Technology is constantly evolving, making our lives easier. In 2026, you can enjoy the perks of everything from robot vacuums to self-driving cars. But every tech improvement we get seems to come with some drawback. The appearance of generative AI is harmful to the environment, and streaming platforms impose ads on us.

So, although global IT spending hit $5.6 trillion in 2025, some people are looking back to find simpler tech solutions. One such case is the resurgence of the MP3 player, which was all the rage in the 2000s and 2010s up until the smartphone debuted. The MP3 player is an offline tool that allows you to store thousands of songs without dealing with ads. Here is what you should look for in an MP3 player when buying one!

Storage

Storage is one of the most important features in an MP3 player. You don’t want to get a device that can only contain 100-200 songs. That’s why we recommend looking for MP3 players that accept SD cards with up to 2 TB in memory. That way, you can be certain that your MP3 player simply won’t run out of space.

While the SD card capabilities are important, it’s also important that your MP3 has quality internal memory. In our experience, the devices with 32-48 GB of internal memory perform the best. Of course, you should note that these features affect the price of the MP3 player you pick.

Sound Quality

What is an MP3 player without good sound quality? That is why sound quality is one of our top features when discussing what you should look for in an MP3 player. The very best devices we’ve tested stand out with 384 kHz/32-bit, DSD 128, 126dB signal-to-noise ratio. You can even look for 4 DAC chips, low-phase noise crystals, and an integrated Class A headphone amplifier.

Alternatively, we recommend devices with 44.1KHz FLAC playback. Although they may be pricier than some lower-quality alternatives, the investment is worth it. The sound quality will make your listening experience much more enjoyable and pleasant.

Outputs

Modern devices, such as smartphones, have phased out the 3.5mm jack. While that may be convenient for their profits and potentially for the aesthetic, it’s very inconvenient for the users. Anybody who enjoys listening to music will tell you with no uncertainty that sound through a 3.5mm jack is much better than sound via Bluetooth. Of course, everyone is entitled to their own preference.

That’s why we put an emphasis on MP3 players that offer a variety of outputs. Apart from the 3.5mm jack and Bluetooth connection, we recommend looking for speakers and USB-C outputs. That way, you have all of the headphones and speakerphones covered, regardless of their available inputs.

Battery Life

Battery life is another key feature, which is why we included it in this guide about what you should look for in an MP3 player. Battery life can vary depending on the stress you put it under, or more specifically, how much you use it. With that said, we recommend opting for MP3 players that offer 4500mAh battery power or 30-36 hours of optimal usage.

When it comes to battery life, you may find it drains quicker if you have the Bluetooth and Wifi signals on. Going offline is the best way to get the most playing time, but even without it, quality MP3 players will deliver. That’s why choosing wisely is key here.

Summary

There is so much more that goes into a quality MP3 player than sound quality, types of inputs, and battery life. That being said, we chose to focus on these specific features because they can affect your listening experience the most. Getting an MP3 player with terrible sound, a battery that drains quickly, limited storage, or only one input is a waste of money. That’s why we created this guide of what you should look for in an MP3 player.

It’s not up to us to tell you which specific MP3 player to buy; that depends on personal preferences. Some people like the tactile ones with buttons and knobs, while others prefer touch screens. Some prefer Bluetooth headphones, while others like old-school wired headphones. Consider all your must-haves, and then pick the perfect MP3 player for you!