GoKawiilCNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review products and services. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
If you don't want to use your phone to listen to music, you can still find plenty of what were once called MP3 players. These digital audio players can be tiny, simple devices or larger, almost phone-like ones that run Android. With the latter, you can even install streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music. Personally, I use these devices while hiking and for international travel, including on planes. You can also just use an old phone. Here are the best options in 2026.
Our Picks Best budget MP3 player Shanling M0s $115 at Amazon The M0s is an inexpensive hi-res audio player that allows you to enjoy your downloaded music without the distraction or annoyance of an internet connection. The M0s feels well made and has a surprisingly nice design for something small and inexpensive. It's easy enough to put all your music, even high-res lossless audio formats up to 384 kHz at 32-bit, on a high-capacity microSD card so you don't lose quality on the music playback. Its interface is simple and it has plenty of power for big headphones. Pros Tiny
High-res audio compatible
MicroSD and USB-C Cons No button lock
Not for fumbly fingers
Occasionally laggy menus Expand Pros & Cons Best MP3 player/streamer HiBy R4 $249 at Amazon The HiBy R4 is a serious music player, with high-end DACs, amp and a customized Android interface. It's probably more than most people need, but it's great for anyone looking for better audio on the go. The version pictured here and what I reviewed is the special edition HiBy R4 x Evangelion whose design was inspired by the anime of the same name. The standard R4 is largely similar, and is available in more toned-down colors. Pros Sci-fi aesthetic
Customized interface
Some serious audio hardware inside Cons Big and heavy Expand Pros & Cons Best small music streamer/MP3 player Sony NW-A306 $398 at Amazon Sony's transition from physical media -- cassettes, CDs and MiniDiscs -- to digital may have been rocky, but the Walkman name has shown it has staying power, and supports hi-res playback, too. The NW-A306 has extensive media support and the latest Android OS so there's likely not a song you won't be able to play. The only downsides are a relatively slow interface and a lack of power compared to even the Shanling above. Yet, a pair of Bluetooth headphones will soon fix that. Pros Great size
Runs Android
... continue reading