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7.4 out of 10

Creative ZEN X-Fi

 

Information found in: from 101 sources in 26 countries

Great Deal: $59.99

  • User Score (586)
    7.9 7.9 from 586 reviewers
  • Expert Score (25)
    7.6 7.6 from 25 reviewers
  • Design (23)
    7.0 7.0 from 23 reviewers
  • Value for money (13)
    7.0 7.0 from 13 reviewers
  • Features (21)
    7.5 7.5 from 21 reviewers
  • Ease of use (20)
    7.3 7.3 from 20 reviewers
  • Performance (2)
    7.1 7.1 from 2 reviewers
  • Sound quality (43)
    8.6 8.6 from 43 reviewers
  • Reliability (11)
    8.5 8.5 from 11 reviewers
  • Overall quality (25)
    8.3 8.3 from 25 reviewers
  • Battery performance (2)
    6.2 6.2 from 2 reviewers
  • Video quality (5)
    8.0 8.0 from 5 reviewers
  • Speed performance (11)
    7.6 7.6 from 11 reviewers
  • Equipment (3)
    8.2 8.2 from 3 reviewers
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  • Best Deals

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  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(3)
7-8
(18)
5-6
(4)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(230)
7-8
(185)
5-6
(50)
3-4
(31)
1-2
(45)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. Digitaltrends

    Digitaltrends
    7.0/10
    11 September 2008

    Despite its crippled WiFi, the Zen X-Fi has a lot to offer your ears. Creative has been hawking its X-Fi sound enhancement technology hard in the last couple of years, putting it in everything from sound cards to headphones — and now in a portable AV player. Aside from the usual voice recorder, FM radio, expandable storage, and audio/video playback, the Zen X-Fi is the first player from Creative to offer built-in WiFi. Read more

    • Very good sound quality; included ear buds are excellent; attractive interface
    • Buttons are small and are not backlit; lacks wireless sync and web browsing

  2. PC Magazine

    PC Magazine
    7.0/10
    8 August 2008

    Armed with wireless streaming features, but hindered by an irksome user interface, the affordable ZEN X-Fi is a solid player, but lacks the graceful navigation of devices from Apple or Samsung. Read more

    • Streams and downloads music wirelessly. FM Radio and voice recorder. Quality earphones are included.
    • User interface needs work. Most videos need to be converted with the included software. Loaded with buttons.

  3. PC World

    PC World
    9.0/10
    18 August 2008

    The amazing Zen X-Fi Read more

    • Nice features, sound, earbuds, and price, Networking and streaming capabilities
    • Plastic body feels cheap, but durable, Small screen for video and photos

  4. BigPictureBigSound

    BigPictureBigSound
    7.0/10
    5 October 2011

    When I was a lad, I dreamed of a portable TV. Not the lunchbox-sized black-and-white one that rests on your knee when you're tailgating, mind you: I had visions of a color screen that fit into my pocket. VCRs and TiVos were still a ways off, but if I could have wrapped my head around the notion of selecting my own programming to watch, I would have been all for that, too. Read more

  5. What Hi-Fi?

    What Hi-Fi?
    6.0/10
    7 January 2009

    This is one of the dinkiest players we've tested, and it has a similarly slender price tag to boot. What's more, this Creative does its best to punch above its weight. The welcome screen gives way to slick, simple menus. As well as video and music playback, you'll find an FM radio, a voice recorder, an SD/SDHC card slot, the ability to download content from BBC's iPlayer service and wireless streaming functionality. Read more

    • Small; wireless music transfers; impressive battery life for music; plenty of features
    • Small, average quality screen; audio lacks refinement; not the most intuitive to use

  6. fwd.channel5.com

    8.0/10
    23 September 2008

    A tiny music player, with tons of storage, impressive sound quality and lots of added extras. Just don’t expect its Wi-Fi functions to rock your world. Read more

    • Small enough to sit comfortably in the palm, the Zen X-Fi is proof great things really do come in the tiniest packages. This swanky MP3 player squeezes in up to 32GB o...
    • The Zen X-Fi packs in Wi-Fi, but it’s a flawed execution. Where the iPod touch lets you download new songs, surf the web and install applications, the Zen simply lets ...

  7. CNET

    CNET
    7.0/10
    8 August 2008

    The Creative Zen X-Fi's plastic design leaves a little to be desired, but that doesn't detract from the fact that the player is an incredible value overall: for an extremely competitive price you get a boatload of features and great sound quality. Read more

    • The Creative Zen X-Fi is an incredible value given its low price and laundry list of features, which include photo, video, Audible, and subscription music support; an ...
    • The Creative Zen X-Fi plastic construction does not feel high-quality, and the SD card content does not get integrated into the general libraries. Videos often need to...

  8. Anything but iPod

    Anything but iPod
    19 July 2008

    Compared to the Zen, the build quality is improved, upgraded headphones are included, and the wireless feature works pretty well even though it really puts a drain on your battery. But that is as far as I will go as calling the new features improvements. X-Fi sound enhancement is not an improvement. Chat and Friends list is not an improvement and has hindered the button UI. These features are just flat-out poorly implemented. Read more

    • Upgraded headphones included, Very good build quality, Good sound quality, Wireless Setup and Streaming is Easy
    • Weak FM Radio, Poor SD implementation, Chat is poorly implemented, Text input, Poor top down viewing angle, Emulated X-Fi

  9. TT Gamer

    TT Gamer
    7 January 2010

    Creative Labs are anything but newcomers to the world of audio, but they are to TweakTown. So today, let's take a look at their latest portable device; the Zen X-Fi Style. Read more

  10. Register Hardware

    Register Hardware
    6.0/10
    27 February 2009

    All in all, the X-Fi's a bit of a disappointment. The lack of storage integration, the odd controls and the truly hopeless text input system all combine to take shine off a decent looking and sounding little player. It's hard to avoid the feeling that Creative have missed an open goal here by making the X-Fi so small. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. What is wrong

    Amazon
    4.0/10
    Reviewer: Chezmonster, Amazon
    3 days ago See Product at Amazon ($99.99)

    I have had two Zen X-Fi3 8 GB. People that posted that they got a firmware up grade, are either full of it, or Creative lied to me more than once!!! I talked to Creative Support by both email and phone. They say that the firmware on the Zen X-Fi3 8 GB as shipped is the newest available.I have an A2DP Bluetooth Headset. LG HBS-200 which is Version 1.9, the Zen X-Fi3 8 GB wouldn't even find it let alone pair it. Read more or see product

  2. Creative Zen X-Fi

    10/10
    Reviewer: mstrglen, pcworld.com
    3 weeks ago

    The Creative Zen X-Fi, what an amazing little player. Pricing first: the Zen X-Fi 16GB has the same MSRP as the 8GB iPod Nano. Plus, the X-Fi has nice features such as FM radio, voice recording, SD card expandability, an external speaker, and premium earphones. The X-Fi also has wireless chat, but this needs to be improved with future updates as it is clumsy and not very intuitive. Sound quality wise, the X-Fi sounds GREAT. Read more

    • Crisp, brilliant screen, 16.7 million colors, comes with premium set of Creative EP-830 Noise Isolating Earphones ($60 value), FM radio, recording, wi-fi, plays videos...
    • No SD card integration, no metal parts, X-Fi sound enhancement is negligible, wireless chat needs to improve

  3. "Great Player, paid $79.00 would by another if i could"

    CNET
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: cjmitch9658, CNET
    13 January 2012

    Even though you have to get it set right htis unit is s good deal tuff as nails (but get a case) reliable, good battery life deet sound. Read more

    • Small, durable, I strap it in 90+ degree heat to my motorcycle, and it has never skipped a beat, X-fi is a marginal improvement, although increasing the mp3 bit rate o...
    • Chrystalize is a waste, It doesn't appear to recharge unless it's plugged into a computer. Found out that this isn't true. It will recharge with a aftermarket charger ...

  4. Disappointing small size and performance

    J&R
    6.0/10
    Reviewer: redwoodbob, J&R
    24 July 2009

    The ZEN capacity is outstanding. Except for video conversion, Software is unnecessary as copy/cut and paste from computer files is easier. Unmarked identical function buttons are ridiculous and not intuitive. Screen and overall unit size is unnecessary, could have been average pocket size for better use. Slight digital bleedover can be heard on many frequencies. High frequency reproduction is much less than the recorded music sources. Read more

    • Long Battery Life, Lots of Storage
    • Digital bleed over, Poor high frequency repro, Poor Sound Quality, Recessed off-on switch, Tiny buttons, Tiny size

  5. Solid little device

    Newegg
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: InMSWeAntitrust, Newegg
    5 October 2009

    Someone said that it needs Creatives software to stream from a PC; I found that setting up media sharing in Windows Media Player on Vista got the device to recognize and play music from it. Your mileage may vary. Read more

    • The SD slot could be viewed as a pro or a con, I go with pro because you get an 8GB SD card for music, then the 16GB for video and you've got a decent setup going. The...
    • The included software is extraneous, just connect the device, it'll be recognized by windows fine; if you want videos convert them to a resolution smaller than 320x200...

  6. Great Battery, great screen, SD card Slot, easy to use and resistant.

    Ebay
    10/10
    Reviewer: victorsaguenay02, Ebay
    20 September 2011 See Product at eBay ($142.49)

    Very reliable, with an extremely long battery life. This MP3 Player can resist to many more things than another. The SD card slot is very practical when you want to watch movies, without puting them on the device. The LAN wi-fi is pretty much useless as well as the chat feature. Just turn them off, and profit from the rest of the device. Ordered this one to replace my Creative ZEN MX that was two years old and still able to work well, but needed a new one. Read more or see product

  7. Nice Unit Excellent Sound Clairty

    Creative
    10/10
    Reviewer: Creative
    2 weeks ago

    By Bob Feeser "MillCrafters.com" The first thing that hits you when you plug in this unit to your speakers or headphones is the clarity at which it plays. Very clear, definitely digital. I have been using the iPod shuffle for years and also the Sansa Fuze 8GB player and this one really shines next to those. One thing I especially like is that the storage shows up in same window even for the content in the inserted 16GB Micro SDHC card. Read more

  8. Loads of features for very less money

    B&H Photo
    10/10
    Reviewer: Naveen, B&H Photo
    15 February 2009

    Very easy to handle. X-Fi Technology stands out feel of the sound is really good. Inbuilt speaker is very loud enough and battery backup is very good. Resolution of the screen is very high. All in all I would recommend 5 out 5. Read more

    • Battery Backup, Display Video Playback, Inbuilt speaker, Value for Money, X-Fi technology for sound
    • Overall design not so grt

  9. Creative Zen X-Fi 32GB

    Overclock
    10/10
    Reviewer: Bloodfire, Overclock
    2 December 2008

    I initially had my review put in as the product, but I fixed that now. Here's the review: This intense sound-quality machine gives you the option of really good sound quality, hardcore soundquality, or 1337 sound quality. The X-Fi crystallizer may not sound nice with the supplied earbuds, but those earbuds aren't exactly doing the Zen X-Fi any justice. Read more

    • Awesome sound, great price for what you get, great colour, small, light, and lots of space.
    • None yet.

  10. CNET

    CNET
    10/10
    Reviewer: Robert Puttock, CNET
    4 February 2011

    I am a musician and music producer. All I can say is this mp3 player sounds like an expensive studio setup. I didn't even bother buying new headphones as the ones that came with it were brilliant! The frequency response is great. From a rich bass to a bright treble. I have had a good couple of years worth of constant use from my zen and it has served me well. The only reason I am upgrading is because my girlfriend took a liking to it. Read more

    • When it comes to sound quality, this beats any other mp3 player I've heard!
    • The aspect ratio of the screen means widescreen content has bars at the top and bottom.

  • WikiFreak Description

Creative ZEN X-Fi

Creative ZEN X-Fi is a portable media player by Creative. It lets user to listen to music and watch video while on-the-go as well as connect to the internet. Among of its main features include true mobility, premium high quality earphones included, 2.5" TFT screen, radio and wide audio support.

Features

The ZEN X-Fi enhances MP3 sound reproduction as it restores the quality of compressed music with its award-winning X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity Audio technology. Besides that, it deliv…

See more
Edit

Creative ZEN X-Fi

Creative ZEN X-Fi is a portable media player by Creative. It lets user to listen to music and watch video while on-the-go as well as connect to the internet. Among of its main features include true mobility, premium high quality earphones included, 2.5" TFT screen, radio and wide audio support.

Features

The ZEN X-Fi enhances MP3 sound reproduction as it restores the quality of compressed music with its award-winning X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity Audio technology. Besides that, it delivers crystal clear clarity. Moreover, it lets user to stream music and photos wirelessly from PC with home network. Also, user can access files from PC and save it on the tablet media player. User can also set up own ZEN X-Fi account that lets user to connect with friends and family via Yahoo Messenger or Windows Live Messenger. In addition, it comes with earphones which is comfortable for the ears and features noise-isolation capability. It is pocket-sized and weighs about 2½ ounces. It is featured with attractive curves with a graceful finish. It does not require external speakers as it is built with integrated speaker. It also allows user to increase its storage capability with an SD or SDHC card. User enables to transfer files easily to enjoy more videos, music and photo with the media card connectivity. It offers 2.5" TFT screen with 16.7 million colors for better movies enjoyment. User can also tune in to radio as it features integrated FM radio and allows user to save up to 32 stations. It supports wide type of audio including P3, WMA and AAC, including non-protected .m4a files from iTunes® Plus. User can download Creative Centrale to rip, transfer and manage media content easily. Additionally, user can enjoy free video and audio podcast channels from Zen Cast website (www.zencast.com) as well as manage favorite subscriptions with ZENcast Organizer. It also functions as a voice recorder. User can set audio effects to enhance overall music listening experience and it offers 8 EQ presets or user can opt to customize own EQ as well. User can enhance the sound via bass boost and smart volume controls. It also features alarm clock, which user can customize note and alarm tone for each alarm for any day of the week. It offers integrated storage of either 16GB or 32GB. It measures 3.3" x 2.2" x 0.5" in dimension and weighs 2.4 ounces.

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  • Manufacturer's Description

The Sound of Perfection Experience your MP3 music as the artist originally intended with ZEN X-Fi - the first player to restore the quality of compressed music with award-winning X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity Audio technology. Indulge in rich audio where you can hear your music in crystal clear clarity. Take in guitar strumming, crisp cymbal clashes and deep pounding bass as detail lost during file compression are now beautifully restored. The built-in X-Fi technology intellig…

Ask the community

Need more advice? Ask the community a question.

Questions asked: 4 Answers: 3

Previous questions about this product

  • Zen X-Fi TV connection

    Can Zen X-Fi be connected to a TV and play a movie on it?Because I bought a wire to connect it to the TV but it didn't work..

    Answered by Bobby 2009-09-06:

    No,only the Creative ZEN X-Fi2 version that can be connected to

  • Can I use with iTunes?

    Answered by bopper 2008-12-17:

    If this is like most creative products, then no you cannot. but there is an alternative. Blank cds come very cheap and it is easy to stack up on them w/ one purchase. just use itunes to burn whatever songs you have on the cd, then rip them to the library of your choosing(personally, i use windows media player). then put the songs from there on your player. some think this is too tedious, but i dont think

    Answered by issikiki 2009-07-03:

    No, iTunes only plays well with

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