All top products

MP3 players:

Best portable video players (PVP)

(Updated January 18, 2013 1:10 AM PST)

Donald Bell

Senior editor

Portable video players (aka PVPs or portable media players) are the video equivalent of portable MP3 players. In fact, they are MP3 players at heart, with the additional capability to play back video on a larger (3 inches or more) color screen. PVPs come in all sizes and shapes, and some have more features than others. Three of the biggest features to look for in a PVP are screen size, file compatibility, and storage capacity. But don't be fooled into thinking a bigger screen is always better. Sometimes portability is more important than an immersive experience.

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 Excellent

Read full review

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 - $299.00 (check prices)

4 stars Excellent Read full review

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 Very good Read full review

Archos 101 G9 Turbo (250GB)

Despite its Android 4.0 update and slightly upgraded processor, the Archos 101 G9 Turbo's glacial lag and cumbersome build makes this tablet safe to skip over.

Price: $547.33 (check prices)

4 stars Good Read full review

Cowon S9 (16GB)

The Cowon S9 is a sexy-looking gadget with exceptional audio and video quality, but its construction quality and user interface pale in comparison to the competition.

Pricing not available.

4 stars Good Read full review

See all mp3 player reviews