As single-function devices, they have longer battery life than most phones, and using a separate player helps preserve your phone's battery as well. While there are some cloud-based storage options, generally, the best option is to use a dedicated MP3 player. However, some people still prefer maintaining their own music library and listening to it on the go.

The expansion of mobile internet services has also ushered in music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, so you no longer need MP3 files to listen to your favorite tracks. Apple, the market leader in MP3 players with the iPod, unveiled the iPhone in 2007, a smartphone capable of efficiently storing and playing music while also offering a camera and doubling as a cellphone. Read MoreįAQ Q: Does Anyone Still Use MP3 Players?Īlthough MP3 players were popular in the early 2000s, interest in the standalone portable device has dipped significantly since smartphones' introduction. There's support for Bluetooth as well, using Sony's LDAC to transfer data at nearly three times the rate of standard Bluetooth profiles.

The NW-ZX300 comes with a balanced plug for headphones, providing dedicated right and left audio channels. The rigid aluminum frame is designed to resist electrical noise, giving clear audio reproduction and playback. The device supports a comprehensive selection of file formats, including Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) files, and can even upscale your compressed audio files thanks to a feature called DSEE HX. It also runs the purpose-built Sony Original OS, rather than a mobile operating system like Android or iOS. The NW-ZX300 weighs 157g, has a 30-hour battery life, and charges in 5.5 hours.

The Sony Walkman NW-ZX300 is one of the best MP3 players for audiophiles, too. Although never as popular as the ubiquitous iPod, the Sony Walkman MP3 players continue to offer great value for money. Sony were the originators of personal audio with their Walkman cassette and CD players.

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