MP3 players: How to buy the best MP3 player iPods uncovered
Apple’s iPod range dominates the MP3 player market, selling more models than those from all other MP3 player manufacturers put together.
When you look at the Apple iPod range, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular.
The latest iPod line-up offers something for everyone, and includes the iPod Touch, iPod Nano, iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle.
Three out of the four models are Best Buys.
Find out which impressed our experts, and which missed the mark, by reading their verdicts on our Which? MP3 player reviews page.
Apple's impressive iPod range
iPod range
Apple iPod Shuffle (fourth generation, 4GB)
The new iPod Shuffle is the world’s smallest music player. If you like your music playback simple and your device nearly invisible, the iPod Shuffle should suit you well.
Apple iPod Nano (sixth generation, 8 or 16GB)
The iPod Nano is the world’s most popular music player. It’s easy on the eyes and the wallet, and its user interface is hard to beat.
Apple iPod Classic (sixth generation, 160 GB)
The iPod Classic is all about capacity. It has the largest memory of the iPod range, enabling music lovers to carry a staggering 40,000 songs with them wherever they go.
Apple iPod Touch (fourth generation, 8GB, 16GB or 32GB)
The iPod Touch includes features that are light years ahead of most of the competition, including Wi-Fi internet access and use of Apple's App Store of downloads.
For help choosing an iPod Shuffle, Nano Classic or Touch watch the Which? buyers' guide video
Apple overview
All of these iPods are popular - they’re easy to use, offer excellent sound and the iTunes Store has the largest selection of legal digital content on the web.
Yet they’re not your only option. We’ve found many other fantastic MP3 players, some of which outperform their more celebrated rivals. You can read more about these on our MP3 player reviews page.
And iPods do have some drawbacks. They typically cost a little more than non-Apple MP3 players with comparable capacity. They also lack some of the features and accessories that many other MP3 players have, such as an FM radio, and it’s difficult to transfer music from iPods to any other device.
