My experience with using an mp3 player in 2026

For the past few months, I've been using an mp3 player instead of services like spotify. 

One reason for that was that I got sick of not being able to listen to the songs that I actually wanted to listen to and being bombarded with ads every few songs, because I cant pay for their subscription service at the moment.

The other reason was that I enjoy making my own playlists and not getting dumped random songs, chosen by an algorythm, into it.

Since 2026 is supposed to be the new 2016 and single purpose devices are finally cool again, I decided to dig up my old iPod shuffle I used to constantly carry with me in like 2014. Since the device is more than a decade old and hasnt been touched in a few years, I was surptised to see that the battery wasn't inflated but very much still intact.

If I'm being honest, I had my difficulties figuring out how to even get songs on this thing...            In the past, I'd get help from adults around me with downloading songs and navigating through iTunes. Once you get the hang of it, it is super simple though.

The decision to switch from my smartphone to an easy to navigate device with no screen, no distracting apps and purely music that I love, was one of the best things I did to myself in a while. Walking outside and not having to look down at your phone to change the playlist but just clicking a few buttons is incrediby freeing. I can only recommend it to everyone that wants a bit less stimulation in their life.

Do you use your phone when listening to music or do you already have an mp3 player? 

P.S.: It's also amazing if you enjoy falling asleep to Youtube essays but dont want to be distracted by your phone.