Shanling Q2 and Fiio Echo Nano revive iPod-era design with modern high-res audio features

The resurgence of iPod-style devices comes amid a wider revival of low-tech, distraction-free audio gear, according to TechRadar. Refurbished iPods remain popular on resale sites, and retailers still advertise them as new. Audio brands are capitalizing on that nostalgia by offering players with capabilities Apple never provided, such as support for high-resolution file formats and expandable storage.

The Fiio Echo Nano costs $49.99 or £54.99, roughly £55 in the UK. It has a 0.91-inch display, a physical scroll wheel for navigation, and a built-in DAC. The device supports microSD cards up to 256GB, offers seven hours of battery life, and weighs 33.5 grams. It can also be used as a USB DAC when connected to a computer or smartphone. Multiple color options are available.

The Shanling Q2 is priced at $269, about £200 or AU$400. It supports FLAC, WAV, ALAC, and DSF files, and packs four DAC chips to handle audio up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512. Bluetooth output is available via LDAC or aptX HD. The player has both a 4.4mm balanced and a 3.5mm headphone jack, and accepts microSD cards up to 2TB, though it has no built-in storage. Shanling claims 13.5 hours of listening time, and the device weighs 82 grams. A smartphone app can control the player remotely, though TechRadar notes this may stray from the purpose of a dedicated gadget.

The two players differ significantly in price and features. TechRadar suggests that if portability is the priority, the lighter and cheaper Echo Nano is better for workouts or low-tech days, while the bigger, feature-rich Q2 suits those who want maximum audio quality.

The Echo Nano is available at a lower launch price than the original first-generation iPod Shuffle, which cost more at debut and now sells for less on resale markets. Both devices are positioned as more functional alternatives to the retro iPods that continue to be advertised and bought today.