I’m very fond of digital audio players (or MP3 players, depending on when you were born). They’re a great way to enjoy listening to music without the distractions of using your smartphone or a computer. On top of that, many DAPs (Digital Audio Players) have hardware and software features that smartphones simply cannot implement as they will compromise the intended experience of using those devices. Features like dedicated 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, dedicated DAC and amp chips for those outputs, microSD card support, and physical playback buttons, just to name a few.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe are the best digital audio players for each price category, which include offerings from industry leaders like Sony, FiiO, and HiBy. Whether you’re looking for the best digital music player for your audiophile needs, a versatile DAP that can handle streaming services or a budget travel companion, I’ve got you covered with my expert insights and recommendations.
This guide will be continually updated and expanded, so check back regularly to see all the updated content.
Best Ultra-Budget DAPs (under $150)
SnowSky Echo Mini
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/XPHRND
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFGpsRT
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/fiio-snowsky-echo-mini?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
- Price: $52.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 5.3 (SBC)
- Music Streaming: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD64/128/256 WAV:24bit/192K, FLAC:24bit/192K APE:24bit/96K, MP3/OGG/M4A/WMA
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 256GB)
- Battery: 1100mAh, up to 15 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x CS43131
- SOC Chipset: Unknown
- RAM: Unknown
- OS: Unknown
Mechen M30
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/Zmkb
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oopfoXT
- Price: $79.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 3.5mm Line Out, Micro-USB (charging, data)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: No
- Music Streaming: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD, WAV, FLAC, APE, MP3, OGG, M4A, WMA
- Internal Storage: None (comes with 64GB microSD card)
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 256GB)
- Battery: 1500mAh, up to 25 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: WM8965 + TPA6530
- SOC Chipset: Unknown
- RAM: Unknown
- OS: Unknown
HiBy R1
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/QdMMC
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oknvojF
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hiby-r1?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
- Price: $85 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.1 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC)
- Music Streaming: Tidal and Qobuz only
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 1150mAh, up to 15 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: CS43131
- SOC Chipset: X1600E
- RAM: 128MB
- OS: HiBy OS
Shanling M0s
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/4E5zB8
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oB2YZz3
- Price: $89.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC)
- Music Streaming: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD128, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 650mAh, up to 10 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: CS43131
- SOC Chipset: X1000
- RAM: Unknown
- OS: MTouch OS
Surfans F20
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/JqXGXf
- Price: $123.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 3.5mm Line Out, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 5.2 (SBC, aptX, LDAC)
- Music Streaming: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD64/128, FLAC, WAV, WMA, M4A, MP3, AAC, APE, ALAC, OGG, AIFF, DFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 256GB)
- Battery: 1500mAh, up to 12 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: TI PCM510xA
- SOC Chipset: Unknown
- RAM: Unknown
- OS: Unknown
Shanling M0 Pro
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/sSsaF
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFnGjid
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/shanling-m0-pro?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
- Price: $128 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC)
- Music Streaming: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD128, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 650mAh, up to 14.5 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ESS ES9219C
- SOC Chipset: X1000
- RAM: Unknown
- OS: MTouch OS
Best Budget DAPs (under $350)
HiBy Digital M300
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/4UI30r
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oBs1f01
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hiby-digital-m300?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
- Price: $169 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 32GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 2000mAh, up to 29 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: CS43131
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 3GB
- OS: Android 13
FiiO JM21
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/AlIBy
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_olSMemZ
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/fiio-jm21?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
- Price: $179 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.1 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 32GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 2400mAh, up to 12.5 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x Cirrus Logic CS43198, 2x SG Micro SGM8262
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680
- RAM: 3GB
- OS: Custom Android 13
HiBy R3 II 2025
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/tlpc
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opHxoZf
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hiby-r3ii-2025?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
- Price: $179 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4,4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz
- Bluetooth: 5.1 (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming: Tidal and Qobuz only
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 2000mAh, up to 19 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ES9219C
- SOC Chipset: X1600E
- RAM: 128MB
- OS: HiBy OS
Hidizs AP80 PRO-X
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/vP8uiLH
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oEkEKNr
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hidiz-ap80-pro-x?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
- Price: $189.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 2.5mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: No
- Bluetooth: 4.2(SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC)
- Music Streaming: No
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: None
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 512GB)
- Battery: 800mAh, up to 11 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ESS9219C
- SOC Chipset: X1000
- RAM: 64MB
- OS: HiBy OS
TempoTec V3 Blaze
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_op6CTIX
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tempotec-v3no-case?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
OS: HiBy OS
Price: $199.99 USD
Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
WiFi: Yes
Bluetooth: 5.1 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
Music Streaming: Qobuz and Tidal only
Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
Internal Storage: None
Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 1TB)
Battery: 3500mAh, up to 10-20 hours of playback
DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x AK4493SEQ
SOC Chipset: X1600E
RAM: Unknown
HiBy R4
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/RbBww
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFWcJ8p
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hiby-r4?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
- Price: $249 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 32GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 4500mAh, up to 11 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 4x ES9018C2M DACs, 4x OPA1652 and 2x OPA1612 amps
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 3GB
- OS: Open Android 12
Sony NW-A306
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/BDwisZA
Check Prices from Other Stores: https://geni.us/HEI0
- Price: $348 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 32GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 1285mAh, up to 36 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: S-Master HX digital amplifier
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm QCS2290 (4x ARM Cortex-A53 cores)
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Android 14
Best Mid-Level DAPs (under $1000)
HiBy R6 III (2025)
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/rgqLPiF
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oDtD4x3
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hiby-r6-iii-2025?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
- Price: $439 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 4500mAh, up to 13 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 4x CS43198
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 12
FiiO M11S
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/hBL2R
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opZxhM1
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/fiio-m11s?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
Buy from Apos Audio: https://apos.audio/products/fiio-m11s-dap-digital-audio-player?sca_ref=5473796.B4j37biiuA
- Price: $499 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 32GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 5300mAh, up to 14 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ES9038Q2M, 2x OPA926
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
- RAM: 3GB
- OS: Open Android 10
FiiO M23
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/Lbw3Y
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oo5cgj7
Buy from Apos Audio: https://apos.audio/products/fiio-m23-digital-audio-player-dap?sca_ref=5473796.B4j37biiuA
- Price: $649.99 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 2x USB-C (only one port supports data, both support charging)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 5500mAh, up to 10.5 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, THX AAA-78+
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 10
HiBY R6 Pro II
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/CPtY7D
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_omjkYfb
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/hiby-r6-pro-ii?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
- Price: $749 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 3.5mm SE LO, 4.4mm Balanced LO, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD1024, 32-bit/1536kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 5000mAh, up to 8 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: AK4191EQ+ 2x AK4499EX
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 12
Sony NW-ZX707
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/OpsHfMu
Check Prices from Other Stores: https://geni.us/y9my3y0
- Price: $898 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: Up to 25 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: S-Master HX digital amplifier
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm QCS4290 ( 4x ARM Cortex-A73 cores at 2.0Ghz and 4x Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8GHz)
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Android 14
iBasso DX260
Buy from iBasso: https://ibasso.com/product/dx260/
- Price: $949 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, SPDIF output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 4400mAh, up to 14 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 8x CS43198
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 11 + Mango OS
Best High-End DAPs (under $1500)
Shanling M7
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/p39IJQC
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/shanling-m7?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
- Price: $1249 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 7000mAh, up to 10 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: ESS ES9038Pro
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 6GB
- OS: Open Android 10
Sony NW-WM1AM2
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/brL4
Check Prices from Other Stores: https://geni.us/u2d9ft
- Price: $1398 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 2000mAh, up to 40 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: S-Master HX digital amplifier
- SOC Chipset: Quad core ARM Cortex A53
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Android 11
Cayin N6III
Buy from AliExpress E203 version: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oozhSln
Buy from AliExpress C201 version: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oo8ruBx
- Price: $1499 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 3.5mm SE LO, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD512, 32-bit/768kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 9000mAh, up to 16 hours (C201 version) and 11 hours (E203 version) of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: E203 version (ES9039SPRO, OPA1612), C201 version (8x CS43198, 4x OPA1622)
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 6GB
- OS: Customized Android 12
FiiO M17
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/BdqWqo
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ooQNPZT
Buy from Apos Audio: https://apos.audio/products/fiio-m17-portable-player?sca_ref=5473796.B4j37biiuA
- Price: $1794 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 6.35mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 2.5mm Balanced output, Coaxial/RCA output, 2x USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 9200mAh, up to 10 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 2x ES9038PRO, THX AAA 788+ amp
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Open Android 10
Cayin N7
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_okDumb3
- Price: $2199 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, 3.5mm SE LO, 4.4mm Balanced LO, I2S, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz,
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC, UAT)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 64GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 9000mAh, up to 10 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: Discrete 1-bit DSD DAC, discrete JFET +BJT amp
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Customized Android 12
Shanling M9 Plus
Buy from AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oloprjJ
Buy from Linsoul: https://www.linsoul.com/products/shanling-m9-plus?sca_ref=5236667.OhF52MYHpZ
- Price: $2959 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD1024, 32-bit/1536kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 256GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 8350mAh, up to 18 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: 4x AKM AK4499EX, 2x AKM AK4191
- SOC Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 8GB
- OS: Open Android 10
Sony NW-WM1ZM2
Buy from Amazon: https://geni.us/OXxQ9
Check Prices for Other Stores: https://geni.us/cG57gI
- Price: $3698 USD
- Connections: 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm Balanced output, (USB-C (charging, data)
- WiFi: Yes, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Music Streaming: Yes
- Supported File Formats and Sample Rates: DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz PCM, MQA, MP3, WAC, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF
- Internal Storage: 256GB
- Expandable Storage: Yes, MicroSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 2000mAh, up to 40 hours of playback
- DAC/Amp Chipset: S-Master HX digital amplifier
- SOC Chipset: Quad core ARM Cortex A53
- RAM: 4GB
- OS: Android 11
DAP Alternatives
Not quite ready to commit to investing in a digital audio player? Then maybe a dongle DAC or portable DAC is the right choice for you. See my list of recommended dongle DACs and portable DACs here: The Best Portable DACs
FAQs
Be sure to check out our other buying guides to help you get the best audio experience possible!
