expandability
- 4-inch touchscreen for easy navigation
Cons
- Android 9 is somewhat outdated
- Performance can be a bit slow
- Battery life could be better for video playback
The Oilsky 80GB Music Player impressed us with its mix of old-school MP3 functionality and modern streaming features.
We found the 4-inch touchscreen bright and easy to use. It made it simple to browse our music library or access apps like Spotify and Amazon Music.
We loved the storage options on this device. The 80GB capacity (16GB internal plus 64GB SD card) was plenty for our music collection, and we could add even more space if needed.
The ability to play a wide range of audio formats, including FLAC and APE, was a nice bonus for audiophiles.
While using the player, we noticed the Android 9 operating system felt a bit dated. The performance wasn’t always snappy, especially when switching between apps.
Battery life was good for music playback, lasting around 45 hours, but dropped significantly for video use.
Despite these minor issues, we think the Oilsky offers great value for those wanting a dedicated music device with streaming capabilities.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a digital player, we recommend considering several key factors. Here’s what to look for:
Storage Capacity
Storage space determines how much music you can carry.
Think about your library size and choose accordingly:
- 16GB: Holds about 4,000 songs
- 32GB: Stores around 8,000 songs
- 64GB and up: For large collections
Battery Life
Look for players that offer at least 20 hours of playback. Some can last up to 70 hours on a single charge.
Audio Quality
Check for support of high-quality audio formats like FLAC or DSD.
A good digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is crucial for clear sound.
Screen Size and Type
A larger screen makes navigation easier. Consider:
- No screen: Compact, longer battery life
- Small screen: Basic info display
- Large touchscreen: Easy browsing, more features
Connectivity
Wi-Fi allows for streaming and easy updates. Bluetooth is great for wireless headphones.
Durability
If you plan to use your player while exercising, look for water-resistant models.
Expandable Storage
Some players accept microSD cards. This lets you add more space as needed.
By focusing on these features, we can find a digital player that fits our needs and budget. Don’t forget to read user reviews for real-world insights.