Sony

Sony NWZB173B.CEW 4GB MP3 Player with Clip - Black

4.3 (347 reviews)

Sony's clip-on 4GB MP3 player delivers up to 18 hours of music playback in an ultra-compact, pocket-friendly design.

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Overview

The Sony NWZB173B is an ultra-compact MP3 player designed for listeners who want a simple, dedicated music device without the bulk or distractions of a smartphone. Weighing almost nothing and featuring a built-in clip, it attaches securely to a shirt collar, waistband, or gym bag, staying out of the way during exercise, commutes, or daily activities. Its 4GB of onboard storage holds several hundred songs, and the direct USB connector built into the body means you can plug it straight into any computer to transfer music or charge — no cables to carry or lose.

Battery life is a genuine strength at up to 18 hours of continuous playback, enough for multiple days of commuting or several long workout sessions between charges. The Quick Charge feature adds practicality for forgetful moments, providing usable playback from just a brief charge. Sony's ZAPPIN technology lets you preview tracks rapidly without scrolling through menus, which is particularly helpful on a device without a visual display. The BASS Boost function adds depth to the audio output, compensating for the typically thin sound of earbuds. While the NWZB173B lacks modern features like Bluetooth or expandable storage, it excels at being a reliable, lightweight player that simply works.

Key Features

BASS Boost, Quick Charge, Power Illuminator, Direct USB, ZAPPIN, easy transfers, handy clip

4GB of on-board storage

Up to 18 hours' playback time

Bass-booster for enhanced sound

Specifications

Brand
Sony
Model
NWZB173B.CEW
Storage
4GB Onboard
Battery Life
Up to 18 Hours
Color
Black
USB
Direct USB (Built-in Connector)
Features
BASS Boost, Quick Charge, ZAPPIN, Power Illuminator, Clip
Expandable Storage
No

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Built-in clip allows hands-free attachment to clothing, bags, or pockets during activity
  • 18-hour battery life outlasts most compact MP3 players in its class
  • Direct USB plug eliminates the need for a separate charging or transfer cable
  • BASS Boost enhances low-end audio for a fuller listening experience from earbuds
  • Extremely small and lightweight form factor for unobtrusive portability

👎 Cons

  • 4GB storage is limited compared to modern devices and cannot be expanded with a memory card
  • No Bluetooth so it requires a wired headphone connection at all times
  • No display screen makes navigating large music libraries cumbersome
  • Does not support streaming services or Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Older model with no support for high-resolution audio formats

Frequently Asked Questions

Approximately 800 to 1,000 songs at standard MP3 quality (128kbps), though the exact number varies depending on file size and format.
The Sony NWZB173B provides up to 18 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge.
Quick Charge allows you to get a short burst of playback time from just a few minutes of charging via USB, useful when you need music quickly and forgot to charge overnight.
ZAPPIN is a Sony feature that plays short previews of each track in sequence, letting you quickly browse through your music library to find the song you want without scrolling through menus.
Music is transferred via the built-in direct USB connector — you plug the player straight into your computer's USB port without needing a separate cable.