An Mp3 player can make a remarkable difference in the lives of seniors. They give the user the ability to have all their favorite songs and audiobooks stored on a single device.
We have picked seven easy-to-use mp3 players for seniors to help keep boredom at bay, and we will discuss everything you need to consider before buying one.
Our top selection is the iGuerburn 16GB MP3 Player. If you are anxious to discover the other good mp3 player for older adults on review, Here is a quick go-to.
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Best MP3 Players For Seniors: Reviews
1. iGuerburn Upgraded 16GB Simple Music MP3 Player – Best Overall
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The iGuerburn 16GB MP3 Player is a perfect companion for seniors, people with dementia, or the visually impaired.
It has only two operating buttons. A large, clearly labeled On/Off button can’t be missed, and a fast forward/reverse control sits beneath it. A volume control dial is situated on its side.
There’s a USB to connect to other external devices for uploading or deleting songs, and the headphones port comes in handy for personal listening. A line-in port gives you the ability to play a secondary device, such as a radio, through the player’s speaker.
The 9.4 x 4.9 x 4.7 inches player is not the most portable but the clean-lined, duck egg blue or orange design is attractive to look at on a tabletop or dresser. The quality of the sound from its large speaker is impressive.
The iGuerburn 16GB MP3 Player is capable of holding up to 3000 files and is AC plugged.
Pros
- Simple to Use: large buttons on the top.
- Reasonable memory capacity: it has a 16 GB memory that has a capacity of 3000 files.
- Line-in facilitates connection with other devices.
- Attractive
Cons
- Expensive.
- Lacks shuffling features, changing files can be a challenge.
2. The SMPL One-Touch Music Player – Best for Simplicity
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The SMPL Music player is extremely easy to use. They have designed it specifically for people with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and it shows.
Lifting the lid plays music, pushing the single button skips a song, and closing the lid stops play. That’s it! All parts are clearly labeled with their function.
The device comes with a headphone jack for private listening. There are 40 “big band” songs pre-loaded, but they can be added to or replaced using the supplied USB cable and attaching the player to a computer.
The 4GB storage capacity is not massive but will still hold over 1000 songs. Volume is set using recessed push buttons on the base of the player.
Pros
- Simple 3-control operation, clearly labeled.
- Quality sound.
- Robust.
- Recessed volume buttons prevent accidental operation.
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks FM radio.
- Less memory compared to the other mp3 players.
3. Mymahdi MP3/MP4 Portable Player – Best Budget Option
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The Mymahdi MP3/MP4 player is a great little device for not a lot of cash. Apart from playing MP3 and MP4 files, this player has video support and is compatible with other file formats like APE, WMA, and ACELP.
Additionally, the player has an auto-tuning FM radio that comes with preset stations, allowing seniors to catch up on world affairs or gossip from their favorite channels.
There is no internal memory; the device will take a TF card (Micro SD) up to 64GB (not provided). Files can be added to the card pre-installation using a phone or computer, or added via the USB connection.
Its built-in battery will fully charge in three hours and give 40 hours of playback time.
Weighing only 4.8 ounces and having dimensions of 3.54 x 1.57 x 0.39 inches, the Mymahdi MP3/MP4 player is a take-anywhere device. It comes with a USB cable and earphones supplied, and there are ten color options available.
Some older adults with visual impairments may struggle with the on-screen menu.
Pros.
- FM radio support.
- Modern and simple design.
- Portable, go-anywhere size.
- Quality sound.
Cons
- Some may struggle with on-screen menus on the small 1.8 inch LCD screen
- Frequent software malfunctioning.
4. AGPtEK G02 MP3 Player 8 GB – Best for Sporty Seniors
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For seniors, sports or other physical activities can help them improve or maintain their mobility.
The AGPtEK GO2 mp3 player is light, with a compact, clip-on design and a simple, touch button operation that won’t inconvenience you when out and about or in the gym. It comes with a silicone case to protect against sweating and splashes, although the device is not waterproof.
Ten hours of battery life from a 2.5 hours charge means you can listen to your favorite audiobooks from start to finish without a recharge.
The digital audio player has an equalizer function that allows you to alter output frequencies, to reduce bass output if you are affected by presbycusis.
The built-in memory has a capacity of 8GB but is expandable with an SD or TF card. The device supports different audio file formats, so will also play WAV and WMA files and has a built-in FM radio.
Pros
- Clip-on design facilitating hands-free use.
- Equalizer function to reduce bass levels.
- Long battery life and easy to use.
- FM radio support and quick reset function.
Cons
- The quick reset function may cause accidental file deletion.
- Lacks earphones.
- The buttons are hard to tell for seniors with visual impairment.
5. AGPTEK 16GB MP3 Music Player with Bluetooth – Best Multi-functional
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The AGPTEK 16GB MP3 Player with Bluetooth Music Player can function as an mp3 player, a voice recorder, FM radio or ebook reader (TXT), not to mention the calendar and pedometer features.
The player comes with an internal memory of 16GB, which is expandable to 128GB.
It supports A02ST Bluetooth 4.0 Technology, giving you an option to play music via the headset or through Bluetooth speakers.
The player can go for 40 hours without a recharge, though that is reduced to ten hours if playing through Bluetooth. Drag and drop files to download from your computer, or you can sync playlists by adding the Media Go software to your PC for free.
The device supports lossless sound in different formats, including WMA, FLAC / WAV / ACELP, MP3, and DRM.
We’re not expecting you to get a faulty product, but some users did complain of poor customer service from the seller. The button print is small with symbols and abbreviations, making it not a good MP3 player for seniors with cognitive issues or poor dexterity.
Pros
- Quality sound, thanks to lossless capability.
- Voice recorder, long battery life, and FM radio.
- Manageable size, portable.
- Multi-functionality
Cons
- Some may struggle with the buttons.
- Customers complain of poor customer service.
6. AGPTEK 5 inch Touch Screen 16GB Lossless MP3/MP4 Player – Best for Techy Seniors
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For seniors who love their gadgets, this full touchscreen media center runs on a customized Android OS.
With included WiFi and Bluetooth, it’s convenient to access social media, browse the web, and play videos, music, or games downloaded from the Android Play Store. You can also view pictures and ebooks on its 5-inch screen or listen to the FM radio.
The 1500mAh battery gives 70 hours of music playback or 5 hours of video playback from a 2.5 hours charge.
The Player comes with an internal memory of 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM, which is expandable to 128GB using a TF card.
This may not be every senior’s choice, but silver surfers will love it.
Pros
- Five-inch touchscreen operation.
- Modified Android 6.0 OS.
- Wifi and Bluetooth
- HD video support.
- Long battery life, 70 hours when fully charged.
- Support different picture and video formats.
Cons
- Dated OS
- Users complain of poor battery life.
7. EVIDA 32GB MP3 Player with Bluetooth 5.0 – Best for Portability
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The 32GB Mp3 Player with Bluetooth 5.0 is small and can store over 10,000 song files. This can be expanded with an SD card. You can play your audio files through headphones or Bluetooth speakers.
Audio formats supported include MP3, WMA, OGG, APE, FLAC, and WAV. The device connects to a PC via USB for adding or removing files from the internal memory.
The built-in lithium battery fully charges in 2 hours and can play for 60 hours. As well as being an MP3 player, it has an FM radio, voice recorder, calendar, stopwatch and music alarm. It can play AMV and AVI video formats, and It also has E-book support, but we would say that the 1.8-inch screen is not suited for this.
Pros
- Can connect to external devices via Bluetooth.
- Excellent quality HiFi sound.
- FM radio.
- Multi-functional.
Cons
- Menus may be cumbersome for some elders.
- Users say it randomly shuffles songs at times.
Essential Features of a Senior-Friendly MP3 Player
Ease of Use
An mp3 player that’s easy to use should have strategically-placed operating controls, easy-to-understand functions, and menus. This feature is essential for seniors with dementia or other cognitive problems.
Storage
A good mp3 player should have a large or expandable memory that can hold sufficient files to give the senior citizens plenty of choice and variety. A large storage capacity also means less frequent need to change content which often needs to be done by other family members.
Sound Quality
As many people age, they can develop presbycusis, where hearing deteriorates gradually, and some sound becomes distorted. Consequently, many older people can find bass beats annoying, and some high-frequency music can sound like an old gramophone record.
Many music players have equalizers which users can change to magnify some frequencies and reduce others. These can help, but the player’s original output speaker quality needs to be excellent in the first place to give maximum listening pleasure.
FM Radio Support
Having the ability to check the day’s local and global news reports or listen to a friendly radio personality or favorite radio program is vital to many seniors.
FAQS
Do mp3 players have any health benefits?
Research shows that music has several benefits. Music works particularly well for people living with dementia, autism, or Alzheimer’s disease. The mobility and storage capacity of an MP3 player allows users to take all of their favorite music wherever they go, so they have a selection for whatever mood takes them.
Music therapy is used to treat several conditions, including dementia, depression, autism, psychiatric disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PST).
Do the internal and external memories function as one unit?
The external memory is an addition to the internal memory. When the internal memory is full, a compatible SD card will usually expand the memory seamlessly.
Who should use mp3 players?
An MP3 player is perfect for anyone who finds comfort in music. Those leading a solitary lifestyle, bedridden, or having mobility challenges are prime candidates for mp3 players.
Solitary seniors can find themselves lonely and isolated, which, although not an illness in itself, may pose secondary health risks, including increased susceptibility to depression.
The vast amount of content they contain means that once the user’s favorite audio and, in some cases, video and photo files are installed, They’re instantly accessible, and there’s no need to change them again, at least for a long while.
More Considerations When Acquiring An MP3 Player
For some seniors, the thought of having to add their files to an MP3 player can be the most off-putting.
The two most common questions are “How do I convert my music to MP3?” and “How do I move the music files from my computer to my device?”
The methods vary, and it’s not in the scope of this article to explore them. Suffice to say, before you buy an MP3 player, make sure you are confident you can do this or know someone who can do it for you. The videos below may help:
Converting music to MP3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ClDcyMxTHg
Adding files to an MP3 player: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9V7dUDSgjI
Conclusion
William Congreve (1670-1629) famously said, “Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast.” It also has the power to comfort the sick and lonely. An mp3 player can be your best friend, providing you with companionship and, if it also has an FM radio, allowing you to stay in touch with what’s going on in the outside world.
Our top selection for the best mp3 player is the iGuerburn Upgraded 16GB Simple Music MP3 Player. It is outstandingly simple so that seniors with memory problems can operate it easily.
Hopefully, this guide has all the information you need to choose an mp3 player that suits your requirements.
