Everyone loves to pop in their headphones and turn on their music players once in a while, whether they’re sitting at work or walking around town or even plugging one into their car for playback.
But did you know that not every mobile music device is the same? Here are some of the top mobile music devices for 2013 that will make sure you’re getting the best sound quality every time you play your favorite song – you’ll be surprised to find that an iPod isn’t the only way to go!
Sandisk Sansa Click Zip
If you’re looking for a low-cost alternative to an iPod, perhaps to take to the gym or run around with and not have to worry much about damaging, then the SanDisk Sansa Clip Zip mp3 player is just what you’re looking for.
With a retail value at about $40, this device is perfect for kicking around listening to music with. It has a practical clip on the back of the device itself, making it perfect for exercising with, but be wary – you get what you pay for in terms of casing quality. The audio is great, but the durability might not be there as much as it would be with a more expensive device.
What’s really mind-blowing about the SanDisk is that it accepts most common audio formats, can be used as a voice recorded should you ever need it, features 4GB of storage space and can tune in to an FM radio. The value here is what makes the SanDisk Sansa Clip Zip device a good bet for a mobile music device in 2013.
Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0
Samsung goes directly after the iPod touch with their Galaxy Player 4.0. It’s literally a Samsung Galaxy phone without the phone option – but otherwise, you get the same sleek user interface plus 8GB of storage for a lofty price of $229.
But the price is high for a reason – this is a high-quality audio player that’s powerful and easy to use. You can download and run any of the popular Android apps as well as connect to a WiFi Internet connection to access your browser and email functions.
The reason this device was created and marketed as just an audio device despite its near-smartphone capabilities is that Samsung assumes people are looking for a device that’s not a phone, as is the case with the Apple iPod, as well. If you’re against the iPod for any reason, or are just looking to try something different, this Samsung will give you the same audio quality and extra features as the iPod.
Sony E-Series Walkman
If you’re really old school and miss the good old days of popping a cassette tape into your Walkman and having to worry about it skipping anytime you took even a slightly rough step, well, you won’t have that cassette capability with Sony’s newest version of the Walkman – but the name might bring back some nostalgia.
The Sony E-Series Walkman is another inexpensive choice ($80) for a high-quality audio player that features a crisp and round bass that makes your listening experience a great one every time. Plus, this device has awesome battery life and is super easy to use. Aside from that, though, it doesn’t offer many additional features, so for the $80 you’ll spend on it, you’re really getting an audio player and only an audio player.
