REVIEW
SanDisk Clip Jam (Blue)
If you hate iTunes, the SanDisk Clip Jam is the best bargain music player you can buy.
REVIEW
Apple iPod Nano 2015 (16GB, blue)
The iPod Nano is an aging music player that's hurt by its outdated reliance on iTunes and lack of subscription music compatibility.
REVIEW
Apple iPod Shuffle (2GB, gold)
Apple's most affordable iPod is a cheap, workout-friendly option for listening to music or podcasts, but it shows its age with a reliance on iTunes syncing and lack of wireless support.
REVIEW
Astell & Kern AK Jr
The Astell & Kern AK Jr marries classic design with class-leading sound, making it one of the best high-res players for the money.
REVIEW
Apple iPod Touch 2015 (16GB, space gray)
The updated iPod Touch remains a great portable media player and overall entertainment device, but its small screen feels like a throwback to an earlier era.
REVIEW
Cowon Plenue 1
If you're looking for a no-nonsense, great-sounding player the Cowon Plenue 1 is pretty hard to beat.
MSRP: $999.00
Visit manufacturer site for details.
REVIEW
PonoPlayer (Yellow)
The PonoPlayer is an inherently likeable portable music player that delivers excellent high-end sound, but its quirky design and lackluster battery life leave us waiting for the second generation -- or a price cut.
REVIEW
Sony Walkman NW-ZX2
The Sony Walkman NW-ZX2 is a luxury portable high-res audio player with Android streaming apps, a premium build and excellent sound, but its high price may be too much for all but the most dedicated music lovers.
REVIEW
Western Digital WD TV Media Player (2014)
While not for everyone, the WD TV's adroit playback of video and music files makes it the perfect living room box for people with large digital media collections.
EDITORS' TAKE
Sony Walkman NWZ-A17 (silver)
Standalone MP3 players are still in demand, and the NWZ-A17 Walkman is a portable player that features up to 30 hours of battery life while playing full 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution music.