What is the difference between a ipod and mp3 player and which one is best?

Favorite Answer

if you just want portable music, i would go w/ a regular mp3 player. but if you want video, or any of the add-ons (i think theres a radio you can hook it up to, and other similar devices) i would think that an ipod is the way to go....Show more

An IPod is an MP3 player made only by Apple Computers. There are many other companies that make MP3 players, such as Sony and Creative. There is no consencus as to which is the best. You pay more for an IPod simply because of the name, but there are many good MP3 players on the market now, with the same functuanilty as IPOD and a lot less money. I found the best prices at Amazon.com....Show more

I don't personally like the limitations an ipod has concerning my music. You have to use specific software to load your music (itunes) and songs in itunes won't work on other mp3's. Other mp3's usually support a larger variety of file formats, also. I did some research before investing into a digital music player and ended up going with Creative. I found they have almost all the same features as ipod, except games, I haven't found any on mine. The screens a much better, and they cost less. They may not have as many accessories but they do have some, check them out online at www.creative.com, then mp3 or portable media players to the left. I have an 8g microphoto and a 30g Vision:M and we love them both....Show more

Ipod is a brand of range of portable music product from Sony, and MP3 is a system to save, store and play back music. some Ipods come in MP3 or MP4, MP4 can also play video, like the higher end Ipod Video or Ipod Movie.

If you are looking for a MP3, alot of brands and price range available.

If you looking for a branded Ipod, a range also available like basic MP3, MP3 with small screen (to view song list and static photo album), or the higher end MP4 as mentioned earlier, that can view video.

Check out Sony site for more details on Ipods......Show more

There are HUGE differences that NOBODY seems to understand- iPods are proprietary devices!
If you download a song from iTunes or convert a CD using Apples file format, it will NOT play on an mp3 player. iPods can play mp3's but mp3 players CANNOT play iTunes formated songs. Likewise you cannot easily convert an iTunes file to mp3 (you can actually do it through a loophole but Apple never intended for this ability).
iTunes also limits the number of registered machines you can play any one song on (5, I believe)- after tha you need to re-purchase the song. There are no limits to mp3 files of which I know.
So personally, I say screw iPod and their proprietary format- if you MUST have portable music, go with mp3...Show more