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From iPod Touch to iPod Nano – choosing an iPod
Apple has set the bar high with its iPod range, but are there any other MP3 players out there that can compete with the likes of the iPod Touch and Nano? Our expert video guide can help you decide which MP3 player is right for you.
Which? video guide to choosing an MP3 player
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In this video guide, Which? MP3 player experts explain what to look for when choosing and iPod or other MP3 player, such as headphone quality, battery life and other features. Use this advice in tandem with the Which? MP3 player reviews to make sure you get the best MP3 player for you.
How to choose the best iPod for you
What type of iPod – Touch, Nano, Shuffle or Classic?
What type of iPod will suit you best? If size and simplicity matter, the tiny iPod Shuffle might be best for you. But if you want a screen that shows what tracks are playing and an FM radio, the latest iPod Nano is a pretty attractive option.
Is the ability to play games as well as music an attractive option? Then the touchscreen iPod Touch, which has Wi-Fi capability can can download games and more from Apple's App Store, could be right up you alley. Or, for massive music capacity and long battery life, consider the iPod Classic.
- Which? iPod Shuffle review
- Which? iPod Nano review
- Which? iPod Touch review
- Which? iPod Classic review
Should I buy a 4GB, 32GB or 160GB iPod?
Consider how much music you want to store on your iPod. A 2GB iPod Shuffle can hold about 500 songs – more than enough if you just want an iPod you can use while jogging around the park. To last the weekday commute to and from work, an (2,000 songs) or (4,000 songs) might be better.
For long holidays, or those who want to fit their whole music collection on the one MP3 player, a 64GB iPod Touch, which holds about 14,000 songs, would be more suitable.For mega music storage, go for the 160GB iPod Classic, which can hold some 40,000 songs, and has plenty of room for storing photos and videos (MP4s), too.
Should I choose an iPhone instead of an iPod Touch or Nano?
The iPhone is essentially an iPod Touch with the addition of phone functions and 3G connectivity, so if you're looking for an all-in-one mobile phone, music, video and gaming gadget, instead of a more basic MP3 player, the iPhone 5 could be your best option.
Like the iPod Touch, the iPhone 5 is available in 32GB and 64GB capacities (plus a smaller 16GB version) and has all the features of other models in Apple's iPod range – it's also much more expensive than any of the iPods, so think carefully about whether it's worth the money.
iPod speaker docks and other iPod accessories
One you've bought your iPod, you'll no doubt be looking for accessories that can help you make the most of it. Which? has reviews of iPod speaker docks, which allow you to easily attach your iPod and play music through built-in speakers.
And, though Apple's white iPod headphones are distinctive, many users who want better sound quality opt to upgrade their headphones. We have reviewed more than 70 headphones so check the Which? Best Buy headphones if you're looking for better sound quality.
Which? tests more thoroughly than any other organisation
We expect high standards of sound quality from iPods, and use music from a spectrum of genres (including pop, rock and classical) to test their ability to play music clearly.
We're looking for MP3 players with the best battery life
When Which? tests MP3 players including iPods, we listen to several pieces of music from Pink Floyd to Handel. Battery life is also really important when you're listening to music on the go, so we load the players with 20 tracks and set them playing continuously to measure how long a battery charge lasts.
