Listening to music is the favorite hobby of almost everyone. However, it is not always possible to enjoy your favorite compositions outside the home. Of course, it is impossible to bring a computer or laptop with you. However, for this there are inexpensive MP3 players that play audio tracks without problems.
When choosing products of this type, of course, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer. However, it is more important to consider the characteristics that make a good portable player.
Varieties
Today there are several types of MP3 players:
- Clips. Such products are fixed on clothes with a small clothespin or clip. Thanks to this, the device does not need to be put into your pocket, carried in your hand or afraid that it will be lost.
- Classic monoblocks. This type of portable players is considered the most popular today. The case can be of different sizes depending on what characteristics the player has. At the same time, a fairly wide selection of various forms of products is presented. For example, you can purchase high-quality MP3 players in the form of a circle, square, dropor rectangle. However, all such products have one common characteristic - they are a single unit that is not equipped with any fasteners. Thanks to this configuration, these monoblocks offer the widest range of features. Most often, such compact players can be used not only for listening to music, but also for viewing video files and photos. Some all-in-ones also have additional apps such as fitness, watch and more.
Headphones. In this case, the portable product is attached directly to the head. This type of MP3 player is mainly used only by athletes or those who do not like wires. All control buttons are located directly on the product itself, which is placed on the user's head. However, you need to understand that in this case, the possibility of using other external headphones of better quality is completely excluded. In this case, if 1 of 2 "ears" stops working (a common problem), then such a player can be safely sent to a landfill
Display
Today, you can find on sale both a player without a display at all, and products equipped with a rather large touch monitor, so outwardly they strongly resemble a smartphone. Thanks to this, a person can easily see track titles, artist album covers, view photos and even videos. However, it is worth paying attention to some display parameters.
Speaking of typematrices, it is better to give preference to models whose characteristics indicate IPS. However, keep in mind that their cost will be an order of magnitude higher. These are the best MP3 players, however, not everyone wants to spend a lot of money on a product that is only used on the way home from work or while jogging. In this case, you should purchase a product with an LCD matrix. However, in this case, the picture quality will be significantly lower.
If we talk about the diagonal of the display, then in this case everything again depends on the wishes of the user. If he wants to use the player much longer without recharging and at the same time not watch videos, but only read the titles of tracks, then a 3-inch screen will be enough for this. In this case, a person can easily use equalizers and other settings, and the device will work longer without recharging.
If the user wants to watch movies, then it is worth choosing a larger monitor with a size of 3 to 4.3 inches. The same goes for permission. If we are talking about players with a fairly large diagonal, then in this case the optimal resolution will be 480 x 800 pixels. If this indicator is less, then the picture will be fuzzy on the big screen.
Built-in memory
Considering the ratings of MP3 players, you should pay attention to this indicator. As a rule, modern players have a built-in hard drive or flash drive. A person can store about 320 GB of music tracks and other files on a portable product. However, in this case, we are talking about products with a HDD storage type. Unfortunately,such models are considered unreliable. Therefore, you should give preference to other products.
Best of all, if the final capacity of the memory will be from 64 GB. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that in many modern products it is possible to further expand the memory. If you install a microSD card in the player, then in this case you can use up to 256 GB. However, if a person only plans to listen to his favorite collection of music, then in this case, the built-in memory up to 32 GB will suffice. The best option is to purchase a 4 or 8 GB player and expand this figure with an additional drive.
Playback formats
In this case, everything also depends on the wishes of the buyer and the cost of the product. As a rule, even a budget MP3 player is capable of producing MP3, WAV and WMA formats. This is usually enough to watch videos, listen to music and enjoy photos.
It is also worth considering reviews of the most popular MP3 players.
Apple iPod nano 7gen
Immediately, you should pay attention to the fact that this player is available only with 16 GB memory. There are no cheap 8 GB versions. This is due to the great functionality of the product, as well as the ability to play multiple files. However, this does not prevent "apple" gadgets from occupying a leading position in numerous ratings of devices for playing music.
It is worth noting that this iPod isthe only one from Apple that allows the user to listen to FM radio stations. However, some note that the display of the product is not so large. It measures just 2.5 inches with a resolution of 240 x 432 dpi. Also, many note the low density of particles, because of this, when the image approaches, pixels become clearly visible. However, you need to understand that this MP3 player with radio was designed solely to listen to music. The display is added only for ease of operation and in order to get acquainted with information about the tracks. By and large, this is only a player, and not a multifunctional product that is used for all possible entertainment.
On the other hand, of course, Apple is famous for its quality, so this product can be considered reliable. On the other hand, sophisticated music lovers still prefer more professional products (for example, from Sony). In this case, it's all about which brand a person likes best. For fans of "apple" products, this is definitely the best MP3 player.
It is also worth paying attention to another plus of this player. If a person wants to play a video with sub titles, then he can easily turn them on or off, as well as select an audio track. Photos are scrolled both manually and automatically.
If we talk about the main purpose of this player - playing music, then it is equipped with a built-in equalizer with numerous settings. In this case, you can select a random track or finddesired composition by its name. Due to the large amount of memory and the possibility of increasing its volume, the product can store a large number of files. Also, many note the good battery capacity. With continuous listening to music, the player will work for 30 hours. If a person wants to enjoy the video, then he can watch 2-3 films without any problems.
FiiO X1
This brand of players is considered little known in Russia, but this brand is very popular abroad. Products for this type are of acceptable cost and high quality.
Fiio X1 ranks second in popularity. Outwardly very reminiscent of the iPod. On the control panel there are keys that go in a circle. The player is equipped with a small display and an aluminum case. Many note that the firmware of this model is the best of the entire line. In addition, the player has quite an impressive amount of memory, which is equal to 128 GB.
This model is difficult to find on sale today, but it is possible to order it directly from China. The player is distinguished by its low cost, reliability, high-quality firmware, and a large selection of functions. You can listen to music and listen to audio books in high quality with this product.
If we talk about the shortcomings, then some say that the player is suitable only for listening to music. However, if this is the only purpose, then this is one of the best MP3 players.
FiiO X1-II
This is the next and more modern model. The FiiO X1-2 has a digital-to-analog converter. Why users noted excellent sound. With such a powerful amplifier, it is impossible to listen to music using a smartphone after using this player.
If we talk about the portability of the product, then, as a rule, with regular listening to music, this player can be charged no more than 2 times a week. Products are equipped with mechanical buttons, which is also a priority for many today. Thanks to this, you can switch the volume, and tracks can also be directly through the clothes. The sound quality is excellent.
In addition, the player is equipped with a Bluetooth module. If we talk about the shortcomings, then some note that the product sometimes works too slowly. Also, many drew attention to the new firmware of the operating system, which is much worse than Fiio X1. Many believe that it is because of this that a slightly slower memory reading occurs if a person downloads a large number of new tracks. However, after a few minutes, the product starts to work stably. If quality sound is a priority for a person, then this model should be chosen.
FiiO X5-III
This is an even more modern model of a similar gadget, which can safely be put on the third position in the rating. If the previous products looked more like an iPod and were more compact, the new player looks much more brutal. Many note the excellent finish. The buttons are located in the most convenient way. Therefore, the control is the most comfortable.
There is also a button for turning on memory, rewinding tracks and a wheelvolume control. Many appreciated its sensitivity. The sound level can be adjusted from 1 to 120.
Also note the rather large 3.9-inch display. At the same time, the product is equipped with the highest possible resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. If we talk about the operating time, then users also note a rather long service life of the product without recharging.
Player Sony NWZ-B183F
This player was released a few years ago, but it is still included in the ratings of the best devices of this type. And today he is in fourth place. This is due to the low price of products and the fact that there is nothing superfluous in it. The player's memory is 4 GB, if desired, it can be increased.
Speaking of the best MP3 players, many single out this particular model not only because of the eminent manufacturer, but also because of the sound quality. Stereo sound is really at a high level. If you additionally purchase good headphones (standard “ears” of not the best quality are included in the kit), then you will not want to change this gadget for another for many years to come.
Charging via USB cable. One charge is enough for 20 hours of continuous listening to music. Also worth noting is the stylish ergonomic design of the product.
If we talk about the shortcomings of the Sony NWZ-B183F, then the reset button of the device is most of all embarrassing. The fact is that there is no special needle in the kit, with which you can turn off the player, so you have to suffer. However, today suchaccessories often come with numerous gadgets, so many already have a "needle".
Sony NW-WS413
This is another gadget from a well-known manufacturer, which is included in the ratings of the highest quality and most popular players. Users note the perfect sound of the device. In addition, its convenience makes it the best solution for athletes.
In their reviews of the Sony NW-WS413, many note the adjustable "Ambient Sound" mode, which makes the quality of music playback even higher. The most interesting thing is that the player is in a waterproof case, so you can safely dive underwater with it.
The product is equipped with a fairly powerful battery. Thanks to this, the player works offline for about 12 hours.
iPod shuffle 4
Of course, considering the best models of portable players, it is impossible to ignore this most popular manufacturer today. The Apple iPod shuffle 4, ranked sixth in the rankings, boasts high-quality sound and a compact footprint.
The player is capable of performing many functions. For example, if necessary, you can lock the keys or sort the tracks in the most convenient way. The player is equipped with a metal case, so even in the event of a fall, nothing will happen to it. Such a gadget is suitable for those who do not like overall devices and prefer high-quality music sound.
Sony NW-A45 16Gb
This is another model from the famous manufacturer, which takes 7line of popularity ratings. This model is designed exclusively for listening to music, so it does not have the ability to play videos or view photos.
The product has a built-in memory of 16 GB. This setting can be increased by purchasing an optional microSD card.
Transcend MP710
This Taiwanese manufacturer is also famous for its quality compact gadgets. This model is equipped with 8 GB of built-in memory. The product provides all the functions necessary for a music lover. The gadget has a good and powerful sound, support for all necessary file formats (including video). This compact player is suitable for athletes and those who follow their figure, as it has a pedometer. You can start listening to music from where the user left off the last time.
If we talk about the shortcomings, then many say that the buttons to control the player are located too close to each other. Therefore, it is very difficult to hit them the first time, you have to adapt. The product does not have a charging indicator, however, in offline mode, the player can work up to 20 hours.
Also, many note the poor quality of the headphones that come with the gadget. However, this problem occurs in almost all similar products from a variety of manufacturers.
In conclusion
Practically everyone knows how to use an MP3 player and what options it has. When choosing a model, it is worth checkingthe quality of the buttons and the body of the product. Everyone has their own preferences. Some people categorically purchase gadgets from only one manufacturer, others are ready to try something new. However, regardless of this, you need to pay attention to the functionality of the product, as well as the quality of music playback.
