Which MP3 Player is right for you?  You can read all of our tests in our ongoing Product Survey: Portable Audio and Video Players, or get straight to business, by looking at our selection of the best devices at the moment.

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Although portable multimedia players were originally designed for MP3 audio, they soon gained extra capabilities with other audio formats and then video--and some high-end models can even access the Internet and offer games and other features.

Here are a few points that you want to take into account when you're choosing a portable multimedia player:

• Size: do I need a huge MP3 player?  Perhaps it would be better to go for a smaller player, that's easier to transport?

• On the other hand, if you want to watch videos, then the screen is going to have to be big enough so that watching it is not just possible, but a comfortable experience.

• 'All of music files are in AAC and FLAC, but the audio player I just bought only plays MP3 and WMA files.'  Pay attention to the formats that are supported, for both audio and video.  Just because a particular device is widespread and popular doesn't necessarily mean that it's compatible with your files.

• Connecting to your computer.  Apart from a few exceptions, you need to connect your player to your computer so you can add your multimedia content to it.  This connection is something you need to pay attention to, both from a physical point of view (mini-USB connectors are the most common, and more convenient than a proprietary cable) and in terms of the software you'll use.  Whether you use Windows, Mac or Linux, check whether or not the player you want to buy is UMS (essential for use with Linux), MTP (Windows only) or tied to a particular program (iTunes for instance).

• Touchscreen or traditional interface?  A touchscreen looks good, it's refined, trendy, just what you need … Except if you keep your MP3 player in a pocket or a bag, then whatever type of screen it has, you won't be able to control it without getting it out if it doesn't have real buttons.  And the touchscreen might not appreciate being in your pocket with your keys and change, either.  Is it really necessary if you just want to play music?

Don't forget to take a look at our Product Survey: Headphones to make sure you've got audio equipment that matches the quality of your MP3 player.

Entry-level and best value for money
Music only

Sandisk Sansa Clip 4 GB     PicStop.co.uk  39.83                      Compare prices

It's ridiculously small, but still includes a screen, unlike some of its competitors.  Made entirely of plastic, it's not exactly the most attractive device, but it's not afraid of bumps and scratches and can stand up to a vigorous jog.  And just because the price tag isn't very heavy doesn't mean that the sound quality isn't impressive: many people who've heard it consider this one of the best MP3 players they've heard in terms of the audio quality it produces. Its main rivals are the Archos Clipper and the Apple iPod Shuffle, both of which do away with a screen and are usually more expensive.

Standard MP3 player, average capacity and limited volume
Not the smallest, but a good choice for music fans who don't want anything too bulky

Apple iPod Nano 5G     Pixmania.co.uk  128.73  Asda  130.00  AJ Electronics Ltd.  132.00  Laskys  132.83  Dixons  132.83  Misco UK  137.93  Compare prices

The iPod nano 5G (or the iPod mini, as it used to be known) has always lived in the shadow of the bigger iPod classic and iPod touch models.  However, it's one of the smallest--and certainly one of the thinnest--MP3 players.  Its audio output won't win any awards, but will be good enough for the majority of people, as long as you ditch the headphones supplied by Apple.  The latest version includes a video camera that's more of a gadget than a real tool and an FM radio.

A mini multimedia player: audio and video
Multimedia through and through, but still portable

Cowon S9 32 GB Find the best price

This is the only mini audio and video player in our product survey to earn five stars.  And with good reason too: it has an entirely customizable interface, can support a lot of audio and video formats and has a powerful accelerometer.  It has effective post-treatments for audio files and can upscale video on the fly.  The only reason to prefer an iPod touch is the lack of WiFi compatibility and the associated AppStore. The S9 is also available in a 16 GB version.

The big one: for anybody with a lot of music
More space above all

Apple iPod Classic 2G     Freemans  220.00                      Compare prices

This is one of the few players to offer more than a 100 GB.  Of course, that doesn't make it the best, but, along with a handful of models from Archos, it's the only way to carry all of your music with you all of the time.  If you need even more space, try the Archos 5, available in 120 GB, 250 GB and 500 GB versions or the Archos 7 (160 GB and 320 GB versions), which can also play video, but are a good deal larger and a lot more expensive ...