Microsoft Zune HD

2610 reviews

Nov, 2024

Positive
usability (1648)
design (666)
sound (529)
performance (482)
price (389)

Negative
reliability (194)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 2610 reviews of Microsoft Zune HD. The average rating for this product is 3.9/5, compared to an average rating of 3.9/5 for other products in the same category for all reviews. People really like the price and sound. The performance and design also get good feedback, whereas comments are divided on the reliability.

usability, design, performance, sound, price

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other products in the same category the Microsoft Zune HD is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 94/100 = Excellent quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 2610 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

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performance
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sound
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Showing 1 - 1747 of 2568 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (38)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Microsoft Zune HD

alaTest has collected and analyzed 26 user reviews of Microsoft Zune HD from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 4.0/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other products in the same category on Amazon.co.uk. Reviewers are impressed by the performance and size. The battery and sound are also appreciated, whereas there are some mixed reviews about the portability. The price and reliability get negative views.

usability, sound, battery, size, performance

reliability, price

81% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Nov, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Microsoft Zune HD

alaTest has collected and analyzed 1711 user reviews of Microsoft Zune HD from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 3.8/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.8/5 for other products in the same category on Amazon.com. Reviews about the sound and price are generally positive. The performance and design also get good comments. Views are divided on the portability. Many are negative about the reliability.

usability, design, performance, price, sound

reliability

75% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Nov, 2024

Expert review by (engadget.com)

Zune HD review

When we broke news and images of the Zune HD back in April, we were more than a little excited. There had been talk -- and rumor -- of a widescreen, touchscree...

Sep, 2009

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Expert review by : Donald Bell (cnet.com)

Zune HD review

As the high-profile underdog alternative to Apple's iPod portable media player, the Zune has endured an unfair share of jokes and scorn. Proving the adage that "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger," Microsoft has taken four years'-worth of hard...

The Zune HD's brilliant OLED display, HD Radio tuner, long battery life, movie rentals, and subscription music integration finally give iPod expatriates something to shout about.

You still can't use the Zune with a Mac, Marketplace purchases require "Microsoft Points," video format support is limited, audio quality lacks advanced controls, you'll need to purchase a dock accessory for HD video output, application and game...

The Zune HD delivers one of the best portable music and video experiences money can buy. At a time when many people have shifted their focus to games and applications, providing a killer media experience may not be enough for potential Zune buyers.

Sep, 2009

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Expert review by : Tim Gideon (pcmag.com)

Microsoft Zune HD

Not an iTunes fan? Then the Zune HD is the best MP3 player you can get.

Gorgeous multi-touch OLED screen. Intuitive user interface with sharp, good-looking graphics. Strong Web browser. Wireless music purchasing, downloading, and syncing. HD radio.

Limited audio codec support. HD files are displayed in standard-def on the player—an optional dock is needed to view HD files on an HDTV or a PC. Very slim pickings in the App section of the Zune Marketplace.

Codec support for the Zune HD is strong in some areas and weaker in others. For audio, the device can play only MP3, WMA (including Lossless), and AAC (unprotected only) files. Ouch. Fans of OGG, FLAC, or even plain old AIFF and WAV will be...

Sep, 2009

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Mark McClusky (wired.com)

Review: Microsoft Zune HD 32GB

The Zune HD is no longer the butt of any joke. From HD output to a revamped marketplace, Microsoft's media-player-that-could gives Cupertino legit competition for...

Best screen that’s ever shipped on a portable media player. Sync software has excellent music discovery features. Zune Pass subscription lets you download as many tunes as you want. Industrial design finally approaches the lustworthy quality of an...

Several years behind Apple when it comes to interface and app store. Music library still has some holes. No Macintosh software. Web browser is competent, but takes a while to render some pages. Onscreen keyboard for browser is horrid

Sep, 2009

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Expert review by : Ginny Mies (pcworld.com)

Microsoft Zune HD

The Microsoft Zune HD is the Zune that I wish Microsoft had released last year. I found a lot to like about the Zune HD and the Zune 4.0 software. The device marks a huge improvement from last year's model in speed, usability, video quality, and...

Gorgeous, multitouch interface ; Superb on-device video quality

Software can be sluggish ; Some of the best features cost extra

The Zune HD is a huge step forward for Microsoft's Zune line, but you still have to pay extra for some of the best features.

Sep, 2009

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Expert review by : Mark McClusky (wired.com)

Fetish: Zune HD Player Is a Contender

Since launching its answer to the iPod in 2006, Microsoft has tantalized us with a combination of the sublime (great music subscription service, built-in FM

Jul, 2009

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Expert review by (pcworld.com)

Microsoft's Competitive Zune120 MP3 Player

Microsoft's newest Zune has an innovative twist on music discovery, and it's a worthy alternative to the 120GB iPod Classic. Staff Writer Ginny Mies takes a look.

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Oct, 2008

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Expert review by : Ginny Mies (pcworld.com)

Zune 120 GB

Diminutive flash-based MP3 players may have a physical advantage, but they don't address the needs of users who prefer to carry their entire music and media library on one device. Microsoft's latest hard-drive-based Zune player, the Zune 120GB, targets...

Intuitive interface and controls Wireless browsing, FM tuner

Most new features require subscription Plastic front prone to scratches

For anyone looking to exit Apple's ecosystem, the Zune 120GB stands as an attractive option. For the same price as you'd pay for the iPod, you get the same amount of storage plus the bonus of FM radio and a larger screen. And if you don't mind paying...

Sep, 2008

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Expert review by : Ginny Mies (pcworld.com)

Microsoft Microsoft Zune 16GB

When PC World reviewed Microsoft's previous Zune flash player last fall, we questioned whether support for wireless and for video was overkill on a device that holds only 8GB of content. This fall, Microsoft addressed the storage limitations by adding...

Wireless browsing, FM tuner ; Intuitive interface and controls

Bulky compared to other flash players ; New firmware not preinstalled

Despite new features and a capacity upgrade, Zune needs a redesign to keep up with other flash players on the market.

Sep, 2008

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Expert review by : Donald Bell (cnet.com)

Microsoft Zune third generation flash review: Microsoft Zune third generation flash

Microsoft Zune third generation flash

The Microsoft Zune MP3 player has expanded the usefulness of its Wi-Fi and social music-discovery features, added support for games and audiobooks, and maintained enviable features, such as a glass-covered LCD, friendly interface, exceptional...

Video playback battery life isn't great; the glossy plastic front is more prone to scratches and smudges; and using many of the new features without a Zune Pass music subscription can be disappointing.

The smaller, flash-based Zune, with a unique focus on music discovery, is a fierce competitor to the iPod Nano.

Sep, 2008

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