Each year, MP3 player manufacturers race to squeeze as many new and improved features into their products as possible. Unfortunately, the resulting products often become difficult to use, weighed down by complex menu options and cramped control buttons.

Standing defiantly against the tide are a handful of MP3 players that emphasize usability over all other features. The most famous among these intuitive MP3 players is the superminimal Apple iPod Shuffle. If you appreciate the Shuffle's basic controls but need something less likely to be lost between the sofa cushions or swallowed by the family pet, the SanDisk Sansa Shaker or the Sansa Clip have a bit more meat to them.

Getting slightly more sophisticated, the Toshiba Gigabeat U is a classy, sturdy MP3 player with outstanding audio quality and a unique line-input recording feature that makes recording tapes and CDs a snap. The Sony NWZ-B105F is another intuitive player with excellent audio quality, and it includes a built-in USB stick as well. Finally, the Creative Zen proves that not all easy-to-use MP3 players need to be tiny and stripped of fun features. The Zen's large screen and accommodating controls offer exceptional usability on a feature-packed device.

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6.3

1. Apple iPod Shuffle (second generation)
If you like your music playback simple and your device nearly invisible, the second-generation iPod Shuffle will suit you well. But absentminded users should steer clear of this easy-to-misplace player.

Read review of the Apple iPod Shuffle (second generation).

Price: $79.00 - $99.95 (check prices)

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7.0

2. Sony NWZ-B105F
If you're looking for an affordable, utilitarian MP3 player to take on the road or to the gym, the Sony NWZ-B100F is a solid solution with awesome audio quality.

Read user review of the Sony NWZ-B105F.

Price: $$64.99 - $69.99 (check prices)

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7.0

3. SanDisk Sansa Shaker
If you want to get your children started on digital music at a young age, the Sansa Shaker provides a great way to do so: it's inexpensive, simple, and acts like a toy.

Read user review of the SanDisk Sansa Shaker.

Price: $34.24 - $59.60 (check prices)

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8.3

4. Creative Zen
We're hard-pressed to find anything not to like about the Creative Zen. It's a great option for anyone looking for a great-sounding, pocketable MP3 player with an excellent, video-capable screen and plenty of extra features.

Read user review of the Creative Zen.

Price: $114.98 - $160.99 (check prices)

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7.5

5. SanDisk Sansa Clip
The SanDisk Sansa Clip is an incredible value that's set to edge out the competition with a user-friendly interface, gym-worthy design, and great sound quality.

Read user review of the SanDisk Sansa Clip.

Price: Not Available

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7.3

6. Toshiba Gigabeat U
The Toshiba Gigabeat U is one tough, classy player that nails all the right features at a great price.

Read user review of the Toshiba Gigabeat U.

Price: $54.99 - $93.50 (check prices)

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