Most portable mp3 players characteristic storage systems that have no moving parts. This gives mp3 a precise advantage over other portable music players, like CD players, because there is no chance of skip, whether the user is jogging, taking a jumpy car ride, or cycling on a dirt path.

The mp3 songs, or other audible media, are normally stored on Flash Memory systems, either built in or on the Sony Memory Stick, Smart Media, or Compact Flash cards. These are the similar cards and sticks that are often used for digital cameras, and work with the portable mp3 player in a similar manner .

Mp3 files are first made on a personal computer, either by downloading music from the Internet, compressing songs from a CD format, or making original music on mp3 software. The files are then downloaded, via the computer's USB port or parallel port, immediately into the mp3 player, or into a reader or removable drive that takes the card or stick of choice. Many portable mp3 players come with software programs to assist with the download process.