11 Best Digital Audio Players (DAP) of 2019
Are you looking for the best DAP’s, but have no idea what one will suit you best? Then you’ll save time by taking a look at this buyer’s guide where you’ll find some of the best DAP’s the marketplace has to offer. These DAP’s produce premium Hi-Fi audio that enhances all your songs and balances the highs/lows.
Furthermore, we have created a buying considerations section where you’ll learn about the different features a DAP can have. We will cover durability, connectivity, practicality, audio quality, and brand. Once you have finished reading the buying considerations you’ll have gained the necessary knowledge to purchase the most suitable DAP for your needs. Even if you don’t buy from us at least you what have learned the right information to buy elsewhere.
Moreover, we have created three price categories based, which means all customers have DAP’s to choose from that match their budgets. Every product has been carefully chosen because we want to present the best options for our customers. Also, we have rated them on a scale from 1 to 5, so you get an idea of their quality at a glance.
Budget |
---|
FiiO M7 |
4.9/5.0 |
Weight: 4.2 Pounds |
Battery life: 20 Hours |
Supports micro SD cards up to 512 GB and has a 40 day standby time. |
Check Amazon |
Best Value |
---|
FiiO X7II |
4.9/5.0 |
Weight: 7.5 Pounds |
Battery life: 13 Hours |
Has built-in Wi-Fi, uses Bluetooth 4.2, and a 1.5 hour charge time. |
Check Amazon |
Top Pick |
---|
Questyle High-Res QP2R-SG |
4.9/5.0 |
Weight: 5 Pounds |
Battery life: 10 Hours |
Supports all popular audio formats and increases audio quality. |
Check Amazon |
Buying Considerations
Durability
Connectivity
Practicality
Audio Quality
Brand
Items by price:
DAPs Comparison Table
Make and Model | Weight | Battery life | Price |
---|---|---|---|
FiiO M7 High-Resolution Lossless Music Player | 4.2 Pounds | 20 Hours | Check Price |
HiBy R3 Ultraportable Hi-Fi Music Player | 10.1 Pounds | 11 Hours | Check Price |
AGPTEK H3 HiFi Bluetooth MP3 Player | 3.84 Pounds | 24 Hours | Check Price |
HIDIZS AP60ⅡMP3 Player | 6.7 Pounds | 10 Hours | Check Price |
SanDisk 8GB Clip Sport MP3 Player | 0.96 Pounds | 25 Hours | Check Price |
FiiO X7II Music Player | 7.5 Pounds | 13 Hours | Check Price |
Cayin N5iiS Digital Audio Player | 8.8 Pounds | 20 Hours | Check Price |
Pioneer hi-res digital audio player XDP-300R | 7 Pounds | 20 Hours | Check Price |
Sony NW-A45/B Walkman | 7.2 Pounds | 45 Hours | Check Price |
Questyle High-Res QP2R-SG DAP | 5 Pounds | 10 Hours | Check Price |
Sony NWWM1Z Signature Series Hi-Res Walkman | 30.24 Pounds | 33 Hours | Check Price |
Best DAP Under $200
Are you searching for the best DAP’s, but only have a budget of $200 to spend? In this category we will present some of the best budget options the marketplace has to offer. They offer clearer audio, which makes any song sound premium. The touch screens are highly responsive and easy to use, plus the build quality is excellent.
Also, the connections are always stable throughout the listening period because they use advanced Bluetooth technology. Lastly, with some of these options you can put in a micro SD card to gain more storage for your songs.
1. Best Budget: FiiO M7 High-Resolution Lossless Music Player
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The FiiO M7 High-Resolution Lossless Music Player delivers high fidelity audio because it uses aptX, aptX-HD, and LDAC Bluetooth. These technologies combined make the music smoother to listen to and the Bluetooth codecs establish stable connections. The connection range is ultra-wide, which means don’t have to keep the DAP with you at all times.
The DAP can deliver up to 20 hours of playback time, therefore taking this device on road trips is a great idea. The standby time is 40 days, so if you don’t use the DAP the battery life will not be reduced. Also, the FiiO M7 has a power saving Samsung Exynos 7270 processor, which extends the battery life.
Moreover, the DAP comes with a full touch screen that is easy to use and control. In the instruction manual you can learn about the features when using the touch screen. Also, the DAP supports micro SD cards up to 512 GB, FM radio, and USB audio output.
The DAP doesn’t have a lot of internal storage, which means you need to buy an external micro SD card. However, depending on the size of the micro SD card they can get very expensive, which means you’ll need to invest more in the DAP. Also, the touch screen is easy to damage if you drop it on its front.
In summary, the FiiO M7 High-Resolution Lossless Music Player is an excellent choice because it delivers smooth audio. The technologies used are aptX, aptX-HD, and LDAC Bluetooth; together they deliver richer lows and pinpoint highs. The battery life is 20 hours and the standby time is 40 days. Also, the DAP supports micro SD cards up to 512 GB.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 4.2 Ounces |
Battery life: 20 Hours |
Brand: Fiio |
The Pros |
---|
Supports micro SD cards up to 512 GB |
40 day standby time |
Has a power saving processor |
The Cons |
---|
Not a lot of internal storage |
Touch screen easily to damage when dropped |
2. HiBy R3 Ultraportable Hi-Fi Music Player
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The HiBy R3 Ultraportable Hi-Fi Music Player delivers stable connections because it uses Bluetooth version 4.1 and aptX. An advanced 2.4G Wi-Fi radio is implemented so you can connect to your favorite stations. Also, the device brings you cloud music service via Tidal, which means you don’t need to keep songs on the device.
The DAP comes with a 3.2 IPS full touch screen, which makes it easy to use. With a single swipe you can switch songs, regulate the volume, and pause/play music. The build quality is great since it features durable materials that can take a beating. Also, on the side of the DAP are buttons that can be used to regulate the audio.
Moreover, the HiBy R3 Ultraportable Hi-Fi Music Player doesn’t have any internal storage, but it comes with a micro SD card slot. The expandable storage supports up to 2 TB, which should be enough to carry your whole music library.
Mentioned before the DAP doesn’t have any internal storage, therefore you’ll have to purchase a micro SD card to play songs. Also, the DAP only comes with 3 color designs, which means you don’t get much personalization.
To conclude, the HiBy R3 Ultraportable Hi-Fi Music Player is a great budget choice because it comes with Bluetooth 4.1 and aptX technology. The 3.2 IPS full touch screen is easy to use and ultra-responsive. Also, the DAP supports up to 2 TB of storage, which means you can save thousands of songs.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 10.1 Ounces |
Battery life: 11 Hours |
Brand: HiBy |
The Pros |
---|
Supports micro SD cards up to 2 TB |
Uses advanced 2.4G Wi-Fi radio |
Responsive touch screen |
The Cons |
---|
Doesn’t have internal storage |
Only 3 designs to choose from |
3. AGPTEK H3 HiFi Bluetooth MP3 Player
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The AGPTEK H3 HiFi Bluetooth MP3 Player delivers in-depth detailed high-resolution audio without noticeable distortion. The MP3 player supports most popular formats, which means you don’t have to worry about downloading music with the wrong extension. The DAP has a micro SD slot that is compatible up to 256 GB of storage or around 15,000 songs.
Furthermore, the battery life lasts for 24 hours when playing at medium volume and when using headphones the battery lasts for 10 hours. The charging time is 4 hours, which doesn’t take long compared to other DAP’s.
The wireless connections are stable because it uses Bluetooth 4.0, which also has a wide connection range. This means you don’t have to keep the DAP near you at all times because connections are stable as long as you’re in the connection range. Also, it has an auxiliary port for non-Bluetooth devices.
However, when in AUX mode make sure to use a premium wire because otherwise the audio won’t be as clear. Also, the DAP doesn’t have any internal storage, which means you’ll need to purchase a micro SD card.
To summarize, the AGPTEK H3 HiFi Bluetooth MP3 Player can deliver premium sounding audio for up to 24 hours. The DAP supports AUX, which is ideal if you don’t have a Bluetooth device. There is no internal storage, but the DAP supports micro SD cards up to 256 GB or 15,000 songs. Also, the MP3 player supports multiple audio formats.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 3.84 Ounces |
Battery life: 24 Hours |
Brand: AGPTEK |
The Pros |
---|
Supports up to 256 GB micro SD cards |
4 hour charging time |
Supports most audio formats |
The Cons |
---|
Must use a premium wire in AUX mode |
No internal storage |
4. HIDIZS AP60ⅡMP3 Player
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The HIDIZS AP60ⅡMP3 Player uses Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX technology, which brings stable connections throughout the listening period. The device is easy to connect to as it uses a 2-inch IPS HD screen with buttons underneath. With the built-in buttons you can shuffle between songs, adjust the volume, and mute when needed.
The battery life lasts for 10 hours and can be extended depending on the volume. You can create multiple playlists, which gives you the option to save favorite songs into one section. Also, you can connect the DAP to your car when using USB mode.
Moreover, the DAP has a micro SD slot that is compatible with 256 GB of storage, which means you can save thousands of songs on the device. The DAP features a decoder, so you can play most formats. Also, the decoder increases the audio quality making every beat sound premium.
There is no built-in internal storage; therefore you’ll have to purchase an additional micro SD card to play music. Also, the DAP doesn’t feature a touch screen, which can make the device an inconvenience to use.
In summary, the HIDIZS AP60ⅡMP3 Player uses multiple technologies that increase audio quality. The wireless connections are stable throughout the duration because it uses Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX. Also, the DAP has a micro USB slot that can store up to 256 GB of storage. Also, the built-in buttons can be used to shuffle between songs, regulate the volume, and create playlists.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 6.7 Ounces |
Battery life: 10 Hours |
Brand: HIDIZS |
The Pros |
---|
Supports up to 256 GB micro SD cards |
Easy to create playlists |
Stable Bluetooth connections |
The Cons |
---|
No built-in storage |
No touch screen |
5. SanDisk 8GB Clip Sport MP3 Player
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
The SanDisk 8GB Clip Sports MP3 Player is a great compact budget choice because of its lightweight design. The DAP is made for athletes and fitness enthusiasts since it has a clip that you can attach to your shirt. Also, the battery lasts for 25 hours, therefore taking it on hikes and runs is ideal.
The DAP comes with an internal storage capacity of 8 GB, which means you can store thousands of your favorite songs. The device contains a micro SDHC memory card slot for even more storage. The design of the DAP is made to last using premium materials, which can take a beating. Also, you have 7 styles to choose from, so you get more personalization.
The DAP features built-in buttons that can be used to skip between songs, regulate the volume, and pause when needed. The device is compatible with MP3, AAC, and other common audio formats. Also, there is an FM tuner, which lets you listen to your favorite radio shows.
The DAP doesn’t feature built-in Bluetooth, which means you can’t connect wireless headphones or earphones. Also, the 8 GB of internal storage may not be enough. Therefore, you’ll have to spend extra money to buy a micro SDHC card.
In conclusion, the SanDisk 8GB Clip Sports MP3 Player is a great budget option for athletes because it features a clip that you can attach to your shirt. The DAP is made from durable materials so it can take a beating without breaking. Also, the battery lasts for 25 hours, which makes it an ideal choice to take on marathons or hikes.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 0.96 Ounces |
Battery life: 25 Hours |
Brand: SanDisk |
The Pros |
---|
Lightweight design |
Compatible with most popular formats |
8 GB internal storage |
The Cons |
---|
No built-in Bluetooth |
Water can easily damage the DAP |
Best DAP Under $1000
Have you searched the marketplace for the best DAPs under $1000, but can’t seem to find the right fit? In this category we will show you some of the best mid-range priced DAPs that deliver enhanced audio. The build quality is excellent because the brands can invest more into these music players. Also, they are easy to use due to the highly responsive touch screen.
Moreover, you can connect with your wireless headphone or earphones because they have built-in Bluetooth. Connections are stable throughout the listening period as long as you keep the DAP and audio device near each other.
6. Best Value: FiiO X7II Music Player
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The FiiO X7II Music Player uses an updated exterior, which is durable and prevents from scratching. The battery life lasts for 13 hours and the standby time is 26 days, which so its ideal to take on long trips. Also, due to the support of the popular QC2.0 and MTK PE, the DAP has a quick charge feature, which takes 1.5 hours to charge.
The DAP has a 480*800 in-cell touchscreen that is highly responsive, which makes the device easy to use. The FiiO X7II Music Player uses Android 5.1. Therefore, you can easily customize and optimize the DAP.
Moreover, the FiiO X7II Music Player uses Bluetooth 4.2, which means connections are stable throughout the session. The device supports Wi-Fi on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, thus allowing more stable, stronger, and faster connections.
The screen can easily break if dropped on the front, which means you may need to buy a screen protector. Also, internal storage is 64 GB, so it may not be enough to keep all your songs and movies.
To summarize, the FiiO X7II Music Player is an excellent choice because it delivers balanced Hi-Fi audio. The internal storage is 64 GB and has dual card slots. Therefore, you can store thousands of songs on to the device. Also, the DAP uses Bluetooth 4.2, so connections are stable throughout the session.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 7.5 Ounces |
Battery life: 13 Hours |
Brand: FiiO |
The Pros |
---|
Has built-in Wi-Fi |
Uses Bluetooth 4.2 |
1.5 hour charge time |
The Cons |
---|
Screen easily breaks if you’re not careful |
64 GB internal storage may not be enough |
7. Cayin N5iiS Digital Audio Player
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Cayin N5iiS Digital Audio Player uses a durable design because it’s made from materials such as steel. The 3.5-inch IPS touch screen is highly responsive and is easy to navigate. With the touch screen you can shuffle between songs, mute when needed, and regulate the volume. Also, there are buttons located on the side that can be used to do the same things.
The DAP supports third-party apps, which means you can download Spotify, Apple music, and other popular music applications to play music. The 2 GB of RAM means that the DAP can run most apps and doesn’t lag when in use. Also, the device has 64 GB internal memory, so you won’t need to purchase a micro SD card separately.
Furthermore, the quad-core processor offers intuitive user experience and extraordinary digital audio. The DAP supports DST and DTS encoded format, which means the audio sounds pinpoint perfect. The device has a 3.5 mm input allowing you to connect your headphones or earphones with ease.
With this DAP you can see scratches easily because of the light steel design. Also, the battery life is only 10 hours long when playing at full volume, but at lower levels you can extend the playback time to 20 hours.
In conclusion, the Cayin N5iiS Digital Audio Player is a brilliant choice because it comes with a durable design due to the steel exterior. The DAP supports DST and DTS, which means the audio quality is enhanced. The internal storage is 64 GB so you won’t have to purchase an external micro SD card.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 8.8 Ounces |
Battery life: 20 Hours |
Brand: Cayin |
The Pros |
---|
64 GB internal storage |
2 GB of RAM |
3.5-inch touch screen |
The Cons |
---|
10-hour battery life when using full volume |
Can see scratches easily on steel case |
8. Pioneer hi-res digital audio player XDP-300R
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
This DAP uses a high-class amp that lets the device produce premium music that makes any song sound enhanced. The music player is fitted with Android software, which means the device is easy to use. The DAP supports most music apps so you can download them to stream your favorite songs.
The DAP has a built-in EQ, allowing you to regulate the bass and treble to your preferences. The high precision graphic equalizer can adjust the volume of up to 16,384 frequency band, which gives you further customization with the audio. Also, the DAP supports a variety of audio formats, so you don’t have to worry about downloading the wrong files.
The music player has a 3.5 mm jack that can be used to connect audio devices such as headphones and earbuds. The DAP design is made to be easily portable as it only weighs 7 pounds. Also, the build quality is great due to the premium materials used to protect the microchips inside.
Pioneer is known for creating great products, which means going with this DAP is a no-brainer. However, popular brands increase their prices, and that means you may find a cheaper alternative with the same features. Also, this DAP only comes in one color design so you don’t get much personalization.
In summary, the Pioneer hi-res digital audio player XDP-300R is an excellent option since it enhances the audio with its built-in amp. The DAP features a built-in EQ that can be used to adjust the bass and treble to your preferences. Lastly, the device uses Android OS, which makes it easier to use and allows you to download third-party applications.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 7 Ounces |
Battery life: 20 Hours |
Brand: Pioneer |
The Pros |
---|
Uses Android OS |
Built-in EQ |
Built-in amp |
The Cons |
---|
No color designs to choose from |
Due to brand the price is increased compared to other options |
9. Sony NW-A45/B Walkman
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The Sony NW-A45/B Walkman delivers studio-quality sound that is highly competitive. The DAP runs on 24 bit/96+ KHz, whereas CDs operate at 16 bit/44.1 kHz. This means the Walkman can deliver smoother audio with greater detail. Also, the DAP can transmit 3.2x more data; therefore it works a lot faster than CD’s.
With the Sony NW-A45/B Walkman you can enjoy up to 45 hours of music, which makes it an ideal choice for people who travel a lot. The DAP can be paired wirelessly because it has built-in Bluetooth technology. Also, after the first time you connect, the DAP will connect automatically since it has NFC pairing.
The DAP has 16 GB of internal storage so you won’t need to purchase a micro SD card separately. The Walkman is easy to use due to the highly responsive touch screen. You can create playlists, shuffle between songs, and regulate the volume. Plus, multiple buttons on the side can be used to adjust the audio without the need to unlock the screen.
The DAP has a long battery life, but the charging time can take a couple of hours. This means if you forget to charge the device before going on a trip you’ll be left without music. Also, there are only 2 color designs to choose from, which means you don’t get much choice.
To summarize, the Sony NW-A45/B Walkman is a premium choice because it comes with built-in amps that increases the audio quality. The DAP has built-in Bluetooth and NFC pairing. Therefore, you can connect with your wireless audio devices in a straightforward manner. Also, you can enjoy up to 45 hours of playback time due to the large built-in battery.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 7.2 Ounces |
Battery life: 45 Hours |
Brand: Sony |
The Pros |
---|
Highly responsive touch screen |
Long battery life |
16 GB internal storage |
The Cons |
---|
Long charging time |
Only 2 designs to choose from |
Best DAP Under $3000
Are you searching for the best DAP’s under $3000, but so far found nothing that interests you in the marketplace? This category features the best DAP’s that offer great audio quality, durability, and practicality. The touch screens are highly responsive and easy to use – plus they are resistant to scratches.
You can connect to these speakers via Bluetooth since they feature wireless technology. Lastly, the internal storage sizes are large, which means you can store thousands of songs and movies onto one device.
10. Top Pick: Questyle High-Res QP2R-SG DAP
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Questyle High-Res QP2R-SG DAP has built-in internal storage of 64 GB and a micro SD card slot that can handle up to 200 GB. The DAP supports all popular formats such as WAV, MP3, and WMA, so you don’t have to worry about downloading the wrong files. Also, the DAP has a DAC chip that has an output impedance of 0.1.
Furthermore, the built-in 3100 mAh lithium polymer battery can deliver up to 10 hours of continuous playback time. The DAP size is 65-mm x 134-mm x 14.5-mm so traveling with the device is easy. Also, the DAP is easy to use because it has built-in buttons that can be used to regulate the volume and shuffle between songs.
Upon purchasing the DAP you will get a type-C USB charger, optical digital cable adapter, carrying pouch, and user manual. Also, the DAP uses DSD technology that supports up to 11.2 MHz and PCM that supports native playback up to 384 kHz/32bit.
It’s an expensive DAP so make sure you have the money to invest and you’ll appreciate the quality that’s here. Also, the built-in battery only delivers up to 10 hours of running time, which is not a lot compared to other options.
To summarize, the Questyle High-Res QP2R-SG DAP is an excellent choice because it delivers premium quality audio. The combined technology used makes any basic beat sound pinpoint accurate with detail. The DAP supports all popular audio formats. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about which files to download.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 5 Ounces |
Battery life: 10 Hours |
Brand: Questyle |
The Pros |
---|
Supports all popular audio formats |
Compact design is easy to travel with |
Increases audio quality |
The Cons |
---|
Short battery compared to other devices |
Not a budget option |
11. Sony NWWM1Z Signature Series Hi-Res Walkman
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Sony NWWM1Z Signature Series Hi-Res Walkman is compatible with all popular formats because it uses 32 bit 384 kHz PCM bit-to-bit playback and native DSD support up to 11.2 MHz. The new DSEE HX builds off of DSEE technology, which upscales compressed audio to make it sound detailed.
The Sony Bluetooth LDAC codec takes your music streaming to the next level because it can transmit data 3x. LDAC provides near Hi-Res audio quality and the Bluetooth technology keeps connections stable throughout the experience.
Moreover, the oxygen-free copper and gold-plated case protect the microchips inside from most accidental drops. The 4-inch touch screen is highly responsive and easy to navigate through thanks to its basic design. Also, you get a whopping 265 GB internal storage .Plus if you run out of space you can insert a micro SD card.
This DAP is powerful so make sure that your other audio devices are compatible. Also, the 265 GB of storage is more than enough for most people, which means the slot for the micro SD card could have been used for other features.
In summary, the Sony NWWM1Z Signature Series Hi-Res Walkman is an excellent option because it enhances the music to Hi-res. The DAP has 265 GB of internal storage so you won’t need to purchase a micro SD card. The audio device can bring 33 hours of playback time thanks to the large built-in battery. Also, the gold-plated case protects the microchips inside, which ensures a long-lasting product.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 30.24 Ounces |
Battery life: 33 Hours |
Brand: Sony |
The Pros |
---|
256 GB internal storage |
Outputs Hi-res audio |
Stable Bluetooth connections |
The Cons |
---|
May be too powerful for some audio devices |
Not a budget option |
Contents
- Buying Considerations
- Durability
- Connectivity
- Practicality
- Audio Quality
- Brand
- Items by price:
- DAPs Comparison Table
- Best DAP Under $200
- 1. Best Budget: FiiO M7 High-Resolution Lossless Music Player
- 2. HiBy R3 Ultraportable Hi-Fi Music Player
- 3. AGPTEK H3 HiFi Bluetooth MP3 Player
- 4. HIDIZS AP60ⅡMP3 Player
- 5. SanDisk 8GB Clip Sport MP3 Player
- Best DAP Under $1000
- 6. Best Value: FiiO X7II Music Player
- 7. Cayin N5iiS Digital Audio Player
- 8. Pioneer hi-res digital audio player XDP-300R
- 9. Sony NW-A45/B Walkman
- Best DAP Under $3000
- 10. Top Pick: Questyle High-Res QP2R-SG DAP
- 11. Sony NWWM1Z Signature Series Hi-Res Walkman
So, a nice sony walkman weighs 30… pounds? Is this thing made out of depleted uranium or what? Was it weighed on Jupiter?