CheckMag | 6 feature-loaded Digital Audio Players that are surprisingly affordable

Just five years ago, owning a digital audio player with balanced output, hi-res DSD support, and premium DAC chips meant spending flagship money. Astell & Kern's A&ultima SP3000 was $3,699, while Sony's desktop-sized DMP-Z1 Signature reaches a staggering $8,499. These reference-class players with their gold-plated volume knobs, multiple battery systems, and aerospace-grade materials are undoubtedly the pinnacle of portable audio - but let's be honest, they're financially out of reach for most music enthusiasts.

Today's budget DAP landscape tells a whole different story. Players like the $50 FiiO Snowsky Echo Mini get you dual CS43131 DACs and balanced 4.4mm output - features that would have cost 50 times more just a few years ago. The $129 Shanling M0 Pro packs dual ESS ES9219C DACs into a 38-gram package, while the $179 HiBy R3 II offers professional-grade ESS Sabre 9219C chips with Wi-Fi streaming. These affordable players are clear examples that great sound quality and premium features no longer require premium prices. Following are 6 DAPs that won't empty your wallet, should you decide to pick one up.

FiiO Snowsky Echo Mini ($59.99 on Amazon)

At just $60, the FiiO Snowsky Echo Mini gives you unprecedented value in the budget DAP segment. This retro-inspired player features dual CS43131 DAC chips providing 250mW of balanced output power through its 4.4mm jack - remarkable performance for the price point. The Echo Mini's 1.99-inch IPS color panel displays dynamic retro UIs that animate like actual cassette tapes. Despite its compact 55g weight, it delivers 15 hours of battery life from its 1,100mAh battery. The dual output configuration (3.5mm single-ended at 100mW and 4.4mm balanced at 250mW) should be flexible enough for both casual listeners and audiophiles. Plus, the newest firmware update lets you use the Echo Mini as a portable DAC via the USB-C port - that's pretty neat for a $60 device. 

Key Features: Native DSD256 support, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, USB DAC functionality, customizable EQ settings, Hi-Res Audio certification, four color options.

FiiO M21 ($329 on Amazon)

The FiiO M21 stands as the most comprehensive offering in this segment - that is, if you consider $329 to be affordable. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor and running Android 13, this player has smartphone-level functionality and dedicated audio playback. The standout feature is its quad CS43198 DAC configuration arranged in matrix mode, which delivers an impressive 950mW of power through its balanced 4.4mm output. The M21's 4.7-inch touchscreen provides excellent visibility and navigation, while the desktop mode allows it to function as a high-quality DAC when connected to external power. It has 64GB internal storage expandable to 2TB via microSD, which should be great considering lossless files take up a whole lot of space. The 4000mAh battery gets you 15 hours of single-ended playback, though balanced output reduces this to 11.5 hours.

Key Features: Full Android 13 compatibility for streaming apps, MQA 8x unfolding, dual headphone outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm), SPDIF coaxial output, Wi-Fi with AirPlay/DLNA support.

HiBy R3 II 2025 ($179/currently $159 on Amazon)

The HiBy R3 II 2025 is exceptional value in an ultra-portable package. Weighing just 118g, this player features dual ESS Sabre 9219C DACs providing 340mW of balanced output power. The updated X1600E SoC should be great for smooth operation, while the 3.2-inch touchscreen should be legible enough despite the compact form factor. The R3 II can function as a digital audio source, USB DAC, Bluetooth adapter, and wireless audio hub. The dual independent crystal oscillators reduce jitter for precise audio reproduction. Battery life reportedly reaches an impressive 19 hours for single-ended output, making it great for longer listening sessions.

Key Features: Native DSD256 support, Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay/DLNA, bidirectional Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC/aptX, expandable storage up to 2TB.

Shanling M0 Pro ($129 on Amazon)

Despite weighing only 38g, the Shanling M0 Pro packs serious audio credentials. Dual ESS ES9219C DACs provide 236mW of balanced output power in a package smaller than most smartphones. The fully balanced architecture and low output impedance make it compatible with both sensitive IEMs and demanding headphones. The M0 Pro's 1.54-inch color display surprisingly delivers full album artwork visibility, while the intuitive interface ensures easy navigation. Its versatility is most evident in its dual-mode Bluetooth operation and USB DAC functionality. For users prioritizing ultimate portability without sacrificing sound quality, the M0 Pro is one of the best picks in this list.

Key Features: Ultra-compact 38g weight, fully balanced architecture, DSD128 native support, dual-mode Bluetooth with LDAC/aptX, USB DAC.

Sony NW-A306 ($399 on Amazon)

Sony's NW-A306 Walkman brings decades of portable audio expertise to the table. Running Android 12/13, it combines Sony's well-known S-Master HX digital amplifier with a user-friendly 3.6-inch HD touchscreen. The aluminum construction feels premium despite the relatively affordable price point. The NW-A306 excels in battery performance, with up to 36 hours of playback - the longest in this category. At the cost of battery life, Sony's DSEE Ultimate technology upscales compressed audio. Plus, the integration with Sony's ecosystem and reliable build quality make it a safe choice for first-time DAP buyers.

Key Features: 36-hour battery life, DSEE Ultimate upscaling, Sony's signature sound tuning, robust Android implementation, compact aluminum design.

Agptek A02 ($25 on Amazon)

At just $25, the Agptek A02 is the cheapest option in this list. The basic integrated DAC handles common audio formats including FLAC and WAV, while the simple interface should be just apt for core playback functions. The most remarkable feature here is the 70-hour battery life, which surpasses all competitors by a huge margin. While it does lack advanced features like balanced outputs or streaming, the A02 is still pretty reliable. The 8GB internal storage expands to 128GB via microSD, sufficient for small-to-mid sized music libraries. Build quality is solid for the price point, making it an excellent backup player or gym/outdoor companion.

Key Features: Exceptional 70-hour battery life, support for lossless formats, expandable storage, ultra-affordable pricing, simple operation.