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* '''Display'''. While you can use an MP3 player without any display, as the {{iPod Shuffle}} shows, a display does make life easier.
* '''Battery Life'''. Most MP3 players will last well over 12 hours, which is long enough for most people. If you're doing a 24 hour race or a 100 miler, you may need a spare.
* '''User Interface'''. There are so many cheap MP3 players on the market that could be ideal for running, but they often have an appalling user interface. I'd argue that one of the main reasons that Apple were successful with their iPod was because of their user interface was so much better than anything else on the market.
* '''Spoken Menus.''' Having your player speak the menu items is great if you're operating it by touch, and vital if it doesn't have a display.
* '''Waterproof'''. A waterproof MP3 player makes life easier, but the only options I've found are rather pricy. I generally use a small Ziploc snack bag if it's going to rain, and so far I've not had an issue.
* '''Sound quality'''. The sound quality of the MP3 player makes relatively little difference compared with the sound quality of the headphones. I have some recommended [[Headphones for Running| Headphones for Running]] that have far better sound quality than the standard ear buds.
* '''Bluetooth'''. The idea of not having wires to get in the way is appealing, but Bluetooth headphones are not without their downsides.
** The biggest issue is the sound quality of the Bluetooth headphones. They are comparable with other ear buds, but nothing like as good as the Koss headphones. It is possible to use a Bluetooth adapter with regular headphones, and I adapted a pair of Koss headphones to have a short lead and attached the Bluetooth adapter to my running hat.
* '''Software support'''. Managing your music and getting it onto your device is obviously critical.
** If you use iTunes, then the iPods are well supported.
** If you want to use a non-iPod with iTunes, the free open source [http://notpod.com/index.html notpod] works well.
** I prefer [http://www.mediamonkey.com/ Media Monkey] to iTunes, which is free and works with most devices.
=Recommendations=
These four players are my top recommendations depending on your requirements.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
! Player
! Recommended for
| Runners who are happy with iTunes and 2 Gb capacity
| 2 Gb
|-
| <jfs id="B0097BEDOC" n="7th gen iPod Nano" msrp="$149.99"/>
| 16Gb
|-
| {{Motoactv}}<jfs id="B00VXMY62W" n="Clip Jam"/>| A water resistant player Those that doubles as a nice GPS sports watchdon't want an Apple device or who need more capacity.| 4-16Gb, but now discontinuedexpandable.| 8 -| <jfs id="B005FVNGRS" n="Clip Zip"/> | Running geeks who want the best running MP3 (hard to find.)| 4-8Gb built in, expandable to 72 Gb
|}
=iPod Shuffle (4th generation)=
* Functionality is limited, with no ability to rate music, voice record, FM radio player, etc.
* The Shuffle is not waterproof, though it's easy to put into a Ziploc bag if it's raining or you're sweating heavily.
** There is a [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009IZUZ8U Waterproof iPod Shuffle], but it's expensive at $135: <jfs id="B005FA38SG" noreferb="true"/>. It's waterproof to 100 feet, so it might be worthwhile if you're expecting to get seriously wet.
** There are waterproof cases for the Shuffle, but they tend to be expensive and comparatively bulky.
=SanDisk Clip Zip (with Rockbox)/Zip+/Jam/Sport=The {{ClipZip}} is nearly perfect as a music SanDisk Zip and Zip+ players have been my first choice for many years. These players support the Rockbox third-party firmware that gives the player for runningremarkable functionality. Sadly, but it requires some geek knowhow as you'll need to use SanDisk replaced the open source [http:Clip Zip//wwwZip+ with the Jam and Sport models, which don't support Rockbox.rockboxThe new models are still good MP3 players and the stock user interface isn't as bad as most players on the market.org/ Rockbox firmware] * The Clip Zip has a monochrome screen and has been discontinued for a while so it's hard to get the best out hold of it. (The Zip has support for Rockbox. * The Clip Zip + has been a color screen, and while it discontinuedyou can still get hold of them. However, and because the replacement this was a last Clip Sport doesn't to support Rockbox, the price of prices for these players has skyrocketed.* The Clip Jam is slightly smaller than the Clip Zip Sport with a monochrome screen. * The Clip Sport is slightly larger with a full color screen. I would suggest going for the Jam <jfs id="B00VXMY62W" noreferb="true"/>, though the differences between the players is climbingnot huge.) ==SanDisk Clip Zip Pros==* The {{ClipZip}} is Clip players are small, but large enough to have usable buttons and display. * Like the {{iPod Shuffle}}, the Clip Zip has a clip that works well.* The Clip Zip has a color display, an upgrade from the previous version that was monochrome. The display is displays are quite small and low resolution, but usable and a good compromise given the size of the player. (The Rockbox software allows for customizing the display, though developing new display layouts is non-trivial. )* The Clip Zip players are is available in 4Gb or /8Gb/16Gb, but has a microSD expansion slot, so the 8Gb version with a 64Gb card will give you 72Gb of storage. I have the 4Gb and use a 16Gb card, which is enough to hold my running collection. * The Clip Zip has a list price of $50 for the 4Gb unit, but you can normally find it for around $30, and microSD storage is generally less than $1/Gbstock firmware supports 32Gb cards.
* I've found that battery is about 14 hours of continuous playback, but shorter if you use the display much.
* It is possible to use nearly all of the functionality of the player using just the spoken menus and buttons.
==Clip Zip Cons==* The biggest problem with the Clip Zip players is that itthey's re best with the open source firmware from [http://www.rockbox.org/ Rockbox]. This is not difficult, but requires some technical knowledge and confidence. (The SanDisk firmware has is a reputation for being little buggy but mostly workable.)* The buttons on the Clip Zip are not easy to locate with gloved hands, so I glue some small bumps onto a [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ZQXZHO silicone case]. * The Clip Zip is players are not waterproof, but like the Shuffle, a Ziploc bag works well even in heavy rain. However, there are no fully waterproof cases available.
* The open source Rockbox firmware does not support DRM formats, including Audible books. (The stock firmware does support Audible.)
==Simple SanDisk Clip Modifications==
There are two simple modifications to the Clip to make the buttons easier to use and to reduce the chance of water damage. The buttons on the Clip are not easy to find without looking, especially with gloves on. I've glued small bumps either onto the Clip itself or onto a silicon cover. These bumps make it easy to find even when the clip is under clothes and I'm wearing gloves. I've lost a number of Clips to water damage, either from rain or drowned in sweat. Putting some tape over the microSD slot, a silicone cover and a cover over the USB socket reduces the chance of water damage dramatically. It does not make the Clip waterproof by any means, but it does improve the resistance to damp conditions. When it's actually raining, I put my clip either in a ZipLoc bag or in a full waterproof bag.
{| class="wikitable"
|[[File:ClipCaseCloseup.JPG|none|thumb|x300px|Here's a close up of the buttons on the silicone case. I've glued the buttons directly to the Clip before, but a slight mistake with the glue and the Clip buttons are glued closed.]]
|- valign="top"
|[[ File:ClipAndCover.JPG|none|thumb|x300px| [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006CEKBFM Some small covers for the USB socket] are cheap and easy to use. I paid $5 for 10 covers.]]
|[[ File:ClipCoverComparison.JPG|none|thumb|x300px| Here's a shot showing the Clip with and without the cover.]]
|- valign="top"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:ClipZipLoc.JPG|none|thumb|x300px| The Clip in a ZipLoc bag, which seems to work pretty well in light rain. I find it's best to lock the buttons and put it wrapped up in a pocket.]]
|[[File:ClipGoBag.JPG|none|thumb|x300px| A full waterproof bag will prevent any water problems, but it's a pain to use as it's bulky and stiff. This is the [http://www.amazon.com/Design-Luggage-Sounds-Clear-Size/dp/B000TXVAAC Go Design bag] which is about $12 on Amazon.com <jfs id="B000TXVAAC" noreferb="true"/> ]]
|}
=iPod Nano=
The seventh generation {{iPod Nano}} is an elegant player that can be used while running, though its flaws make it hard to generally recommend.
==iPod Nano Pros==
* The {{iPod Nano}} has 16 Gb capacity, far more than the Shuffle (but less than an expanded {{ClipZip}}).
==iPod Nano Cons==
* The {{iPod Nano}} is expensive to buy at $150 ($9/Gb).
* There is no clip to attach the Nano to clothing, so you have to buy a case or put it in a pocket. There are reasonably small clips available for the Nano, such as the [http:<jfs id="B009F837HG" noreferb="true"//www.amazon.com/dp/B009F837HG Cygnet]>.
* While the Nano has some buttons, they are badly placed on the side of the player making them easy to press by accident. The buttons are also remarkably hard to find, especially if when wearing gloves. Like most touch displays, the Nano's works badly when wearing gloves or when sweaty.
* There is no way of locking out the buttons against accidental presses, which can make it frustrating to put into a pocket.
* If you already have a smartphone, this is the cheapest option.
* Carrying a phone allows you to [[Running Safety| call for help]].
* It is possible to use a smart phone as a [[Best Running Watch| Running Watch]], and some of them support a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] or even a [[Footpod]].
==Smartphone Cons==
* A smartphone is usually bulky and has to be mounted on your upper arm.
* A smartphone mounted on your arm makes you a potential target for theft, reducing your [[Running Safety| safety]].
* Most touchscreens do not work well with gloves, in the rain, or with sweaty hands.
* Few smartphones are waterproof, so a specialist case is required to protect it.
=Discontinued iPod Nanos=
The older iPod Nanos were a little large, but had a display and hard buttons. I've used several different models over the years. You can still get the [http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=iPod+nano+3rd+Generation&_sacat=0&_odkw=iPod+nano+4th+Generation&_osacat=0&afsrc=1 older iPod Nanos on eBay] for a reasonable price.
* Generation One Nanos are too expensive to recommend as they have become collectable.
* Generation Two had a poorer physical design than the first generation, with slippery, rounded edges that made them rather easily dropped. Available as 2, 4 or 8Gb.
* Generation Three is my favorite form factor, and I didn't find them as slippery as the other generations. Available as 4 or 8Gb and it seems to be slightly cheaper than the other generations of Nano.
* Generations Four and Five returned to the form factor of Generation Two, but with larger displays. They had greater capacity (8 or 16Gb).
* The [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_9?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=ipod%20nano%206th%20generation&sprefix=ipod+nano%2Celectronics%2C207 sixth generation Nano] had a touch screen only, which makes it a poor choice for running. It's also expensive, at $140 for the 16Gb unit.
=Other SanDisk Clips=
The earlier version of the SanDisk Clip Zip is the SanDisk Clip+, and while it's a fine player, the Zip is better and cheaper, though as prices for the Zip escalate the Clip+ is worth considering. SanDisk introduced two players as replacement for the Clip Zip, the Clip Sport and Clip Jam, but sadly neither supports Rockbox. If you're after a cheap, basic MP3 player with expandable storage, then they might be worth considering.
=Waterproof MP3 Other Rockbox Players=The support for Rockbox is rather poor at the moment, so ports for new devices are extremely limited. The best option I found is the XDUOO X3 (<jfs id="B01BUUCFBU" noreferb="true"/>) which supports a forked version of Rockbox ([http://www.amazonxvtx.com/gp/productru/B00CK4ZE8M Aerb 4GRockbox] is a cheap). I found that this works, waterproof MP3 that seems too good to be true. Sadlyand it supports two 200Gb microSD cards for huge capacity, and it's a horrible device to use, with a user interface that causes me intense angst. Just trying to adjust the volume is nearly impossiblebeautifully made. You have to press and hold the plus/minus buttons for several seconds to start adjusting the volumeUnfortunately, at which point this quality makes it overshoots and you have to try going the other wayrather too heavy for running.