Tech

The Best Music Players Under $500: Audiophile-Quality Sound Without Breaking the Bank

William April 27, 2025

0 7 4 minutes read

In this day and age, many people use smartphones to listen to music, but nothing beats the sound reproduction of Dedicated Music Players (or Digital Audio Players, DAPs) in the eyes of audiophiles and true music lovers. These devices provide the best sound fidelity, vast storage, and zero interruptions for listening that smartphones are not able to provide. If you’re an audiophile seeking the best sound for under $500, a few options stand out, giving powerful audio at an affordable price.

This guide aims to cover the best music players in 2025, so you can get the best value audio performance tailored to your budget.

Check Out: LG SQC2 Review: Big Sound, Slim Package

Why Choose a Dedicated Music Player?

Before diving into the recommendations, it’s worth understanding why a dedicated music player might be a better choice than your smartphone:

Superior DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): High-end DAPs use advanced DAC chips that far outperform those in phones, delivering richer, more detailed sound.
High-Resolution Audio Support: Many DAPs support lossless formats like FLAC, DSD, ALAC, and MQA, preserving studio-quality sound.
No Distractions: Unlike phones, DAPs let you focus solely on music without notifications or battery-draining apps.
Better Amplification: They drive high-impedance headphones effortlessly, something most smartphones struggle with.
Expandable Storage: Many support microSD cards, allowing you to carry thousands of songs.

Now, let’s explore the best options under $500.

Top Music Players Under $500 in 2025

1. Activo P1 – Best Overall Hi-Res Player

(Approx. $450 to $500)

Why It Stands Out:
The Activo P1 is a mid-range powerhouse from Astell & Kern’s subsidiary brand, delivering near high-end performance at a more accessible price. It features an ESS ES9219Q SABRE Dual-DAC, ensuring crisp, dynamic sound with deep bass and sparkling highs.

Key Features:

Supports FLAC, DSD, WAV, MQA, ALAC, and more.
64GB internal storage (expandable up to 1.5TB via microSD).
20-hour battery life—great for long listening sessions.
Play Store access lets you stream from Tidal, Qobuz, or Apple Music.
Doubles as a USB DAC for your computer.

Downsides:

Runs slightly warm under heavy use.
Startup time is slower than that of premium models.

Best For: Audiophiles who want flagship-level sound without the flagship price.

2. FiiO M23 – Best-Priced Elite Player

(Approx. $450 to $500)

Why It Stands Out:
FiiO’s M23 is a high-performance DAP that punches above its weight, offering delicate yet muscular sound with a balanced output. It’s a step up from the older M11S, with improved amplification and a refined audio signature.

Key Features:

Dual ESS ES9038Q2M DACs for ultra-low distortion.
Balanced 4.4mm & 3.5mm outputs for versatile headphone pairing.
Android-based OS with app support (Spotify, Tidal, etc.).
Long battery life (around 15–20 hours).

Downsides:

Slightly bulky for pocket use.
No Wi-Fi 6 support.

Best For: Those who want a no-compromise audio experience with streaming flexibility.

You may like: JC Acoustics Audio

3. Sony NW-A306 – Best Mid-Range Walkman

(Approx. $300 to $350)

Why It Stands Out:
Sony’s NW-A306 is a compact, feature-packed Walkman that delivers High-Resolution Audio with Sony’s signature tuning—warm, detailed, and immersive.

Key Features:

Master HX amplification for clean, powerful sound.
32GB storage (expandable via microSD).
Bluetooth LDAC & aptX HD for wireless hi-res listening.
Up to 36 hours of battery life—one of the best in its class.
Android-based, so you can install streaming apps.

Downsides:

Only half the internal storage (16GB) is usable due to the OS.
The interface can feel sluggish compared to newer models.

Best For: Sony fans who want a portable, long-lasting player with streaming support.

4. FiiO M11S – Best Mid-Range for Features

(Approx. $400 to $450)

Why It Stands Out:
The FiiO M11S is a slightly older but still excellent DAP that offers premium sound and features at a discounted price since the release of the M23.

Key Features:

Dual AK4493SEQ DACs for smooth, detailed sound.
Balanced 2.5mm & 4.4mm outputs for high-end headphones.
Android 10 with full app support (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.).
13-hour battery life (decent for its power output).

Downsides:

An older processor means slower app performance.
No MQA full decoding (only unfolding).

Best For: Budget-conscious audiophiles who still want a feature-rich DAP.

5. Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 – Best Step-Up Player

(Approx. $500 to $550, sometimes discounted below $500)

Why It Stands Out:
While slightly above $500 at MSRP, the A&norma SR35 often drops in price and is worth stretching the budget for. It’s Astell & Kern’s “entry-level” model, but it performs like a much more expensive player.

Key Features:

Quad DAC setup for ultra-low noise and distortion.
Supports 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256, and MQA.
Three headphone outputs (3.5mm, 2.5mm, 4.4mm).
Roon & streaming app support (Tidal, Qobuz).
20-hour battery life.

Downsides:

Pricier than other mid-range options.
No Google Play Store (only select pre-installed apps).

Best For: Those who want a taste of Astell & Kern’s premium sound without the $1,000+ price tag.

Honorable Mentions

Shanling M3 Ultra (~$400) – A great alternative with a warm, analog-like sound.
iBasso DX170 (~$450) – Powerful amp section, ideal for hard-to-drive headphones.
Hiby R6 Gen III (~$500) – Excellent Android-based DAP with a musical, engaging sound.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Best Overall: Activo P1 (best sound-to-price ratio).
Best for Wireless Listening: Sony NW-A306 (long battery + LDAC Bluetooth).
Best for Hard-to-Drive Headphones: FiiO M23 (strong amplification).
Best Budget Alternative: FiiO M11S (discounted but still excellent).

Conclusion:

For the spending audiophiles that don’t want to go over $500, any of these digital audio players will provide a vastly superior listening experience compared to a smartphone. If it’s streaming, expandable space, or sheer sound fidelity you’re after, there is a DAP here that fulfills those requirements alongside giving an incredible listening experience.

Aimed at the audiophile consumer, investing in a dedicated music player ensures the best reproduction of sound possible. Enjoy!