Best devices for watching BBC iPlayer

The BBC now lets any UK licence-fee payer download, store and watch any shows from its iPlayer service on a range of portable media players. We've got them all, tested them all, and picked out the best four of the bunch.

Creative's Zen is the most affordable in our list, with the 2GB model available from a measly £49. Not only does it support BBC iPlayer content, but its class-leading screen makes it look fabulous. Add to that brilliant sound quality and astoundingly simple operation, and you've got a seriously attractive device for TV lovers.

All recent BBC content is broadcast in 16:9 widescreen, yet most video players don't offer a true 16:9-format screen. The Samsung YP-P2 is as close to true 16:9 as you'll find on a player its size, and iPlayer downloads look great. If you're after a small touchscreen device for BBC shows, this is a top effort.

Apple's iPod touch doesn't let you download BBC content to its memory, but if you're in reach of a Wi-Fi connection, you can stream it over the Internet in better quality than any of the other players on offer. Plus, use a compatible dock, and you can output it directly to a TV.

Finally, with a massive hard disk for storing hundreds of hours of content, and a huge, high-resolution screen for watching it, the Archos 5 is one of the ultimate BBC iPlayer choices. By no means the cheapest, but definitely our favourite for Top Gear on the go.