Manage updates with the Download App
Best MP3 players
(Updated January 18, 2013 1:10 AM PST)
Donald Bell
Senior editor
If you're looking for your first MP3 player and you want to start at square one, then take a look at CNET's MP3 player buying guide.
Pocket entertainment powerhouse
Apple iPod Touch (5th generation, 32GB, black)
The latest iPod Touch is the best iPod ever, and as close to a phoneless iPhone 5 as you can get -- but its high price makes it a tough call versus cheaper tablets with larger screens.
Price: $284.98 - $301.29 (check prices)
4 stars
Read full review 
Best entertainment value
Apple iPod Touch (4th generation, 32GB, black)
The fourth-gen iPod Touch is Apple's second-best portable media player, with a price that will help you forget about No. 1.
Price: $249.00 - $544.12 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
No frills, low cost
SanDisk Sansa Clip Zip (blue, 4GB)
SanDisk's tongue-twister of an MP3 player is a stupefying value and its practical clip-on design is perfect for the gym.
Price: $39.99 - $126.31 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Powered by Android
Samsung Galaxy Player 4.2 (black)
When it comes to competing with Apple's iPod Touch media player, the Galaxy Player 4.2 is Samsung's best effort yet, but it's still playing catch-up.
Price: $249.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
The fitness fanatic
Apple iPod Nano (seventh generation, blue)
The seventh-generation iPod Nano is an incredibly compact portable media player with gym-friendly features, but it's overshadowed by the superior value of Apple's iPod Shuffle and fourth-generation iPod Touch.
Price: $144.99 - $150.09 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review