I use an old iPod I refurbed myself with microSD storage instead of a hard drive, a big battery so it lasts a week between charging and Rockbox so I don’t need iTunes.

It’s small and the physical controls are easy to operate while its in a pocket.

The audio quality is fine since I mostly use it outside the house when the music is competing with ambient noise like traffic, other people’s conversations, the noise of being on a bus or a train, etc… These aren’t quality listening environments.

My iPod was a fun pandemic project. If you want something portable, there are plenty of new devices you can get with more features for less money.