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Best small MP3 players

updated Jan 06

In the growing world of MP3 players, small is definitely sexy. Flash-based MP3 players continue to trim the millimeters and the grams (just look at the new Apple iPod Nano) without sacrificing extra features. Check out these top-rated, ultracompact MP3 player beauties.

Apple iPod Nano (fourth generation, 16GB, silver)

Rating - 8.5 Excellent 8.5 Excellent (reviewed 9/10/08)

The fourth-generation iPod Nano is easy on the eyes and the wallet, and you can't beat its hardware and user interface design. Just be sure to give iTunes 8 a spin before committing.

Read review of the Apple iPod Nano (fourth generation, 16GB, silver)
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SanDisk Sansa Clip (2GB, candy apple red)

Rating - 7.8 Very good 7.8 Very good (reviewed 10/8/07)

The SanDisk Sansa Clip is an incredible value that's set to edge out the competition with a user-friendly interface, gym-worthy design, and great sound quality.

Read review of the SanDisk Sansa Clip (2GB, candy apple red)
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Creative Zen V Plus (2GB, black)

Rating - 8.3 Excellent 8.3 Excellent (reviewed 6/20/06)

The Creative Zen V Plus is a superb choice for anyone looking for a compact and feature-filled flash MP3 player with great sound quality. If you're looking for a more sophisticated design (or have large thumbs), look elsewhere.

Read review of the Creative Zen V Plus (2GB, black)
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Cowon iAudio 7 (4GB, silver)

Rating - 8.3 Excellent 8.3 Excellent (reviewed 7/19/07)

The Cowon iAudio 7 beats the industry heavyweight iPod Nano in price, features, battery life, and sound quality. The user interface could use some refinement, but all-in-all this is a very impressive MP3 player.

Read review of the Cowon iAudio 7 (4GB, silver)
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iRiver S10 (2GB)

Rating - 7.3 Very good 7.3 Very good (reviewed 4/16/07)

The undeniably cute iRiver S10 sounds great and is packed with features, but its lofty price tag and paltry battery life might be a deterrent for some users.

Read review of the iRiver S10 (2GB)
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Samsung S2 Pebble (1GB, purple)

Rating - 7.3 Very good 7.3 Very good (reviewed 6/19/08)

The Samsung S2 Pebble is a simple, cute MP3 player that offers a super affordable price tag, good sound quality, and some compelling extras. It's a great option for those who like to wear their devices pendant style.

Read review of the Samsung S2 Pebble (1GB, purple)
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Creative Zen Stone (1GB, black)

Rating - 7.0 Very good 7.0 Very good (reviewed 5/9/07)

The Creative Zen Stone is a fantastic choice as a secondary MP3 player or for first timers on a budget who want a simple, great-sounding device with limited features and a bargain basement price tag.

Read review of the Creative Zen Stone (1GB, black)
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Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 1GB, green)

Rating - 6.3 Good 6.3 Good (reviewed 9/12/07)

If you like your music playback simple and your device nearly invisible, the third-generation iPod Shuffle will suit you well. But absentminded users should steer clear of this easy-to-misplace player.

Read review of the Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 1GB, green)
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