Best 5 MP3 players

(Updated November 23, 2011 5:43 AM PST)
Donald Bell
Donald Bell
Senior editor
There's no one-size-fits-all MP3 player that's perfect for everybody. Some people need a small MP3 player for the gym, whereas others need tablet-size players with wide-screen video playback. Whatever your interests are, these five MP3 players broadly represent our current favorite portable music gadgets.

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.

Apple iPod Touch 2011 (32GB, black) Editors' Choice - Apple iPod Touch 2011 (32GB, black)

Apple's iPod Touch offers so many features, it seems almost inappropriate to call it an MP3 player. From games, e-mail, Web browsing, music, movies, and more, the fourth-generation iPod Touch runs rings around the competition, and the open-ended development of the App Store can bring nothing but improvements.

Price: $242.99 - $299.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Outstanding

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Apple iPod Touch 2011 (32GB, black)

Zune HD (32GB - platinum)

The Zune HD delivers one of the best portable music and video experiences money can buy. At a time when many people have shifted their focus to games and applications, providing a killer media experience may not be enough for potential Zune buyers.

Price: $278.34 - $399.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Zune HD (32GB - platinum)

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: $42.92 - $61.58 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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SanDisk Sansa Clip Zip (blue, 4GB)

SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ MP3 (blue, 8GB)

You can find smaller or cheaper MP3 players, but you won't find a better value than the Sansa Fuze+ in terms of dollars per features.

Price: $74.95 - $102.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ MP3 (blue, 8GB)

Apple iPod Nano 2011 (8GB, orange)

The sixth-generation iPod Nano is easy on the eyes and the wallet. The design is nearly half the size as previous models, and includes unique features such as Genius Mixes, Genius playlists, an FM radio that can be paused and replayed, and a pedometer.

Price: $122.99 - $169.20 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Apple iPod Nano 2011 (8GB, orange)