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MP3 Players Review

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In this review:
  1. Best Cheap MP3 Players, iPods and MP3 Player reviews
  2. MP3 Players Review
  3. Discount MP3 Players Features Comparison Table
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MP3 Players Performance

Objects can never be measured as well against each other as they can against themselves -- that is, what they manage to be as opposed to what they are trying to be. According to MP3 players reviews, several of the devices we researched meet this abstract standard.

In other words, MP3 players reviews say our top picks deliver good, if not excellent sound, and are easy to use. Remember, we're talking about cheap MP3 players, not the upscale models with oodles of memory, larger screens with high resolution, support for apps and the full range of formats, and super-sleek design. But it is important to separate the good from the mediocre at the cheap end of the market, and our read of MP3 players reviews has let us do that for you.

MP3 Players Sound.

Let's start off with the smallest, but in some ways largest, contender: the fourth generation shuffle. This cheap iPod generally does what it sets out to do -- provide music with decent sound quality without weighing you down -- despite being criticized for its lackluster battery life. Of the hundred MP3 players reviews of the shuffle on Amazon, only a handful mention sound at all (the consensus: it's good), with most waxing lyrical about its size, engineering, and ease of use. Experts at PC Mag agree, adding that audio performance has never been the strong suit of the iPod family. By the way, one user notes in an MP3 players review that sound quality improves with better earbuds or headphones, and this seems to be the case with many of the cheap MP3 players we researched.

The SanDisk Sansa Fuze+, perched at the top of our list, holds that spot more for what MP3 players reviews by experts say is its overall value (lots of features, excellent video playback, low price) rather than the quality of its sound. CNET says the audio is as least as good as the iPod nano and PC Mag notes that the equalizer settings can be customized, which puts the Sansa Fuze+ a step ahead of Apple products. Consumers must be listening to a different drummer, though, because their MP3 players reviews on Amazon are way more upbeat about the sound quality, with some calling it rich and full. The Sansa Clip+ is a bit like the shuffle in terms of its built-in portability (a belt-clip) and ultra-compact design, and it receives warm praise in MP3 players reviews on CNET and Amazon for its very low price and decent sound. But MP3 players reviews note that you get more features (e.g., double the memory) and a better overall experience with the pricier, but still cheap, Sansa Fuze+.

Review continues below

If you're looking for an entry-level product, the Creative Zen Mozaic EZ300 may fill the bill, according to MP3 players reviews. PC World says the audio isn't quite as good as some other models in its price range (and the video player is fairly low-grade), but the bass and treble are credible and you can tweak the equalizer for your listening pleasure. Users rise to its defense, writing in MP3 players reviews on Newegg that the sound is just fine, and add that the built-in external speakers are a big selling point.

The Sony Walkman NWZ-E353 is a new player in the market, and one that has so far failed to excite either experts or consumers. On a positive note, an MP3 players review in PC Mag says the programmable equalizer lets you up the bass; on a down note, the review says you won't hear much of that with the included earbuds and goes on to gripe about limited format support for audio and video and actually suggests a cell phone with music playback might be a better way to spend your money. Despite its availability through several online vendors, users have yet to post any MP3 players reviews about the Walkman NWZ-E353. Is that a sign, or what?

The second generation Zune 4 has been kicking around for a while and gets a pass in MP3 players reviews for the quality of its sound. Both expert and user reviews of the Zune 4 grouse about the disappearance of the equalizer in this version of the device. CNET editors also aren't fond of the basic earbuds but say the sound you get with full-sized headphones is much better despite weakness in the bass. Users are generally satisfied with the sound, according to MP3 players reviews on Amazon, even though one describes it as tinny.

Review continues below

MP3 Players Usability.

Budget MP3 players, having to compete with the shuffle, generally hold their ground in terms of usability. The SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ is said to be highly reliable, although as one Amazon user found out, the screen is very sensitive to scratches. Users also grumble about the navigation, which requires having to start from the beginning once you reach the end (that is, you can't swipe backwards). Some MP3 players reviews of the Sansa Fuze+ on Best Buy find the touchscreen too sensitive and others report it's not sufficiently responsive.

Assessments of usability and reliability vary for the Zen Mozaic EZ300. Some MP3 players reviews on Amazon report no issues with durability, while other reviews on that site and on Newegg complain about skipping and freezing, sensitivity to temperature, and the need to use proprietary Creative software.

Brighthub.com likes the Zune 4 navigational pad, which lets you swipe and glide for quick scrolling or click for one-step advances. Like other MP3 players reviews of the Zune 4, Brighthub also notes that the battery drains quickly when the wireless feature is turned on.

The shuffle seems to be less durable than other cheap MP3 players given its delicacy and size (i.e., don't drop it on the sidewalk). Minor protests about needing to upgrade the operating system on Macs to mesh with the shuffle, difficulty selecting songs from playlists, and hitting the wrong buttons accidentally show up in MP3 players reviews on Amazon.

But these objections are outnumbered by shouts of approval despite concessions that this tiny device is not perfect. The real gold standard, some users assert, is the second generation shuffle.

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Best Cheap MP3 Players

SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ MP3 8GB
Gold Medal

SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ MP3 8GB

The Sansa Fuze+ is easily the best buy based on its large storage capabilities, array of features, and overall reliability that both users and experts rave about. With a wide range of supported music formats and an attractive price, this is the device to beat despite some gripes about audio quality. Read more »
MP3 Players Deals

Good Cheap MP3 Players

Creative Zen Mozaic EZ300 8GB
Gold Medal

Creative Zen Mozaic EZ300 8GB

Creative’s Zen Mozaic EZ300 has a lot of storage and a good feature set, though its control set-up isn’t as clear as similarly-priced models. Users and experts have found themselves rechecking the manual to figure out simple operational functions. However, the reliability and price point appeal to buyers. Read more »
MP3 Players Deals
Apple iPod shuffle 2010 2GB
Gold Medal

Apple iPod shuffle 2010 2GB

Apple’s newest shuffle has cut its total storage space in half and ditched the old headphone control for the traditional buttons directly on the device. As usual, this is the smallest, most compact MP3 player for the money, although users and experts still wish the capacity was a bit larger and the battery had more staying power. Read more »
MP3 Players Deals
 
 
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Don't Bother Cheap MP3 Players

Sony Walkman E Series

Sony’s Walkman may have taken a turn for the worst with its newest incarnation, the E Series. Controls on the NWZ-E353 are a mix of buttons that slow you down when trying to make a quick operational decision. Also, there’s very limited file support for different types of music formats. Read more »

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