The 29 best audio player brands

  • 29 brands ranked
  • Ranked by brand visibility

Apple, Sony and FiiO lead our ranking of 29 audio player brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Audio Player brands, ranked

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  1. 1

    Apple

    Pocket iPods pioneered the category, and the iPod touch still runs iOS apps and streaming services.

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    Sony

    Walkman models range from cheap flash players to Hi-Res units with high-impedance headphone outputs.

    Top products: Walkman NW-S764

    Popularity 1.8/10

  3. 3

    FiiO

    Budget-friendly Bluetooth players and Android-based hi-fi units, with strong fans among portable audiophiles.

    Top products: JM21· Echo MINI

    Popularity 0.7/10

  4. 4

    Astell & Kern

    Expensive aluminium-bodied players with high-end DAC chips, suited to listeners who prize detail over convenience.

    Popularity 0.5/10

  5. 5

    Microsoft

    Zune players were its portable line, with wireless sharing between devices, and they are now discontinued.

    Popularity 0.5/10

  6. 6

    Creative

    Zen players and Sound Blaster cards cover budget portables and PC audio upgrades.

    Popularity 0.5/10

  7. 7

    Coby

    Inexpensive boomboxes and basic MP3 players, often with CD and radio built in for everyday use.

    Popularity 0.4/10

  8. 8

    Samsung

    Galaxy-era Android players and older Yepp models, with AMOLED screens on its touchscreen range.

    Popularity 0.4/10

  9. 9

    Shanling

    Hi-Fi digital players with balanced outputs, priced in the mid to high range for serious listening.

    Popularity 0.4/10

  10. 10

    Philips

    GoGear players include flash and touchscreen models, a mainstream option for everyday listening.

    Popularity 0.4/10

  11. 11

    RCA

    Mostly licensed portable players and CD boomboxes sold through retail chains at low cost.

    Popularity 0.3/10

  12. 12

    Eclipse

    Eclipse builds window coverings, including vertical blinds, replacement vertical blind slats, fabric blinds and curtains. Its blockout fabrics manage light, reduce noise and help with energy savings. Some Eclipse fabrics are made from recycled materials, and the vertical blinds give...

    Popularity 0.3/10

  13. 13

    iRiver

    Clix and Spinn players were once popular, with lossless support and FM radio on many models.

    Popularity 0.3/10

  14. 14

    iBasso

    Dual-DAC DX-series players and in-ear monitors, popular with enthusiasts who want detailed tuning.

    Popularity 0.3/10

  15. 15

    Agptek

    Touchscreen players with Bluetooth, FM radio and microSD slots, sold at modest prices for everyday use.

    Top products: T08X· M3PL· A02X

    Popularity 0.3/10

  16. 16

    Cayin

    Founded in 1993, Zhuhai Spark Electronics is dedicated to manufacturing audio equipment of the highest quality and marketing them under Cayin. Cayin’s products come at different prices to make them more accessible to every sector. Cayin entered the personal audio...

    Popularity 0.3/10

  17. 17

    RUIZU

    Chinese maker RUIZU makes portable audio players, including compact sports players for running and gym use. Its players are described as waterproof, dustproof and shockproof, and built to be lightweight. Other models in its lineup include FM players and record...

    Popularity 0.2/10

  18. 18

    Archos

    Archos designs Android tablets and smartphones, along with accessories such as tablet covers and phone cases. Its devices run Android and are aimed at people who want a simple, budget-minded way to watch video, browse, and shop on the go....

    Popularity 0.2/10

  19. 19

    Craig

    Craig has sold audio and video electronics since the company began. Its electronics also include DVD players for home, car and travel use. The devices are built to be durable and affordable for everyday listening.

    Popularity 0.2/10

  20. 20

    GPX

    GPX has the most fantastic deals on electronics and a large inventory, so you're likely to find what you're searching for. They have everything you need to make your next project a success, from top brands like HP, Acer, and...

    Popularity 0.2/10

  21. 21

    Onkyo

    Onkyo designs home audio equipment, including AV receivers, amplifiers, CD players, and remote controls. The Japanese company focuses on surround sound and home entertainment systems. Its receivers and amplifiers are built to deliver clear sound at home.

    Popularity 0.2/10

  22. 22

    SYLVANIA

    Sylvania is world’s leading lighting brand. They don't only design great lights but also offers various lighting solutions such as indoor, outdoor lights, lamps, controlled lights and so on. The company offers various Surface Wall Lights & Ceiling Lights, Surface...

    Popularity 0.2/10

  23. 23

    Pioneer

    Car owners who want better sound can look to Pioneer, a Japanese electronics maker with a strong car audio line. Its lineup includes car stereos and amplifiers that power speakers for stronger output. Pioneer also offers parts such as transmission...

    Popularity 0.2/10

  24. 24

    Mattel

    Mattel makes dolls, action figures, games and toys under well-known names such as Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price. Harold Matson and Elliot Handler founded the company in 1945, and its name combines their surnames. Its products are aimed at children...

    Popularity 0.2/10

  25. 25

    COWON

    COWON produces portable MP3 and digital audio players, paired with headphones and USB players for listening on the move. The South Korean audio maker is recognised for its player hardware, and its products suit listeners who value clear, high-fidelity sound.

    Popularity 0.2/10

  26. 26

    Memorex

    In the United States, Memorex is a significant maker of consumer electronics and information technology products. They specialize in producing and selling goods such as CD-R/RW & DVD recording media, audio speakers and accessories, MP3 players, and other consumer electronics...

    Popularity 0.2/10

  27. 27

    Dell

    Michael Dell founded PC’s Limited in 1984 with the intent of providing customized upgrades for computers. The initiative was successful, and Dell dropped out of college to start building computers. Soon, he started selling his designs, which were met with...

    Popularity 0.2/10

  28. 28

    HIDIZS

    HIDIZS offers audio and allied solutions for hard-core music and tech enthusiast. You can find portable music players and amplifiers, wired; Bluetooth earphones, etc. There are different accessories like cables, adapters, chargers, leather cases, etc. Many of their audio devices...

    Popularity 0.1/10

  29. 29

    FINIS

    FINIS, a swimming equipment company, sells swim goggles and swim caps. In swimming circles, it is recognised for training tools and coaching programmes. Its products help swimmers measure and improve their technique in the water.

    Popularity 0.1/10

Audio Player Buying Guide Music is an essential part of our lives. It’s a source of entertainment, relaxation, and even motivation. And with the advent of digital music, we are now able to carry our favorite tunes with us wherever we go. But to enjoy our favorite music to the fullest, we need a good audio player. And with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive audio player buying guide that will help you make an informed decision. Types of Audio Players The first step in choosing an audio player is to understand the different types of audio players available in the market. Audio players come in various shapes and sizes and offer different features. Here are the most common types of audio players: 1. MP3 Players MP3 players are the most common type of audio players. They are portable and allow you to store and play music files. MP3 players are small enough to fit in your pocket, and some come with built-in speakers. They also have various features such as FM radio, voice recording, and even Bluetooth connectivity. 2. Smartphone Today’s smartphones are not just phones; they are also powerful audio players. They allow you to stream music, download MP3 files, and play music from your phone’s library. Smartphones also offer a wide variety of features such as customizable equalizer settings, music recognition, and more. 3. Portable CD Players Portable CD players are still popular among music enthusiasts who prefer listening to high-quality audio output. They offer excellent sound quality and can play CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs. Portable CD players also come with features such as anti-skip protection, digital sound enhancements, and more. 4. Headphones Headphones are another type of audio player. They come in different styles, including in-ear, over-ear, and on-ear headphones. Headphones are perfect for listening to music while you’re on the go or in noisy environments. They also offer excellent sound quality and are compatible with most audio players. Factors to Consider When Buying an Audio Player Now that you know about the different types of audio players, here are the factors to consider when buying an audio player: 1. Sound Quality The most important factor to consider when buying an audio player is sound quality. You need an audio player that can reproduce high-quality sound to enjoy your favorite music to the fullest. Look for an audio player that has a high signal-to-noise ratio, low harmonic distortion, and high dynamic range. The best way to test an audio player’s sound quality is to listen to your favorite songs on it and compare it with other audio players. 2. Battery Life Battery life is another crucial factor to consider when buying an audio player. You want an audio player that can last for hours on a single charge. MP3 players and smartphones typically have a battery life of 6-12 hours, depending on usage. Portable CD players usually require batteries, and their battery life depends on the type of battery used. 3. Storage Capacity Storage capacity is another critical factor to consider when buying an audio player. You need an audio player that can store all your favorite songs. MP3 players and smartphones come with different storage capacities, and some even come with expandable memory slots. Portable CD players, on the other hand, can only play one CD at a time. 4. Size and Portability If you plan to use your audio player while you’re on the go, size and portability are essential factors to consider. MP3 players and smartphones are small and portable, perfect for carrying in your pocket or purse. Portable CD players, on the other hand, can be bulky and not as portable. 5. Features Different audio players offer different features. MP3 players and smartphones come with a wide range of features such as FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and even voice recording. Portable CD players usually come with basic features such as skip protection and digital sound enhancements. 6. User Interface User interface refers to how easy or difficult it is to navigate through an audio player’s settings and features. Look for an audio player that has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. MP3 players and smartphones usually have user-friendly interfaces, while portable CD players can be more complicated to use. 7. Price Price is another factor to consider when buying an audio player. Determine your budget before you start shopping for an audio player. MP3 players and smartphones are usually more affordable than portable CD players. However, high-end MP3 players and smartphones can be just as expensive as portable CD players. 8. Brand The brand of an audio player can also be a factor to consider. Look for brands that are known for their quality, durability, and after-sales service. Some popular brands of audio players include Apple, Sony, Samsung, Bose, and Sennheiser. Best Audio Players in the Market Here are some of the best audio players in the market based on the factors mentioned above: 1. Apple iPod Touch The Apple iPod Touch is one of the best MP3 players in the market. It offers excellent sound quality, a user-friendly interface, and a wide range of features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth, and even a camera. The iPod Touch also comes in different storage capacities, starting from 32 GB to 256 GB. 2. Sony NW-A55 The Sony NW-A55 is a high-quality MP3 player that offers excellent sound quality, a long battery life of up to 45 hours, and a compact design. It also comes with a 3.1-inch touch screen display and Wi-Fi connectivity. The NW-A55 has a storage capacity of 16 GB, which is expandable up to 128 GB. 3. Apple iPhone SE The Apple iPhone SE is a high-end smartphone that also doubles as an excellent audio player. It offers excellent sound quality and comes with features such as customizable equalizer settings, music recognition, and more. The iPhone SE starts at a storage capacity of 64 GB and goes up to 256 GB. 4. Sony Walkman NW-ZX507 The Sony Walkman NW-ZX507 is a high-end MP3 player that offers exceptional sound quality, a long battery life of up to 20 hours, and a sleek design. It also comes with a 3.6-inch touch screen display, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Bluetooth. The NW-ZX507 has a storage capacity of 64 GB, which is expandable up to 2 TB. 5. Bose SoundLink Micro The Bose SoundLink Micro is a high-quality Bluetooth speaker that doubles as an excellent audio player. It offers exceptional sound quality and a long battery life of up to 6 hours. The SoundLink Micro is also waterproof and comes with features such as Siri and Google Assistant support. Conclusion Choosing the right audio player can have a significant impact on your music listening experience. When buying an audio player, consider factors such as sound quality, battery life, storage capacity, size and portability, features, user interface, price, and brand. Remember to also test the audio player before making a purchase. With the right audio player, you can enjoy your favorite music to the fullest.