Sony NW-A306 Walkman A Series Hi-Res Digital Music Player
$398.00 reg $399.99
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$598.00
reg $899.99 Sale
3.5 out of 5 stars with 2 ratings
$1,398.00
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1.9 out of 5 stars with 14 ratings
$2,998.00
reg $3,699.99 Sale
2.3 out of 5 stars with 3 ratings
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1.9 out of 5 stars with 14 ratings
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2.3 out of 5 stars with 3 ratings
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3.5 out of 5 stars with 2 ratings
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3.9 out of 5 stars with 77 reviews
display: 5 out of 5
ease of use: 5 out of 5
features: 5 out of 5
speed: 5 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
50% would recommend
2 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
8 February, 2026
originally posted on sony.com
Really Love My New Walkman
Was finding using Music Streaming services a bit of a pain and didn’t like having to devote a lot of memory on the mobile to store music. Longed for the days of the old iPod. It was so much simpler, you chose the song you wanted, downloaded it to your iPod and it was yours - no monthly subscription. Thought it would never be possible until we found the Walkman A306. It’s complicated at first, as the instructions are hard to follow and understand but once you master these using the device becomes intuitive. Once you’ve added your music collection to the memory card it’s really easy to create different playlists. The sound quality is also good. Really enjoying using it.
5 out of 5 stars
6 February, 2026
originally posted on sony.com
My new walkman
Excellent far better than my old nw45 which I had for over 10yrs
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
28 January, 2026
WORST PURCHASE EVER
Purchased this walkman for my 12 y/o daughter on Xmas 2025, now less than a month later she forgot the PIN and now we are the owners of a $400 paperweight. Sony customer support is a real nightmare. Samsung, Hwawei, Asus, Apple, etc all of them offer customer alternatives to unlock devices but Sony Does not. MY WORST PURCHASE EVER. note: went to a sony repair shop but they did not know how to fix this issue (total joke)
5 out of 5 stars
25 January, 2026
originally posted on sony.com
Walkman Review
So far I am enjoying this product. It is easy to use.
1 reply from Sony North America Customer Support team - 2 months ago
Thank you for the review, Zak! We’re happy to hear you’re enjoying your NW-A306 Walkman and finding it easy to use. It's designed for high-quality sound and portability, so we're glad it's hitting the mark! Thank you for choosing Sony! Best regards, Gus, Sony North America Customer Support
5 out of 5 stars
16 December, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
Just Superb!
I bought this a few weeks ago to use on long flights having previously owned an A100 Walkman. To be honest, I didn't think that unit could be bettered, but I was wrong, this newer iteration is simply superb. With an increased battery life - long enough to allow me to play hi-res files for an 8-hour flight and still have charge left, an improved interface and a new 'feel', this player will be a trusted companion for many trips to come, and not only for flights but also relaxing on the beach or by the pool! I have added a micro SD card to increase the native 32 gb storage capacity so that I can take a wide selection of hi-res tunes with me. Works brilliantly with B&W wired headphones as well as my Sony wireless in-ears. Just superb!
5 out of 5 stars
7 November, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
Far superior to iPod
Looking for an ipod altrernative. This is superior in every way, especially managing music. No more iTunes ridiculus complexity
3 out of 5 stars
30 September, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
Poor operating system
I mainly use Apple equipment, so am used to the MacOS and IOS operating systems. I find the whole Android experience 'buggy' and a waste of time. On occasion, the device can't find a pair of Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones and connection attempts have to be repeated over and over - until they finally connect. I'm afraid it is the sort of device which will find its way to the back of a drawer and quickly be forgotten about.
1 reply from Sony UK team - 6 months ago
Hi, Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear that the NW-A306 quality isn't up to your liking and that you're experiencing connection issues with it. This is not the norm, as we always strive to deliver the best quality possible. Please make sure to follow the steps in the following link and test again: https://cutt.ly/jr1PTGZz In case the issue remains, please try the steps below: 1. Restart the Walkman following the steps here: https://cutt.ly/Rr1PU5W3 2. Update the device to the latest software version using this link: https://cutt.ly/Hr1PIJbJ 3. Format the Walkman by following the steps at this link: https://cutt.ly/8r1POWSO Furthermore, we appreciate your feedback regarding the OS version; hearing from our customers helps us continuously improve our products to align with your preferences. Rest assured that we've raised it to the concerned team for future consideration. Moreover, if any further assistance is needed, please contact us using this link: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW Menna @Sony Support UK
4 out of 5 stars
5 May, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
Sony NW-A306.
The sound quality was excellent. Easy to use. The only downside was the length of time it takes to boot up. Is full Andriod OS really neccesary?
1 reply from Sony support team team - 11 months ago
Hi, Thank you for your feedback. We're happy to hear that you are enjoying the sound quality of your NW-A306. Yet, we're sorry to learn that you're facing difficulties with the boot up time. If you are experiencing extended boot-up times, make sure to follow the steps below: 1- Update the software here: https://cutt.ly/Yrlzobx8 2- Restart your NW-A306 following the steps here: https://cutt.ly/CrlzLIll 3- Perform a factory reset by following the steps here: https://cutt.ly/GrlzfKPy 4- You can format a microSD card on the player following the steps here: https://cutt.ly/JrlzZWgz Moreover, if you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us using the details here: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW Nadine @Sony Support UK
5 out of 5 stars
30 April, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
not perfect, but really like this player
happily using with no google account. i've installed some apks using my sandisk 256GB card, including media monkey. but the preinstalled sony app is nice to use, simple, and has a great shuffle algorithm, if you prefer it. i love the direct sound, it's like hearing my music for the first time... even though most of it is high-quality formats or cds, i wasn't hearing it as great as it really sounds, because i'm mostly using a computer instead of a stereo, and i don't have a huge budget or a lot of knowledge. i feel like android is bulky for me and would buy a player without it, but you can make it pretty unobtrusive. also this thing needs the ability to put a strap or leash, i didn't see one offered here, but it's a slippery lil thing and it will jump out of your pockets if you're not careful.
1 reply from Fred team - 11 months ago
Hello BTH8, Thank you for choosing Sony! We're thrilled to hear that you're enjoying your NWA306-B and that the preinstalled Sony app is enhancing your listening experience. We appreciate your insights about the need for a strap or leash feature, as well as your thoughts on the Android interface. Your comments are invaluable to us, and we will definitely take them into consideration for future updates and improvements. Best regards, -Fred
3 out of 5 stars
3 April, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
is smaller than appears in adverts!
it packs a lot of features , not sure if google is needed , its compact size makes using touch screen tricky (with big hands), side buttons great ,the sony music software on pc/laptop v good . sound on sony headphones good (bought separately) generally a good replacement for a ageing I pod
1 reply from Sony support team team - 1 year ago
Hi, Thank you for your feedback. We are glad that you are happy with the features and the sound of your NW-A306. We hope you continue to enjoy it for years to come. Having Google integration can be handy, as you can access Google Play and install music apps on the player. You can enjoy music streaming services on the player: https://cutt.ly/ursZK2OX Regarding the compact size, we appreciate your insights on potential improvements for future models, as we're always working to develop our devices to what suits your needs. Furthermore, we will share your feedback with the concerned team for future consideration. If you need further assistance in the future, you can contact us using this link: https://cutt.ly/leABWCVc Ahmed @Sony Support UK
5 out of 5 stars
30 March, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
Brilliant
Love my tiny mighty mp3 / dac player ,sounds superb with wired or blue tooth ear pods / ear phones. Blue tooth to my hifi is brilliant. Great value.
1 out of 5 stars
20 March, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
BRILLIAN
I bought this four days ago , after a few days I was able to operate this fully. It,s more than an excellent music player. The sound is fantastic, its a small piece of equipment with a large amount of functions without being over complicated .
1 reply from Sony support team team - 1 year ago
Hi, Thank you for your feedback. We are happy to hear that you are enjoying your NW-A306, and happy with the quality we always aim to deliver! We hope you continue to enjoy it for years to come! Moreover, if you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us using the details here: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW Menna @Sony Support UK
4 out of 5 stars
23 February, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
good sound
this music player has good sound , with lots of ways to alter it to what you prefer but the touch screen is a bit hit nand miss needs work to make it more reliable.
1 reply from Sony Support Team team - 1 year ago
Hi, Thank you for your review, We are glad that you are happy with the sound quality of your NW-A306. We hope you continue to enjoy them for years to come. Furthermore, we appreciate your feedback regarding the screen; we are glad to hear from our customers and are always working to develop our products to what suits your needs. Rest assured that we've raised it with the concerned team for future consideration. If you need further assistance in the future, you can contact us using this link: https://cutt.ly/leABWCVc Omar @Sony Support UK
3 out of 5 stars
20 February, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
Excellent hardware , let down by utlising Andriod
I wanted to use Sony Walkman as a Walkman. It is good to have wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi , Bluetooth). The Music player app works "ok-ish" ( the app doesn't change with tilt position). But, utilising Android is bad idea because of all gimmick/features/functions (and being battery hungry) that are not relevant to a Walkman usage. These functions are related to phone devices. Sony should customise the OS to Walkman needs only. I turned off and deleted most android features (rather painfully going through many layers of settings) and all that I don't see useful for my Walkman. The battery life now is extended beyond Sony's specification. Sadly, some android feature can’t be deleted or turned-off. This Walkman could be much better if Sony developed/customised the OS. The hardware quality is excellent, also the size and weight is really good. Sony used to develop their own embedded OS and their phones used to be if high quality standard. So, why use Android and not develop own customisation to improve Walkman functions and substantially enhance battery life, i'm puzzled! Considering the "not so" cheap price tag. The hardware design and quality is excellent as one would expect from Sony high standard :)
1 reply from Sony support team team - 1 year ago
Hi, Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear that the NW-A306 quality isn't up to your liking; this is not the norm, as we strive to deliver the best quality possible. Yet, we're happy to hear that you're enjoying the hardware and design quality. You can access the settings of your Walkman easily and adjust it to your desired options by following the steps here: https://cutt.ly/zrrA30fs Moreover, we appreciate your feedback regarding the OS version and the app; we are glad to hear from our customers and are always working to develop our products to fulfil your needs. Rest assured that we've raised it to the concerned team for future consideration. Furthermore, if any further assistance is needed, please contact us using this link: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW Menna @Sony Support UK
5 out of 5 stars
15 February, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
Nice
It’s just what I needed for listening to good quality music on
1 out of 5 stars
6 February, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
Would not connect to my van or car
This product would not connect to my van or car which have completely different headsets the ven a mercedes sprinter 2016 is just plug and play and it said device not supported, the car which uses i drive 8.5 kept connecting for a second before disconnecting saying check settings but there were no changes i could make to help, all updates were done all troubleshooting followed all virtual assistant time wasted and after trying 50+ times i returned it. I think as it has android auto it makes it impossible to pair with anything. My old walkman without android works fine and my i pod works fine, they have no android though. Im sure its fine if you dont want to link it to a car or van maybe?
1 reply from Sony support team team - 1 year ago
Hi, Thank you for your review. We're sorry to hear that you're facing issues with connecting your NW-A306 to your van. If you still have the device, you can pair your Walkman via Bluetooth speakers installed in your android app on your van, but the speakers must support A2DP Bluetooth profile for them to pair. You can learn more here about how to connect it to your speakers: https://cutt.ly/2e6wiZoM If you need further assistance, you can contact us using this link: https://cutt.ly/leABWCVc Ahmed @Sony Support UK
5 out of 5 stars
2 February, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
Sony A306 Japanese Model
I bought this 2 Months ago and I'm really pleased with the sound quality even a 320 Mp3 sounds really good when played through Sony Headphones attached by cable I've not used Bluetooth so far so can't comment. The device is nice and small but you will need an Micro sd card as the internal storage isn't that big as the android system takes up a fair chunk of internal memory, the English Version is volume capped so if your using over ear headphones you may struggle to get to the volume your after the Japanese version isn't restricted. Check this out on YouTube for more information, I'm filling it with cd quality Flac files which to be honest the mp3 files sound that good that i can't really tell the difference. The player shows the quality of the source music on the music player screen which is a nice touch and the Tape player screen saver although a gimmick is a nice touch. I'm using a 512gb Micro Sd card which needs to be formatted by the player before you start putting music onto it. There is an app for Sony Headphones which displayes LDAC if it's connected correctly and the player has several ways to alter the sound if you wish but I haven't used these as I'm really happy with the sound straight from the box, hope this helps and enjoy...
3 out of 5 stars
25 January, 2025
originally posted on sony.com
Not the best for the price.
Got this shortly after Christmas and the sound quality is a firm "medium." The device itself is not compatible with Android Auto/Apple Carplay, unless you download a 3rd party music player app. Even then l, you must increase device volume to near maximum, as well as the car console volume. Auxiliary input is much worse, you must make sure both devices (player and car) are at maximum, and remember to turn the car volume DOWN before disconnecting, or you will suffer a splitting headache. Interface is standard for any Android based device, and usage is comparable. Native player app, has no discernable way to separate music by genre, and any downloaded podcasts or audiobooks are inaccessible in native app. Again, a 3rd party app would be recommended for this. The asking prince is ridiculously high for the minimum possible features.
1 reply from Sony North America Customer Support team - 1 year ago
Hi SD112, Thank you for the review and we do apologize for the inconvenience. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. If you need further assistance, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details: Name: Sony Username: Model Number: Issue: Telephone Number: -David
5 out of 5 stars
20 October, 2024
originally posted on sony.com
Fantastic sound quality
I switched up from a non streaming NW that I've been using for the last 4 years. The 300 is much more useable as a daily player with usb c and WiFi most of the music I listen to now is on Tidal so I'm getting much more use out of it than the old one and able to charge it if needed if I'm in the office. Sound quality is very good I sometimes plug my dragonfly in to give it a bit more power but generally compared to my Xperia 10 vi it's much nicer. Negative points are sometimes when you get a splash page off WiFi to log in it can be a bit clunky and the volume is limited which I was able to get around thanks to Mr Walkman mods on the old one. I wish I could enable swipe gestures rather than have to use the silly android 3 button system like my phone. Otherwise can't really go wrong! Oh and that tape player from local flac files is so cool I would have it just for that!!
4 out of 5 stars
23 September, 2024
originally posted on sony.com
A great compact media device with good features
Bought this product because I needed a dedicated portable media device to store and play my digital collection and free up space on my phone. On getting the device I was immediately surprised by the build quality and how small and compact the device was. The device was really easy to set up, supports a wide range of media files and accepts microSD cards up to 1TB. The touch screen does appear small but is very responsive so navigating around the device and the various screens is not a problem. The device has a wide range of features for enhancing the audio quality which I found useful. Battery life is ok, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and most audio settings turned its worth switching on the battery care and saver features to extend the battery life. The animated cassette UI adds a brilliant touch to the device.
1 reply from Sony Support Team team - 2 years ago
Hey, Thank you for your feedback. We're glad to hear that you're enjoying your NW-A306 and hope you continue to enjoy it for years to come. If you require any assistance, you can contact us using this link: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW Maryam @Sony Support UK