Every time we post a review of a Digital Audio Player (DAP), there’s a wave of skeptical responses: “Why would anyone buy a DAP in 2025 when everyone already has a smartphone?” This is an especially good question considering that many DAPs now just look like oversized smartphones that are a generation behind in the specs. In the era of high-res music delivered via global broadband networks straight to your phone, does the dedicated music player still matter?
While there are a lot of good reasons to just use a smartphone, we have three key reasons that you should consider sticking with a DAP:
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DAPs sound better than phones.
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DAPs are better for managing your music collection.
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DAPs help you actually focus on the music.
DAPs Sound Better Than Phones
The most obvious reason to use a DAP over a phone is sound quality. While most phones provide good output for IEMs and your average headphones, DAPs are more carefully tuned and will have power output capable of driving a larger range of headphones, along with stronger detail retrieval and lower distortion than phones, resulting in a better overall listening experience.
While the Apple dongle is still widely used, and some Android phones include headphone jacks with above average sound design, even entry-level DAPs in the $400 - $500 range easily outperform most phones when it comes to dynamics, separation, and overall fidelity. At the high end, players from the top of Astell&Kern and Cayin’s lineups have components carefully selected for the ultimate in digital audio fidelity. The difference isn’t simply “noticeable” – it’s significant.
If you’re committed to using your phone there are options to match the level of sound quality a DAP provides with your phone. Portable DAC/Amps like the Cayin RU9 or Chord Mojo2, along with dongles like the iFi GO Bar Kensei and DC Elite offer the sort of supreme sound quality you get from a DAP while still using your phone as the player. With these options. Whether you go with a DAP or a phone plus a portable DAC is going to depend on the other reasons to use a DAC.
DAPs Are Better for Managing Your Music Collection
While streaming currently reigns supreme for most music listeners, many of us still maintain a collection of digital music files. Along with that, many people don’t have unlimited data on their cell phone plan or constant access to a stable connection, meaning that even if they use streaming services, they’re relying on a library of albums and playlists downloaded from Spotify or TIDAL. Either way, you need a lot of storage space to keep your library with you.
If you’re sticking with a smartphone, your option is to either buy the phone with the most available storage, or limit yourself to models with expandable storage via a microSD card. On the other hand, microSD card slots are standard issue on even the cheapest DAPs, meaning that you can expand your storage for a much lower price, independently of your smartphone upgrade plan.
While it’s certainly possible to buy phones with 1TB+ or expandable storage, getting a DAP that’s dedicated to storing music might be a simpler choice – and even a more economical choice if you frequently upgrade your phone.
DAPs Help You Actually Focus on the Music
This last reason is more philosophical, but arguably the most important: DAPs help you focus on the music, while smartphones are designed to constantly divert your attention.
We live in a world of constant distraction: notifications, social media, emails, and endless pings. Listening to music on your phone means you're never fully disconnected. There’s always a risk of interruption – an incoming call, a group chat notification, or yet another reminder to pay a bill. And even if you put it on “Do Not Disturb,” there’s always the temptation to check your email or start doom scrolling. If you really want to focus on the music and have the immersive experience that a great HiFi setup can deliver, DAPs help you get closer to the music.
The Bottom Line
So, do you actually need a DAP? If you want improved sound quality, better storage options, and a more immersive listening experience for your portable setup, then a DAP is your best option. If you’re only really worried about sound quality – or you like to doomscroll while you listen – you can still achieve DAP-like sound quality on a phone, but for the most complete listening experience, it’s hard to beat a dedicated DAP.
