MP3 players differ in design depending upon a variety of factors, of course. But, all MP3 players have some sort of method through which users can maneuver through their audio files and select a particular song to play at any given time. Most current MP3 players do this through the use of a screen along with a scrollbar or button panel of some type.

Screen sizes can vary, as can the buttons used to operate the MP3 player. When choosing a player, it is wise to test a few, either by trying those that belong to friends or by handling some at a store. This is because some people may have trouble using certain buttons accurately or with being able to read words on certain screens.