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Traditional MP3 players have largely given way to digital audio players (DAPs): portable devices that play MP3 files alongside FLAC, WAV, DSD and other lossless formats. Many also run streaming apps, accept large microSD cards and include better headphone circuitry than a typical phone.
TechRadar’s current guide, last updated July 7, 2026, ranks the following models after testing file support, durability, connectivity, battery life and sound quality. The recommendations cover everything from a basic offline player to expensive audiophile hardware. One specification needs special care: Sony’s official battery figures for the NW-A306 differ substantially from the “4 hours” figure shown in TechRadar’s table, so the official figures are included here instead.
Best MP3 players and hi-res audio players at a glance
| Rank | Player | Best for | Storage and expansion | Claimed battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Activo P1 | Best overall | 64GB; microSD up to 1.5TB | 20 hours |
| 2 | FiiO JM21 | Best entry-level model | 32GB, about 22GB usable; microSD up to 2TB | About 12 hours |
| 3 | Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 | Best step-up player | 64GB; microSD up to 1TB | 20 hours listed |
| 5 | Sony NW-A306 | Best budget Sony | 16GB; microSD | Up to 36 hours for 44.1kHz MP3, according to Sony |
| 6 | FiiO M11S | Best mid-range feature set | 32GB; microSD | 14 hours |
| 7 | Astell & Kern SP3000T | Best without a budget limit | 256GB; microSD | 10 hours |
| 8 | Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000 | Best design | 256GB; microSD up to 1TB | Up to 10 hours |
| 9 | Oakcastle MP300 | Cheapest simple player | 64GB; microSD up to 128GB | 50 hours |
There is no current rank 4 in the source guide’s markup.
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1. Activo P1 — best MP3 player overall
The Activo P1 is TechRadar’s leading choice for most listeners and its best general-purpose hi-res player. It has 64GB of internal storage, a claimed 20-hour battery and microSD expansion up to 1.5TB. Its broad local-file support includes WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF and DXD.
#1 Best Overall
- Wi-Fi compatible for direct download and streaming
- Made with a rigid aluminum frame and gold solder inside a precisely engineered chassis
- Up to 36 hours of 44.1KHz FLAC playback
- Supported by Android
- Connect to a PC to access your music collection
That combination makes it a sensible choice for someone with a substantial lossless library who also wants modern streaming functionality. TechRadar considers it better suited to Tidal or Apple Music than Spotify, and reports that Apple AirPods are a poor pairing. Those are review findings rather than a universal statement that the player cannot work with every Spotify setup or Bluetooth earbud.
The drawbacks are practical: the internal storage can feel limited for a high-resolution collection, startup is slow and the device gets noticeably warm. A large microSD card should be part of the buying plan rather than an afterthought.
2. FiiO JM21 — best affordable entry point
The JM21 is the most approachable option for someone moving from phone playback to a dedicated player. TechRadar’s listed version has 3GB of RAM, 32GB of ROM and approximately 22GB available to the user, with microSD support up to 2TB. Its battery estimate is about 12 hours.
That usable-storage figure matters. After the operating system and preinstalled software, 22GB will not hold a large lossless library, so plan on adding a microSD card. TechRadar also reports some congestion at very high volume.
Check the exact version before ordering. FiiO’s current specifications list both an older 3GB/32GB model and a newer 4GB/64GB version. FiiO rates the former at roughly 12.5 hours through the single-ended output and 9.5 hours balanced; the newer version is rated at about 16 hours single-ended and 12.5 hours balanced.
Another specification trap is the word “formats.” Some listings place SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LHDC and LDAC in that field. These are Bluetooth codecs, not local audio-file formats. FiiO separately lists local decoding up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256.
3. Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 — best step up
The SR35 is the upgrade pick for listeners who want a more premium player without moving to Astell & Kern’s largest flagship models. It provides 64GB of storage, microSD expansion up to 1TB and support for the same broad group of formats listed for the Activo P1, including FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF and DXD.
TechRadar lists a 20-hour battery, but its review reports that real-world battery life can vary. The 3.6-inch touchscreen is small, internal storage is limited for a serious hi-res library and the price is high for a model Astell & Kern positions as an entry-level player.
4. Sony NW-A306 — best budget Sony option
Sony’s NW-A306 is the choice for buyers who specifically want a compact Walkman-style player and Sony’s software ecosystem. It has 16GB of internal storage and microSD support. Compatible file types listed by TechRadar include MP3, VBR, WMA, FLAC, WAV, MP4, MQA, APE, DSD, AIFF and AAC.
Rank #2
- 【Bluetooth 5.3 Technology 】 AGPTEK MP3 player adopts upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 has better compatibility, stable signal and reduces the power consumption of the music player. You can pair the Bluetooth MP3 Player with your Bluetooth headphones or Bluetooth speakers.[Unable to connect to phone and tablet.] Does not support WiFi connection to play music, Bluetooth is not compatible with the car, please use a 3.5mm audio cable to connect the car.
- 【32GB Built-in Memory & Long playback time】 Built in 32GB memory capacity, up to 6000 musics can be stored, supports up to 128GB Memory Card(not include)! Built-in Lithium polymer 320mAh battery. Up to 40 hours playback, fully charged within 2hours by Type-C charging cable. (To save power, the player will automatically power off after 3 minutes of inactivity. You can turn it off in the settings.)
- 【1.8 inch Screen & Portable】1.8-inch screen for easy reading, Palm size and light weight, easy to put into your wallet, pocket, or armband . Easy to carry, especially when you take exercise, running, jogging, traveling and hiking.Perfect companion for your sports. The size is approximately 3.54 inches × 1.54 inches × 0.39 inches.
- 【 Slim design, easy to use】A02 Music Player designed with classic buttons and simple navigation. Also great audio player for kids. Download is easy, Just drag and drop the music file or folder directly when connecting to computer. If the player stops working, please slide the power switch to the left side to turn off the player, then hold the button for 10 seconds to reset the player. Or update the firmware. Please kindly see the video on our product page - "How to fix a freeze"
- 【Lossless sound quality】Support formats:MP3, WMA, OGG,WAV, APE, FLAC, AAC-LC, ACELP. Not compatible with dual format song files.【Note It does not directly support Audiobook and iTunes.】Built-in speaker, Brings you amazing listening experience.
Its battery specification needs qualification. TechRadar’s table shows “4 hours,” but Sony’s current US specification page gives approximately 36 hours for 44.1kHz MP3/W.MUSIC playback, 32 hours for 96kHz/24-bit FLAC, 28 hours for DSD64 and 26 hours when using another music app. Actual runtime will depend on volume, wireless connections, screen use and the file or app being played.
TechRadar reports an occasionally unresponsive touchscreen, heat buildup, variable battery performance and difficulty with some standard 128kbps files. The 16GB capacity also makes a microSD card useful for anything beyond a modest collection.
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The FiiO M11S is aimed at users who want more features than a basic offline player provides. It has 32GB of internal storage, microSD support and a wide local-format list: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF and DXD. TechRadar gives it a 14-hour battery estimate.
It runs Android 10, which helps with app-based listening but also means this is closer to a small music-focused Android device than a simple MP3 player. TechRadar flags limited internal storage, ordinary battery life and slightly unruly treble. It is best considered when streaming access and a broad feature set matter as much as maximum portability.
6. Astell & Kern SP3000T — best money-no-object player
The SP3000T is for buyers prioritizing premium hardware and playback capability over size, price or battery endurance. It carries 256GB of internal storage, accepts a microSD card and supports WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF and MQA. The listed battery life is 10 hours.
That capacity is more suitable for a large offline library than the 16GB or 32GB players above, but TechRadar describes the unit as physically large and brick-like. The 10-hour rating is also relatively modest. It is a specialist luxury purchase, not a practical replacement for a phone if you want something thin and pocket-friendly.
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The SP3000 combines a distinctive premium design with 256GB of storage, microSD support up to 1TB and support for WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF and MQA. Battery life is listed as up to 10 hours.
Its disadvantages are the same ones that affect many flagship DAPs: poor portability and a very high price. The supplied case is goatskin, which is an important consideration for vegan buyers. Choose this model for its construction and presentation as much as for its audio features.
8. Oakcastle MP300 — best ultra-cheap simple player
The Oakcastle MP300 is the practical pick for a child, exercise backup or anyone who only wants local music without Android apps and audiophile extras. It includes 64GB of storage, accepts microSD cards up to 128GB and claims up to 50 hours of battery life.
Rank #3
- High-Resolution Audio compatible
- Native DSD (direct stream digital) file support
- S-Master HX digital amplifier for pure sound quality
- Wi-Fi compatibility for downloading and streaming
- 128GB capacity and SD card slot
Its limitations are clear: it supports only MP3, FLAC and WAV, and TechRadar’s review does not classify it as a hi-res-format player. The construction feels cheap, the buttons can be unresponsive and file support is narrow. It is also not available in the US according to the guide.
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- Decide whether you need a DAP. If you only need offline MP3 playback, the Oakcastle MP300 is more appropriate than a $1,000-plus audiophile device. If you want streaming apps, lossless files and a proper headphone output, look at the Activo, FiiO or Astell & Kern models.
- Calculate storage realistically. A 32GB player with about 22GB usable space is very different from a 256GB model. Lossless and hi-res files consume considerably more space than MP3s, so confirm the microSD limit and budget for a card.
- Match the player to your headphones. Wired headphones avoid Bluetooth compression and do not require codec matching. For wireless headphones, the player and headphones must share a codec such as LDAC, aptX HD or AAC; support on only one side does not provide that codec link.
- Check battery claims by playback condition. “Up to” figures often describe a particular file type and output. Screen brightness, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, streaming and balanced output can reduce runtime.
- Consider the software. A simple player starts quickly and minimizes distractions. Android-based DAPs offer apps and streaming but can start more slowly, use more battery and eventually face app-compatibility issues.
What TechRadar says it tested
TechRadar says it tested hi-res file support, durability, connectivity, battery stamina and sound quality. Reviewers ran the products in before testing, compared them with similar class leaders, used multiple headphones and music genres, and evaluated both streamed and downloaded music. Testing covered wired and wireless playback. The guide says its verdicts are not determined by sales teams or bonus arrangements.
Do you need a hi-res audio player?
Not necessarily. A dedicated player can offer expandable storage, longer distraction-free listening, better output options and access to a local lossless library. But the audible improvement from hi-res files is conditional: it depends on the recording, headphones, player implementation and listener. Bluetooth playback can also involve lossy compression even when the original file is hi-res.
For many people, a phone plus good wired headphones is sufficient. A DAP becomes easier to justify when phone storage is full, notifications are unwelcome, battery separation is useful or a large offline collection is central to how you listen.
FAQ
What is the best MP3 player overall?
TechRadar’s current overall recommendation is the Activo P1. It combines 64GB of storage, a 20-hour battery claim, microSD support up to 1.5TB and broad lossless and hi-res file support. Its slow startup, heat and limited internal storage are worth considering.
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Is the FiiO JM21’s battery life 12 or 16 hours?
It depends on the hardware version. TechRadar lists the older 3GB/32GB model at about 12 hours. FiiO’s current specifications also list a newer 4GB/64GB version rated at about 16 hours single-ended. Check the retailer’s exact configuration before buying.
Is the Sony NW-A306 battery life really only four hours?
Sony’s current US specifications say approximately 36 hours for 44.1kHz MP3/W.MUSIC playback, 32 hours for 96kHz/24-bit FLAC, 28 hours for DSD64 and 26 hours with another music app. The four-hour figure in TechRadar’s table conflicts with those official figures and should be treated as a page error or unverified entry.
Are hi-res audio players better than phones?
They can be better suited to large local libraries, expandable storage, dedicated headphone outputs and distraction-free listening. They are not automatically more audible or better in every setup. Results depend on the source recording, headphones, player circuitry and whether Bluetooth compression is being used.
The Bottom Line
For most buyers, start with the Activo P1. It offers the best balance of storage, file compatibility, battery life and expansion in this tested group. Choose the FiiO JM21 for the lowest-cost entry into a modern DAP, the Oakcastle MP300 for uncomplicated MP3 playback, or an Astell & Kern model when premium construction and high-end hardware matter more than size, battery life and price.
Before ordering, verify the exact model version, storage capacity, microSD limit and battery conditions. Those details make a larger difference in daily use than a long list of supported formats.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
