How to download music to MP3 player

There are many different ways to download music to an MP3 player, but one particularly easy way is to use a media library—like iTunes, Windows Media Player, or Windows PC. Simply connect your MP3 player to your computer using a USB cord. Then, sync your MP3 player with your media library.

How does an MP3 player work?

An MP3 player works a lot like a classic computer. After downloading photo, video, audio files, or documents to your device, you can open your device to find everything you transferred over. Since MP3 players aren’t cloud-based, you can’t play files you haven’t downloaded.

Can I transfer music from Spotify to an MP3 player?

No, you can’t transfer music from Spotify to an MP3 player. Spotify is a cloud-based platform, so you can’t actually download songs from Spotify. But, since some MP3 players are Wi-Fi-enabled, you could load the Spotify app onto your MP3 player and stream songs from there.

The 8 Best MP3 Players for Running and Working Out

Multitasking during a tough workout can make it more fun and engaging. Music can give you the motivation you need to tackle that next rep, and podcasts can keep you occupied as you log miles on the treadmill. Most of the time, your entertainment is found on your smartphone, but if you prefer to spend time away from distractions like texts and calls, an MP3 player is a great option.

While a smartphone can do everything that an MP3 can (e.g. hold songs, podcasts, and audiobooks), the latter can give you the chance to get away—and in an increasingly connected world, disconnecting is sometimes necessary. Plus, since photos, messages, and other large files don't take up space on an MP3 player, there is more space for holding audio files like songs and podcasts. When considering purchasing one, keep this criteria in mind: battery life, bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity. We evaluated top MP3 players for these features, as well as design, size, storage capacity, and price.

Based on our reviews, here are the best MP3 players on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

EVIDA Mp3 Player with Bluetooth 5.0 at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Hotechs MP3 Player at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Apple iPod touch (7th Generation) at Walmart

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Best Compact:

AGPTEK Clip MP3 Player at Walmart

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Best for Running:

SanDisk Clip Sport Plus at Amazon

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Best for Swimming:

SONY Waterproof Sports Wearable MP3 Player at Amazon

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Best for the Gym:

Berennis Bluetooth MP3 Player at Amazon

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Best for Kids:

AGPTEK MP3 Player for Kids at Walmart

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

4.7

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

60-hour battery life
32 GB storage capacity
Bluetooth-enabled
Multi-functional
Lightweight and wearable

Cons

Too feature-heavy for some
Expensive

If you’re looking for a go-to music player, EVIDA’s MP3 Player is our top choice. The device has 32 gigabytes of storage space, meaning it can hold a whopping 10,000 songs at a time. And since it comes loaded with extra features like a stopwatch, e-book reader, and an alarm, it's a good multi-functional device.

At 2.8 ounces, the MP3 player is lightweight and great for hands-free use—especially since it comes with an armband. It's also Bluetooth-enabled, so you can pair it with your favorite headphones without having to mess with extra wires.

Price at time of publication: $39

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: 60 hours | Bluetooth-Enabled: Yes | WiFi-Enabled: No}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Easy-to-use design
32 GB storage capacity
Small and compact
Lightweight (2.39 ounces)

Cons

Not Bluetooth-enabled
Not rechargeable

Many MP3 players come loaded with additional features, but if you want a no-frills and budget-friendly option, Hotechs’ MP3 Player is the device for you. At 4.09 x 2.2 x 1.54 inches, the device is small enough to fit inside your pocket. And since it weighs a mere 2.39 ounces, it won’t weigh you down.

Though small, the MP3 player has plenty of storage space—32 gigabytes to be exact. That’s enough to hold 11,000 songs (according to Hotechs), so you won’t have to worry about running out of music. The only downside is that it's not Bluetooth-enabled, so it has to be paired with wired headphones.

Price at time of publication: $24

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: Uses lithium ion batteries | Bluetooth-Enabled: No | WiFi-Enabled: No}

4.3

Walmart

Pros

40-hour battery life
32 GB storage capacity
Bluetooth- and WiFi-enabled
Multi-functional

Cons

Very expensive
Too feature-heavy for some

In a world filled with iPhones, purchasing an iPod might not be at the top of your shopping list. However, Apple's iPod Touch is still one of the best, most functional MP3 players on the market. You can use it to store up to 8,000 songs at a time, and since it's Wi-Fi-enabled, you can load it with some of your favorite apps and social media outlets.

The iPod Touch has a long-lasting battery that can run for up to 40 hours at a time on one charge. It can also be paired with wireless headphones for a convenient listening experience, thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities.

Price at time of publication: $392

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: 40 hours | Bluetooth-Enabled: Yes | WiFi-Enabled: Yes}

4.2

Walmart

Pros

30-hour battery life
Bluetooth-enabled
Compact and lightweight
Wearable (with an armband)
Sweat-proof

Cons

Limited 8 GB storage capacity

At just 2.12 x 1.33 x 0.51 inches, AGPTEK’s Clip MP3 Player is one of the smallest and lightest MP3 players around. Equipped with a clip, the 3.2-ounce device is easy to carry and designed with wearability in mind. Simply slide it into the sweat-proof case and snap it onto your shorts or leggings before a workout. You can also clip it onto the included armband if you'd like to wear it around your arm.

Though small, the MP3 player has a powerful battery life that can be used for up to 30 hours on a single charge. With 8 gigabytes of storage capacity, it can hold up to 2,000 songs.

Price at time of publication: $28

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: 30 hours | Bluetooth-Enabled: Yes | WiFi-Enabled: No}

4.2

Walmart

Pros

16 GB storage capacity
20-hour battery life
Bluetooth-enabled
Wearable (clip-on)
Water-resistant

Cons

Expensive

The Sandick Clip Sport Plus MP3 Player is small and easy to take on the go—weighing in at just 1.28 ounces. The compact size (0.68 x 1.74 x 2.6 inches) is crafted for lightweight wearability, and the clip-on design makes it easy to wear when you're active.

Water-resistant and durable, it's a good option for sweaty runs or working out outside. And because it's Bluetooth-enabled, you can pair it with your favorite headphones for a wire-free experience. If you're looking for a device with a long-lasting battery, keep in mind that you have to charge this one every 20 hours.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: 20 hours | Bluetooth-Enabled: Yes | WiFi-Enabled: No}

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Waterproof (up to 6.5 feet)
Streamlined in-ear design
Wearable (headphones)

Cons

4 GB storage capacity
12-hour battery life

Swimming-friendly MP3 players do exist, and SONY’s Waterproof Sports MP3 Player is a particularly great option. For starters, it can withstand depths up to 6.5 feet, which is enough to support lap-swimming and regular exercise in the pool. It’s also wearable, so you can get the hands-free experience you need as a swimmer.

Most MP3 players need to be used with a set of headphones, but these ones have a design that functions as a pair of headphones—without an external device. While convenient, the structure means you might not have as much control over your music since you can't scroll or look at a screen.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: 12 hours | Bluetooth-Enabled: No | WiFi-Enabled: No}

4.2

Lifewire / Erika Rawes

16 GB storage capacity
30-hour battery life
Bluetooth-enabled
Compact and lightweight

Not wearable
Interface tough to navigate

Offering 16 gigabytes of storage, the Berennis MP3 Player is a good choice that can hold up to 10,000 songs. At 3.54 x 1.5 x 0.33 inches, the device is small enough to keep in your pocket, and at 3.98 ounces, it’s lightweight enough to carry around.

The device doesn't come with an armband or a clothing clip, but the compact design means it won't get in the way of your workout. Plus, the Bluetooth compatibility means you can stash it in your gym bag along with other essentials like moisture-wicking towels and underwear for working out, in a purse, or tucked in your pants without the worry of tugging on any cords.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: 30 hours | Bluetooth-Enabled: Yes | WiFi-Enabled: No}

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Fun, kid-friendly design
26-hour battery life
Supports videos and games
Easy-to-use interface

Cons

Not Bluetooth-enabled

The AGPTEK MP3 Player for Kids has an easy-to-use, kid-friendly design. Offering 8 gigabytes of storage space, it ensures that your little one will have enough space to save and stream their favorite songs, videos, and games.

It lasts up to 26 hours on a full charge, making it a good option for long car trips or taking to sports tournaments. And while it's not Bluetooth-enabled, it ships with a pair of headphones that are durable enough to outlast regular wear and tear.

Price at time of publication: $33

^{Key Specs:
Battery Life: 26 hours | Bluetooth-Enabled: No | WiFi-Enabled: No}

Final Verdict

Compact, lightweight, and wearable, AGPTEK’s Clip MP3 Player (view at Amazon) is one of the most workout-friendly MP3 players around. The device offers 8 gigabytes of storage capacity, which should be enough to store 2,000 songs. And since you can clip the MP3 player onto your clothes or slide it into an armband, it's also good for hands-free use.

What to Look for in a MP3 Player

Battery Life

Battery life is always a consideration when it comes to electronics. Since most MP3 players have long-lasting batteries, most will get you through long runs and workouts. However, if you want to cut down on recharge time, keep an eye out for something that lasts 30 hours or more between charges.

Bluetooth-Enabled

When you’re working out, dealing with wired headphones can be tedious, making an MP3 player with Bluetooth capabilities ideal for some active users, whether jogging outdoors or walking on a treadmill desk in the office. If you're using an MP3 player while studying, relaxing, or traveling, one that requires external headphones might not be an issue.

Wi-Fi-Enabled

Some high-tech MP3 players are Wi-Fi-enabled, so you can use them to access apps, games, and more. For many, this may defeat the purpose of buying an MP3 player in the first place, but if you prefer a feature-heavier option, look for something that’s Wi-Fi-enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to download music to MP3 player

There are many different ways to download music to an MP3 player, but one particularly easy way is to use a media library—like iTunes, Windows Media Player, or Windows PC. Simply connect your MP3 player to your computer using a USB cord. Then, sync your MP3 player with your media library.
How does an MP3 player work?

An MP3 player works a lot like a classic computer. After downloading photo, video, audio files, or documents to your device, you can open your device to find everything you transferred over. Since MP3 players aren’t cloud-based, you can’t play files you haven’t downloaded.
Can I transfer music from Spotify to an MP3 player?

No, you can’t transfer music from Spotify to an MP3 player. Spotify is a cloud-based platform, so you can’t actually download songs from Spotify. But, since some MP3 players are Wi-Fi-enabled, you could load the Spotify app onto your MP3 player and stream songs from there.

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.