iPod Classic 5th Gen vs 7th Gen: Which One Should You Buy or Upgrade?

If you are shopping for a modernized iPod Classic, two generations are worth your money: the 5th generation from 2005 to 2006, and the 7th generation that closed out the line. We build flash-upgraded versions of both, from 1TB to 4TB, so the real question is which body suits you.

The case for the 5th generation

The 5th gen, often called the iPod Video, has a devoted following for its sound signature, which many collectors attribute to its Wolfson audio chip. It has a slightly larger, squarer body that takes the Super 3000 mAh battery gracefully, and it plays video like every later Classic. Our builds come in the classic Black and White faceplates, starting at $547.97 for the 1TB build, which makes it the most affordable way into a terabyte-class iPod.

The case for the 7th generation

The 7th gen is the final, thinnest, most refined iPod Classic. It has the aluminum front, the sharpest click wheel feel, and the last revision of Apple's Classic firmware. It is the one to pick if you want the iPod that feels newest in the hand. We build it in Space Grey and Silver, and it is the model that was featured on Cult of Mac. 7th gen builds also offer an internal Bluetooth option, so it pairs with AirPods with nothing hanging off the headphone jack.

Side by side

• Sound character: 5th gen has the collector-favorite DAC; 7th gen is cleaner and more neutral.
• Body: 5th gen is a little chunkier and wears the thick 3000 mAh back naturally; 7th gen is the thinnest Classic.
• Capacity: both take 1TB, 2TB, 3TB and 4TB flash.
• Bluetooth: internal Bluetooth is available on our 7th gen builds; any generation can use an external transmitter.
• Price: 5th gen builds start lower; 7th gen carries a premium as the last of the line.

Already own one you love?

Every product page has an 'Upgrade Your Current Device' option that takes $100 off: mail in your iPod and we convert it to flash with a new battery, keeping the unit that has your history in it.

Still torn? Ask us, we have built hundreds of these and can match a build to how you listen.