In an age of streaming services and smart devices, the humble iPod still holds a special place for audiophiles and music collectors.
Whether you’re rocking a classic click-wheel model or a more modern iPod Touch, loading up your device with high-quality music is just as satisfying as it has ever been.
But with so many sources out there, which ones are worth your time and money?
Here’s a deep dive into the best options for purchasing and downloading music for your iPod, along with their pros and cons.
Keep in mind that I'll only be covering legal sources. You can research other methods on your own.
I like to use legal methods because I can get a higher quality file, it's easy and the money usually more directly supports the artist, unlike streaming services that pay artists pennies.
Qobuz
Qobuz is a French-based music service known for its high-resolution audio downloads and audiophile-grade sound quality.
Unlike most streaming-focused platforms, Qobuz allows users to purchase and download tracks in FLAC, ALAC, WAV, and AIFF formats, making it ideal for iPod owners who value sound fidelity.
Benefits of Qobuz
Qobuz shines when it comes to quality.
You can often buy music in 24-bit Hi-Res, with many albums available in better-than-CD quality.
The great thing is that you aren't locked into the format you purchased. All formats are available for every song you purchase.
The store interface is sleek and browsing through genres or discovering new releases is a smooth experience.
Qobuz also provides excellent metadata, including detailed digital booklets for many albums.
I like that I can buy all the songs in my cart with one payment instead of doing individual payments for each artist.
They also have a streaming plan, if you want the best of both worlds.
Downsides of Qobuz
The only thing that could be considered a downside of Qobuz is that their prices can be higher than other download websites.
But it isn't that much more and I feel that's worthwhile to get access to multiple high-quality file types at the same time.
Bandcamp
Bandcamp is a favorite among independent artists and fans who want to directly support the musicians they love.
It's my favorite digital download site on this list. I usually look for a song on Bandcamp first.
The site offers a wide variety of genres and formats and is often the first place to find underground or niche releases.
Benefits of Bandcamp
One of the biggest advantages of Bandcamp is that it allows artists to set their own prices, often with a “pay-what-you-want” option.
Files are DRM-free, and you can choose from several formats including MP3, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, and more.
It’s also ideal for discovering emerging talent across countless genres.
I've found a couple of songs on Bandcamp that I couldn't find on other platforms. Remember mashups?
Downsides of Bandcamp
Not every artist is on Bandcamp, especially major-label musicians.
You may also find inconsistent tagging and metadata across downloads, which can require manual cleanup.
The browsing experience isn’t as curated as on other platforms, so it can take time to dig for gold. But that can be part of the fun.
Ripping CDs
Yes, ripping CDs is still very much a viable way to load your iPod with music, especially if you’re building a permanent, high-quality collection.
There are inexpensive CD players available that you can hook up to your computer via USB to rip your CDs.
Benefits of Ripping CDs
This method gives you full control.
You own the physical media, and you can rip your tracks in whatever quality you prefer, from MP3 to lossless formats like ALAC or FLAC (though note that iPods do not support FLAC natively without Rockbox).
It’s also often cheaper than streaming in the long run, especially if you buy used CDs or already have a collection.
Once you have a CD, you have it forever. You don't have to pay the monthly streaming fee.
And there are no ads on CDs.
Some albums are only available physically, so this method expands your access to rare music.
On top of that, tracks on streaming services can disappear if the contract terms change and songs can get remastered and might not sound the same as the original.
Having a physical copy ensures that you'll always have the best version of your favorite songs.
Many people don't value CDs anymore, so sometimes you can get CDs for free if you look around.
Downsides of Ripping CDs
It’s time-consuming.
Finding, ripping and organizing your music takes effort.
You also need a computer with a CD drive, which many modern machines no longer have.
Storage of physical media is another factor to consider. A large collection can take up a lot of space.
Lastly, some iPod models may require conversion to iTunes-friendly formats.
Amazon Music (Digital Downloads)
While Amazon is more known for its streaming service these days, Amazon Music still offers MP3 downloads for purchase, which are ideal for iPod users.
You can also buy physical CDs on Amazon Music.
Benefits of Amazon Music
Amazon’s MP3 store features a vast catalog of mainstream music.
It’s convenient, with easy integration into your Amazon account, and most songs are competitively priced.
The files are DRM-free and download as standard MP3s, which are universally compatible with all iPod models.
Downsides of Amazon Music
Amazon has slowly pushed users toward streaming, so the download store is now somewhat buried and not as emphasized.
High-resolution or lossless formats are not available, MP3 is your only option.
Additionally, some tracks are now streaming-only, so availability for download may be inconsistent.
Juno Download
For electronic music fans, Juno Download is a goldmine.
This UK-based store specializes in dance, techno, house, drum and bass, and other subgenres often overlooked by mainstream platforms.
Benefits of Juno Download
Juno offers downloads in MP3, WAV, and FLAC.
It’s a favorite among DJs and producers for its extensive selection, especially of new and underground releases.
The pricing is fair, and the platform regularly updates with new tracks from indie and global labels.
Downsides of Juno Download
The website feels outdated compared to more modern platforms. But it's easy to navigate and works well enough.
Since it's very DJ-centric, fans of rock, pop, or hip-hop will find slim pickings.
Even if you aren't a DJ, sometimes you can find that gem that isn't available anywhere else.
7digital
While less talked about, 7digital is another great platform for buying MP3 and FLAC downloads.
It offers a wide catalog of mainstream and indie releases with a user-friendly experience.
Benefits of 7digital
7digital supports both standard and high-quality formats.
It's available in multiple countries and provides clean, well-tagged downloads.
Their partnerships with labels ensure a decent variety of content.
Downsides of 7digital
The interface can feel generic and lacks personality.
The browsing and discovery experience is not particularly engaging, and it does not always offer the lowest prices.
Final Thoughts
The iPod may be a relic in today’s streaming-dominated landscape, but for many, it still represents a purer and more personal way to enjoy music.
You're separated from the noise of notifications, email and ads.
To find the best iPod for your needs, read this guide.
Finding the right sources to build your digital library depends on your taste, budget, and the level of control you want over your files.
If you're after pristine sound quality and major label albums, Qobuz is a stellar option. If you're into indie, experimental, or underground sounds, Bandcamp and Juno Download are unbeatable.
Amazon Music is great for convenience, while ripping CDs gives you total ownership and access to rare or vintage recordings.
And if you want an all-purpose alternative with a broad catalog, 7digital is worth exploring.
Owning your music can give you a sense of pride because you know that your collection is unique to you.
Be intentional about your music selections and they will bring you joy for the rest of your life.