Choosing the best iPod for Kids

2 May 2025

8 mins read

Haziq

Haziq

Tech Expert for Back Market UK, Ireland & Australia

If you're looking for an affordable mobile digital music player for your children, there's an ideal alternative to buying an expensive smartphone. You can get an iPod for kids instead. Even though these hugely popular devices were discontinued in 2022, fully refurbished ones are still easily available. These are even more desirable now that you can't get new ones any more. Here's a complete guide to the best kids' iPod options today.

  • An image of the Apple iPod Shuffle with the screen on playing music.

    iPod Shuffle

    The iPod Shuffle is extremely compact, the smallest in the iPod range. It's screenless, with simple controls, shuffle mode, and a clip-on design for listening on the go.

  • An image of the Apple iPod Nano with the screen on playing music.

    iPod Nano

    The iPod Nano has a colour screen display. It's a super-efficient, slim mobile player for music, videos, and podcasts.

  • An image of the iPod Classic with the screen on playing music.

    iPod Classic

    The iPod Classic is the iconic model that debuted the click wheel. It's a durable model that can store thousands of songs, videos, and photos.

  • An image of the iPod Touch with the screen on playing music.

    iPod Touch

    The iPod Touch is the most advanced model. It has a touchscreen and Wi-Fi capability, for games and apps, as well as being a lightweight music player with lots of storage capacity.

Why you can trust this guide

As a leading global marketplace for refurbished electronics, BackMarket has a deep knowledge of virtually all the most popular devices, including iPods. Our long and successful track record means that you can rely on our tech expertise and recommendations. 

We take a holistic approach, evaluating electronic devices for user-friendliness, technical specifications and sustainability. This allows us to offer top-quality, fully refurbished devices that can save you up to 50% off the original new price – while reducing electronic waste.

Applying all of these insights, here's all you need to know when you're looking for the best iPod for kids.

iPod Shuffle

Verdict: 💗💗💗🤍🤍

A close up image of the Apple iPod Shuffle with its earphones connected.

The Apple iPod Shuffle is the simplest, smallest model.

iPod Shuffle latest specifications

  • Colours: Black / White / Gold / Silver / Red / Pink / Purple / Blue / Green / Yellow / Orange

  • Storage: 512MB to 4GB flash memory

  • Estimated song capacity: ± 240

  • Battery life: Up to 12 hours of music playback

  • Charge time: ± 4 hours

  • Playback control: 3-position switch

  • Display: None

  • Audio formats: AAC, protected iTunes AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, WAV, AIFF

  • Photo support: None

  • Video support: None

  • Weight: 0.55 ounces (15.6 grams)

  • Dimensions: 1.07 x 1.62 x 0.41 inches

  • Output ports: 3.5-mm stereo headphone mini-jack

  • Connectivity: USB 2.0

  • Wireless: None

iPod Shuffle pros and cons

Pros ✅

Cons ❌

Extremely compact

Small size makes it easier for kids to lose

Easy to carry with a clip-on

No navigation screen

Simple controls

Limited song library control

Long battery life

Relatively small storage capacity

Ideal for casual listening

No audio customisation options

Excellent sound quality

No streaming capabilities

Great affordability today

"You can lock in a maximum volume level for the Shuffle, which can be helpful if the player is for a child." - CNET
Apple iPod Shuffle playback controls close-up image

iPod Shuffle: features and benefits

The Shuffle remains a smart choice as an iPod for kids. Its compact, lightweight design has been proven to be both useful and durable. The strong full-body clip lets kids to securely attach it to their clothing, and to other items like backpacks or cross-body strap bags. It has very simple controls that are easy to use, and it offers plenty of listening time before needing a recharge. The lack of a screen prevents kids from looking at it all the time – it's a pure digital music player. Today, it's a very affordable entry level kids' iPod. Its limited song capacity is the only drawback preventing a 4-star rating.

iPod Nano

Our verdict: 💗💗💗💗🤍

A close-up of the Apple iPod Nano with its earphones connected.

iPod Nano latest specifications

  • Colours: Silver / Space Grey / Blue / Red / Pink

  • Storage: 16GB flash memory

  • Estimated song capacity: ± 4,000

  • Battery life: Up to 24 hours of music playback / up to 4 hours of video playback

  • Charge time: ± 3 hours

  • Playback control: Multi-touch touchscreen

  • Display: 2-inch colour LCD with LED backlight

  • Audio formats: AAC, protected iTunes AAC, Apple Lossless, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, WAV, AIFF

  • Photo support: JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD, PNG

  • Video support: M4V, MP4, MOV

  • Weight: 1.3 ounces (36.8 grams)

  • Dimensions: 3.6 x 1.5 x 0.24 inches

  • Output ports: 3.5-mm stereo headphone mini-jack, dock connector

  • Connectivity: USB 2.0

  • Wireless: None

iPod Nano pros and cons

Pros ✅

Cons ❌

Slim, lightweight design

Small size can cause kids to misplace it

Very small and portable

No built-in clip to secure to clothing

Simple, easy-to-use screen controls

Screen size can be too small for some

Album art and video screen display

No Wi-Fi for music streaming

Very long battery life

More affordable version of iPod Touch

"The iPod nano has carved out a nice little niche for itself, and we can see this one running and running." - TechRadar
Image of iPod Nano with the screen showing a video

iPod Nano: features and benefits

The Apple iPod Nano is one of the best choices if you're looking for a kids' iPod. Its touchscreen makes it easy to use, and its 16GB of storage is plenty for lots of music, plus audiobooks. It also has a built-in FM radio. The battery life can support heavy continuous use. The latest models have Bluetooth connectivity for Apple Earpods. Overall, this is possibly the best choice as an iPod for kids. It’s durable, fun to play with, and has everything they could need in a music player.

iPod Classic

Our verdict: 💗💗💗💗🤍

A close-up of the Apple iPod Classic with earphones connected to it.

iPod Classic latest specifications

  • Colours: Black / White / Silver

  • Storage: 160GB Hard drive memory

  • Estimated song capacity: ± 40,000

  • Battery life: Up to 36 hours of music playback / up to 6 hours of video playback

  • Charge time: ± 4 hours

  • Playback control: Click wheel

  • Display: 2.5-inch colour LCD with LED backlight

  • Audio formats: AAC, protected iTunes AAC, Apple Lossless, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, WAV, AIFF

  • Photo support: JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD, PNG

  • Video support: M4V, MP4, MOV

  • Weight: 4.9 ounces (140 grams)

  • Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.41 inches

  • Output ports: 3.5-mm stereo headphone mini-jack, dock connector

  • Connectivity: USB 2.0

  • Wireless: None

iPod Classic pros and cons

Pros  ✅

Cons ❌

Largest storage capacity of all iPods

Hard drive memory not as robust as flash memory

Simple traditional click wheel

No touchscreen controls

Durable metal casing

Bigger and heavier than other models

Screen for video playback

Small screen size

Excellent value for features and storage 

More expensive than the smaller iPods

Extended battery life

"If you're looking for an iPod that can store thousands of songs and aren’t bothered about any fancy features, then the iPod Classic is well worth considering. The iPod Classic still does its job well and is top quality." - Macworld
A close-up image of the Apple iPod Classic playback controls.

iPod Classic: features and benefits

The iPod Classic is the ideal iPod for kids who are a bit older and listen to music more avidly. Its hallmark feature and biggest benefit is its huge storage capacity, enough for tens of thousands of songs, podcasts, videos and audio books. It offers a wide variety of entertainment in a sturdy and durable metal casing that can take the wear and tear as a kids' iPod. It's very easy to navigate, and has excellent battery life. Choose this model if your child is a serious music fan with a large song collection.

iPod Touch

Our verdict: 💗💗💗💗🤍

A close-up of the Apple iPod Touch with its screen playing music.

The Apple iPod touch is the most advanced model in the iPod range.

iPod Touch latest specifications

  • Colours: Space Grey / Silver / Gold / Blue / Pink / Red

  • Storage: 32GB flash memory

  • Estimated song capacity: ± 7,000

  • Battery life: Up to 36 hours of music playback / up to 6 hours of video playback

  • Charge time: ± 4 hours

  • Playback control: Multi-touch touchscreen, voice control

  • Display: 3.5-inch widescreen LCD Multi-Touch display

  • Audio formats: AAC, protected iTunes AAC, Apple Lossless, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, WAV, AIFF

  • Photo support: JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD, PNG

  • Video support: M4V, MP4, MOV

  • Weight: 4.05 ounces (115 grams)

  • Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.4 x 0.33 inches

  • Output ports: 3.5-mm stereo headphone mini-jack, dock connector

  • Connectivity: USB 2.0

  • Wireless: Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)

iPod Touch pros and cons

Pros  ✅

Cons ❌

An affordable option to the iPhone to access the Apple ecosystem

Limited storage capacity compared to an iPhone

Convenient platform for audio and video entertainment

May not support the latest iOS features

Access to App Store to download games and apps

Newer apps may not be compatible

Long battery life

Easy-to-use touchscreen navigation

"The updated iPod touch isn’t a flagship device — intentionally so. It’s Apple’s most entry-level device, the sort of thing you could give to a kid who isn’t old enough to have a phone." - The Verge
Image of someone playing a game on an iPod Touch/

iPod Touch: features and benefits

The iPod Touch is something of a hybrid of a digital media player and a smartphone – without the price tag of an iPhone. As the last iPod to be released, it was meant to be a stepping stone towards getting an iPhone. Now it performs superbly as a standalone device for music listening, watching videos and playing games. It has Wi-Fi capability for streaming and chatting with friends. It's effectively an entry-level iPhone that only lacks a cellular connection.

Comparing iPods for kids

Feature

iPod Shuffle

iPod Nano

iPod Classic

iPod Touch

Storage

512MB to 4GB

8GB / 16GB

160GB

32GB

Number of songs

± 240

± 4,000

± 40,000

± 7,000

Audio playback

Up to 12 hours

Up to 24 hours

Up to 36 hours

Up to 36 hours

Video playback

–

Up to 4 hours

Up to 6 hours

Up to 6 hours

Charge time

± 4 hours

± 3 hours

± 4 hours

± 4 hours

Playback controls

3-position switch

Multi-touch touchscreen

Click wheel

Multi-touch touchscreen, voice control

Display screen

–

2-inch colour LCD

2.5-inch colour LCD

3.5-inch widescreen LCD

Photos

–

Yes

Yes

Yes

Connectivity

USB 2.0

USB 2.0

USB 2.0

USB 2.0

Wireless

–

–

–

Wi-Fi 

BackMarket price

From £48.00

From £49.00

From £219.00

From £59.00

Kid's iPods shopping tips

Given that new iPods are no longer available, your best option is to buy a refurbished iPod. Don't let that put you off, though. If you buy one on BackMarket, you're assured of a rigorously restored and fully tested device that performs just as well as when it was new. 

Our certified expert refurbishers carry out exhaustive inspections to find any elements that need restoring. New components are inserted to replace damaged or worn ones. The final touch is giving it a brand new finish. 

You can get a completely refurbished iPod for kids that has gone through strict quality controls to ensure that it performs up to the original benchmarks. Here's a more detailed elaboration on why you can trust our refurbished electronics.

Haziq

Written by Haziq, Tech Expert for Back Market UK, Ireland & Australia

When not fighting the good fight for environmental sustainability, Haziq loves making reviews of everything and anything tech-related.

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