Best MP3 player Apple iPod nano *Est. $140
Best touch-screen MP3 player Apple iPod touch *Est. $280
Best iPod alternative Microsoft Zune HD *Est. $290
Best sound quality Sony X Series Walkman *Est. $380
Budget MP3 player SanDisk Sansa Clip+ *Est. $50

See All MP3 Players

Apple iPod touch

*Est. $280 for 32 GB

Reviewed October 2009

Best touch-screen MP3 player

3.5-inch touch screen
Easy-to-use interface
Faster processor for gaming
Thousands of mobile apps
Wi-Fi capable

Audio quality is only average
No video camera

Where to Buy

for $285.00
for $299.00
for $299.00

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Reviewers say the iPod touch is simply unrivaled among touch-screen MP3 players. The third-generation model has received only a slight update, adding features like voice control, Genius Mixes and faster processor speeds for the 32 GB and 64 GB players. The iPod touch looks the same, and the new model has the same slim design and 3.5-inch touch screen as its predecessor. Experts say the interface is intuitive and easy to use, and other touch-screen MP3 players can't match the iPod when it comes to apps -- the iTunes store boasts more than 75,000 individual apps for the iPod touch and iPhone. Apple's mobile Safari browser is also superior to its competitors, and experts say pages load quickly with correct formatting. Sound quality doesn't wow reviewers, but it should please most listeners -- especially if you ditch the included earbuds for a pair of high-quality headphones.

Some were expecting the iPod touch to gain a video camera like the new iPod nano (*Est. $140 for 8 GB), but that feature wasn't included on the new model. The iPod touch also comes in 8 GB (*Est. $190) and 64 GB (*Est. $380) models, but the 8 GB didn't receive all the new updates. Although most reviewers prefer the iPod touch overall, the new Microsoft Zune HD (*Est. $290 for 32 GB) also gets good reviews, especially for those who aren't already wedded to iTunes and the iPod.

Several expert reviewers weigh in on the new iPod touch, including CNET, iLounge.com, PCMag.com and TrustedReviews.com. These sources offer detailed and comprehensive analysis on the MP3 player, and all include a rating system that allows you to gauge how this player stacks up with its competitors. Shorter reviews from PC World, T3.com and Pocket-lint.com are also helpful. Because the new iPod touch has only been available for a short time, it has yet to attract many user reviews.

Where To Buy

Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
1176 store reviews	In Stock.	$285.00	See It
538 store reviews	In Stock. Free Shipping Pleasing People...Since 1936	$299.00	See It
549 store reviews	In Stock. New	$299.00	See It
		See All Stores

Our Sources

1. CNET

The iPod touch earns an "outstanding" rating from Donald Bell at CNET, who says it "still leaves its competitors in the dust." Because it received only a modest update for 2009, Bell says he thinks owners of the second-generation iPod Touch have few reasons to upgrade.

Review: Apple iPod touch (third generation, 64GB), Donald Bell, Sept. 11, 2009

2. iLounge.com

Jeremy Horwitz at iLounge.com says he thinks the third-generation iPod touch is "unquestionably better" than the previous model, and his testing shows improved gaming performance, thanks to the faster processor speed. Overall, it earns a B+ rating.

Review: Apple Inc. iPod touch (Third-Generation), Jeremy Horwitz, Sept. 13, 2009

3. TrustedReviews.com

The new iPod touch is also recommended by TrustedReviews.com. Hugo Jobling calls it an "utterly fantastic device," although he recommends skipping the 8 GB model, which didn't receive the same updates as the bigger players.

Review: Apple iPod touch 3rd Gen 64GB Review, Hugo Jobling, Sept. 18, 2009

4. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

PCMag.com gives its Editors' Choice award to the iPod touch, saying it is "the best iPod around." Although Tim Gideon says he dislikes the included earbuds, he says no other portable media player can compete with the iPod touch.

Review: Apple iPod touch (3rd Generation), Tim Gideon, Sept. 10, 2009

5. CNET

If you're deciding between the iPod touch and Zune HD, this comparison is a must read. Three CNET editors rate both MP3 players on a variety of criteria, concluding that the iPod touch "is a better product for most people."

Review: Prizefight: iPod touch vs. Zune HD, Editors of CNET, Oct. 1, 2009

6. Macworld Details/Subscribe

Jason Snell at Macworld compliments the iPod touch on its faster speeds, which is great news for gamers. Overall, he calls it "a terrific media player."

Review: iPod touch (late 2009), Jason Snell, Sept. 17, 2009

7. Pocket-lint.com

Although he acknowledges that the new iPod touch hasn't received many major changes, Dan Sung at Pocket-lint.com says he notices demonstrably faster speeds than the previous models. Sung says it's "still the best gadget in its class."

Review: Apple iPod touch (3rd Gen), Dan Sung, Sept. 11, 2009

8. PC World Details/Subscribe

The iPod touch tops this list of best MP3 players at PC World. Although the list was updated at the end of September, the full review links to an older analysis of the second-generation touch.

Review: Top 10 MP3 Players (Flash-Based), Ginny Mies, Sept. 30, 2009

9. Outside Magazine Details/Subscribe

Outside magazine has brief reviews of audio players, and the iPod touch wins the Gear of the Year award. Jeremy Spencer says the touch is "our favorite multimedia device ever."

Review: Apple iPod touch, Jeremy Spencer, Summer 2009

10. Amazon.com

Approximately 40 reviewers give the new iPod touch an overall rating of four out of five stars. Some owners are disappointed that Apple didn't include a camera, but most are impressed with the wide range of functionality it does include.

Review: Apple iPod touch 32 GB (3rd Generation), Contributors to Amazon.com