Version: 2008
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Great MP3 players for $50 or less

Donald Bell Donald Bell, Senior Editor June 8, 2009

If you're on a razor-tight budget, it's not hard to find an MP3 player for less than $50 these days. The problem is finding one that's any good. Most of the players you'll find in the sub-$50 price range are iPod Shuffle clones--small players with no screen, limited features, and scant memory. You can do better!

With the exception of the Sansa SlotMusic player, all of these MP3 players include FM radio, voice recording, and a screen for navigation. Each player also offers its own unique feature. The Creative Zen Stone Plus, for instance, includes a built-in speaker, while the Philips GoGear Spark uses a color display for album artwork. If you're a fitness fanatic, the workout timer included on the Samsung U5 is a cute bonus.

Finally, the Sansa SlotMusic player isn't flashy or chock-full of features, but you can't beat the value at just $20. Playback control is extremely basic, and you'll need to supply your own memory using microSD cards, but the construction is durable, and the swappable memory makes it easy to share the device between several people.

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Price Check Prices $39.99 to $49.99 Check Prices $39.99 Check Prices
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Review date October 08, 2007 February 04, 2009 July 26, 2007 May 26, 2009 October 15, 2008
The Bottom Line 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. In the world of budget MP3 players, the Philips GoGear Spark is a diamond in the rough, offering an attractive balance of features, style, and usability. For those who want a supersmall and cute MP3 player that offers more than just simple music playback, the Creative Zen Stone Plus fits the bill nicely. If you're looking for a small, practical MP3 player to throw in your gym bag, the Samsung U5 is a great option that won't break the bank. The SanDisk Sansa slotMusic Player is a reasonable option for those who still haven't made the switch from CD to MP3, and there's no computer required, so even technophobes can use it.
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As shown: $20

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