We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Music Player Like Ipod 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

FiiO M21 Android 13 Portable Music Player MP3 Walkman Snapdragon 680 4* CS43198 DAC Chips Hi-Res Audio DSD Bluetooth LDAC (Blue-Black)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,432
Storage Capacity
Battery Life
Audio Quality

Most important from
167 reviews

Storage Capacity
Limited internal storage encourages adding a memory card for large playlists, but 64GB is adequate for many users.
Battery Life
Desktop Mode is a standout feature that effectively preserves battery life by allowing the device to run directly from power when plugged in.
Audio Quality
The FiiO M21 delivers outstanding sound quality that surpasses many competitors, providing a rich and warm listening experience without needing an external DAC.
Portability
The device’s weight and form factor strike a balance between sturdiness and portability, though it’s bulkier than ultra-compact players.
User Interface
The user interface is responsive and fast, with regular firmware updates that incorporate community feedback to improve performance continuously.
Connectivity
Multiple headphone outputs, including 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm, offer versatile connectivity for various audio setups.
Additional Features
The nostalgic 'Casette tape mode' adds a fun and unique touch to the listening experience.

The FiiO M21 is a solid choice if you're looking for a portable music player similar to an iPod but with more modern tech. It offers 64GB of storage, which should hold plenty of music, and runs on Android 13, meaning you can use popular music apps smoothly thanks to its Snapdragon 680 processor. Battery life is improved with a special Desktop Mode that protects the battery when plugged in. Audio quality is one of its strongest points—quad CS43198 DAC chips and a 2-stage amplifier deliver clear, detailed sound with low noise, making it great for audiophiles who want rich and dynamic music.

The device supports multiple headphone outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm) plus SPDIF and USB audio outputs, offering flexibility for different headphones or home setups. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so streaming and wireless listening are easy. The 4.7-inch screen should make navigation straightforward, and the Android interface adds familiarity and versatility.

It weighs about 15 ounces, a bit heavier than some simpler players, which might affect pocket portability. It also uses a 9V battery included in the package, which may require replacement differently than standard rechargeable batteries. The FiiO M21 blends powerful sound performance with smart features and good storage, suited for listeners who want a mix of high-res audio and app use on the go, but it may be a bit bulkier than ultra-compact players.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,432
Storage Capacity
Battery Life
Audio Quality

Most important from
167 reviews

Storage Capacity
Limited internal storage encourages adding a memory card for large playlists, but 64GB is adequate for many users.
Battery Life
Desktop Mode is a standout feature that effectively preserves battery life by allowing the device to run directly from power when plugged in.
Audio Quality
The FiiO M21 delivers outstanding sound quality that surpasses many competitors, providing a rich and warm listening experience without needing an external DAC.
Portability
The device’s weight and form factor strike a balance between sturdiness and portability, though it’s bulkier than ultra-compact players.
User Interface
The user interface is responsive and fast, with regular firmware updates that incorporate community feedback to improve performance continuously.
Connectivity
Multiple headphone outputs, including 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm, offer versatile connectivity for various audio setups.
Additional Features
The nostalgic 'Casette tape mode' adds a fun and unique touch to the listening experience.
#2

JadeAudio/FiiO JM21 Android 13 Hi-Res Music Player MP3 with Snapdragon 680, Bluetooth WiFi USB DAC 12.5H Playtime (Sky Blue)

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Battery Life
Audio Quality

Most important from
327 reviews

Storage Capacity
Expandable storage via microSD up to 2TB is a vital feature, especially for those with large, lossless music libraries or collections not available on streaming platforms.
Battery Life
Battery life comfortably supports long listening sessions, with users experiencing over 9 hours of continuous use and some standby power drain that can be mitigated with settings tweaks.
Audio Quality
The sound quality is noticeably superior to typical phone playback, delivering clear and powerful audio that drives a wide range of headphones effortlessly.
Portability
The device’s size and weight make it comfortable and portable, feeling solid and durable even under heavy use.
User Interface
The Android 13 based interface offers flexibility with access to popular streaming apps and audiobook players, though it can feel complex at first and occasionally exhibits minor glitches or slowdowns.
Connectivity
Some users experienced difficulties with microSD card recognition on computers, necessitating unmounting the card on the player before transferring files.

The JadeAudio/FiiO JM21 is a high-quality music player designed for those who want more than just basic MP3 playback. It comes with 32GB of storage, which is decent for storing a good number of songs, though you might want to add a microSD card for more space. Its standout feature is the audio quality, thanks to dual flagship DACs that provide powerful and clear sound, capable of driving larger headphones easily. This makes it a great choice if you care about rich, detailed music.

The battery life of about 12.5 hours means you can enjoy music almost all day without recharging, which is quite convenient for long outings or daily use. Weighing only 156 grams and being very thin, it’s comfortable to hold and highly portable. The user interface runs on a customized Android 13 system, which lets you install popular streaming apps like Spotify or Apple Music, giving you a familiar and flexible experience. Connectivity includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so you can easily connect wireless headphones or access online content.

The interface might be a little more complex than simple click-wheel players, and the 32GB internal storage might feel limited for some users unless expanded. It requires a 9V battery which may not be as convenient as built-in rechargeable batteries found in other players. For those seeking a premium sound experience with smart features and good portability, the JM21 is a fitting choice. However, if simplicity and very long battery life without managing external batteries are priorities, this player might be less suitable.

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Battery Life
Audio Quality

Most important from
327 reviews

Storage Capacity
Expandable storage via microSD up to 2TB is a vital feature, especially for those with large, lossless music libraries or collections not available on streaming platforms.
Battery Life
Battery life comfortably supports long listening sessions, with users experiencing over 9 hours of continuous use and some standby power drain that can be mitigated with settings tweaks.
Audio Quality
The sound quality is noticeably superior to typical phone playback, delivering clear and powerful audio that drives a wide range of headphones effortlessly.
Portability
The device’s size and weight make it comfortable and portable, feeling solid and durable even under heavy use.
User Interface
The Android 13 based interface offers flexibility with access to popular streaming apps and audiobook players, though it can feel complex at first and occasionally exhibits minor glitches or slowdowns.
Connectivity
Some users experienced difficulties with microSD card recognition on computers, necessitating unmounting the card on the player before transferring files.
#3

Music Player iPod Nano 7th Generation 16gb Silver Packaged in Plain White Box

Rating
9.1
Audio Quality
User Interface
Supported Formats

Most important from
193 reviews

Audio Quality
Listening to music on an iPod is far better than streaming because it allows you to enjoy only the songs you handpick.
User Interface
It started right up and worked perfectly after resetting through iTunes, leading to a very satisfying user experience.
Supported Formats
An iPod provides a curated music experience without the influence of algorithms or the need to pay for streaming services.

The 7th Generation iPod Nano in Silver is a compact and portable music player, ideal for those looking for an alternative to carrying their smartphone around for music purposes. With a storage capacity of 16GB, it can hold a significant library of over 10,000 songs. The device supports Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to pair with wireless headphones or speakers, enhancing its portability and convenience. Additionally, it features an FM radio with the ability to listen and record, providing more listening options beyond your personal music library.

The battery life is sufficient for extended periods of listening, though specific hours are not mentioned, users can expect a good runtime typical of iPod products. The 4-inch display facilitates easy navigation through the user-friendly interface, and the included USB cable and earphones make it ready to use out of the box. On the downside, the device is limited to a storage capacity of 16GB, which might not be enough for users with larger music collections. Also, while it offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity, it lacks Wi-Fi support, which could limit some online functionalities.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the iPod Nano 7th Generation remains a reliable and user-friendly music player for those who seek a dedicated device for their audio needs.

Rating
9.1
Audio Quality
User Interface
Supported Formats

Most important from
193 reviews

Audio Quality
Listening to music on an iPod is far better than streaming because it allows you to enjoy only the songs you handpick.
User Interface
It started right up and worked perfectly after resetting through iTunes, leading to a very satisfying user experience.
Supported Formats
An iPod provides a curated music experience without the influence of algorithms or the need to pay for streaming services.

Buying Guide for the Best Music Player Like Ipod

Choosing the right music player can greatly enhance your listening experience. Whether you're an audiophile or just someone who enjoys music on the go, there are several key specifications to consider. Understanding these specs will help you find a music player that fits your needs and preferences perfectly.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to how much music and other media your player can hold. This is important because it determines how many songs, albums, or playlists you can carry with you. Storage is usually measured in gigabytes (GB). If you have a large music library or plan to store high-quality audio files, you might need a player with higher storage capacity, such as 64GB or more. For casual listeners with smaller libraries, 16GB or 32GB might be sufficient.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the music player can operate before needing a recharge. This is crucial for those who use their player frequently or for extended periods, such as during long commutes or workouts. Battery life can range from a few hours to several days. If you need a player for long trips or heavy use, look for one with a longer battery life, ideally 20 hours or more. For occasional use, a shorter battery life might be acceptable.
Audio QualityAudio quality refers to the clarity and fidelity of the sound produced by the music player. This is important for audiophiles and anyone who wants to enjoy their music in the best possible quality. Audio quality can be influenced by the player's hardware and supported audio formats. Look for players that support high-resolution audio formats like FLAC or ALAC if sound quality is a priority. For general listening, standard formats like MP3 or AAC might be sufficient.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to carry the music player around. This includes the size, weight, and design of the player. If you plan to use the player while exercising or traveling, a smaller, lighter model might be more convenient. For home use or if portability is less of a concern, larger models with more features might be preferable.
User InterfaceThe user interface is how you interact with the music player, including the screen, buttons, and navigation system. A good user interface makes it easy to browse and play your music. Touchscreens can offer more intuitive navigation, while physical buttons might be more reliable for active use. Consider what type of interface you find most comfortable and easy to use.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can transfer music to and from the player and connect it to other devices. Common options include USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. If you want to sync your music wirelessly or use Bluetooth headphones, ensure the player supports these features. For simple file transfers, USB connectivity might be sufficient.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your music listening experience. These might include things like FM radio, voice recording, or apps for streaming services. Think about which extra features are important to you. If you enjoy listening to the radio or need a voice recorder, look for a player that includes these options.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now