In other words, the MP3 player in 2019 is a device for audiophiles. They aren't particularly rugged devices, with the exception of waterproof earphones with built-in storage, like the JBL Endurance Dive (Opens in a new window).įor the most part, the people who will actually benefit from a portable music player in 2019 probably all have a few key traits in common: They buy music files, they prefer high-quality file formats, they rarely use streaming services (except for maybe Tidal), and they likely have some very nice wired headphones. If you're looking for a gym-friendly music source, it's hard to make a truly compelling argument for MP3 players. To quickly answer the question of whether you should buy a dedicated MP3 player, the answer is: Maybe. With smartphones and tablets occupying the space in pockets and bags that was once reserved for iPods, the MP3 player has adapted to become a very different beast for a very specific kind of user. But this once-ubiquitous device from the early aughts is now niche, to put it mildly.

How to Set Up Two-Factor Authenticationĭespite streaming services taking over how we listen to music, the MP3 player is still alive and well in 2019, in concept if not name (portable music player makes more sense).How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.I don't know if I'm a big enough fan of Spotify Premium to buy a standalone music player just for listening to music offline, but if you're, say, a runner and you don't want to strap your iPhone or Android phone to your arm, the Mighty could be just the thing you need in your life. It is water and drop resistant, after all. It's 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.7-inches, made of plastic, comes with a clip and looks durable. You can also use Bluetooth headphones with it as well.įrom what I saw, the build quality is OK for an $80 player.

Good for data-tracking junkies.Īnd with iPhones now lacking headphone jacks, you'll be happy to know the Mighty has one. The app also displays metrics to tell you how often and how long you use your Mighty. Playlists are synced over Wi-Fi through a phone app. Because there's no screen to see what playlist is playing, the music player actually speaks the name of the playlist into your headphones you can even record your own voice for each one if you like.

Best mp3 player for spotify