Hey all, i'm looking for recommendations on good DAPs that are hi-res and not too expensive. My budget is around $250

I was looking at the Hiby R2, and seems like the best choice in price, but I don't know if its worth it. Also looking at the Hiby R3 Pro Saber.

I also stumbled upon the Surfans, but I can't find many opinions about them so I don't know if they're legit on their audio quality.

Or, I was also considering buying used iPods, but do they actually have good DACs? They're usually on good price but there's also different models, which one would you recommend?

I use both wired and wireless earphones, so anything with a good serviceable DAC for bluetooth.

Alternatively, suggestions on DACs for smartphone instead of a DAP are also welcome

"What budget DAP (digital audio player) would you recommend for under $100?" I'm looking for a DAP that offers good sound quality without spending a lot of money, with a maximum budget of $100. Some features that interest me

Support for audio formats such as FLAC, WAV .

Expandable storage via microSD card.

Decent battery life (ideally 8-10 hours).

Compact and durable design.

bluetooth support

I'm not an extreme audiophile, but I want something that offers a better sound experience than a smartphone. Any recommendations based on your experience

It can also be used

So I didn't know these were such a big thing since my ipod shuffle and ipod touch 4 back around ~2019. I've been looking at some as I think it would help get away from my phone and a handy little thing in the gym. So I'm looking for some suggestions and have some questions.

1. Why are they so thick compared to smartphones?

2. What would be a good choice? I've been looking at a few like Oilsky m501, Mechen H11 etc. They seem to be in my range and have the aesthetics I like. Stuff like Hiby and Shanling or even Sony are out of budget for now.

I hope that from the way I describe stuff, it is clear that I'm no audiophile. Even for earphones, the best I've experienced in wired are the SONY MDR XB series and soundcore in wireless.

Thanks for any and all suggestions! :)

Edit: How is the SONY NW-A105? Or the Hiby R3 Pro? I found them second hand but am worried about the Bluetooth and the quality.

Edit 2: Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions! I decided to go for two:

1. Ruizu Z80 to see how it is

2. A second hand Sony NW-A105

Dedicated DAPs are clearly not for my ears, but I'm hoping that these two will serve my purpose for the next few years after which I might consult this amazing group one again. Thanks again!