Best budget MP3 players
Today's hot, new players boast sweet, streamlined designs, tons of extra features, and price tags to match. Don't despair, all you penny-pinchers out there! There are oodles of deals to be had in all MP3 player categories. From flash players with expansion slots that cost less than $40, to 30GB monsters priced less than most 20GB hard-drive players, there are many solid models for the budget-conscious buyer.
SanDisk Sansa Fuze (2GB, black)
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 3/12/08)
The SanDisk Sansa Fuze is a great value--a slim design, simple interface, plentiful features, memory expansion capability, and solid sound quality all come with an easy-to-swallow price tag.
Read review of the SanDisk Sansa Fuze (2GB, black)
SanDisk Sansa Clip (1GB, sleek black)
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 (1GB, sleek black)
Creative Zen Mozaic (2GB, pink)
7.7 Very good (reviewed 8/6/08)
The Creative Zen Mozaic offers great bang for your buck as far as MP3 players go: get super sound quality, a boatload of features, and a cool interface--all wrapped in a funky design at an ultralow price.
Read review of the Creative Zen Mozaic (2GB, pink)
Creative Zen Stone (1GB, black)
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)
Sony NWZ-B133F Walkman (1GB, black)
6.5 Good (reviewed 9/25/08)
The entry-level Sony B-Series Walkman is a solid choice for the gym thanks to its ultracompact design, quick charge function, and integrated FM tuner--but beware the eye strain.
Read review of the Sony NWZ-B133F Walkman (1GB, black)
Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 1GB, silver)
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, silver)