Cheap MP3 Players

MP3 players less than $100

If you want a small, inexpensive MP3 player for the gym, reviewers overwhelmingly recommend the SanDisk Sansa Clip+. This 2-inch-tall MP3 player comes with a wearable clip and is available in 2 GB (*Est. $40), 4 GB (*Est. $50 for 4 GB) and 8 GB (*Est. $62) models. Features include a 1-inch OLED screen, microSD memory card slot, digital FM tuner and a 15-hour rechargeable battery. The Sansa Clip+ is an update to the popular SanDisk Sansa Clip, which lacks some of these new features. Reviewers say the Sansa Clip+ is sturdier and has better button placement than its predecessor. It's a great value, and the player earns Editors' Choice awards from PCMag.com and CNET. Jasmine France at CNET raves about the performance of this tiny MP3 player, saying the SanDisk SansaClip+ has good audio quality as long as you get a pair of quality headphones. Tim Gideon at PCMag.com says the Sansa Clip+ is a clear winner among MP3 players under $100.

Although reviewers love it overall, there are a few downsides typical of budget MP3 players. Grahm Skee at AnythingButiPod.com says the FM reception could be improved, and others say the text on the 1-inch screen is hard to read. Music with lots of bass may sound a little flat. These complaints aside, reviewers say you can't do better than the SanDisk Sansa Clip+ in this price range.

For Apple fans, there's always the iPod shuffle. It gets pretty average reviews, and experts overwhelmingly prefer the SanDisk Sansa Clip+. In September, Apple updated the iPod shuffle with larger capacities and new colors, and an odd new feature called VoiceOver that reads out song and playlist titles, but little else has changed from the shuffle released in March. The tiny MP3 player is now available in a 2 GB (*Est. $55) and 4 GB (*Est. $80) capacities. It has no external buttons, but puts the controls on the headphone cord, which irks some reviewers. As a result, it's harder to upgrade the headphones. The iPod shuffle is incredibly small and weighs less than an ounce, which makes it a good choice for runners or athletes. However, the shuffle's small size can't negate its downsides. Donald Bell sums up the reviewer consensus when he says, "the Shuffle's microscopic design isn't enough to make up for the limited features, relatively high price, diminished battery life, quirky navigation, and a headphone remote system that reeks of planned obsolescence."

The SanDisk Sansa Fuze is noted as a great value in reviews, and it does have a screen (albeit a small one). It's available in 2 GB (*Est. $45), 4 GB (*Est. $55) and 8 GB (*Est. $65 for 8 GB) capacities. You get an FM tuner, voice recording, microSD card expansion (with files on the card integrated into the player's library) and support for music subscription services. Jasmine France of CNET says the player delivers strong midranges, detailed high ranges and "reasonable" bass, though this was tested with two high-quality headphones instead of the included earbuds. CNET also gets impressive results from the battery, about 28 hours of audio (versus the 24 advertised) and 6.5 hours of video (versus the five advertised). Other reviewers got closer to 20 hours of audio, which is still good for this type of player.

At 1.9 inches, the display on the Sansa Fuze is only slightly smaller than the iPod nano's, but it doesn't come close to the nano's crisp picture. You'll also need to convert all videos and photos with software that comes packaged with the player before you can view them, a hassle if you have many of them. Reviewers agree that although the Fuze is fine for viewing short videos, those wanting some serious video playback should look elsewhere. Another complaint we saw in reviews -- relatively limited file support -- has been largely addressed in a recent firmware update.

Finally, among budget MP3 players, the Creative Zen Stone Plus gets some recommendations, including a nod from CNET. It comes in 2 GB (Est. $90) and 4 GB (Est. $120) models, and it boasts a tiny 3/4-inch screen, FM tuner and voice recording. Most reviewers are disappointed with the user interface and complain of sluggish response when flipping through tracks. Sound quality, however, is impressive with strong mids and highs. However, the Zen Stone Plus doesn't support music subscription services, and it's not compatible with Mac computers.