Playing your Apple Music songs on a regular MP3 player sounds simple, but in reality, it often isn't. Even if you've bought songs from the iTunes Store in AAC format - a good alternative to MP3 - they usually won't play on most MP3 players. That's because Apple Music files are protected by DRM, which limits where and how you can listen to them.
Finding a compatible MP3 player isn't easy either. Apple's dedicated players like the iPod were discontinued in 2022, as the company shifted focus to iPhones and its streaming service. This is why most users now rely on iPhones or Android devices for Apple Music streaming.
Why Use the Apple Music App with an MP3 Player?
Apple Music can use a lot of data and sometimes drain your battery. iPhones and Android devices aren't as compact or convenient as traditional MP3 players. They're simple, work offline, and offer a nice break from being constantly connected. Or maybe you just want a more focused, immersive way to play your music. Whatever the reason, using an MP3 player - or digital audio player - is worth exploring.
Why Convert Apple Music to MP3?
The most practical option is converting Apple Music to MP3. MP3 is supported by nearly all players, and converting your files makes your music permanent and future-proof. It's simpler, cheaper, and more reliable because you avoid the headaches of DRM, device support, and extra expenses. Once converted, your Apple Music library can play on any device.
In this post, we'll show which MP3 players truly work with Apple Music and how to convert your favorite tracks to MP3 so they can play anywhere - even on a traditional, nostalgic MP3 player.
Let's get started.
Part 1. Can You Play Apple Music on an MP3 Player?
MP3 players are great if you want to listen to music you truly own. But that's where things get tricky when it comes to Apple Music.
Apple Music is designed for streaming. If you subscribe, you can download songs, but those downloads aren't regular music files. They're protected by DRM (Digital Rights Management), which means you can't just move them to an MP3 player and start listening. The songs are stored as .m4p files, and most MP3 players don't support that format.
What about iTunes purchases? Those are usually .m4a files, which still might not work unless your device is made by Apple, like an iPod or Apple Watch.
If you want to play Apple Music on an MP3 player, buying a device that natively supports it probably isn't worth it. Most options are outdated, hard to use, or expensive for what they offer.
A much easier and smarter option is converting your Apple Music into regular MP3 files. For this, you'll need an Apple Music converter. ViWizard Apple Music Converter is a top choice. It not only converts Apple Music to MP3 but also preserves full metadata - like title, album, artists, genre, and more - which is crucial for library management. It also preserves lossless audio, so even without the official Apple Music app, your favorite tracks sound just the same on your MP3 player. You can give it a try today!
Part 2. How to Play Apple Music on Any MP3 Player
Instead of running into device limits or DRM restrictions, tools like ViWizard Apple Music Converter make this process simple. You can convert your Apple Music library into MP3 or other supported formats like WAV if your MP3 player supports lossless files. The converted files are saved with no DRM protection, letting you transfer them to any MP3 player for offline listening.
Getting started is easy. Remember to keep the converted Apple Music tracks for personal use only. ViWizard Apple Music Converter is available for both PC and Mac - select the version that works for your system and start converting.
Key Features of ViWizard Apple Music Converter
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- Convert Apple Music songs, albums, playlists, and artists into MP3 for easy access
- Preserve lossless audio, high-resolution lossless, and Dolby Atmos quality
- Strip DRM from Apple Music for unrestricted offline listening
- Save converted audio files while retaining full ID3 tag details
Step 1: Convert Apple Music to MP3
Step 1 Download and install ViWizard Apple Music Converter for your PC or Mac.
Step 2 Open the program and sign in to your Apple Music account using the built-in web player.
Step 3 Go to Settings > Preferences > Conversion and select MP3 as the output format. You can also adjust bit rate, sample rate, and choose whether to keep lyrics.
Step 4 Browse your Apple Music library or search for songs, albums, or playlists you want to convert within ViWizard.
Step 5 Click the "+" button. ViWizard will analyze the link, load all tracks, and add them to the conversion list. Confirm your selections before proceeding.
Step 6 Go to the conversion list and click Convert. Wait for the process to finish. Your converted MP3 files will appear in the output folder with full metadata and album art.
Step 2: Transfer Apple Music to Your MP3 Player
Option 1: Standard MP3 Player
Step 1 Connect your MP3 player to your computer using a USB cable. Windows users will see the device appear in File Explorer; Mac users will see it in Finder.
Step 2 Open the folder where your converted MP3 files are saved.
Step 3 Move or copy the files into your MP3 player's storage folder.
Step 4 Click Eject in File Explorer or Finder, then unplug your MP3 player.
Option 2: iPod
Step 1 Connect your iPod to your computer with a USB cable. iTunes should open automatically; if not, launch iTunes manually.
Step 2 Click File > Add File to Library or Add Folder to Library and select your converted MP3 files.
Step 3 Click the iPod icon in the top-left corner of iTunes.
Step 4 In the left sidebar, click Music under Settings.
Step 5 Check Sync Music and choose either Entire music library or Selected playlists, artists, albums, and genres.
Step 6 Click Sync to start transferring.
Step 7 When syncing finishes, click Eject next to your iPod icon and disconnect the device.
Step 3: Play Apple Music on Your MP3 Player
Step 1 Open your MP3 player and go to the Music or Library section.
Step 2 Browse your converted Apple Music tracks, which should appear organized with album art and metadata. Tap or select a track to play - no internet connection or subscription is needed.
Part 3. Traditional Apple Media Players That Support Apple Music (iPod Series)
If you want an MP3 player that works with Apple Music right away, the iPod Touch is your best bet. Although Apple no longer makes it, the iPod Touch still runs iOS and supports the Apple Music app just like an iPhone. You can sign in with your Apple ID, stream music, download songs, and listen offline. It's basically an iPhone without the phone, making it a perfect lightweight, dedicated music player.
While new ones can be hard to find, a used iPod Touch in good shape still works great, especially if you're already using Apple's ecosystem.
Can't sync Apple Music songs to iPod nano, shuffle, classic, or touch? This post offers several method to help you play Apple Music on iPod nano, shuffle, classic, or touch.
1. iPod 5th Generation
The 5th-gen iPod Touch is slim, light, and built around a 4-inch Retina display that still looks good for everyday use. It comes with 32GB or 64GB of storage - enough for a decent-sized music library. It runs on iOS and connects to the internet over Wi-Fi, so you can use apps like Spotify and Apple Music. While its design is still popular for being small and portable, the older hardware and shorter battery life are noticeable. Still, for basic streaming and offline listening, it does the job just fine.
DAC: Integrated Apple audio codec (no dedicated high-end DAC)
Headphone Amp Power: ~30mW @ 32Ω
High-res Audio: Up to 24bit/48kHz (limited support)
Bluetooth Codecs: AAC, SBC
Supported Formats: MP3, AAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF
Storage: 32GB or 64GB
Battery Life: ~40 hours audio / ~8 hours video
USB DAC Mode: Not supported
Screen: 4-inch Retina LCD (1136×640 resolution)
OS: iOS 6 (upgradable to iOS 9.3.5)
2. iPod 6th Generation
The 6th-gen model keeps the same 4-inch screen but has a faster A8 chip and M8 motion coprocessor inside. That extra power makes apps run more smoothly and helps it stream music on Spotify without lag. It comes with up to 128GB of storage, which is great for downloading songs. It's a small and handy device that blends the classic iPod feel with better speed - perfect for people who want a simple music player that can still run modern apps over Wi-Fi.
DAC: Integrated Apple audio codec (improved over 5th Gen)
Headphone Amp Power: ~30mW @ 32Ω
High-res Audio: Up to 24bit/48kHz (no native DSD support)
Bluetooth Codecs: AAC, SBC
Supported Formats: MP3, AAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF
Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Battery Life: ~40 hours audio / ~8 hours video
USB DAC Mode: Not supported
Screen: 4-inch Retina LCD (1136×640 resolution)
OS: iOS 8.4 (upgradable to iOS 12.5.7)
3. iPod 7th Generation (Latest)
The last iPod Touch is the most powerful. It has an A10 Fusion chip and up to 256GB of storage, so it can handle music streaming, video calls like Group FaceTime, and even heavier apps. It still uses a 4-inch Retina display and connects over Wi-Fi. It's not a phone replacement, but as a music-focused device, it offers a great mix of speed, storage, and portability - especially for fans of the classic iPod style who want more modern features.
DAC: Integrated Apple audio codec (same as iPhone 7 series)
Headphone Amp Power: ~30mW @ 32Ω
High-res Audio: Up to 24bit/48kHz (Apple Music Lossless supported)
Bluetooth Codecs: AAC, SBC (no aptX or LDAC)
Supported Formats: MP3, AAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF
Storage: 32GB, 128GB, 256GB
Battery Life: ~40 hours audio / ~8 hours video
USB DAC Mode: Not supported
Screen: 4-inch Retina LCD (1136×640 resolution)
OS: iOS 12.3 (upgradable to iOS 15.7.9 – final version)
What About iPod Classic, Shuffle, and Nano?
You might wonder about older iPods like the Classic, Shuffle, and Nano. These were made before streaming was popular and are best for music you own without restrictions. They work great with regular MP3 files but don't support Apple Music. That's because Apple Music files have special protections called DRM. To play your favorite Apple Music songs on these devices, you'll need ViWizard Apple Music Converter to change them into easy-to-use MP3 files that are truly yours.
Keep Apple Music songs forever by saving them in formats like MP3 to play anywhere.
Part 4. Android-Compatible Digital Audio Players That Work with Apple Music
If you're looking for portable MP3 players that support Apple Music beyond Apple's own devices, options are limited. Some brands, like FiiO, can run the Apple Music app, but it often requires sideloading the Android version yourself, which isn't straightforward.
So, while there are some possible workarounds, the easiest way remains using an Apple device or converting your music to MP3 for effortless listening on any player, including the high-resolution DAPs discussed in Part 5.
1. Sony Walkman
Examples: NW-A105, NW-ZX507, NW-A100TPS (Bruce Springsteen Edition)
The Sony NW-A105 Walkman runs on Android, allowing you to download and use Apple Music and Spotify apps just like on a smartphone. It features a 3.6-inch touchscreen, 16GB of storage (expandable via microSD), and up to 26 hours of battery life. Sony combines its long legacy of great sound with modern Android features in this player. It supports high-resolution audio, Bluetooth LDAC, and powerful headphone amps. Users can stream and download Apple Music directly, without extra apps or complicated steps.
DAC: Sony S-Master HX or ESS Sabre
Headphone Amp Power: ~150mW @ 32Ω
High-res Audio: Up to 32bit/384kHz, DSD supported
Bluetooth Codecs: LDAC, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
Supported Formats: FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC, ALAC, DSD
Storage: 16–64GB internal + microSD up to 1TB
Battery Life: ~20–26 hours depending on model
USB DAC Mode: Yes
Screen: 3.6-inch touchscreen or LCD
OS: Android 9.0 with Google Play Store
If you have the Sony Walkman player on Android models, we'd like to tell how you can download the native Apple Music app to it. If you have other models, here's the best workaround for you to get and play compatible Apple Music audio.
2. FiiO
Examples: M6, M11, M11 Pro, M11 Plus, M11 Plus ESS, M15, M17
The FiiO M6 is a compact player with a 3.2-inch touchscreen and 2GB of storage, expandable via microSD cards. It supports Wi-Fi streaming for Apple Music and Spotify through sideloaded apps or web players, but it doesn't include Google Play Store by default. Users usually convert Apple Music tracks or sideload apps to listen. Despite this, the M6 is popular for its portability, strong sound quality, broad format support, and versatile Bluetooth options. FiiO players feature excellent DACs and headphone amps, delivering clear, powerful audio.
DAC: AKM AK4490/AK4493 or ESS Sabre (model-dependent)
Headphone Amp Power: ~250mW @ 32Ω (M11 series)
High-res Audio: Up to 32bit/384kHz, native DSD playback
Bluetooth Codecs: LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
Supported Formats: FLAC, WAV, ALAC, DSD, MP3, AAC, AIFF, APE, WMA
Storage: Internal varies + microSD up to 2TB
Battery Life: ~8–15 hours depending on model
USB DAC Mode: Yes
Screen: 4.0–5.15-inch touchscreen
OS: Android-based (often without Google Play Store)
3. HiBy
Examples: R2 Pro, R3 Pro Saber, R5, R6 Pro, R8
The HiBy R5 is a mid-range player with a 4.0-inch touchscreen, 2GB RAM, and 32GB storage expandable via microSD. It supports Wi-Fi streaming of Apple Music and Spotify and offers balanced audio output for rich sound. HiBy players run either full Android with Google Play or their own OS that allows app sideloading, so many users can install the official Apple Music app. The R5 is praised for detailed sound, wide format support, strong DACs like the Cirrus Logic CS43131, and Bluetooth codecs including LDAC. Battery life is solid but generally less than Sony's Walkman.
DAC: Cirrus Logic CS43131, ESS Sabre, or AKM (model-dependent)
Headphone Amp Power: ~60mW @ 32Ω (R3 Pro Saber)
High-res Audio: Up to 32bit/384kHz, DSD supported
Bluetooth Codecs: LDAC, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
Supported Formats: DSD, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, WMA, AAC, M4A
Storage: No internal (some models) + microSD up to 1TB
Battery Life: ~10 hours (model-dependent, e.g., R3 Pro Saber)
USB DAC Mode: Yes
Screen: 1.54-inch, 240x240 (smaller models)
OS: Android (Google Play on some models) or HiBy OS
Part 5. High-Resolution Digital Audio Players That Work with Apple Music
High-resolution digital audio players are built for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality. Most traditional high-res players don't natively support streaming apps such as Apple Music. To use Apple Music on these devices, you'll need to follow the steps in Part 2 to convert your tracks to MP3 or other compatible formats.
For offline, lossless listening, these players deliver unmatched detail and clarity, though they are less convenient for streaming compared with Android-compatible players.
1. Sony Walkman
Examples: NW-A306, NW-WM1AM2
The Sony NW-WM1AM2 is a high-resolution digital audio player built for audiophiles. It runs on Sony's proprietary OS, so it doesn't support Apple Music or Spotify apps directly. However, it delivers exceptional sound with high-quality DACs (Sony S-Master HX or ESS Sabre) and powerful headphone amplifiers. It plays high-resolution audio up to 32bit/384kHz and supports DSD formats. Storage ranges from 128–256GB internal (no microSD), and battery life reaches up to 30 hours. Sony's high-res Walkman series is known for its luxurious build and excellent playback of FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF, and DSD files.
DAC: Sony S-Master HX or ESS Sabre
Headphone Amp Power: ~150–200mW @ 32Ω
High-res Audio: Up to 32bit/384kHz, DSD supported
Bluetooth Codecs: LDAC, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
Supported Formats: FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC, ALAC, DSD
Storage: 64–256GB internal (no microSD)
Battery Life: ~20–30 hours depending on model
USB DAC Mode: Yes
Screen: 3.1–3.6-inch LCD or touchscreen
OS: Proprietary Sony OS
2. HiFi Walker
Examples: G7, G7 Pro
The HiFi Walker G7 Pro is a premium high-resolution player running HiFi Walker's proprietary OS, without access to Google Play or streaming apps. It features a 4.0-inch touchscreen, powerful headphone amplifiers (~200–300mW @32Ω), and supports high-resolution audio up to 32bit/384kHz, including DSD. Storage is 128–256GB internal, expandable via microSD up to 1TB. HiFi Walker players are known for their detailed, dynamic sound, broad format support, and precise DAC performance, ideal for offline, high-resolution listening.
DAC: ESS Sabre or AKM (model-dependent)
Headphone Amp Power: ~200–300mW @ 32Ω
High-res Audio: Up to 32bit/384kHz, DSD supported
Bluetooth Codecs: LDAC, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
Supported Formats: FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, DSD, MP3, AAC, APE, WMA
Storage: 64–256GB internal + microSD up to 1TB
Battery Life: ~12–20 hours depending on model
USB DAC Mode: Yes
Screen: 3.5–4.0-inch touchscreen or LCD
OS: Proprietary HiFi Walker OS
3. HiBy
Examples: R4, M300
The HiBy R4 is an older high-resolution player running HiBy OS. It doesn't stream Apple Music or Spotify but excels in offline playback with DACs (ESS Sabre or AKM) and headphone amps (~60–120mW @32Ω). It supports high-resolution audio up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD formats. Storage ranges from 8–64GB internal, expandable via microSD up to 512GB. The R4 is praised for accurate, detailed sound, broad format compatibility, and portability, making it a solid choice for lossless and high-res files.
DAC: ESS Sabre or AKM (model-dependent)
Headphone Amp Power: ~60–120mW @ 32Ω
High-res Audio: Up to 32bit/384kHz, DSD supported
Bluetooth Codecs: LDAC, aptX, AAC, SBC
Supported Formats: DSD, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, WMA, AAC, M4A
Storage: 8–64GB internal + microSD up to 512GB
Battery Life: ~8–10 hours
USB DAC Mode: Yes
Screen: 1.54–2.0-inch LCD
OS: Proprietary HiBy OS
4. iBasso DX Series
Examples: DX180
The iBasso DX180 is a high-resolution player designed for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality over streaming. It runs primarily on iBasso's proprietary OS (some models support Android). The DX180 has a 4.0–5.0-inch touchscreen, high-quality DACs (ESS Sabre or AKM), and powerful headphone amplifiers (~250–300mW @32Ω). It supports high-resolution audio up to 32bit/384kHz, native DSD playback, and a wide range of formats including FLAC, WAV, ALAC, DSD, MP3, AAC, AIFF, APE, and WMA. Storage is 64–256GB internal, expandable via microSD up to 2TB, with battery life of ~10–15 hours. The DX180 delivers detailed, dynamic sound for serious offline listening.
DAC: ESS Sabre or AKM (model-dependent)
Headphone Amp Power: ~250–300mW @ 32Ω
High-res Audio: Up to 32bit/384kHz, native DSD playback
Bluetooth Codecs: LDAC, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
Supported Formats: FLAC, WAV, ALAC, DSD, MP3, AAC, AIFF, APE, WMA
Storage: 64–256GB internal + microSD up to 2TB
Battery Life: ~10–15 hours depending on model
USB DAC Mode: Yes
Screen: 4.0–5.0-inch touchscreen
OS: Proprietary iBasso OS (some models run Android)
Wrap Up
Now that all the steps are finished, you can put Apple Music on MP3 player, then listen to Apple Music songs at any time. Don't forget that ViWizard Apple Music Converter can do a lot more than this. It can do the same trick to remove DRM from iTunes audios and Audible audiobooks. Go to have a try, and you'll like it.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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