Sony Walkman NWZ-B173 review

A slight return from the former king of portable music

Sony Walkman NWZ-B173
Small and discreet, but still a very good MP3 player

TechRadar Verdict

Small and discrete, but still a very good MP3 player.

Pros

  • +

    Very portable

  • +

    Quick charge

  • +

    Good sound quality

  • +

    Cheap price

  • +

    Built-in USB

Cons

  • -

    Not the easiest to navigate

  • -

    Zap mode is annoying

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

It feels like a long time since the Sony Walkman was the king of portable music, with the Apple iPod stealing its thunder.

The Sony Walkman NWZ-B173 isn't going to revolutionise the MP3 player market, but it's a decent budget player with a few nice features.

A charge of just three minutes provides 90 minutes' playback - whilst a longer charge gives around 18 hours.

A built-in USB interface is a nice touch that makes plugging it into a PC incredibly quick, and adding files is done via dragging and dropping in Windows Explorer, no need for proprietary programs or iTunes annoyances here.

A small LCD screen shows you where you are, and it's easy enough to navigate through the menus.

Holding down a button gives the bass a boost, but there doesn't seem to be much of a difference.

Annoyingly, pressing that same button turns on the 'Zap' mode - which plays snippets of your music for you to choose a song you like. Not only is it pretty pointless, it is preceded with a loud voice that says 'Zapping in'.

Sound quality is good, though the included headphones are a bit on the uncomfortable side to wear.

TOPICS
Matt Hanson
Managing Editor, Core Tech

Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he's reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.

Latest in Portable Media Players
FiiO JM21 portable music player on a white surface
I tested the FiiO JM21 portable music player and it's hard to believe an entry-level digital audio device can sound so good for so little outlay
Shanling M8T Hi-Res Music Player laid out on wooden table, with black headphones nearby.
This portable Hi-Res Audio music player has a tube amp and Android, for a serious mix of the retro and modern
We Are Rewind cassette player at CES 2025 on the show floor
This modern cassette player with Bluetooth (and matching retro wireless headphones) might've been my favorite music experience at CES 2025
FiiO M23 on a wooden table
FiiO M23 portable music player review: delicate yet muscular, assertive yet subtle, lavishly detailed and vaultingly dynamic
Activo P1 on a mustard-colored blanket
Activo P1 music player review: Astell & Kern audio quality for considerably less cash
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T portable music player playing Chick Corea on a white surface
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T portable music player review: another huge step forward in energetic, open sound
Latest in Reviews
The Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap being worn by Hamish
I test VR headsets for a living, and this affordable headstrap is the first Meta Quest 3 accessory you should buy
Both Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips
I thought VR controller grips were pointless until this Meta Quest 3 accessory proved me wrong
The Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap
Want to upgrade your VR headset? Look no further than my new favorite Meta Quest 3 headstrap
The RIG M2 Streamstar.
I wanted to love the new RIG M2 Streamstar, but this pricey gaming microphone fails to deliver
Bambu Lab H2D Vs X1C
I've been reviewing the hotly anticipated Bambu Lab H2D for a month, and it's the most versatile machine I've ever used
Full view of the Cherry KW 7100 Mini BT
I tested the Cherry KW 7100 Mini BT - see what I thought of this travel keyboard