MP3 + Spotify player recommen dations please

Si_Clist

I just want to play MP3 files and listen to Spotify over wireless earbuds while I'm working in the shed.  What's my best bet for something that's dead simple for geriatric techophobes on a budget to set up and use?  Preferably mains powered but that's not vital.

Mark_d

Almost any tablet/smartphone would do the job.  

Zinger549

A phone or tablet. If you have Spotify premium you can download your playlists and  listen to them offline. 

QrizB

Your current smartphone (if you have one)?

An old smartphone (if you have one)?

A used smartphone (if you need to buy one - eg. I picked up a refurbished Moto G22 last year for about £50)?

An old laptop, if you want mains power and/or don't like touch screens?

I've got half a dozen old devices in the house that would work, but we're not necessarily typical

Ergates

Si_Clist said:

I just want to play MP3 files and listen to Spotify over wireless earbuds while I'm working in the shed.  What's my best bet for something that's dead simple for geriatric techophobes on a budget to set up and use?  Preferably mains powered but that's not vital.

If you don't already have one, a cheap 2nd hand smart phone could be your best bet.  
Edit:  If you ask around, you might even find a friend or family member has an old phone you could have for free.

It'll support bluetooth, it'll have wireless internet (for Spotify), and will probably come with a built in MP3 player (or if not, there will be free ones on the appropriate "store").  It'll probably have less storage capacity than a specialist device, but you can keep an eye out for one that'll take a micro-sd card for more space.

One of the problems with older phone is the battery life degrades with use - but if you're happy to leave it plugged in this isn't an issue.

If you're not wanting to use it as a phone (or for mobile data) you don't need a sim card or contract or anything.

In terms of dedicated devices - there aren't really that many good ones out there, especially in the budget range.  The ubiquity of mobile phones make it a challenging market.  There's a few small MP3 players, but something that does MP3 and Spotify and bluetooth is going to be hard to find.  (other than a phone).

Si_Clist

Ergates said:

In terms of dedicated devices - there aren't really that many good ones out there, especially in the budget range.  The ubiquity of mobile phones make it a challenging market.  There's a few small MP3 players, but something that does MP3 and Spotify and bluetooth is going to be hard to find.  (other than a phone).

Ah.  Now I understand.  Thank you!

Vitor

Do you have WiFi to the shed? Streaming using a SIM data plan can get expensive.

An Android phone looks like the best option, although for a mains-powered device with a Bluetooth output and Spotify streaming is the Wiim Pro although it's arguably OTT for shed usage - WiiM Pro AirPlay 2 Receiver, Google Cast Audio, WiFi Multiroom Streamer, Compatible with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant, Stream Hi-Res Audio from Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal and More: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Si_Clist

Vitor said:

... the Wiim Pro although it's arguably OTT for shed usage ...

Gosh.  I'm glad I can get help on this forum.  Just out of curiosity I read the bumf about that.  I understood the price and the dimensions, but after that ... 

matelodave

My wife has one of these to listen to her music and Audible talking books - she is more than happy with it coupled to her Sony bluetooth earbuds - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-ZAQE-Touchscreen-Spotify-Audible-4-0/dp/B0DHKLYH5F?

she's had for over a year and she uses it nearly every day