Best MP3 player Apple iPod touch *Est. $230
Best iPod alternative Microsoft Zune HD *Est. $180
Budget MP3 player SanDisk Sansa Clip+ *Est. $35
Budget iPod iPod shuffle *Est. $50

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Microsoft Zune HD

*Est. $180 for 16 GB

Reviewed

October 2010

Best iPod alternative

Pros

Gorgeous touch screen
HD radio
Wi-Fi-capable
Zune Pass subscription service

Cons

Few mobile apps
Web browser is slow
Windows-only

Where to Buy

for $326.99

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Reviewers say the Microsoft Zune HD is a worthy competitor to the Apple iPod touch (*Est. $230 for 8 GB). Although more experts prefer the touch overall, the Microsoft Zune HD is a great alternative for those who don't want to buy an iPod or to be tied to iTunes. The Zune HD includes a 3.3-inch OLED touch screen and sleek design, and reviewers say its display is gorgeous, although it is susceptible to glare and reflections. Most critics say the touch screen is more responsive than the one on the iPod touch, and sound quality is comparable. The Zune HD also gets high marks for its HD radio. Where the Zune HD lags behind the iPod touch is web browsing and apps -- Microsoft's mobile web browser is slow to load pages, and the Zune HD has only a handful of apps, compared to more than 250,000 available for the iPod touch.

Overall, critics say the Microsoft Zune HD is a big improvement over previous Zune players. The Zune HD also comes in 32 GB (*Est. $240) and 64 GB (*Est. $340) capacities. You can use the Zune HD if you have a Mac, but only if you are running Windows on Boot Camp. If you don't have much to spend, experts recommend the SanDisk Sansa Clip+ (*Est. $35 for 2 GB) as the best budget MP3 player.

The Microsoft Zune HD has been tested by a number of credible reviewers, including CNET, PCMag.com, Laptop Magazine and ArsTechnica.com. Each of these sources thoroughly tests the Zune HD and provides detailed analysis and commentary. PC World, Wired and Electronista.com provide shorter reviews, and Amazon.com is a good spot for owner-written feedback.

Where To Buy

Zune HD 16 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)

(1,203 reviews)
Buy new: $199.99 49 Used & new from $116.27

In Stock.

Our Sources

1. CNET

The Zune HD scores an "excellent" rating from CNET's Donald Bell. The OLED display, video quality and long battery life get high marks, and he says the Zune HD "delivers one of the best portable music and video experiences money can buy."

Review: Zune HD (32GB - Platinum), Donald Bell, Sept. 18, 2009

2. Arstechnica.com

Although he finds the interface a little frustrating and dislikes the on-screen volume adjustment, Nate Anderson at ArsTechnica.com says he thinks Microsoft has a winner in the Zune HD. Overall, he calls it an "excellent media player."

Review: Third Time's a Charm: Ars Reviews the Zune HD, Nate Anderson

3. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

PCMag.com prefers the iPod touch (it earns an Editors' Choice award), but the Zune HD gets an "excellent" rating. Tim Gideon says the Zune HD is the best alternative if you don't want an iPod.

Review: Microsoft Zune HD, Tim Gideon, Sept. 15, 2009

4. Laptop Magazine Details/Subscribe

The Zune HD gets high marks for its stunning screen and HD radio, although K.T. Bradford says Microsoft has to offer more in the way of apps if it wants to truly compete with the iPod touch. Still, he says Microsoft is "back in the game."

Review: Zune HD, Zune HD, Sept. 24, 2009

5. PC World Details/Subscribe

Ginny Mies says the Zune HD is a "huge step forward for Microsoft," and she praises the sexy design and video quality. However, she recommends choosing high-quality headphones for better sound quality.

Review: Microsoft Zune HD MP3 Player Overview, Ginny Mies, Sept. 15, 2009

6. Wired Details/Subscribe

Like other reviewers, Mark McClusky is impressed by the OLED touch screen and HD radio, but he thinks the iPod touch is superior when it comes to apps and the user interface. McClusky says he would also like to see Mac-compatible software.

Review: Zune HD Gives iPod a Real Run for Its Money, Mark McClusky, Sept. 15, 2009

7. Electronista.com

The Zune HD gets high marks at Electronista.com. Reviewer Jon Fingas says video looks great on the display, although direct sunlight creates some glare. He also says he thinks the web browser and apps could be improved.

Review: Review: Zune HD, Jon Fingas, Sept. 17, 2009

8. CNET

This article from CNET is a great comparison between the iPod touch and Zune HD. Three CNET editors rate the MP3 players on multiple criteria, although they conclude that the iPod touch is a "better product for most people."

Review: Prizefight: Apple iPod touch vs. Zune HD, Editors of CNET, Oct. 1, 2009

9. Amazon.com

More than 650 reviewers give the Zune HD extremely high ratings at Amazon.com. Many owners really like the Zune Pass music subscription service, and they say they think this MP3 player has come a long way from the first Zune players. Some critics say the interface is a letdown.

Review: Zune HD 32 GB Video MP3 Player (Platinum), Contributors to Amazon.com

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