Xilisoft iPod Rip Review

While the basic functionality of Xilisoft iPod Rip--copying an iPod to iTunes--is good, the program omits too many features that its competitors offer to receive a recommendation.

Developer
Xilisoft

Version
3.30

Works With
All iPods
All iPhones

Solid Performance

Xilisoft iPod Rip performs pretty well compared to many of its Windows-based competitors when it comes to speed. The program was able to transfer my standard test--590 songs/2.41 GB-- to iTunes in 20 minutes. It can also back up music and files to the hard drive or a second device.

Though the software doesn't give any indication that it's reading your iPod or iPhone when you connect it (something that led me to believe, at first, that it wasn't working properly), when it does, it's a solid performer that can move music, voice memos, and podcasts.

Missing Features

While the core functions of iPod Rip are solid, the program is missing a number of useful and important features. First off, it doesn't support the iPad. This is the first program of its type that I've run into with this limitation as of this writing (February 2011). Given that so many other programs have this feature, iPod Rip ought to also.

It also seems unable to move song ratings and playcounts, two things that most other iPod to iTunes programs can handle.

Lastly, there's no way to determine which songs on the iPod are already present in iTunes, and vice versa. Not every program in this space offers this, but the best ones do since it's a very helpful option.

Conclusion

Xilisoft iPod Rip isn't a bad program, it's just lacking a lot of the features that its competitors have.

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.