7 Best iPods for Kids (November 2026)

Parents who hand a child a music player usually run into one of two problems. They buy a simple Nano and find that a child who expects games, video calls and apps has nothing to do with it. Or they buy a full iPod Touch and end up with a small screen-based device that can reach the web, which is more than they wanted for a young listener. The Best iPods for Kids depend on what the child will actually do with the device: listen to downloaded songs, play games, or video call relatives.

The short answer: the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue suits younger kids who only need music, with a 30-hour battery rating and a 2.5-inch touch display. The Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB suits children who want apps, games and Group FaceTime on a 4-inch Retina screen. The Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 256GB suits families with large media libraries and the heaviest downloads. The rest of the list covers older 6th-generation Touch models, a second Nano colour and one non-Apple budget alternative.

TL;DR: top picks at a glance

• Best overall: the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue, a simple music-first player with up to 30 hours of playback and a 2.5-inch multi-touch display.
• Best for apps and games: Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB, with an A10 Fusion chip, a 4-inch Retina display and 128GB of storage.
• Best for large libraries: Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 256GB, the highest storage capacity on the list at 256GB.
• Best for a first Touch: Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 32GB, with a 1.2MP front camera and EarPods in the box.

Best iPods for Kids Comparison (November 2026)

#	Product	Best for	Storage	Screen	Battery life
1	Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue	Music-only kids	16 GB	2.5 inches	30 hours
2	Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB	Apps and games	128 GB	4 inches	40 hours
3	Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 256GB	Big media libraries	256 GB	4 inches	Not listed
4	Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 32GB	First Touch	32 GB	4 inches	Not listed
5	M-Player iPod Nano 16GB	Budget FM listening	16 GB	0.96 inches	Not listed
6	Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 64GB	Mid-capacity Touch	64 GB	4 inches	Not listed
7	Apple iPod Nano 16GB Pink	Pink music player	16 GB	2.5 inches	30 hours

1. Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue: Best Compact Touchscreen Music Player for Young Listeners

• Storage: 16 GB
• Display: 2.5-inch widescreen multi-touch
• Battery: Up to 30 hours of music, up to 3.5 hours of video
• Connectivity: Aux and USB
• Formats: MP3 and MP4

Pros:

• The 30-hour music rating means a child can go several days of normal listening between charges.
• The 2.5-inch multi-touch display is large enough for simple navigation without a keyboard or app store.
• Video playback is supported, so short clips can be loaded for car trips, up to about 3.5 hours per charge.
• Without a full app ecosystem, there is far less for a young child to wander into.

Cons:

• The 16GB capacity fills quickly if video is loaded alongside music.
• There are no apps, games or video calling, so a child who wants more will outgrow it.
• The specs list only Aux and USB connectivity, with no Wi-Fi listed, so music has to be loaded from a computer.

Best for: A parent buying a first music player for a young child who just wants songs and audiobooks.

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The Nano is the narrowest device on this list, and that is what makes it the strongest default for most families. It does one job, playing stored music, and its 30-hour battery rating is the longest stated on the list apart from the 40 hours quoted for the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB.

The trade-off is that nothing connects to the internet and nothing runs apps. Parents who want FaceTime, games or messaging should move straight to the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB. The Apple iPod Nano 16GB Pink is the same player in a different colour, so choose between them on colour alone.

Cost-conscious buyers should know this is a renewed unit, so condition can vary between copies. If a child will carry it in a school bag, a protective case is worth adding.

2. Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB: Best A10 Fusion Media Player for Apps and Games

• Storage: 128 GB
• Display: 4-inch Retina
• Chip: A10 Fusion, up to 2x faster performance and up to 3x faster graphics
• Battery: Up to 40 hours
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Pros:

• The A10 Fusion chip handles modern games and AR apps smoothly, with up to 3x faster graphics than the previous generation.
• The 4-inch Retina display is sharper and roughly twice the diagonal of the Nano screens.
• Group FaceTime lets a child video call grandparents and cousins over Wi-Fi.
• A 40-hour battery rating is the highest figure on the list.

Cons:

• Wi-Fi and app access mean parents need to set up restrictions themselves.
• The 4-inch screen is small by phone standards, which suits kids but frustrates longer video sessions.
• It is a renewed unit with a 90-day limited warranty, which is a short cover period.

Best for: A school-age child who wants games, video calls and music in one pocket-sized device.

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This is the best fit when the child will use the iPod as a small, cut-down phone replacement. The A10 Fusion chip is a clear step up from the older 6th-generation models such as the Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 32GB, and the 128GB of storage leaves room for a sizeable music library plus a stack of games.

It is the wrong choice for a very young child who needs only simple music playback. In that case the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue is safer and easier to manage.

The one real alternative within the Touch range is the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 256GB, which shares the chip and screen but doubles the storage. Choose that only if 128GB would clearly be too small.

3. Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 256GB: Best High-Capacity Retina Player for Large Libraries

• Storage: 256 GB
• Display: 4-inch Retina
• Chip: A10 Fusion
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Warranty: 90-day limited

Pros:

• The 256GB capacity is the largest on the list, double that of the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB.
• Offline playlists, videos and large games can all be stored without constant deleting.
• The A10 Fusion chip runs current apps and AR games smoothly.
• Group FaceTime and Bluetooth pairing with wireless headphones are both supported.

Cons:

• Few children need this much storage, so the extra capacity is often paid for and never used.
• Battery life is not specified for this model.
• A renewed unit with only a 90-day limited warranty, so inspect it soon after it arrives.

Best for: A family loading a large music, video and game library for long trips or a heavy daily user.

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The only difference between this model and the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB is storage, and that decides whether it is worth choosing. For a child who downloads films for flights and keeps a full music collection offline, 256GB removes the need to manage space. For most others, the 128GB model is plenty.

It also comes in Gold, which is the colour shown here. Anyone buying purely for music should drop to the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue and skip the extra capacity entirely.

4. Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 32GB: Best Entry-Level iOS Touch With Camera and EarPods

• Storage: 32 GB
• Display: 4-inch Retina with Multi-Touch IPS
• Camera: 1.2MP front-facing, 720p HD video
• Weight: 3.04 ounces
• In the box: iPod Touch, Apple EarPods, Lightning to USB cable

Pros:

• The 4-inch Retina IPS display matches the 7th-generation Touch models for screen size.
• A front-facing 1.2MP camera supports FaceTime and 720p video recording.
• Apple EarPods and a Lightning cable are included, so it works straight from the box.
• At 3.04 ounces, it is light enough for small hands and school bags.

Cons:

• The older hardware is slower than the A10 Fusion models, and the listed iOS 7 features show its age.
• Buyer feedback on battery life is mixed, with some units reported to hold a charge poorly.
• Storage of 32GB fills fast once games and apps are added.

Best for: A parent wanting a first Touch for a child at a modest storage size.

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The headline feature is that this unit ships with EarPods and a cable, which the Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 64GB does not. Buyers generally find it good value, though the most common complaint concerns battery life, and some report units that functioned well while others did not.

If reliable battery performance matters, step up to the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB, which lists a 40-hour rating. This model suits families who value the included accessories and the low bar for entry.

5. M-Player iPod Nano 16GB: Best Bluetooth FM Radio Player for Casual Listening

• Storage: 16 GB
• Display: 0.96-inch LED
• Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB
• Extras: FM radio and recording
• Formats: MP3

Pros:

• Built-in FM radio gives a child live radio without needing a data connection.
• Bluetooth lets it pair with wireless headphones or a speaker.
• The description says it holds over 10,000 songs, which is plenty for a 16GB MP3 library.
• The recording function suits voice notes and language practice.

Cons:

• This is not an Apple product, despite the iPod name in its listing, and Apple software compatibility is not specified.
• The 0.96-inch LED screen is much smaller than the 2.5-inch touch display on the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue.
• It plays MP3 only, with no video, and battery life is not listed.

Best for: A budget-minded buyer who wants FM radio and Bluetooth in a small player.

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This is the outlier on the list. Compared with the Apple Nano models, it gives up the touch screen and video playback in exchange for FM radio, recording and a lower price tier. It arrives in a white box rather than standard retail packaging.

Families who want a genuine Apple device should choose the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Pink instead. This model suits a child who mainly wants radio and simple music on a basic screen.

6. Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 64GB: Best Mid-Capacity Refurbished Touch for Older Hardware Buyers

• Storage: 64 GB
• Display: 4-inch Retina with Multi-Touch IPS
• Camera: 1.2MP front-facing, 720p HD video
• Condition: Certified refurbished with a minimum 90-day warranty
• In the box: Charger and cable, with no headphones, manual or SIM card

Pros:

• Double the storage of the Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 32GB, giving more room for music and games.
• The 4-inch Retina IPS display and front-facing FaceTime camera match the other 6th-generation unit.
• Certified refurbished status includes functionality testing and cosmetic inspection by a third-party refurbisher.
• A minimum 90-day warranty is included.

Cons:

• Headphones are not included, so a separate pair is needed.
• It may arrive in a generic brown or white box.
• The 6th-generation hardware is older and slower than the A10 Fusion models.

Best for: A buyer wanting more storage than the 32GB 6th-generation model at the same hardware level.

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The additional 32GB over the Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 32GB is the reason to pick this one, provided a pair of headphones is already on hand. It shares the same camera and screen, so the experience is otherwise identical.

For a child who plays modern games, the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB is the better route because of its newer chip.

7. Apple iPod Nano 16GB Pink: Best Pink 7th-Generation Nano for Music and Video Clips

• Storage: 16 GB
• Display: 2.5-inch widescreen multi-touch
• Battery: Up to 30 hours of music, up to 3.5 hours of video
• Formats: AAC, MP3, AIFF and WAV
• Weight: 1.12 ounces

Pros:

• At 1.12 ounces it is the lightest player on the list.
• Support for AAC, MP3, AIFF and WAV covers most music files without conversion.
• The 30-hour music rating matches the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue.
• The 2.5-inch multi-touch display handles simple playlist browsing well.

Cons:

• It has no apps, games or video calling.
• Storage is limited to 16GB.
• It is a renewed unit, so condition can vary.

Best for: A younger child who would prefer pink and needs only music and a few video clips.

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This is the same player as the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue in a different colour, and the specs match. The format list is the clearest advantage on paper, since lossless AIFF and WAV files are stated as supported.

It is the wrong choice for a child who wants games or FaceTime, where the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB fits far better.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right iPod for a Child

The core trade-off is simplicity against capability. Nano models are easy to manage and cannot reach the wider internet, while Touch models do much more but need parental setup.

Before choosing, check these project details:

• Child's age: Younger children usually do better with a music-only device.
• Intended use: Music and audiobooks need far less hardware than games and video calls.
• Storage needed: Count the songs, videos and apps the child will actually keep.
• Headphones: Check whether earbuds are included or must be bought separately.
• Condition: Renewed and refurbished units carry short warranties.

Player Type: Nano Or Touch

The Nano line, represented by the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue and the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Pink, is a pure music player with a 2.5-inch touch display. It has no apps and its specs show no Wi-Fi, which keeps usage simple for a young child. For a child younger than six, a gift from the range of gifts for 5 year old boys may suit better than a pocket computer.

The Touch line, covering the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB, the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 256GB and the two 6th-generation models, adds Wi-Fi, apps and a camera. That makes it a better fit from roughly school age, once the child can handle restrictions and rules around screen time.

Storage Capacity

Sixteen gigabytes on the Nano models holds a decent music library but runs out quickly with video. The 32GB and 64GB 6th-generation Touch models sit in the middle, while 128GB and 256GB suit app-heavy use.

The Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB is enough for most children. The Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 256GB only makes sense for large offline video or music collections.

Battery Life And Charging

Battery claims differ widely. The Nano models are rated at up to 30 hours of music, and the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB is rated at up to 40 hours. Battery life is not listed for the others.

Because the 6th-generation Touch units are older, battery wear is the most commonly raised concern on the Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 32GB. Pairing any of these with good headphones for schools helps protect hearing and covers the shortfall where no earbuds ship in the box, as with the Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 64GB.

Condition And Warranty

Nearly every Apple unit here is renewed or refurbished. The 7th-generation Touch models carry a 90-day limited warranty, and the Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 64GB has a minimum 90-day warranty as a certified refurbished product.

The M-Player iPod Nano 16GB is the only non-Apple device, and no warranty term is specified. Check the unit promptly after delivery and test the battery, screen and charging port in the first week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best iPods for Kids

What is the best iPod for a young child?

The Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue is the best fit for a young child who needs only music. It has a 2.5-inch touch display and a 30-hour battery rating. It has no apps or internet access, which keeps things simple.

Which iPod is best for games and apps?

The Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB is the strongest choice for games. It uses the A10 Fusion chip with up to 3x faster graphics than the previous generation. Its 4-inch Retina display and 40-hour battery rating also make it a good all-round pick.

Is 16GB enough for a child's iPod?

For music alone, 16GB on the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Pink holds a large library. Video fills it quickly, so a child who watches clips should consider the Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 64GB or a 7th-generation Touch. Games on Touch models also need more space than music.

Can an iPod Touch make video calls?

Yes, the Touch models support FaceTime over Wi-Fi. The 7th-generation models add Group FaceTime, while the Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 32GB has a 1.2MP front camera with 720p video. The Nano models do not support video calling.

Do these iPods come with headphones?

It varies by model. The Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 32GB includes Apple EarPods and a Lightning cable, while the Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 64GB ships with a charger and cable only. For the other models, headphone inclusion is not specified.

Is the M-Player iPod Nano a real Apple product?

No. The M-Player iPod Nano 16GB is made by M-Player rather than Apple. It adds FM radio and Bluetooth but has a much smaller 0.96-inch LED screen. Buyers wanting a genuine Apple player should choose the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue instead.

Final Verdict: Which iPod Should You Buy?

Best iPods for Kids for most families start with Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue: a 2.5-inch multi-touch display, 16GB of storage and a 30-hour music rating in a compact body. Its main weakness is that it only plays media, so a child who wants games or video calls will outgrow it quickly.

For children who want more, the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB is the best all-round step up, with the A10 Fusion chip, a 4-inch Retina display, Group FaceTime and a 40-hour battery rating. The Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 256GB shares those features and only adds storage. Families wanting a lower entry point can look at the Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 32GB or the Apple iPod Touch 6th Gen 64GB.

The specialist picks are the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Pink for buyers who want the same Nano in pink, and the M-Player iPod Nano 16GB for those who want FM radio and Bluetooth at the cost of a tiny screen. If you are still undecided, choose the Apple iPod Touch 7th Gen 128GB for a school-age child and the Apple iPod Nano 16GB Blue for a younger one.