10 Best High Resolution Audio Players 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Sony NW-WM1ZM2 256GB Signature Series Premium Digital Music Player
The Sony NW-WM1ZM2 is a premium high-resolution audio player designed for serious music lovers who want to experience sound very close to the original recording. It supports high-quality audio formats, including 24-bit/96 kHz and native DSD files, enabling playback of very detailed and clear music files. With 256GB of storage, it can hold a large music library, making it ideal for offline listening without worrying about space. The device features a 5-inch LED screen and a user-friendly interface, with a focus on sound quality rather than touchscreen navigation speed.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,284
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)
Most important from
21 reviews
#2
Sony NW-WM1AM2 Hi-Res 128GB Walkman Digital MP3 Music Player
The Sony NW-WM1AM2 Hi-Res Walkman is a strong contender in the high-resolution audio player category. Its support for various high-res audio formats, including Native DSD, ensures impressive audio quality. The inclusion of the S-Master HX digital amplifier further enhances sound purity, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles.
Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Battery Life
User Interface and Controls
Most important from
109 reviews
#3
FiiO M21 Android 13 Portable Music Player MP3 Snapdragon 680 4* CS43198 DAC Chips Hi-Res Audio DSD Bluetooth LDAC (Titanium Gold)
The FiiO M21 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a high-resolution audio player with strong performance and sound quality. Powered by the efficient Snapdragon 680 processor and running Android 13, it offers smooth operation and supports all popular music apps, making it versatile beyond just playing local files. With 64GB of storage, it provides a decent amount of space for high-res music collections. The standout feature is its quad CS43198 DAC chips with a balanced 2-stage amplifier, which work together to deliver clear, detailed sound with low noise—perfect for audiophiles or anyone who appreciates rich audio.
Rating
9.1
Battery Life
User Interface and Controls
Build Quality and Design
Most important from
284 reviews
Top 10 Best High Resolution Audio Players 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Sony NW-WM1ZM2 256GB Signature Series Premium Digital Music Player
Sony NW-WM1ZM2 256GB Signature Series Premium Digital Music Player
Audio Formats Supported: 24-bit/96 kHz, native DSD
Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Battery Life: decent
User Interface and Controls: user-friendly, sound quality focus
Build Quality and Design: gold-plated oxygen-free copper body
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): high-grade digital-to-analog converter
Chosen by 1284 this week
Sony NW-WM1AM2 Hi-Res 128GB Walkman Digital MP3 Music Player
Sony NW-WM1AM2 Hi-Res 128GB Walkman Digital MP3 Music Player
Audio Formats Supported: Native DSD
Storage Capacity: 128 GB
Battery Life: Long battery life
User Interface and Controls: User-friendly interface
Build Quality and Design: Aluminum frame
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): S-Master HX amplifier
FiiO M21 Android 13 Portable Music Player MP3 Snapdragon 680 4* CS43198 DAC Chips Hi-Res Audio DSD Bluetooth LDAC (Titanium Gold)
FiiO M21 Android 13 Portable Music Player MP3 Snapdragon 680 4* CS43198 DAC Chips Hi-Res Audio DSD Bluetooth LDAC (Titanium Gold)
Storage Capacity: 64GB
User Interface and Controls: Android 13, 4.7-inch LCD screen
Build Quality and Design: Solid build, titanium gold, portable
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, dual headphone jacks
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): Quad CS43198 DAC, balanced amp
HiBy R6III 2025 DAP Player Hi Res Audio MP3 Player with Class A&AB Amp/Android 12/Bluetooth 5.0/WiFi/64G+2TB Expandable Memory
HiBy R6III 2025 DAP Player Hi Res Audio MP3 Player with Class A&AB Amp/Android 12/Bluetooth 5.0/WiFi/64G+2TB Expandable Memory
Audio Formats Supported: DSD512, PCM 768kHz, MQA decoding
Storage Capacity: 64GB built-in, expandable to 2TB
User Interface and Controls: Android 12, Snapdragon, 4GB RAM, 5-inch
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band WiFi, Aux, USB
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): Four Cirrus Logic flagship DACs
FiiO M15S Music Player Snapdragon 660 with ES9038PRO Hi-Res Android 10 5.5inch MP3 Player WiFi/MQA/Bluetooth 5.0/Spotify/Tidal/Amazon Music Support
FiiO M15S Music Player Snapdragon 660 with ES9038PRO Hi-Res Android 10 5.5inch MP3 Player WiFi/MQA/Bluetooth 5.0/Spotify/Tidal/Amazon Music Support
Audio Formats Supported: broad range of formats
Storage Capacity: 64 GB
User Interface and Controls: 5.5-inch screen
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi, USB
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): ES9038PRO DAC
Related Products
FiiO M23 Hi-Res MP3 Music Player Android 10 Snapdragon 660 with AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, 5.5inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 3.5mm/4.4mm (Dark Blue(Aluminum Alloy))
FiiO M23 Hi-Res MP3 Music Player Android 10 Snapdragon 660 with AK4191EQ+AK4499EX, 5.5inch, Lossless DSD/MQA, 5G WiFi/Apple Music/Tidal/Amazon Music 4.4mm 3.5mm/4.4mm (Dark Blue(Aluminum Alloy))
Audio Formats Supported: lossless formats like DSD, MQA
Storage Capacity: 64GB built-in, microSD expandable
User Interface and Controls: 5.5-inch touchscreen, Android 10
Build Quality and Design: aluminum alloy body, 1.46 lbs
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, 5G Wi-Fi, USB, headphones
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): AK4191EQ and AK4499EX
Astell&Kern KANN Ultra Portable High Resolution Audio Player (Astro Gray)
Astell&Kern KANN Ultra Portable High Resolution Audio Player (Astro Gray)
Audio Formats Supported: up to 32-bit/768kHz, native DSD512
Storage Capacity: 128GB internal, microSD slot
Battery Life: up to 11 hours
User Interface and Controls: 5.5-inch touchscreen, intuitive controls
Build Quality and Design: robust, sleek, Astro Gray finish
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (LDAC, aptX HD)
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): ES9039MPRO dual DACs
JadeAudio/FiiO JM21 Android 13 Hi-Res Music Player MP3 with Snapdragon 680, Bluetooth WiFi USB DAC 12.5H Playtime (Sky Blue)
JadeAudio/FiiO JM21 Android 13 Hi-Res Music Player MP3 with Snapdragon 680, Bluetooth WiFi USB DAC 12.5H Playtime (Sky Blue)
Storage Capacity: 32GB internal, supports microSD cards
Battery Life: 12.5-hour
User Interface and Controls: Android 13 OS, 4.7-inch touchscreen
Build Quality and Design: Lightweight, thin design
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB DAC
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): Dual flagship DACs
#10
FiiO M17 Portable Desktop-Class Music Player
FiiO M17 Portable Desktop-Class Music Player
Audio Formats Supported: DSD512, MQA 8x, lossless
Storage Capacity: 4 GB internal, expandable microSD
Battery Life: around 10 hours
User Interface and Controls: Android 10
Build Quality and Design: aluminum frame, metal body, RGB
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 5.0, multiple outputs, USB
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): ES9038PRO
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Buying Guide for the Best High Resolution Audio Players
Choosing the right high-resolution audio player can significantly enhance your music listening experience. These devices are designed to deliver superior sound quality, making them a great choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. When selecting a high-resolution audio player, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and enjoy your music to the fullest.Audio Formats SupportedThis spec refers to the types of audio files the player can handle. High-resolution audio players typically support a wide range of formats, including FLAC, ALAC, WAV, and DSD, which offer better sound quality than standard MP3 files. It's important because the more formats a player supports, the more versatile it is. If you have a diverse music library with various file types, look for a player that supports multiple high-resolution formats. If you primarily use one type of file, ensure the player supports that specific format.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity indicates how much music you can store on the device. High-resolution audio files are larger than standard files, so more storage is beneficial. Players come with built-in storage ranging from a few gigabytes to several hundred gigabytes, and some offer expandable storage via microSD cards. If you have a large music collection or plan to store many high-resolution files, opt for a player with higher storage capacity or expandable storage options. For smaller collections, a player with less storage may suffice.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the player can operate on a single charge. This is crucial for those who listen to music on the go. High-resolution audio players typically offer battery life ranging from 10 to 40 hours. If you frequently travel or use the player for extended periods, choose one with longer battery life. For occasional use or shorter listening sessions, a player with moderate battery life may be adequate.
User Interface and ControlsThe user interface and controls affect how easy it is to navigate and use the player. A good interface should be intuitive and responsive, with clear menus and easy access to your music library. Some players have touchscreens, while others use physical buttons or a combination of both. If you prefer a modern, smartphone-like experience, look for a player with a touchscreen. If you value tactile feedback or plan to use the player in situations where a touchscreen might be impractical, consider one with physical buttons.
Build Quality and DesignBuild quality and design refer to the materials and construction of the player, as well as its aesthetic appeal. A well-built player is more durable and can withstand daily use. High-resolution audio players come in various designs, from sleek and modern to more rugged and utilitarian. If you plan to use the player in demanding environments, choose one with a robust build. If style and portability are important, look for a player with a sleek design and lightweight construction.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options include the ways you can connect the player to other devices, such as headphones, speakers, or computers. Common options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, and headphone jacks. This spec is important because it determines how versatile the player is in different listening scenarios. If you use wireless headphones or speakers, ensure the player has Bluetooth. For transferring files or streaming music, Wi-Fi and USB connectivity are useful. Consider your typical usage and choose a player with the appropriate connectivity options.
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)The DAC is a crucial component that converts digital audio signals into analog signals that can be heard through headphones or speakers. A high-quality DAC can significantly improve sound quality. Players with advanced DACs often provide clearer, more detailed audio. If you are an audiophile or highly value sound quality, look for a player with a high-end DAC. For casual listeners, a standard DAC may be sufficient, but it's still worth considering for the best possible audio experience.