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How to Get a Good Deal on a Used iPod Touch

Strike a balance between low price and high quality

By Sam Costello Sam Costello Writer Ithaca College Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on November 16, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Eco Tech Eco Tech Electric Vehicles Working From Home Headphones & Ear Buds Smart Home Smart Watches & Wearables Travel Tech Connected Car Tech iPods & MP3 Players

What to Know

Don't buy more than one generation back, unless you know what you're buying and are getting a deal.When buying, look for features, seller reputation, battery, screen, capacity, and warranty first.Buy a used iPod touch from Apple, used electronics retailers, iPod resellers, or sites like eBay, Craigslist, or Amazon.
Buying a used iPod Touch is an appealing idea for the thrifty tech enthusiast. It promises to deliver a powerful and fun gadget while also saving money. But is it worth it? A lower price isn't necessarily a good thing if it means you're getting a device with problems. If you’re considering buying a used iPod Touch, follow these tips to make sure you get a good deal. Apple discontinued production of the iPod Touch in May 2022.

Don' t Buy Anything Older Than One Generation Back

The world of technology moves fast -- so fast that even a low price isn't a good reason to buy an iPod Touch that's too old. Just as it wouldn't make any sense to buy an iPhone 4 these days as it's just too old, the same is true for the iPod touch. When the iPod Touch was still being manufactured, Apple updated the device much more slowly than the iPhone, so the gap in terms of features, speed, and storage capacity between each model is much bigger than between iPhone models. Buying more than one generation back could save you extra money, but it also means that the touch you buy will be less powerful, less useful, less fun, and more likely to start encountering hardware problems and software incompatibility sooner.

What to Look for With a Used iPod Touch

Here are some details to look out for when you're buying a used iPod Touch. Features: The gap in features between one generation Touch and the next can be huge. When shopping for a used iPod Touch, make sure that you understand what features the model you're considering has and which ones it lacks compared to the latest version. It may not be worth it to save a few dollars if you lose cool, new features. Seller's Reputation: Checking out a seller's reputation is a good way to ensure you don't get scammed. Sites like eBay and Amazon make it easy to see how other people who have bought from that seller have liked their transaction. If you're buying for a company, do a web search for complaints about it. Battery: The battery on an iPod Touch will last a few years if treated well. After that, battery life starts to decline and you'll have to pay for a battery replacement. Ask if the seller is willing to certify or replace the battery with a fresh one (something repair shops can do) before you buy. Otherwise, you may end up paying extra for your "cheap" iPod Touch sooner than you expected. Screen: With its touchscreen interface, the condition of a used iPod screen is key. If it hasn’t been kept in a case, the screen may be scratched, which can interfere with watching a video, playing games, or browsing the web. Get a look at the screen of the used iPod Touch you’re considering, even if it’s just a photo. Capacity: Lower prices are appealing, but you should always buy as much storage capacity as you can afford. You'll fill it with music, videos, apps, and photos. Don't buy anything smaller than a 32 GB model; the iOS takes up so much space that models with less storage don't leave much room for your data. Warranty: If you can get a used Touch with a warranty—even an extended warranty you pay extra for—do it. You can’t get this from an individual selling their old iPod, but if you’re buying it from a company, you may be able to get one. Spending the extra money now could save on repair costs later.

Where to Buy a Used iPod Touch

If a used iPod Touch is right for you, you've got a lot of options for where to buy it: Apple: Apple sells refurbished iPod Touches at the online Apple Store. Expect to save a few bucks and have the experts make sure the device works properly. Even better: refurbished Apple products usually include a limited warranty. Not a bad combo. Used Electronics Retailers: Companies like NextWorth and Gazelle buy and sell used iPods (and iPhones and other devices). With a thorough inspection process, you can feel confident that you're getting a dependable device. Check out a comparison of these reputable companies. iPod resellers: A handful of companies that sell new models also sell used iPods (often at prices close to Apple's). Check out sites like PowerMax if you want to go this route. eBay/Craigslist/Amazon: eBay, Craigslist, and Amazon are great places to find bargains online, but beware. Always buy from an established company or seller with a good reputation to avoid trouble. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Get a Great Deal on the iPod touch How to Reset the iPod Touch Without Losing Your Music 9 Things to Know When Buying a Used iPhone Where to Sell Your Used iPhone, iPad, or iPod 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Used iPad What to Look for When Buying Used Camera Lenses 6 Best Sites to Sell or Trade Used Electronics of 2022 How to Fix a Cracked Phone Screen Which iPhone Should You Buy? How to Buy and Sell Safely on Craigslist Is iPhone or iPod Battery Replacement Worth It? iPod nano: Everything You Need to Know How to Restore Your iPod Touch to Factory Settings Everything You Need to Know About the iPod Touch How to Set up an iPhone or iPod Touch for Kids 10 Best Online Auction Websites for Good Deals Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies