Best budget MP3 players
Today's hot, new players boast sweet, streamlined designs, tons of extra features, and price tags to match. Don't despair, all you penny-pinchers out there! There are oodles of deals to be had in all MP3 player categories. From flash players with expansion slots that cost less than $40, to 30GB monsters priced less than most 20GB hard-drive players, there are many solid models for the budget-conscious buyer.
Creative Zen V (2GB, black)
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 6/28/06)
The Creative Zen V is a good choice for anyone looking for a compact flash MP3 player with recording features and great sound quality. However, the more feature-filled Zen V Plus is a better value.
Read review of the Creative Zen V (2GB, black)
SanDisk Sansa Clip (1GB, sleek black)
7.5 Very good (reviewed 10/8/07)
The SanDisk Sansa Clip is an incredible value that's set to edge out the competition with a user-friendly interface, gym-worthy design, and great sound quality.
Read review of the SanDisk Sansa Clip (1GB, sleek black)
Creative Zen Nano Plus (1GB, Dark Blue)
7.3 Very good (reviewed 6/5/06)
If you're looking for a feature-packed flash player but you don't want to spend a ton to get one, Creative's Zen Nano Plus is the device for you.
Read review of the Creative Zen Nano Plus (1GB, Dark Blue)
Creative Zen Stone (1GB, black)
7.0 Very good (reviewed 5/9/07)
The Creative Zen Stone is a fantastic choice as a secondary MP3 player or for first timers on a budget who want a simple, great-sounding device with limited features and a bargain basement price tag.
Read review of the Creative Zen Stone (1GB, black)
SanDisk Sansa Express (1GB)
6.7 Good (reviewed 5/16/07)
The SanDisk Sansa Express is a solid choice for those who need an ultraconvenient MP3 player with a decent smattering of features.
Read review of the SanDisk Sansa Express (1GB)
Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 1GB, silver)
6.3 Good (reviewed 9/12/07)
If you like your music playback simple and your device nearly invisible, the third-generation iPod Shuffle will suit you well. But absentminded users should steer clear of this easy-to-misplace player.
Read review of the Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 1GB, silver)
