Group test: what's the best portable media player?

5. SanDisk Sansa Clip Zip

• Reviewed on: 24 January 12
• RRP: Around £39 inc VAT for 4GB model
• Rating:

Overall, the Sansa Clip Zip is an appealing value alternative to the nano or shuffle. Yes, it's not as cool-looking, and yes, it lacks some of the sexier features on Apple's MP3 players (such as the VoiceOver feature that uses computer-generated speech to tell you what you're listening to), but it delivers a lot of meat-and-potatoes functionality for not too much money.

4. Sixth-generation Apple iPad nano

• Reviewed on: 1 October 11
• RRP: £129 inc VAT for 8GB model
• Rating:

With the sixth-generation Apple iPod nano, Apple has proved to us that less is not best. Key features that we loved on previous models like the camera, video recording and integrated speaker have disappeared. The new nano remains a solid device for listening to music, and comes with some handy fitness features, but Apple has substituted features for looks.

3. Samsung Galaxy Player 4

• Reviewed on: 6 January 12
• RRP: £175 inc. VAT
• Rating:

As an iPod Touch alternative, the Galaxy Player 4 has much to like - especially if you're already familiar with Android and have invested money in the ecosystem. The quality of audio played back through the stock Samsung music app is poor, but the Android advantage includes letting you choose third-party player options from Android Market. If you are looking for a taste of Android without having to pay for cellular service, the Galaxy Player 4 is a good Android device to tinker with.

2. Samsung Galaxy Player 5

• Reviewed on: 9 January 12
• RRP: £179 inc. VAT
• Rating:

As an iPod touch alternative, the Galaxy Player 5 offers much to like - especially if you are already familiar with Android and have invested money in the ecosystem. Audio playback through the stock Samsung music app is of poor quality, but the Android advantage means that you have the ability to choose third-party player options from the Android Market. If you are looking for a taste of Android without the cost of cellular service, the Galaxy Player 5 is a good Android device to tinker with.

1. iPod touch [2011 model]

• Reviewed on: 15 November 11
• RRP: £169 (8GB), £249 (34GB), £329 (64GB)
• Rating:

The iPod touch is now even slimmer, at 7.2mm, comes with iOS5 and supports iCloud - a neat way of accessing your music and Photostream from anywhere via the web. The iMessage feature now lets you send secure messages over Wi-Fi too.