MP3 players are for people who want to listen to music without a phone: while exercising, travelling, or for a child who is not yet ready for a smartphone. Our range includes over 20 models, mostly from INTENSO and LENCO, plus one iBOX player.
Players differ in size, storage, controls and whether they can connect to wireless headphones.
How to choose an MP3 player
Storage. Internal memory decides how much music fits. A few gigabytes hold several hundred MP3 songs, while FLAC files take up several times more space. If your collection is large, choose a model with a microSD card slot so the storage can be expanded.
Headphones and Bluetooth. If you use wireless headphones, check that the player itself has Bluetooth. Models without it work only with wired headphones, usually through a 3.5 mm socket, so wireless ones will not connect.
Size and battery. For running or the gym, a light player with a clip is the most practical, as you will hardly notice it on a sleeve or in a pocket. For travel, battery life matters more. Manufacturers state it in hours, so compare those figures before buying.
Controls and screen. Physical buttons suit sport and children, because they can be found without looking. A touchscreen is easier when you need to scroll through a long list of tracks.
Formats and transferring music. Almost every player handles MP3, but FLAC or WAV support varies, so check the specification if you have files in those formats. Music is usually copied over by connecting the player to a computer with a USB cable.
Brands in our range
- INTENSO: a German manufacturer best known for USB flash drives, memory cards and external storage, and the source of most of the players in this category.
- LENCO: a Dutch manufacturer known for turntables, radios and other home audio equipment.
Also in our range: iBOX.
Frequently asked questions
How is an MP3 player different from a phone?
An MP3 player is made only for music, so it does not drain your phone battery or distract you with notifications. It is smaller and lighter, which makes it more comfortable to wear while exercising. If you lose or damage it, the loss is also much smaller than with a phone.
Can an MP3 player connect to Bluetooth headphones?
Yes, but only if the player itself has Bluetooth. Models without it work only with wired headphones. Look for Bluetooth in the product specification before you buy.
How do I put music on an MP3 player?
Usually you connect the player to a computer with a USB cable. The computer recognises it as an external drive, and you simply copy the music files into a folder on the player. Some models also accept a microSD card that you can fill with music in advance.
How many songs fit on an MP3 player?
It depends on the storage size and the quality of the files. An 8 GB player holds well over a thousand MP3 songs of ordinary quality. Far fewer FLAC files fit, because each one is much larger.
