Ruizu X02: The 15-Euro MP3 Player Compared to the iPod

The 15-Euro Player Some Compare to the iPod (and That Avoids iTunes)

Is it worth paying over 100 euros for a music player when some argue that there are 15-euro ones that sound just as good or better? The question hangs over the thread among those who still listen to music with wired headphones, and the most repeated answer starts with a strange name: Ruizu X02. A Chinese gadget from AliExpress, 30 grams, with radio and microSD, which its defenders place on par with Apple's classic. Goodbye iTunes, I won't miss you.

Why Some Prefer a 15-Euro MP3 Player Over Apple

The argument isn't just the price, it's file management. Unlike Apple's ecosystem synchronization, this device connects via USB, and you drag music onto it like a flash drive. That's it. Added to this is a microSD up to 128 GB, FM radio without using data, and a weight that's barely noticeable in your pocket.

A striking sound comparison comes from someone who tested it against an iPod from a decade ago and claims the sound is subtly better. You shouldn't rely on a single impression, but several voices agree, and none refute it with data. The bargain, moreover, admits discounts: it has been seen for 10.70 euros.

iTunes, the Target of Criticism

Apple's music management software receives criticism for consuming memory, slowing down the computer, and complicating something as simple as copying files. Alternatives have emerged to bypass it—from free managers on Linux to alternative firmwares like Rockbox—and that indicates the extent of the problem. The most nuanced defense comes from those who use it on Mac: there, they admit, it works well; on Windows, the experience is something else.

The Fine Print: Headphones Matter More Than the Device

It's worth tempering expectations here. Several messages insist that the key lies with the headphones, not the player. With good headphones, a cheap device can sound good. Regarding the battery, there are testimonials of 6 or 7 days with three to five hours of daily use, after two years of intensive use. And on FLAC, the lossless format, opinions vary: from those who say it doesn't play it to those who assure it does, that the box advertises it, and that it plays it perfectly. The material for deciding, in any case, is scattered.

When Paying More Can Sound Worse, According to Some

Here comes the uncomfortable blow for brand-name audiophiles. Some unequivocally claim that entry-level Fiio players, between 60 and 90 euros, sound worse than 15-euro gadgets. Against that, a recommendation goes up to a Shanling Q1 which went from 80 to 120 euros, with the price hike attributed to VAT. One user claims that the range of decent players under 50 euros has dwindled and that today, you can't find much for under 100 euros.

The iPod Isn't Dead: It's Being Recycled

Against the Chinese onslaught, there's a nostalgic current reviving second-hand iPods, with drives replaced by flash memory and alternative firmwares. The problem is the price: the second-hand market is hyper-inflated, and not all models can be modified.

Worth It in the Smartphone Era?

It depends on your priorities. The smartphone wins in convenience and streaming catalog; the little device wins in lightness, battery life, and, above all, in something increasingly rare: not interrupting music with notifications. For the gym, cycling, or running, some prefer a dedicated gadget. And there, the Ruizu X02 is one of the cheap options mentioned.

In the end, for some participants, the best iPod substitute is a cheap player that fits in your pocket and doesn't interrupt the music.