SanDisk Clip Comparison -- updated Oct 2020

Not sure which one to get? Here's a breakdown of all seven generations. Pay particular attention to the features that are NOT supported.

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Formats -- Audible | SanDisk

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Clip Sport Go -- 2019 -- no mSD

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  • Released --> 02 Mar 2019 -- 7th Gen
    
  • Retail Price --> $50 (32 GB) | $40 (16 GB)
    
    
  • Specifications
  • Rockbox --> not supported
  • Firmware --> 1.04
  • Processor -->
  • Bluetooth --> not supported
  • Display --> 1.22" color TFT LED (menu, album art)
  • SD Card --> not supported
  • Storage --> 32 GB (8,000 songs) | 16 GB (4,000 songs)
  • USB --> micro USB 2.0
  • USB Mode --> MSC only -- MTP mode not supported
  • Battery --> built-in, 18 hrs
  • IPX Rating --> not supported
  • Size --> 2.23 x 1.40 x 0.60 in -- 0.84 oz
  • Warranty --> 2 years
  • Colors --> black, red, blue
    
    
  • Display Menu (Music, Radio, Books, Folders, Voice Rec, Sport, Settings)
    
  • Music --> AAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA -- M4B & Ogg not supported
    
  • Radio --> FM tuner, 30 presets -- recording not supported
    
  • Books --> MP3, Aud e (aax) -- Aud 4 (aa) & WMA (DRM) not supported
    
  • Folders --> browse and listen to content saved in individual folders
    
  • Voice Rec --> supported | 32 GB (256 hrs) | 16 GB (128 hrs)
    
  • Sport --> stopwatch and timer with saved logs
    
  • Settings --> view or customize the SanDisk player features
    
    
  • slotRadio --> not supported

  Quote

  Keep the music on and your phone off with the lightweight Clip Sport Go MP3 player that’s designed for your workout. Supporting iTunes and other audio content, its high-performance dynamic acoustic quality makes almost any activity a richer experience. And because it clips on easily, it’s perfect for the way you move. The Clip Sport Go player also features a built-in FM radio, along with a high-resolution LED screen and physical buttons that help you easily navigate through your content. Holding up to 8,000 songs (32GB*) and up to 18 hours of battery life, your favorite music helps you go the distance.

Clip Sport Plus -- 2016 -- no mSD | Bluetooth | IPX5

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  • Released --> 01 Nov 2016 -- 6th Gen
    
  • Retail Price --> $50 (16 GB)
    
    
  • Specifications
  • Rockbox --> not supported
  • Firmware --> 2.12
  • Processor --> ATJ2127
  • Bluetooth --> supported
  • Display --> 1.44" color TFT LCD (menu, album art)
  • SD Card --> not supported
  • Storage --> 16 GB (up to 4,000 songs)
  • USB --> micro USB 2.0
  • USB Mode --> MSC only -- MTP mode not supported
  • Battery --> built-in, 20 hrs
  • IPX Rating --> supported | IPX5: water resistant (water jets, no immersion)
  • Size --> 2.60 x 1.70 x 0.70 in -- 1.34 oz
  • Warranty --> 2 years
  • Colors --> black, red
    
    
  • Display Menu (Music, Radio, Books, Sport, Settings, Bluetooth, Folders)
  • Music --> MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, FLAC -- M4B & Ogg not supported
    
  • Radio --> FM tuner, 30 presets -- recording not supported
    
  • Books --> MP3, Aud e (aax) -- Aud 4 (aa) & WMA (DRM) not supported
    
  • Sport --> functioning time saves logs and displays log details
    
  • Settings --> view or customize the SanDisk player features
    
  • Bluetooth --> connect and pair your player to Bluetooth-enabled devices
    
  • Folders --> browse and listen to content saved in individual folders
    
    
  • slotRadio --> not supported
    
  • Voice Rec --> not supported

  Quote

  The affordable, lightweight SanDisk Clip Sport Plus MP3 player gives you the freedom and flexibility to work out the way you want. With its durable, water-resistant design, it’s ready for a muddy mountain bike ride or a trail run in the rain. It also features Bluetooth wireless technology so it pairs with Bluetooth wireless technology headsets or speakers. A 16GB* capacity means that it’s big enough to store up to 4000 songs, but it also has a built-in FM radio. And it’s small enough to clip to your clothes or gear, so you can stop worrying about your device and focus on your workout.
  
  Durable and water-resistant, the SanDisk Clip Sport Plus MP3 Player stands up to tough workout conditions—rain or shine. Pair the SanDisk Clip Sport Plus MP3 Player with your favorite Bluetooth wireless headsets for even more freedom in your workout.

SanDisk Clip Jam -- 2015

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  • Released --> May 2015 -- 5th Gen
    
  • Retail Price --> $30 (8 GB)
    
    
  • Specifications
  • Rockbox --> not supported
  • Firmware --> 1.12
  • Processor --> ATJ2127
  • Bluetooth --> not supported
  • Display --> 0.96" white OLED (menu)
  • SD Card --> micro SDHC (up to 32 GB)
  • Storage --> 8 GB (up to 2,000 songs)
  • USB --> micro USB 2.0
  • USB Mode --> MSC only -- MTP mode not supported
  • Battery --> built-in, 18 hrs
  • IPX Rating --> not supported
  • Size --> xxx -- xxx
  • Warranty --> 2 years
  • Colors --> black, blue, lime, orange, pink
    
    
  • Display Menu (Music, Radio, Books, Card, Settings, Folders)
    
  • Music --> AAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA, Ogg Vorbis -- M4B not supported
    
  • Radio --> FM tuner, 40 presets -- recording not supported
    
  • Books --> MP3, Audible 4/e (aa/aax) -- WMA (DRM) not supported
    
  • Card -->
    
  • Settings -->
    
  • Folders -->
    
    
  • Sport --> not supported
    
  • slotRadio --> not supported
    
  • Voice Rec --> not supported

  Quote

  Clip on the compact and colorful Clip Jam digital music player and take it anywhere! The bright one-inch screen and big navigation buttons make it easy to drag, drop and play files in popular audio formats including AAC. Add even more music via the microSD card slot for up to 18 hours of big sound. This ultra-small, wearable music player offers 8GB storage, and comes with a built-in microSD card slot so you can add even more songs or audiobooks.

SanDisk Clip Sport -- 2014

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  • Released --> 10 Feb 2014 -- 4th Gen
    
  • Retail Price --> $40 (8 GB) | $30 (4 GB)
    
    
  • Specifications
  • Rockbox --> not supported
  • Firmware --> 1.38
  • Processor --> ATJ2127
  • Bluetooth --> not supported
  • Display --> 1.44" color TFT LCD (menu, album art)
  • SD Card --> micro SDHC (up to 32 GB)
  • Storage --> 4 GB, 8 GB
  • USB --> micro USB 2.0
  • USB Mode --> MSC only --> MTP mode not supported
  • Battery --> built-in, 25 hrs
  • IPX Rating --> not supported
  • Size --> xxx -- xxx
  • Warranty --> 2 years
  • Colors --> black, blue, lime, pink, red, yellow
    
    
  • Display Menu (Music, Radio, Books, Card, Settings, Sport, Folders)
    
  • Music --> MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis --> M4B not supported
    
  • Radio --> FM tuner, 40 presets --> recording not supported
    
  • Books --> MP3, Audible 4/e (aa/aax) --> WMA (DRM) not supported
    
  • Card -->
    
  • Settings -->
    
  • Sport --> stopwatch, 00:00:00.0
    
  • Folders -->
    
    
  • slotRadio --> not supported
    
  • Voice Rec --> not supported

  Quote

  The Clip Sport was announced on February 10, 2014, with capacities of 4GB, 8GB. It is similar to previous Clip models, with a larger screen and longer battery life, but with no voice recorder. Later firmware uses the menu button for locking. A microSDHC card slot is provided to increase the storage capacity, but it does not support slotRadio. This is the first SanDisk mp3 player to not carry the Sansa name. It was discontinued in late 2018.

Discontinued Models

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  Sansa Clip Zip
  
  

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    • Released --> 24 Aug 2011 -- 3rd Gen -- discontinued
      
      
    • Specifications
    • Rockbox --> stable port
    • Firmware --> 01.01.21
    • Processor --> AS3525v2
    • Bluetooth --> not supported
    • Display --> 1.1" color OLED (menu, album art)
    • SD Card --> micro SDHC (up to 32 GB)
    • Storage --> 4 GB, 8 GB
    • USB --> micro USB 2.0
    • USB Mode --> Auto Detect, MTP, MSC
    • Battery --> built-in, 15 hrs
    • IPX Rating --> not supported
    • Size --> 2.25 x 1.42 x 0.58 in (57.2 x 36.1 x 14.7 mm) -- 0.56 oz (15.9 g)
    • Warranty --> 1 year
    • Colors --> black, blue, grey, orange, purple, red, white
      
      
    • Display Menu (music, radio, books, voice, card, sport, settings)
      
    • Music --> AAC, MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis --> M4B not supported
      
    • Radio --> FM tuner, 40 presets, FM recording
      
    • Books --> MP3, Audible 4/e, WMA (DRM)
      
    • Voice --> mic, voice recording
      
    • slotRadio --> plays slotRadio cards (pre-programmed music)
      
    • Sport --> stopwatch, 00:00:00.0
      
    • Settings -->

    Quote

    On August 24, 2011, SanDisk announced the Sansa Clip Zip, an update to the Clip+. Two versions are available, a 4 GB model for US$50 and an 8 GB model for US$70. The 4 GB model comes in nine colors (red, blue, black, orange, white, grey, purple, lime and teal), while the 8 GB model is only available in black or grey.
    
    The Clip Zip includes all the features of the Clip+ and is based on the same processor as the Clip+ and Fuze v2 but includes a larger 1.1-inch full-color OLED display with support for album art (but called "LCD" in a press release), redesigned controls, a Micro-USB connector, a new user interface similar to that of the Fuze+, a stopwatch, RDS radio capability and support for DRM-free AAC audio files (such as those purchased from the iTunes Store). The new Clip Zip will be sold alongside the Clip+. Internally the Clip Zip is similar to the Clip+ (apart from the Zip having a color screen), and so retains its high quality DAC and amplifier.

  
  Sansa Clip+
  
  

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    • Released --> 31 Aug 2009 -- 2nd Gen -- discontinued
      
      
    • Specifications
    • Rockbox --> stable port
    • Firmware --> 01.02.18A
    • Processor --> AS3525v2
    • Bluetooth --> not supported
    • Display --> 1.0" blue OLED (menu)
    • SD Card --> micro SDHC slot (up to 32 GB)
    • Storage --> 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB
    • USB --> mini USB 2.0
    • USB Mode --> Auto Detect, MTP, MSC
    • Battery --> built-in, 15 hrs
    • IPX Rating --> not supported
    • Size --> 2.16 x 1.36 x 0.60 in (55.0 x 34.7 x 15.3 mm) -- 0.85 oz (24.1 g)
    • Warranty --> 1 year
    • Colors --> black
      
      
    • Display Menu (Music, slotRadio, FM Radio, Voice, Settings)
      
    • Music --> MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis --> AAC, M4B not supported
      
    • Books --> MP3, Audible 4/e, WMA (DRM) --> (sub-folder inside Music folder)
      
    • slotRadio --> plays slotRadio cards (pre-programmed music)
      
    • FM Radio --> FM tuner, 40 presets, FM recording
      
    • Voice --> mic, voice recording
      
    • Settings -->
      
      
    • Sport --> not supported

    Quote

    On August 31, 2009, SanDisk released a redesign of the Sansa Clip called the Sansa Clip+, cosmetically similar to the Clip and maintaining its basic design, audio hardware, compatibility, and 4-line OLED screen, but with a few significant differences. There are 2 GB (black), 4 GB (black, red, blue, white or indigo) and 8 GB (black) models. The case has been redesigned to look more square (including the navigation pad, which is also no longer backlit) and is constructed of higher-quality plastic, the clip is no longer removable, and the player now supports folder browsing and ReplayGain support. Transition times between tracks was reduced, but SanDisk officially declined to support gapless playback. A microSDHC card slot has been added, allowing the storage capacity of the device to be expanded by up to an additional 32 GB. The Clip+ also has added features when playing slotMusic and slotRadio. To make room for the microSDHC slot there have been some changes from the old Clip, including moving the volume switch to the left side of the device and changing the power/hold switch to a simple power button. Hold mode is now activated by holding the "Home" button on the device. Like previous Clip and Fuze products, the Clip+ retained a directly coupled headphone amplifier, allowing for highly accurate reproduction of bass frequencies and very low distortion on difficult to drive headphones.

  
  Sansa Clip
  
  

  • Spoiler Warning below
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
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    • Released --> 09 Oct 2007 -- 1st Gen -- discontinued
      
      
    • Specifications
    • Rockbox --> v1 stable port | v2 stable port
    • Firmware --> v1= 01.01.35 | v2= 02.01.35
    • Processor --> v1= AS3525 | v2= AS3525v2
    • Bluetooth --> not supported
    • Display --> 1.0" blue OLED (menu)
    • SD Card --> not supported
    • Storage --> 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB
    • USB --> mini USB 2.0
    • USB Mode --> Auto Detect, MTP, MSC
    • Battery --> built-in, 15 hrs
    • IPX Rating --> not supported
    • Size --> 2.20 x 1.40 x 0.70 in (55.9 x 35.6 x 17.9 mm) -- 1.0 oz (28.3 g)
    • Warranty --> 1 year
    • Colors --> black, blue, pink, red, silver
      
      
    • Display Menu (Music, Radio, Voice, Settings)
      
    • Music --> MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis --> AAC, M4B not supported
      
    • Books --> MP3, Audible 4/e, WMA (DRM) --> (sub-folder inside Music folder)
      
    • Radio --> FM tuner, 40 presets --> recording not supported
      
    • Voice --> mic, voice recording
      
    • Settings -->
      
      
    • Sport --> not supported
      
    • slotRadio --> not supported

    Quote

    Also known as the m300, the Sansa Clip was released on October 9, 2007. The player is similar in size to the second-generation iPod Shuffle, but incorporates a removable clip and 4-line OLED screen (one line yellow, three blue.) The Clip has an FM tuner/recorder and a built-in microphone. The flash-based player ships in capacities of 1 GB (available only in black), 2 GB (available in black, blue, red and pink), and 4 GB (silver and black). In November 2008, black and silver 8 GB versions were advertised in the UK.
    
    Midway through production of the Clip, SanDisk updated to a new hardware design based on an updated Austriamicrosystems SOC. The updated design moderately improved battery life by introducing a more efficient ARM9E processor in place of the previous ARM9 core. Aside from requiring different firmware upgrades, there were no functional changes to the software. The updated SOC would however form the basis for the Clip+ and Clip Zip products. Rockbox was released for the Clip v1 on November 21, 2009, and then for the Clip v2 on May 14, 2010.

SanDisk History

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  SanDisk is a brand of Western Digital for flash memory products, including memory cards and readers, USB flash drives, and solid-state drives. It was acquired by WD in 2016.
  
  As of March 2019, WD is the fourth-largest manufacturer of flash memory having declined from third-largest in 2014.
  
  SanDisk was founded in 1988 by Eli Harari, Sanjay Mehrotra, and Jack Yuan, incorporated at the time as SunDisk. SanDisk co-founder Eli Harari developed the Floating Gate EEPROM which proved the practicality, reliability and endurance of semiconductor-based data storage.
  
  In 1991 SanDisk produced the first flash based SSD in a 2.5-inch hard disk drive form factor for IBM with a 20 MB capacity priced at about $1000.
  
  On May 10, 2000, the Toshiba Corporation of Japan and the SanDisk Corporation said that they would jointly form a new semiconductor company to produce advanced flash memory, primarily for digital cameras.
  
  SanDisk was acquired by hard disk drive manufacturer WD on May 12, 2016 in a US$19 billion deal. Since the acquisition, SanDisk has been losing market share.

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I have a couple of questions, maybe they're stupid but i'm really not an expert... sorry
mSDHC slot (up to 32GB) -> are we sure, has anyone tried a bigger one even if they say it isn't supported?
Can they play (and support all the special properties of) m4b files?
If I ever get a new mp3 player it would be a substitute for my 120gb ipod classic, so I need a ton of space.. for my audiobooks (actually, mostly podfics), and most of them are very big m4b files (chapter breaks, covers and chapter title display, also they remember where you were).
Those are my 2 priorities, would a sansa be a good choice?
I love my Sansa Clip Zip but dislike the Clip Sport because I cannot figure out how to lock it when playing, thus allowing it to respond to unintended button presses when exercising. If you know how to lock it when in use, let me know.
http://anythingbutipod.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=6
The anything but ipod forum isn't as lively as it used to be, but there is still a lot of information in past threads.
S
Larger cards (64GB) have been used in the Clips, but they need to be converted from exFat to FAT32. I've never done it, so I don't know the steps involved. I'm sure you can get a step-by-step how-to on Google and/or YouTube.

The Clips do not support M4B, so you'd either have to convert all of the files to a format they do support (see OP) or get a different player instead. iPods don't have card slots and a 64GB iPod touch is rather expensive. Other dedicated music players do exist, but some of them are even more expensive than the iPods.

Your best low-cost option is to get an Android device (unlocked phone or tablet) that has a card slot and use an audiobook app that supports M4B, such as Akimbo.

Bottom line -- either convert your files or seek a different alternative.
The last time I checked over at the Sansa Forums, the answer was no lock. You may wish to visit them to see if anything has changed recently.

Like silverraven mentioned, anythingbutipod (abi) is another source, but it doesn't have anywhere near the activity that Sansa has. So check out Sansa first.

• Sansa Forums -- very active
• abi Sansa Forums -- low activity

Thanks!!

oh this is not bad, i'm concerned about battery life but I can plug it in every night i suppose...
You're welcome

Do you have an android tablet or phone, or access to one? I'd try it out first to see how well it works before spending the money. Of course, with these devices, battery life will be poor. Tablets are much cheaper than phones, but they are also much larger and don't travel as well.
I've actually verified with my son's SanDisk Sport Clip that the lock feature is available. Pressing the Back button for 2 seconds will lock the device. Pressing for another 2 seconds will unlock.

There was a firmware [fix] released 06/03/14 to address this issue.
Thanks for posting that update. I'm glad they resolved this issue.