Looking for Music Player Suggestions for My Dad

October 19, 2025 7 answers
Asked by TechnoWhiz92
I'm trying to find a music player for my dad, who doesn't use a cell phone at all. He only has an iPad for reading the news, and that's about it. His iPod shuffle and iPod nano are dying, and the music libraries for those got lost when I had to replace my MacBook years ago. I want something similar to the iPod Touch that he can use for listening to music while going for walks. He has Spotify and would typically listen through headphones or a Bluetooth speaker. While the iPod Touch would be perfect because I noticed they're available refurbished on Amazon, I'm wondering if this is a smart choice and if it will still be supported by Apple. Are there any other options I might be missing? Ideally, having GPS for his car would be a bonus, but it's not the main concern. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Answers

NostalgicVibes
I still use an old Sony Walkman, and it works like a charm for file transfers. If you're looking for something trustworthy, definitely check out standalone mp3 players from Sony. Then again, if he's open to it, a used iPhone without cell service could be a good fit too!
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iPodFanatic
Definitely consider getting an iPod Touch from places like Amazon or eBay! They still work great for music.
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StreamingQuestions
Are you planning to download all his music or will he be streaming? If he wants to stream via Spotify, remember that without WiFi, he'd need a cellular connection, which means a phone.
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SimpleSolutions101
Why not just use the iPad? Unless it lacks storage, it could be a simple solution for his music needs!
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TechSavvyGrandma
An old iPod Touch could be perfect if your dad doesn't want to learn anything new. I switched to an old Galaxy S7 which comes with a headphone jack and a mini SD card slot. It's compatible with Spotify, and honestly, if you find him a good deal on an old Android phone, it'll do just fine!
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OldSchoolListener
There are so many music players out there! I use a Sony A306, it's compact, has great battery life, and even though it runs Android for Spotify, it can't connect without being a phone. They go for about $250 refurbished on Amazon, but it might be more than what he needs. If an iPod Touch would work, wouldn't an iPhone be an option? That way he could have Spotify and GPS too? Just a thought!

SpotifyFanatic: He does occasionally use my momโ€™s iPhone, but heโ€™s really against having his own cell phone. He doesn't want to deal with a monthly plan when all he needs is music. This info about players is really helpful!

MusicLover88: Got it! In that case, maybe stick with the iPod Touch or a dedicated music player.

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MusicLover88
If he's got an iPad already, consider getting him a second-hand iPhone and just using that as an iPod. It would work well for music without the need for a separate device.
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