Where to buy the iPod Nano in 2025

Why you can trust this iPod nano review

At Back Market, our goal is clear: make tech reliable and affordable. For that reason, we have created this iPod nano review for you. You can trust this review of the iPod nano as it is based on extensive research, expert insights, and a deep understanding of Apple's product history. We are focused on providing an objective perspective on the device to help you make informed purchasing decisions. Our commitment to quality ensures that we highlight the iPod nano's strengths and weaknesses, giving you a clear picture of what to expect. Whether you are a long-time Apple fan or a first-time buyer, this review is designed to guide you toward the best choice for your needs.

iPod nano (first generation)

The first iPod nano, available in black and white, launched in September 2005 and features a tall, slim design. It is considerably smaller than the iPod mini (the iPod it replaced): about 1.6 in wide, 3.5 in long, and 0.27 in thick, and weighing about 1.5 oz. Its design was based on Apple's concept of the least material used, crafted from plastic and metal. Unlike the mini, it has a color display supporting up to 65 colors. Featuring a click wheel, the iPod nano can hold up to 1,000 songs – as much as the original 2001 iPod. Instead of the classic hard drive, the iPod nano relies on flash memory, and it comes in 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB sizes. 

As impressive as the iPod nano is, it also has its drawbacks. One major drawback is its battery. The first-generation nano provides a mere 14 hours of music listening, and there were previous reports of several short circuits — a problem that led to Apple recalling the product. Those with the recalled product then received a sixth-generation nano.

iPod nano 2 (second generation)

The iPod nano 2 was launched in September 2006. Over one year, the iPod nano got thinner but more resilient skin, and it comes clad in anodized aluminum —  an opportunity for new colors. It is available in six colors: silver, pink, blue, green, black, and a PRODUCT RED version released for AIDS awareness. 

Unlike the first nano, the second-generation nano has a high-quality battery lasting up to 24 hours; that’s 10 hours more than the previous generation. It is available in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB versions, and Apple created a sorting system based on the colors of the device. The 2GB version is only available in silver. The 4GB model has green, blue, and pink as its color options, and the 8GB variant is only available in black. Those were the original colors, and after a while Apple began to offer a PRODUCT RED iPod nano 2 with 4GB and 8GB storage. Regarding software updates, it features minor changes compared to the first-generation nano, adding a search function and gapless playback.

iPod nano 3 (third generation)

The third-generation iPod nano was launched in September 2007. The iPod nano 3 underwent a design change, becoming shorter and wider — perfect for watching videos. Apple introduced a 2-inch display to the now shorter and wider iPod. These aren't the only design changes, as this iPod also discards the plastic at the top and bottom. The external appearance now combines previous and new elements, blending shiny metal with matte aluminum and available in six colors — green, pink, black, turquoise, silver, and PRODUCT RED (a special edition).

Video support was a long-requested feature of the device at its release, and the iPod nano 3 answers this call by offering video playback capabilities. At the same time, the display is better, changing from a 176 x 132 resolution to a 320 x 240 resolution. The better display means changes to the user interface, which can show album covers and incorporates the Cover Flow feature. The iPod nano 3 also adds gaming as one of its features, and each device comes with three games bundled. Users can purchase more from iTunes. However, at the time of its release, one drawback caused by the many changes to the iPod nano 3 was that the new updates caused incompatibility issues with older games, requiring users to re-purchase them from iTunes. 

With 4GB and 8GB capacity, the iPod nano 3 can store many songs and still has room to use its added feature — watching a movie on the QVGA screen. And what about battery life? The third-generation nano can last up to 24 hours and provides up to 5 hours of video playback.

iPod nano 4 (fourth generation)

In September 2008, Apple released yet another iPod nano — the iPod nano 4. The fourth-generation nano gets yet another major redesign. It features the broadest rainbow of nine colors — silver, purple, black, light blue, yellow, green, orange, pink, and PRODUCT RED — and even has a curved design to match. The new body is made of aluminum and glass (Apple has used this before in the 2007 iPhone). However, its redesign isn't all flash; the iPod nano 4 is also eco-conscious thanks to its recyclable aluminum body, arsenic-free glass, and the missing brominated flame retardant, mercury, and PVC. It is also the only iPod nano with an official nickname — nano-chromatic. 

In the new model, the 2-inch display keeps its resolution, but it is now vertical thanks to the addition of an accelerometer. The accelerometer plays a significant role, allowing features like Shake to Shuffle, games, and Cover Flow, which works when the device is turned on its side. The new functions also include voice recording and Genius playlists. The music battery life remains at 24 hours but drops for video, with this iPod only managing 4 hours of playback, which is hardly a dealbreaker. This device is available in 8GB and 16 GB capacities. The iPod nano 4 also discontinued FireWire support within the series.

iPod nano 5 (fifth generation)

One year later, in September 2009, the fifth-generation iPod nano was released. The iPod nano 5 features a larger 2.2-inch display, a video player, and a video recorder for the first and only time in history. The iPod nano 5 can record video with a resolution of 640 x 480, and it is possible to add several special effects. This unique iPod also adds a built-in microphone and speaker, an FM radio with track recognition, a Nike+ iPod Sport Kit, a built-in pedometer, and a Live Pause feature for the FM radio. The exterior gets a polished anodized aluminum casing, again available in nine colors. Battery life remains the same as the previous generation, and the iPod nano 5 is available with 8GB or 16GB storage capacity.

iPod nano 6 (sixth generation)

In September 2021, the sixth generation of the iPod nano debuted. The iPod nano 6 seems to have inherited more from the shuffle line than its nano predecessors. It shrinks to a small, clippable, 1.5-inch square and loses its video capabilities and voice recording (although voice recording is still available on mic-enabled earbuds). The iPod nano 6 actually deserves its name this time. The 1.54-inch display delivers a 240 x 240 resolution for high-quality album cover display, and only FM radio and Nike+ iPod are offered. 

Did we mention it’s clippable? Yes, on the back of the iPod nano 6, it features a clip that can attach the device to clothing or a strap, making it a potentially interesting wristwatch. The operating system has also been updated, and it is a lightweight variant of iOS, supporting multi-touch gestures needed to rotate the screen due to the lack of an accelerometer. The sixth-generation iPod nano is available in 8GB and 16GB versions, and you can get the following colors: silver, blue, graphite, green, pink, orange, and PRODUCT RED. A year after its debut, an update to the iPod nano 6 added a new interface and 16 watch faces, including Disney-themed ones.

iPod nano 7 (seventh generation)

The iPod nano 7 is the last generation, released in October 2012. It is a back-to-basics type of nano, bringing back the original tall and slim figure. The seventh generation of the iPod nano combines old and new features, bringing back the 2.5-inch wide-angle touchscreen with a 240 x 432 resolution. It also brings back video playback capabilities, with a maximum resolution of 576 pixels, and retains FM radio and Nike+ iPod. At the same time, the iPod nano 7 introduces a Home button, as on other Apple devices, and there is a control button on the side to start or pause music as well as volume control buttons. 

Even at its peak, it doesn't meet the perfection of the iPod nano 5, as it bids adieu to the camera, built-in microphone and speaker, app support, and clip. On the flip side, it brings in new features like full support for EarPods, Bluetooth 4.0, koneKTOR Lightning, and a more intuitive touchscreen display. The battery has also been improved significantly, lasting up to 30 hours on music. However, it lasts only 3.5 hours on video playback, which is among the poorest of all modern iPods. The device has a 16GB capacity and comes in eight colors: silver, slate, green, purple, blue, yellow, pink, and PRODUCT RED.

The iPod nano pros and cons

The iPod nano is a compact and stylish music player with an excellent blend of portability and functionality. Over the years, it has gone through seven generations, introducing features like a touchscreen, an accelerometer, and an FM radio, making it more than just a basic MP3 player. However, while it excels in design and ease of use, it has drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons of the iPod nano:

How to buy a cheap iPod nano 

The iPod nano is still one of the best MP3 players available. Getting a cheap iPod nano might be challenging since the last generation was discontinued in 2017. Some third-party retailers still stock them, but you usually have to wait for big sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday to grab an iPod nano at a discount. 

But what if we told you that you don't have to wait? What if we told you you can get a cheap iPod nano any day of the year? The best way to do this is by shopping at Back Market, of course. At Back Market, we offer verified refurbished devices that offer premium quality at only a fraction of the price. Our prices are low every day of the year, beating even the best deals retailers offer during major sales events. Here's what one satisfied customer had to say about their experience on Back Market:

"Unit arrived in great condition, considering it was rated and priced as only "Good" and appeared to be more like "Excellent." So no complaints!"

Marc S. - Purchased on February 2, 2025

Why buy refurbished

At Back Market, we deal in verified refurbished products. These pre-owned devices undergo a rigorous refurbishing process to ensure they meet high-quality standards before reaching our customers. Before we put any device up for sale, it is inspected, repaired if necessary, cleaned, and tested by expert refurbishers to restore it to full functionality. Components like batteries and screens may be replaced to ensure optimal performance, and all our devices come with a minimum of 80% battery health and 100% charging capacity. Unlike used or second-hand products, our devices come with a 1-year warranty for your protection and are sold at only a fraction of the original price. Our products not only save you money, but they also save the planet, as refurbishing promotes sustainability by reducing electronic waste. Here's what one Reddit user had to say about us:

"I purchased an iPhone 14 Pro Max 256gb in August and am so happy with it! It has been awesome. I got it in good condition and it was nearly perfect. Battery was at 88% and everything else works as it should. My boyfriend purchased a 14 Pro at the same time and his has been great too!"

Trade in your old tech for cash

Breathe life into your old devices with Back Market's Trade-in program. Trade-in offers an easy and eco-friendly way to sell your old devices while earning cash. The process is simple — get an instant quote, ship your device for free, and receive payment once it's assessed by a refurbisher. Whether your device is in perfect condition or has seen better days, our trade-in program ensures it gets a second life through refurbishment. Here are some trade-in values for some of the most popular Apple products:

Price and availability

The iPod nano was first released in September 2005 and went through seven generations, with the last debuting in September 2012. Apple discontinued it in 2017, so you must turn to third-party retailers to buy one today. Fortunately, Back Market offers refurbished iPod nanos at an affordable price. Here are some of the options available:

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication – these are subject to change.

Final thoughts: A compact classic that stands the test of time

The death of the dedicated audio player has been greatly exaggerated. Many people still want to play music from a source that isn't their smartphone. One of these options is the iPod nano. Yes, the iPod nano still exists, and it is light and compact enough to slip into your pocket. It offers a range of features, including video playback and recording, Bluetooth support, FM radio, and apps, and is available in multiple color options, making it a smart choice even today.