MP3 players are dedicated music devices for listening without a phone, which suits runners, commuters, children and anyone who keeps a separate music collection. Our range consists of pocket-sized players from Intenso, Lenco and iBOX, with Intenso making up most of the selection.
How to choose an MP3 player
Storage capacity. Capacity decides how much music fits on the player. As a rough guide, 8 GB holds well over a thousand songs in standard MP3 quality, while lossless files such as FLAC take several times more space each. Choose a size with room to grow rather than one that is full on day one.
Memory card slot. A microSD slot lets you add storage later, which helps if your library keeps growing or you want to swap collections. A player without a slot is limited to its built-in memory, so the capacity you buy is the capacity you keep.
Bluetooth or wired headphones. Bluetooth lets a player connect to wireless headphones or a speaker. A model without it needs a wired headset with a 3.5 mm jack. Check which connection the player offers before you buy headphones to go with it.
Supported audio formats. MP3 players play MP3 files, but support for AAC, WAV or FLAC differs from model to model. If your collection is mostly lossless or bought from an online music store, look at the format list on the product page first.
Size, controls and battery. Physical buttons are easier to use while running or walking than a small touchscreen, and a clip helps for sport. Battery life is quoted in hours of playback, so compare it if you commute for long stretches or travel often.
MP3 player brands we carry
- Intenso: a German brand best known for storage products such as USB sticks, memory cards and SSDs, which is why its players are built around simple file storage and easy music transfer. It supplies most of the MP3 players in our range.
- Lenco: a Dutch consumer audio brand known for turntables, radios and portable speakers, so its players tend to suit buyers who already own other audio gear.
Also in our range: iBOX.
MP3 players: frequently asked questions
Is an MP3 player better than a phone for music?
It depends on how you listen. An MP3 player is better when you want long, uninterrupted listening without draining your phone battery or using mobile data. It is also a sensible first music device for a child, or something to wear during sport without risking a phone.
How many songs fit on an MP3 player?
The number depends on the capacity and the file quality. A song in standard MP3 quality takes up a few megabytes, so 8 GB holds well over a thousand tracks and 32 GB several thousand. Lossless files such as FLAC are much larger, so fewer of them fit.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones with an MP3 player?
Only if the player has Bluetooth built in. Models without it need wired headphones that plug into the 3.5 mm socket. The specification list on each product page shows which connection the player supports.
How do I put music on an MP3 player?
Most players connect to a computer with a USB cable and appear as a removable drive, so you copy music files across as you would to a memory stick. If the player has a microSD slot, you can also load a card on your computer and insert it into the player. Some models come with their own transfer software, so check the instructions in the box.
