Rockbox turned my old iPod into the best music player I own, and it plays my FLAC library

For over 20 years, the author has been passionate about iPods, with a collection of more than 30 devices. The operating system, however, was always the core focus of their tinkering. In 2006, they started using iPod Linux and Rockbox, which removed all limitations and transformed the iPod into the ultimate music player. Rockbox allows for FLAC playback, folder browsing, and more, without requiring iTunes or any music synchronization app.

This is particularly important today, as most high-resolution libraries are in FLAC format, and iTunes doesn't support FLAC music. Rockbox supports a wide range of file formats, including FLAC, ALAC, WAV, Vorbis, Opus, MP3, and M4A, enabling users to copy their existing music folders directly to the iPod's disk mode and start listening immediately.

The stock database limitation of around 25,000-30,000 tracks is no longer an issue, as Rockbox offers folder navigation, avoiding database limits and allowing the storage of as many tracks as the hard disk can hold. Additionally, Rockbox provides on-device playlist creation and modification, queueing, folder shuffling, and a wide range of themes, including options to make the iPod look like Winamp or have a modern, minimal feel.

The installation process is almost foolproof, and the device can be swapped between the original operating system and Rockbox at any time. For the author, Rockbox has turned a 20-year-old music player into a 2026 product, making everyday listening with their iPod a focused, distraction-free experience.