20 MP3 Players That Came Before the iPod

Several MP3 players helped the iPod succeed even before it came to represent portable music. Early gadgets were a breakthrough at the time since they let individuals carry their music in a small package. Examining 20 MP3 devices before the emergence of the Apple iPod, this article shows how each one helped portable music players to evolve.

Tricia Quitales
March 6, 2025
5 min read

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Before the iPod’s introduction, the MP3 player market experienced several developments; many devices offered the first looks into the direction of portable music. From early days of large, limited-capacity players to more sophisticated and user-friendly versions, every player added something fresh. Looking back on these 20 products makes it abundantly evident how they prepared the ground for the iPod’s explosive popularity.

1. Creative Nomad Jukebox

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Among the first efforts at a portable MP3 player was the Creative Nomad Jukebox. Its 6GB hard drive let consumers save hundreds of tunes. Though heavy compared to later generations, its capacity to store big music collections was highly appreciated.

2. Rio PMP300

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Launched by Diamond Multimedia, the Rio PMP300 is sometimes regarded as the first genuine MPP player. Its meager 32MB of storage allows for around one hour of music. Though small in capacity, the PMP300 elevated the concept of digital music to the stage.

3. Sony Network Walkman

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Early on in the MP3 player market, Sony’s Network Walkman was a major rival to the Rio PMP300. It supported MP3 files yet used a proprietary format known as ATRAC. Sony’s Network Walkman was a noteworthy effort to mainstream digital music.

4. Panasonic SV-SD100

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Panasonic’s little MP3 player first brought Secure Digital (SD) cards for music storage. It was among the more portable choices at the time, thanks to its thin form. For its weight, the gadget presented reasonable sound quality.

5. Toshiba Gigabeat

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Toshiba’s Gigabeat was an early competitor in the MP3 player field with a big, easily readable screen. Among the first players with Windows Media Audio (WMA) capability was this one.

6. Apple Macintosh iTunes

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Although it is not a hardware device, iTunes let consumers easily control and arrange their music, therefore setting the scene for the iPod. The program created a digital music ecosystem in great part. Not only the iPod but also other MP3 players were compatible.

7. iRiver iFP-300

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The iRiver iFP-300 series has a neat form and several storage choices. Being among the first MP3 players to include a display, it was more approachable. Users could load up to 128 MB of music for their time—an amazing volume.

8. Philips HDD100

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An early hard-drive-based MP3 player from Philips with 10GB capacity was called HD100. It was among the first players endorsing WMA and MP3 formats. The big storage capacity let consumers carry a sizable music collection.

9. Samsung Yepp YP-100

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Little and portable, the Yepp YP-100 supported WMA and MP3 formats. It presented a basic, easy-to-use interface with a small LCD screen. For its time, the player gave amazing sound quality despite its small scale.

10. Archos Jukebox 6000

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At the time, the Archos Jukebox 6000 provided an impressive 6GB of storage. Its straightforward, utilitarian design produced respectable sound quality, helping Archos become a significant player in the portable music market.

11. Rio Riot

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The Rio Riot was among the earliest MP3 players to incorporate a 20GB hard drive. Though it permitted far more music storage, it was far bigger than its forebears. Although the user interface of the gadget was simple, its storage capacity won its popularity.

12. Cowon iAudio M3

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The iAudio M3 was a favorite among audiophiles since it presented outstanding sound quality. Its 20 GB hard drive let it fit thousands of tracks. It also supported a range of audio formats, allowing consumers choice.

13. Zen Micro

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Smaller, more portable substitutes for bigger players were the Creative Zen Micro. It included compatibility with MP3, WMA, and other formats, together with a vivid display. Having 5GB of capacity, it became a preferred option for people seeking mobility.

14. Rio Carbon

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With 5GB of capacity, the Rio Carbon was a stylish and ultra-light MP3 player. Its excellent battery life, up to 20 hours on a single charge, was well-known. The player also presented a straightforward and flawless interface.

15. Portable MP3 Player

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SanDisk’s Sansa e200 line unveiled a microSD card slot, enabling additional storage. This one was among the first MP3 players that had FM radio capability. The player gained popularity for its dependability and reasonable cost.

16. Zune 30

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Along with a 3-inch screen, Microsoft’s Zune 30 included a 30 GB hard drive. It sought to rival the iPod with features including wireless syncing and social sharing. Though not as popular as the iPod, it was nevertheless a major participant in the MP3 market.

17. Sony NW-A1000

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The 6GB hard drive and high-resolution color display of Sony’s NW-A1000 were features. The player provided a decent mix of style and utility and backed MP3 and ATRAC codecs. The NW-A1000 distinguished itself in a congested market thanks partly to Sony’s brand reputation.

18. Philips GoGear SA series

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The GoGear SA line was renowned for its understated form and emphasis on simplicity. One of the first to include a touch-sensitive navigation pad, it supported MP3 and WMA formats. Younger consumers found the players appealing because of their vibrant display.

19. Toshiba Gigabeat V41

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The portable MP3 player Gigabeat V41 featured a big 2.2-inch screen and a 20 GB hard drive. Its superb video playback features won it praise. The player also included great sound quality and a built-in FM tuner.

20. Dell DJ

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Designed to challenge the iPod, the Dell DJ was a hard-drive-based device. It was a strong choice for consumers searching for a sizable music library on the road with 15 or 20 GB of storage. Its audio quality won its compliments; its interface was straightforward.