25 Best Running Watches with Music – Run Phone-Free in 2023

Running watches with Phone Free Music - Girl wearing a sports watch

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Looking for the best running watch with music and GPS? Maybe even a watch with Spotify? Me too. Being phone-free has become increasingly popular, and this is especially true among people who enjoy walking, running, and other outdoor sports.

Having a watch that plays music without phone offers a lot of freedom in terms of movement because there’s no heavy smartphone weighing you down as you run.

Editor’s Pick
“Garmin

For a while, the Apple Watch was in first place, but after using it for a few years, I realized it lacked some essential features for a running watch. The Garmin 745 is the new leader for 2023 if you are looking for a running watch with offline music that also seriously caters to all running enthusiasts.

Contender
“Garmin

The Garmin Venu includes a brilliant AMOLED display and battery life that lasts for days. The Venu has Spotify built in for listening to and downloading music, and it has all the stats a serious or casual runner could possibly need. Another excellent watch in the Garmin range. You may also want to consider the Garmin Vivoactive 4 which has very similar specs but might feel more legit at your local running club, or the older Garmin Forerunner 645 Music which is still a crowd favorite.

Premium Option
“Garmin

This is the Garmin Fenix 6x Pro Solar. The Fenix 6 Pro raises the bar for an outdoor running and adventure watch by including onboard mapping and offline phone-free music.

This ground breaking technology is amazing for outdoor runners, outdoor enthusiasts, sports fans, and athletes. It’s as premium as it gets in consumer and professional sports watches. Consider yourself elite with this high-powered, multi-function titan. Available in titanium and black.

This is undoubtedly the timepiece Jason Bourne would purchase.

People want running watches with music AND GPS built-in the most so they can run, track their run stats, and enjoy good music without having to bring their phone with them. All of that without interruptions or phone calls.

But you want it to be excellent, right? It can’t have terrible Bluetooth that drops the music, and you can’t have bad GPS that drops your run mapping stats or inconsistent heart rate monitoring.

Woman after running standing with a view over landscape.
Look, no phone. Running watches with music can let you run interruption-free.

I recently spent a significant amount of time online researching watches for running with music and Bluetooth headphones so that my wife could run with music (and GPS) while leaving her phone at home.

It took me so long to do this research that I thought it would be worthwhile to share in case it could be helpful to others.

When I say it took me a long time – probably over 9 hours of research. Overdoing it really.

Of course, the introduction of the new Garmin Solar powered range is the most recent and exciting news to reach this article. Included in this are the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar (which has offline music), the Quatix 6X Solar, the Tactix Delta Solar, and the Gamin Instinct Solar (which does not have phone-free music). Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music are available offline on The Fenix, Aquatic, and Tactics. Because you can choose your music provider, they are among the best integrated running / sports watches with music available. Congratulations, Garmin.

The idea of running with only Bluetooth headphones and a watch, while still tracking GPS location, pace, heart rate, times while listening to music without the need for a bulky armband for your phone sounds to me like a perfect scenario.

Leaving my phone at home is a freeing feeling and good for me to be in a good headspace (and you too I expect). In addition to researching for my wife, I also researched and purchased a smartwatch – although my priorities were smartwatch first and running watch with mp3 music second.

Running Watches with Music Compared

#Running Watch NameOffline Music StorageWater ResistantPrice Range
1:Garmin Fenix 6x Multisport32GB10 ATM$$$
2:Galaxy Watch 4G4GB50m (5 ATM)$$
3:Amazfit Stratos4GB (1.9GB Avail)5 ATM$$
4:Amazfit Bip 3 Pro Smart4GB (1.9GB Avail)5 ATM$
5:TicWatch 4G Pro4GBIP68 (Light swimming)$$
6:Fossil Gen 5 Julianna8GB3 ATM (Light swimming)$
7:Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle8GB3 ATM (Light swimming)$
8:Samsung Galaxy Watch Active4GB5 ATM$$
9:Vivoactive 3 Music3.5GB5 ATM$$
10:Samsung Galaxy Watch3
(LTE Available)
8GB5 ATM$$$
11:Apple Watch 416GB5 ATM$$
12:Garmin Vivoactive 4 & 4s4GB5 ATM$$
13:Samsung Galaxy Watch4GB5 ATM$$
14:Garmin Forerunner 6453.5GB5 ATM$$
15:Samsung Gear Sport4GB5 ATM$
16:Garmin Venu Sq Music4GB5 ATM$$
17:Huawei Watch 2 Sport 4GBWater resistant (IP68)$
18:Apple Watch 632GB5 ATM$$$
19:LG Watch Sport4GBWater resistant (IP68)$
20:Fossil Sport4GB5 ATM$$
21:Garmin Fenix 5X Plus16GB10 ATM$$$
22:Apple Watch 532GB5 ATM$$$
23:Garmin Forerunner 245 Music4GB (3.5 Free)5 ATM$$
24:Garmin Forerunner 9458GB5 ATM$$$

Notes:
1 ATM = 10 Meters
IP68 is light water resistance and we’d not swim with our watch on.

Researching on Running Watches

Most of the research I did was on Amazon but there are a lot of running blogs that have bits and pieces here and there. My issue was that no one blog had all the options listed. There were posts about music on your watch but only a couple of models.

So the list that I’ve compiled (updated as at Jan 2023) is as up to date as possible with only running watches that include phone-free music as standard. I won’t put prices here as they change frenetically so easier to check the price for each at the time your researching to buy. Links for each below.

Main Criteria for Running Watches with Music

  • No need for phone
  • Accurate GPS (Glonass a bonus)
  • Easy to use interface for running
  • Good Bluetooth connectivity for headphones or earphones
  • Good heart rate monitor
  • Decent amount of space for downloading music on to the phone

‘Nice to Have’ for Phone-Free Running Watches

  • Spotify with download option on watch
  • Waterproof
  • Great battery life for long runs when GPS, music and heartrate tracker are all working.
  • Integrates with Runkeeper first, or Strava as a second choice.

Full List of Running Watches with Phone-Free Music (Updated for 2023)

The notes on the end of some of the watches are just what I believe was the overall consensus from the hundreds of reviews I read. I’ll update this list over time as new watches come along as I’m always interested in an upgrade.

Quick List (longer details follow below)

General Updates

Since writing this original post I did say I’d update this as new models of running watches with music come to marketing in 2019 thought to 2023 – all with offline music options so you can leave your phone behind.

The release of the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 3100 processor for Android watches in 2019 will improve performance and the release of the Apple Watch 5 will certainly spice things up. Fossil has been quick to release new watches this year with the latest being the Gen 5 range: Carlyle and Julianna.

The new Samsung Galaxy Active uses the proprietary Samsung Tizen OS which seems to be performing quite well as a sports & running watch.

I certainly think they’ve done one of the best-looking round watch face sports watches that also cross over to everyday wear. The screen is lovely.

I expect this year we’ll see a lot more sports watches come to market with Spotify built-in with offline options for downloading music to the watch.



Running Watches with Music and GPS in 2023

This is list is in no particular order to keep it fair. In saying that, Garmin and Apple seem to dominate. With the recent news that Google bought Fitbit (for $2b) we can see that Google feels their current Android selection is a little lacking.

Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music

Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music Running Watch with music gps
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music Running Watch

The Garmin Vivoactive 3 has a few things going for it. Overall the price and features make this a Top 3 choice for runners who what a good running watch + GPS + onboard music. Here are the key features, positives and some negatives.

Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music Features

Of all the runners we have polled, asking about their preferred brand of running watch, Garmin seems to win out every time. I’m not sure if that is a bias runners have, or if it’s legitimately the truth of running watches.

With more recent updates to Garmin’s line up to include solid offline Spotify integration, it makes them a good choice if you’re looking for a watch that plays music without phone.

In saying that the Apple Watch 5 is still the leading smart watch that also happens to offer music on the phone for running, allowing you to leave your phone behind.

  • Download and store up to 500 songs on the watch
  • Bluetooth headphone compatible
  • Garmin Pay available (contactless payment method unique to Garmin)
  • Wrist-based heart rate
  • VO2 Max measurements
  • It’s a smartwatch too
  • Bunch of preloaded sports apps
  • Some smartwatch apps available e.g. Uber
  • 5 Hour battery life with running and GPS going
  • 7 Day battery life in smartwatch mode

Pros

  • It’s a Garmin. That seems to hold a lot of weight in the running world.
  • Equal memory size to most other watches so no points off for that.
  • 2 Colours available
  • Waterproof 5 ATM
  • GPS, Glonass & Galileo (all three ? )
  • All-day stress tracking – this is unique to Garmin.
  • Affordable price considering the Brand and features.

Cons

  • Garmin Pay – not convinced about this one.
  • Limited colours – be nice in White

Vivoactive 3 Music – for latest price and more reviews: Vivoactive 3 Music


Apple Watch 4

Apple iWatch 4 with music and gps
Apple Watch 4

The Apple Watch 4 is almost a given in this. It has a fantastic processor speed which ensures that it not only makes a great running watch but it also is the best all-round smartwatch available.

With the ECG feature available in the US, it also has medical benefits. But it’s expensive.

The Apple Watch 5 is newer, faster and exceeds the 4 overall, but this is still a solid performer that only slightly lags behind its newer sibling. Great bang for your bucks.

Apple Watch 4 Features

  • Comes in a variety of colours to choose from. Lots of watch bands to choose from too.
  • Adjustable and swappable bands a plenty.
  • The Apple Watch 4 can include a nano-SIM which is unique to other phones.

Pros

  • Speed – processor is unmatched in a smart device currently
  • ECG – it’s a medical device too
  • GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS. If you can’t get a signal for tracking your runs…you must run in a cave.
  • Software updates are a sure bet for at least a few years. It might slow down but it’ll get some of the good stuff they release each year.
  • Music can be streamed or downloaded.
  • 16GB storage facility – most running smartwatches with music only have 4GB. It’s being shared but it’s still much better.
  • nano-SIM. Leave your phone behind – run without it and still take/make phone calls and control Siri etc.

Cons

  • Cost. Big expensive cost.
  • It’s square. A subjective thing but feels wrong being square
  • Probable not fully featured for Android users.

Amazfit Stratos Multisport Smartwatch

Amazfit Stratos Multisport Smartwatch with music and GPS
Amazfit Stratos Multisport Smartwatch

I really wanted to get this watch. It was a real contender – the features are plentiful and the screen looks really nice. It also has a natural round watch shape which was appealing. I was a bit too masculine and large for my wife but I seriously considered it for myself. Seriously impressive value for money for a running watch with music.

Amazfit Stratos Features

  • 5 ATM water-resistant – this would be OK for swimming in
  • VO2 Max
  • GPS + GLONASS
  • Heart rate sensor

Pros

  • 22mm regular watch strap
  • Waterproof (5 ATM)
  • Battery life
  • Built-in music capabilities
  • Value for money
  • Overall features for a watch are plenty
  • Decent processor speed
  • Strava features
  • Multisports mode

Cons

  • No NFC
  • Slightly complicated user experience
  • Music – ensure you have good Bluetooth signal
  • Not sure about OS platform – no evidence it’s WearOS so…?
  • Music space approx. 2gb (4gb total on watch)

Fitbit Ionic

Fitbit Ionic Running Smartwatch with music and gps
Fitbit Ionic Running Smartwatch

Definitely a design that people will love or love…less. This Fitbit Ionic just didn’t seem to hold enough ‘tech bling’ for me. So as a running fitness watch, it’s a subjective choice for sure. It’s very popular and a solid brand behind it.

Fitbit Ionic Features

  • Store and play up to 300+ songs. Depending on the quality of the music files – this seems pretty typical but some units go up to 500 songs.
  • Smartphone notifications
  • GPS+Glonass
  • NFC including mobile payments

Pros

  • Phone free music (like all watches on this list)
  • Sleep tracking included
  • Built-in coaching features
  • Experienced brand
  • Design – if you like it
  • Build quality
  • Water-resistant (50m – 5ATM).
  • Finger sized friendly screen
  • Good battery life
  • Heart rate wrist-based monitor

Cons

  • Design if you don’t like it
  • Can be a little slow
  • Storage is plenty but some might want more.

Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4s

Garmin Vivoactive 4s Smartwatch with Offline Music and Pulse ox
Garmin Vivoactive 4s Pictured | Source: Garmin

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is the bigger watch. The 4s is the smaller running watch. Both come in a 40mm and 45mm watch face but the 4s is smaller. This is the main difference in the two watches. There are many different colours available in both with the 4s having a couple of more delicate features in the design.

I expect they are marketing the 4s as more presentable and the 4 as more rugged.

There are upgrades from the previous Vivoactive 3 model including some nice updates. Great battery life, up to 7 days when just used as a smart watch and up to 5 hours when used when running or exercising with the GPS and Music playing.

There’s a wide range of preloaded exercise options and Garmin coach on the Vivoactive 4 and 4s which can help you get trained up for 5k, 10k, half-marathons and marathons. Nothing like having a trainer to help achieve your running goals. It also has Pulse Ox sensors.

The thing that we really like about Garmin’s direction this year is the way they have integrated music on to their watches. You might need a music subscription to these services but if you do you can download from Amazon Music, Spotify and Deezer. Simple to do and it’s great to have the choice of services.

Garmin Vivoactive 4 (010-02174-01 ) + Vivoactive 4s

  • Just <4GB of space for MP3 music downloads using Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer (you might need a subscription to those third party services).
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Wrist heart rate monitor including Pulse ox.
  • GPS
  • 5 ATM Water rating so good for swimming or showering etc.

Pros

  • Garmin quality
  • Good integration with iPhones
  • Onboard music services are unbeaten – <4GB is as good as anyone else
  • Garmin Coach for runners who want a little extra support.
  • GPS
  • Good for swimming with a 5 ATM rating

Cons

  • None of note.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

Samsung Galaxy Smart Watch
Samsung Galaxy Smart Watch 4

The Samsung Galaxy Watch is probably one of the best selling smartwatches right now. It’s not specifically a running watch but as it has all the sporty bits and it has music so it seemed wrong to leave it off.

Clearly, the look alone will turn some people off, especially my wife, or so I predicted. The Galaxy watch did lead me to the eventual choice for her and it was extremely close to being my choice also.

Safe to say the Samsung Galaxy Watch is one of the only serious current competitors to the Apple Watch.

Samsung Galaxy Features

  • 46 mm watch face (also comes in 42mm watch face)
  • 4GB internal storage
  • Barometer
  • Accelerometer
  • Light sensor (for dynamic display)
  • Wireless charging
  • Samsung Pay
  • Bluetooth
  • Swim proof – not sure that means waterproof.
  • Built-in microphone and speakers

Pros

  • Looks great for a tough watch
  • Great battery life
  • Swim proof
  • Samsung Pay built-in
  • Samsung Health & Fitness tracking included (same as their sports watches)
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • MP3 storage for phone-free running and exercise with music
  • Round watch face – more natural
  • Built-in microphone and speaker means you can take calls on this. Your phone has to be in Bluetooth reach but you can answer and talk through the watch
  • Wireless charging on the Samsung Galaxy Watch is great. So much easier not having to line up charging points.

Cons

  • Proprietary OS. Generally, I tend to prefer Google/Apple/Samsung type platforms where updates are somewhat assured.

Apple Watch 6

Apple Watch 6 on wrist
Apple Watch 6 – accurate and attractive | Make Life Click

The Apple Watch 6 has kept its physical design. There are a few new straps you can choose from and some nice new colours including Blue and a (red) model.

This new version has better V02 measuring and the addition of blood oxygen monitoring. You still get the ECG feature as well, making this a serious health device in addition to being a powerful fitness and running watch.

You can get the cellular version for true phone free running and there is a healthy 32GB of storage on the watch for music and apps. This means if you don’t go cellular you can get the cheaper GPS model and still have offline music for your fitness activities.

There are so many positive features on this watch that it still takes the lead as the best running watch with gps and offline music. The Samsung Watch3 and new Garmin 745 are good, but just not this versatile.

Apple Watch 6 Features

  • ECG built-in
  • Blood oxygen monitoring
  • V02 Max measuring
  • Waterproof 32GB storage
  • Wrist-based optical heart rate sensor
  • 50-metre water-resistant (5 ATM)
  • Comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes
  • Fall alerts

Pros

  • More features than can poke a stick at
  • Always on display
  • Excellent build quality
  • Variations – colours, size, straps – you can really make the Apple Watch 6 your style.
  • Powerful processor – can handle voice assistants etc well
  • Loads of offline music storage

Cons

  • Still at the pricey end, especially if you want Cellular and GPS

Garmin Forerunner 645 with Music & GPS

Garmin Forerunner 645 running watch with Music and GPS
Garmin Forerunner 645 Music

Another strong contender for the best running watches with music is the Garmin Forerunner 645. Garmin seems to have really captured the running watch market very well.

The issue is with the prices and I feel like over time they’re going to have to work hard to beat out the rising contenders like Apple Watch and whatever Google plans for Wear OS in the future.

While Google isn’t a big threat right now, it’s price point for cheaper running watches with music and GPS will need to be considered. There are also a number of good Wear OS watches coming out with Spotify too. But I digress!

The Forerunner 645 with Music is a great watch. It didn’t make the cut based on price but it was probably one of the favourites for sure.

If you really love running, want the Garmin name, and you want to fit in at the running club, this is a great choice. If you want a more feminine touch to the design then check out the Garmin Forerunner 245 which is newer but with much the same specs and can handle running with stored music and GPS.

Garmin Forerunner 645 Features

The Garmin Forerunner 645 Music features:

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Garmin Pay (like apple pay/Samsung pay/google pay…but Garmin pay – NFC contactless payments so you don’t need your phone or wallet for a run!)
  • Space for up to 500 songs
  • Wrist heart monitor
  • Water-resistant (5 ATM)
  • Some wireless services connectivity (Spotify)

Pros

  • It’s a Garmin. That means something in the running world. Probably the go-to brand for sports, running and outdoor watches.
  • Garmin Pay built-in. So you can leave your wallet at home and still buy a coffee.
  • The Garmin training software is smart – gives you what you need.
  • Integration with Spotify streaming service is a big plus. No need to manually manage files so much.
  • 5 ATM water rating but wouldn’t put too much trust in that if your swimming a lot.
  • Battery life is great!

Cons

  • Pricey. Not saying it isn’t worth it and if you want a running watch only, then it’s good. But if you want a few more smartwatch features then the Watch 4 is a better choice in this price range, if you can live with shorter battery life.

Samsung Galaxy Watch3

“Samsung

This was one of the most anticipated launches of 2020 for Samsung. All the previous owners of the Samsung Galaxy watch were excited to see what new features would be released. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 definitely competes with the Apple Watch (on price also) and was first with the blood oxygen measurement.

It still runs a smart assistant called Bixby and you can talk to it like you would Siri or Google Assistant.

Physically, it still looks a lot like the previous model but with improved features, speed and storage. Tizen has proved pretty stable over the years.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Features

  • Finally includes offline music with Spotify support
  • Tracks seven main sports and health activities.
  • Sleep tracking
  • Stress tracking
  • Blood OX level monitoring
  • Heart Rate monitoring
  • Trip/Fall Detection

Pros

  • Great looking watch.
  • Blood OX level monitoring
  • Spotify now included (offline options for music)
  • Samsung Pay (where supported)
  • Massive 8GB storage onboard
  • Rotating Bezel is back with the Watch 3
  • Bluetooth and LTE options available
  • Tizen currently better than Google Wear OS

Cons

Didn’t get any cheaper with newer models

Tizen is a closed OS

Some great additions in the Watch3 but they didn’t step far from the previous model – is that a con? or…

Some frustration with Verizon connectivity

Garmin Venu Sq Music

“Garmin

Garmin has built on the success for the Venu with the Venu Sq. It comes with an impressive 6-day battery in watch-only mode. This time is greatly reduced if using music and GPS, of course.

Designed with smaller wrists in mind with a 125-190 mm band circumference it still has Garmin Play, Spotify Offline, Amazon Music, Deezer, Garmin Fitness options and the addition of tracking your personal moon cycle.

There is nothing lacking in this Garmin which makes it excellent value for money. It’s packed with all the tracking radio options and the powerful additions that Garmin’s operating system offers.

For the price this is an impressive and popular sports watch and of course, it offers offline music for your running. Just makes sure you select the Music option when you buy it. The Venu Sq Standard doesn’t offer offline music, the Venu Sq Music does.

Garmin Venu Sq Music Features

  • Numerous color options
  • Pulse OX Sensor + Wrist based Heart Rate monitoring
  • Stress Tracking
  • Menstrual Tracking
  • Advanced Sleep Monitoring
  • Garmin Coach
  • Fitness tracking
  • Garmin Pay
  • GPS / GLONASS / GALILEO

Pros

  • Nice fit for smaller wrists
  • Fully featured for the price
  • Spotify / Deezer / Amazon Music
  • Garmin Coach and all the fitness features from Garmin
  • Pulse OX Sensor monitor
  • Garmin Pay – leave your wallet at home
  • Always on display option

Cons

  • Costs most for the music version
  • Nothing else for this price

Huawei Watch 2 Sport 

Huawei Watch 2 Sport running watch with music and gps
Huawei Watch 2 Sport

It’s easy to write about this watch as it’s the one I choose. After 6 months of use, I can’t say enough good things about it, but I wrote a separate review on it which you can read here.

I knew it wasn’t a new model but as there were few other watches being released I figured that it was the best of the bunch. I wasn’t crazy about a super sporty looking watch but as the owner of a Seiko 5 watch (SNZF17), which is my favourite watch of all time (even though it’s quite cheap) I was happy that it had a tough look to it. The Huawei Sport 2 ticked all those boxes.

When running with the watch I use Google offline music as it’s the built-in option. I do have Spotify on it but that only works with your phone, google works without your phone.

With google music, I can stream music from the cloud on the phone (I have the 4G model) OR before you leave home, and your phone behind, you can click the albums you want and download them for offline use. You can also download on the 4G/LTE model without WiFi but that will use data.

This means you can run without your phone and have all the music you need.

Huawei Watch 2 Sport Features

  • GPS and GLONASS
  • Wrist-based heart rate monitor
  • Huawei Health built-in
  • Sleep tracking built-in
  • Wear OS
  • Interchangeable watch bands – standard watch size
  • Built-in NFC payment – Google Pay
  • 4GB on watch storage for music.
  • Bluetooth
  • WiFi

Pros

  • Comfortable – I can wear this all day and not notice it
  • Wear OS – updates often, isn’t the fastest, but it works
  • Good integration with iOS for notifications
  • Sleep tracking is great
  • GPS is solid – great on watch mapping and very pin-point accurate
  • Heart rate and workout statistics and graphs are really great – nice on the phone and on the watch
  • Running coach and running plans built into Huawei Health app are good

Cons

  • Speed. This is a complaint of every smartwatch using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 2100 chip, which is nearly all of them right now. It works but it could be faster. The 3100 chip is being used in more smartwatches this year.
  • No other complaints at this price.

Fossil Sport Watch – Gen 4

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Fossil Sport Watch for Men and Women

The Fossil Sport Watch comes in two styles – Women and Men’s versions. Powered by Google Wear OS you can be sure you’ll get updates and be able to change the watch face to suit.

Mediocre reviews on this steered my clear but there’s a huge Fossil fan base out there, and considering Fossil watches come out of the same factory as most other brands it seems likely they are as good in terms of build quality as all the rest.

Fossil Sport Watch Gen 4 Features

  • Wear OS
  • Swim proof – 5ATM
  • 24-hour battery life
  • Magnetic charger
  • 43mm Men’s and 41mm Women’s
  • 22mm watch band (Men’s) and 18mm watch band (Women’s)
  • Heart rate tracking
  • Offline music storage – 4GB on watch storage
  • GPS (no clear idea if it’s only GPS or if it also has GLONASS or similar?)
  • iOS and Android compatible
  • NFC Google Pay

Pros

  • Wear OS so at least you know it will maintain some sort of updates
  • Swim proof
  • Men’s and Women’s options…if you like being matchy matchy
  • Offline music storage – 4GB
  • Built-in microphone
  • NFC Google Pay is built in so you can ‘coffee’ with the cool kids after your run…or just pick up some milk at the store on your way home

Cons

  • Battery life can suffer pretty quickly of you like to doodle with your watch a lot. True of most Wear OS models here
  • A little slow – as all Wear OS Snapdragon 2100 models are here

Garmin Fenix 5X Plus

Garmin Fenix 5X Plus running watch with music
Garmin Fenix 5X Plus

Let’s be clear, this is not just a running watch, although you could use it just for that and be very happy. The Garmin Fenix 5X is a multi-sport watch with serious firepower. It has been updated to the Fenix 6x now but the 5x is still not sluggish.

It’s a chunky monkey so if you have petite wrists then you might look like a kid trying to fit his Dad’s wetsuit (I have petite wrists). It comes in Orange too, which you will already have realized I really like for a sports watch. If you have the money then there is little debate this is the best of the best.

Garmin Fenix 5X features

  • Premium multisport GPS smartwatch
  • Garmin Pay
  • Stores up to 500 songs
  • GPS, GLONASS and Galileo built-in (no ones getting lost)
  • 10 Day watch life (or 8 hours with GPS and Music going – Marathon-able)
  • TOPO Maps
  • Loads of colour/spec options
  • Wrist base heart rate
  • Spotify compatible – Garmin did an update across a whole bunch of watches.
  • Waterproof

Pros

  • Multi-sport options
  • Waterproof – not just resistant
  • If Topographical maps are an important part of your running i.e you are an ultra marathon runner, then this is a big pro to the Fenix.
  • Garmin Pay NFC eWallet
  • Spotify integration

Cons

  • Cost – it’s not cheap but if you’re serious about running, or multi-sports, then this is the high end.

Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle

Follsil Gen 5 Carlyle Smartwatch with Music & GPS
Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Smartwatch – Focused on Men
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Fossil Gen 5 Julianna Smartwatch – Focused on Women

New for 2019 and already exciting all the Wear OS / Fossil fans in the Fossil Gen 5. This is perfectly aimed at a market of people where it’s common for both people in the relationship to have the watch.

The customer seems to be young and cool. The style between the watches isn’t vastly different, but different enough that the Gen 5 Carlyle and Julianna are clearly designed with both Men and Women respectively.

The Gen 5 Julianna has a beautiful Rose Gold model which will appeal to a lot of women and definitely brings a new look for a ladies smart watch with music.

Fossil have jammed in the features and the most significant improvement with the Fossil Gen 5 is the upgraded processor – now the Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100, upgraded from the 2100.

Speed has always been one of the major complaints with Wear OS devices so the Snapdragon Wear 3100 is a welcome update to Wear OS smart watches.

As it is the newest and best broad market watch in 2019 it is going to sell like hotcakes. I also expect this and the Samsung Galaxy Active will battle it out.

Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Features

“Fossil
  • Wrist-based Heartrate tracking
  • Changeable watch bands – style is important people.
  • NFC
  • 8GB on watch storage which gives plenty of room for music
  • Google Pay
  • Swimproof (3 ATM)
  • Speaker and microphone built-in
  • Wear OS
  • Google Assistant

Pros

  • For a new release, it’s affordable
  • Includes all the things you want or need in a running watch & smartwatch
  • 8GB is a good amount of on watch storage for apps/music etc
  • 44mm for the Carlyle is a great size for display
  • Snapdragon 3100 chip is faster and able to handle more – especially things like Google Assistant commands.
  • Great battery life.
  • Swimproof is a big win here.

Cons

  • Size might be a lot for skinny wrists unless you like that look
  • Nothing else of note.

Apple Watch 5

Apple iWatch 5
Apple Watch 5 – a simple but powerful step up from the Watch 4

The Apple Watch OS 5 has an always-on screen but it’s not really clear if there is a lot here to sing and dance about. A few more options for straps and some new apps. Watch OS 6 has arrived also with some performance updates.

While you wouldn’t think of this as your first pick when shopping for running watches with music, it’s actually a perfect match for that and so much more.

The always-on screen is a bit of a big deal as no longer do you need to do that awkward check the time thing, especially in a meeting or when you’re in a conversation with someone. Much easier to take a sneak peek at the screen without needing any kinetic movement.

The eSIM will become more standard over time is my prediction, so the watch can operate completely independent of an iPhone.

Apple Watch 5 Features

  • Noise app alerts you if the abient audio around you is too loud.
  • Cycle tracking app for women
  • Expanded fitness tracking options – tracks more types of exercise
  • Continues to provide offline music with syncing options what just work. A good reason to choose this if you like running and want music with no phone.
  • eSIM option so you can not only leave the phone at home for music, but you can also leave it at home and use the Watch for calls and messages.
  • Siri onboard. This is something Apple Watch still has over Wear OS – Siri works really well.
  • Has a built-in Compass – I think this could be great for outdoor adverturers and expect there will be a news story one day that tells us how someone made it out of a deep dark forest after getting lost by using the Watch Compass.
  • Watch OS 6 app store on the watch so you can find apps and install without the need for your phone.
  • ApplePay
  • Stainless Steel or Aluminum body options.
  • 40mm or 44mm
  • GPS + Cellular
  • Sapphire crystal glass
  • Water-resistant 5ATM (Swimproof)

Pros

  • Noise app is pretty cool.
  • Lots of straps to pair and mix and match
  • It’s essentially become a phone independent watch for calls, apps, music and messaging. Pretty impressive.
  • All-round solid watch for sports, running and a lot more.

Cons

  • Still expensive but this also makes the very capable Watch 4 look good.
  • New leather loop strap is nice, but expensive too.

Garmin fenix 6X Watch

“fenix

The 2020 release now also includes the Garmin fenix 6X Pro Solar edition which includes a built-in solar charging ability on the watch. This allows you to charge the phone when out in the sun which is a major break through. See on Amazon. Make sure to watch for the Pro Solar if purchasing as they look similar and have similar names to the fenix 6x without solar.

The Garmin fenix 6x is some serious firepower for a multi-sports watch – much more than just a running watch with music. It includes some cool smart features but there a bunch of features it bypasses to ensure it remains a serious watch for serious sports enthusiasts.

It comes in a range of really great looking colours and finishes including a nice Rose Gold.

Garmin fenix 6x Features

  • 1.4″ display
  • Mapping options – Topo maps
  • Onboard music (offline options)
  • v02 estimates
  • Garmin Pay
  • Maps included for 2000 ski resorts around the world. Pick your next ski run from your watch. That’s pretty cool.
  • Power management options so you can see what’s using the battery juice up fastest.
  • Wrist-based heart rate sensor
  • GPS, GLONASS and Galileo
  • 42/47/52mm sizes
  • 10 ATM – the highest-rated sports watch waterproof rating on our list in 2019
  • 32GB Storage
  • So.many.options! Bands, materials, bundles etc. Garmin have doubled down on this model and it sits at the top of the list if not for the price and also if you don’t need the smartwatch features of the Apple Watch 5.
  • Comes in 6, 6 Pro, 6S, 6S Pro and 6X

Pros

  • True multi-sport watch
  • GPS that works
  • Topo maps are a nice addition, was also on the fenix 5
  • Loads of features and finish options

Cons

  • No 4G LTE option
  • Cost, but you have the money then this is not a con.

Past models from this list

The Polar M600 was a watch that I wanted to like because it was one of the only ones to break the design mold. It has an android OS and a nice clean interface. It is a now a little older and never really caught on with running fans. It’s also one of the only models that supports music in the Polar watch range.

The Samsung Gear Sport is still a great watch with offline music but Samsung has released newer models that mean this moves off the active list. It’s water-resistant to 50 meters and finally, it looked better than a lot of others in this space. If you can get it on sale, it still performs.

The Apple Watch 3 is still a great watch but now that it has been surpassed by more than 2 models it seems time to retire it to this section. You can get it for a great deal so it’s still worth considering if you’e not the type that needs the latest and fanciest of gadgets.

The LG Watch Sport tried to enter the fray but didn’t seem to hold its own well enough. It is now discontinued.

Motorola Moto 360 Sport – this watch was released in 2016 and while you can still get your hands on it, there are better options on the market.

Conclusion on which running watch with music we chose…(drum roll?)

Running watch for my wife:

I went with the Samsung Gear Sport for my wife because it was affordable and seemed to have a straight forward interface. The bezel works well and the interface is attractive. The colour was also appealing to my wife. #winning

2 months in and many runs finished the Gear Sport was a good choice for the price. Transferring songs to the phone was very easy, much easier than I expected so I would recommend it.

The real winning watch was the Apple Watch 4 and now the Apple Watch 5 but just couldn’t stretch to that considering this was also a bit of a test as to whether she would like using a running watch with music, or a watch at all.

Running watch for myself:

So an update on the below is that I’m moving to the Apple Watch 6 on release next week. It’s been a long time coming but I just struggle with the Wear OS software on a slow chip so it’s time to upgrade.

This will give me phone-free running with music but also the eSIM and Apple Pay will let me leave my phone at home for most trips out of the house. I share more later.

I went with the Huawei Watch 2 for myself and while running wasn’t my priority, I’ve clocked loads of runs on this and love it. It connects to my Bluetooth earphones easily. The GPS is excellent and the heart-rate monitor is also consistent.

It’s light, comfortable and also quite comfy to sleep wearing at night for sleep monitoring. The built-in fitness app data is attractive and well organised and the sleep tracker is excellent.

I especially bought this for the built-in 4g sim card so I can use it as a watch and phone on the go (like the Apple Watch but cheaper). This doesn’t seem to be on the US model but is on the UK model.

If I’ve missed a winner for running watches with music, let me know in the comments below.

Apple Watch 6 Review and Unboxing
Apple Watch 6
Build
Features
Ease of Use
Accuracy
What we like (Pros)
Blood Oxygen + ECG monitoring
Always on brighted screen
Vo2 Max monitoring
Loads of storage space for music
Good battery life
What we like less (Cons)
Price
4.8

Endless hours of experimentation, professional work, and personal investment in Home Theatre, Hi-Fi, Smart Home Automation and Headphones have come to this.

Former owner of Headphones Canada, a high-end headphone specialty retailer.

This post was last updated on 2024-03-13 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.


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65 thoughts on “25 Best Running Watches with Music – Run Phone-Free in 2023”

    1. Hey Bill – based on reliability – especially of the GPS in the Garmin, I’d choose the Vivoactive 4 if you’re a serious runner. While I love the look and design of the Stratos 3 alot the Vivoactive has the more mature OS and is easier to navigate. It also has Spotify natively integrated which for a running watch with music is important to me.

  1. Awesome review Mark. Do you think the Apple watch 5 (without Cellular) works well enough with no phone whilst running for music using airpods? Cheers!

    1. Hi Harry – absolutely! We’ve been testing an Apple Watch 5 locally for sport (and golf) and offline works great with downloaded music. My only unrelated comment to the Apple Watch is the earphones. If you have used AirPods for running and fitness before and they fit well, great! I also like to run with them but some people find the fit isn’t perfect. Always happy to recommend running earphones or earbuds also, but sounds like you’re set!

  2. Hi Bill:

    Very thorough and well thought out review. Thank you for exerting the effort.

    I am a fan of Garmin, having used and worn out 3-4 of them. (I would still be using them, but it is prohibitively expensive to replace a battery while living in Canada).

    A couple of questions for you:
    1. Vivoactive vs. Garmin 245 vs Garmin 645 vs Fenix ??

    2. You suggested that you would be inclined to make a recommendation about Bluetooth running headphones. I would love to read that review.

    Thanks, Michael

    1. Hi Michael, Thanks for your comment. Good question.

      I think the easiest way to answer the #1 question you have is to imagine the person who might use each, in my opinion of course.

      Vivoactive 4 – you run a bit and you like the smart features of the watch. You want an allrounder for more than just running but you’re not ‘hardcore’.
      Garmin 245 Music – you want a new model and you’re a runner. You like a smaller profile watch and don’t like it to look too tough and manly (they market this one mostly towards ladies). You really just want to run (with music and no phone). Smartphone features are nice but you just want to run. Slightly better battery life than the older 645.
      Garmin 645 Music – a tougher looking version of the 245 in some way – similar size but a touch thicker. Stainless steel bezel. Gives you more running profiles but if you’re just running you might not even notice.
      Fenix – multi-sport beast. If you need topographical maps then this will be your choice. The Garmin Fenix also tells you where to go on tracks as opposed to other sports watches which only tell you where you’ve been. Great for runners but also for triathletes etc.

      The Fenix is the watch Jason Bourne would buy.

      Hope that helps!

      1. Hi again Mark:

        This breakdown is just what I am/was looking for…

        While I am not Jason Bourne, I have been told that Matt Damon looks a bit like me in my younger days, I am looking for a watch that has good battery life, music built in, and that I could, ideally, also make use of while hunting; which is what led me to the Fenix device.
        The drawback to the Fenix unit, is its price tag. I have a hard time spending money on a watch that would be roughly equal to a mortgage payment, but maybe that’s just me.

        Nonetheless, I really appreciate how you go about doing your reviews. They are thoughtful and very thorough.

        Any thought on my question about a review for funning headphones?

        Cheers,
        Michael

        1. Well, that sounds like a compliment for sure re: Bourne. I was going to go straight for the Garmin Instinct Garmin Instinct but it doesn’t do the music. So that slims it down.

          The good news is 2020 has seen a lot of new smart running watches with offline music come on the market with better processors and battery life.

          Have a look at the Huawei Watch GT 2 Sport – ticks the boxes but I think only has GPS (but don’t quote me). If you’re going in to the wild you might want more than GPS. Maybe Glonass or Galileo in addition at least.

          The Galaxy Watch 3 is on the way but you may not want to wait that long.

          My best pick for your requirements for offline music, good battery life, tough glass and tracking would be the TickWatch Pro 2020 1GB Model. I don’t love Google OS but it’s functional and the upgraded chip on this watch will run it very well. Its IP68 water protection, looks ‘Marine Commander’ tough (US Military Standard 810G) and has GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo on board so you wont get lost hunting. Check it here.

          As for the earbuds. I’ve been thinking about your comment and have been testing a few units and will eventually write them up. Recently I’ve just been running with airpods which I think are good, but not amazing. I have many other bluetooth units like my Westone IEMs that I’ve been trialling for sports/running. Watch this space as I want to do the article justice when I get to it. There have been a lot of wireless earbuds released recently like the Google Pixel Buds, Microsoft Surface earbuds and the Apple Airpod Pro, not to mention other brands so it’s a hot space right now.

          Thanks again for your question!

  3. I’m in the process of choosing a watch and I’m about 5 hours in so I appreciate this site. I’m between Amazefit Verge or Stratos and the Huawei GT 2e. Am I right in thinking the GT2e has music option and not the GT. Any thoughts on which is best? I usually use Spotify to run with my phone. Thanks

    1. Hey Nick – totally understand where you’re at. Re Verge vs Stratos – not much in that one. The Stratos looks better to me but lacks a microphone. The screens are the biggest difference which is similar to the Garmin Venu vs Vivoactive 4. Watch this video for more on that https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO9mK2TEf1U

      The Huawei GT 2e does have music and can hold up to 500 songs. You can connect Bluetooth headphones with it. The Kirin A1 is a huge improvement and lures me in more than the Qualcomm 3100. I think this is a great watch from a successful manufacturer with a fabulous battery life but I haven’t used their proprietary OS so check reviews on that and if it supports Spotify.

      To be honest Garmin and Apple the best and only really well-executed Spotify integrations. Other watches, in general, you’ll need to download music to the watch. Most Samsung requires uploaded to the phone, Apple without Spotify is Apple Music and Google = Google Play Music (can only control Spotify on phone) so that might influence your decision?

      Not crystal clear but hope that helps!

    1. Hi Brendon – I’ve spoken to a few extreme golfers with different experiences and the overall opinion is the same – the Apple Watch 5 with one of the many Golf apps is the best choice for you. I’m guessing you might be saying 8K in Rand? If so then also consider the Apple Watch 4 which has got the skills for your golf, music and running. Perfect choice IMO.

  4. Hi, thanks for the reviews – I’ve found this page really useful while looking for a watch for my wife. Quick question on the HUAWEI GT2, I see from your review that you like it’s ability to have a sim installed to use call feature etc without phone however it’s not clear on Amazon or suppliers website on this functionality, can you assist please?

    1. Hi William – Thanks for the question. There is a difference between the Huawei Watch 2 Sports and GT 2. The GT 2 is a newer model with the new Kirin A1 chip. This means the performance will be much better but it doesn’t have the Sim Card option that I know of for the USA market. Odd but the Sports 2 didn’t have one in the USA either.

      If you are in the USA you could consider the TicWatch Pro 4G LTE model if a sim card is what you are after? See here: TicWatch Pro 4G LTE I think it is locked to Verizon though?

      You could also consider the Samsung Galaxy LTE model which is unlocked. This is very popular and the Operating System is solid. See here: Samsung Galaxy LTE

      The older Huawei Watch 2 Sport which I still have is a bit slow these days so I wouldn’t recommend it but it is still available in the USA.

      Does that help? I’m not sure if you’re keen on a particular brand or operating system but let me know.

        1. Yes! It does. The Huawei Watch 2 Sport does have an LTE/4G slot in the UK but as mentioned it’s getting older and slower now. But you were asking about the GT2.

          Like the USA, the TicWatch () is an option but is only with Vodafone and the Samsung Galaxy LTE are options in the UK with LTE. The KOSPET Prime 4G/LTE Smartwatch is an option in the UK from Amazon but I have no experience with this watch.

          BUT, you mentioned you were looking for your wife so what about the Galaxy Active2? Unfortunately the LTE/4G unit only comes in Light Brown and Black but you could change the strap?

          And looping back, finally to your original question, the GT2 with LTE/4g for UK is not something I think is available. The regular GT2 will give you Bluetooth calling but that still requires your phone. https://consumer.huawei.com/uk/wearables/watch-gt2/buy/

          1. William Maxwell

            Thanks again Mark,

            It’s an all rounder I’m looking for for my wife. Predominantly a fitness tracker ideally with the ability to take / receive calls while out a run without phone in case something has happened.

            In this instance is it the galaxy active 2 the best option? And if so is it compatible with iPhone?

            Thanks again.

            Regards,
            William

          2. William Maxwell

            Hi Mark,

            I’ve managed to whittle it down to the Apple Watch 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Active 2 both cellular / LTE, both retailing for the same price at present. I prefer the look of the Samsung, but aware some of the functionality is lost when using with an iPhone (which my wife has). With the loss of features, would you still suggest the Samsung or best to opt for Apple Watch 3?

            Thanks again,
            William

          3. Hi William – the Samsung is newer in almost all features. I’m sure you’ve read all the stats on each watch. The Apple Watch is older but was also a hit with Apple fans and still works well despite a slightly weaker chip speed. I think if your wife wants a watch that will work flawlessly with the iPhone, it will still be easier for her to go with that.

            My wife’s Samsung, which runs the Tizen OS, has had quite a few problems syncing to her phone after runs etc. But, she still likes it and the bevel makes it easier for her to use (Active 2 has a touch bevel). The OS isn’t difficult to figure out.

            Either OS will be a bit of a learning curve so that isn’t really a consideration.

            If you can stretch to the Apple Watch 4 then that is a clearer choice but otherwise, the Samsung might be a better as it’s a newer unit with a lot of improvements on previous models. The battery life lasts well – up to 2 days, always on.

            Final thought is – if she wants a smartwatch that integrates with her iPhone life well (reminders, health, Siri etc), the Apple Watch will create less hassle but if you want a watch with better battery life, that integrates most features with her iPhone, that looks nicer (IMO) then the Active 2 is well priced and a good choice. Neither is a ‘sports first’ watch but both offer good fitness options (Samsung does sleep tracking also).

            Not sure if that helped. Again, if you could stretch to the Apple Watch 4 I wouldn’t be hesitating to recommend the Apple Watch 4 for her overall.

            Depending on where you buy from, you can get it, try it and return for the other if you’re not happy.

  5. There is the best review which I found in online about the topic. Can you recommend any smartwatch for running and gym. Without phone just drop in mp3 songs and go like in old school :))) Thanks

    1. Hi Leo, Thanks for the question. Pretty much anything on this list will suit that requirement. They are all smartwatches that suit running and exercise and they store music offline so you don’t need a smartphone, just Bluetooth headphones. So, you can’t definitely cherry-pick from the list. Happy to recommend a style of music fitness watch if that helps make it easier to thin down the list? And also happy to recommend if you need a lot of smartwatch features as well as fitness.

  6. Desiree Rodriguez

    I am looking for a watch that is waterproof has onboard storage for music and well built. I am very active and tough on my hands at work and would like a watch that will let me listen to music for close to 6 hours with alarms 3x a day. What would you recommend? I’ve been looking at fossil gen 4 or Samsung active 2

    1. So assuming you’re not going for the Apple Watch so we’ll put that to one side. I have to put the TicWatch Pro 2020 model in the mix here: TicWatch Pro. The reason is that having a big chunk of RAM (1GB) really ensures you get good performing watch in terms of speed and processing. Add to that it’s waterproof and support tough. I would tend to recommend this over the Fossil for speed and performance at the time of writing this.

      If you don’t want to go with a Wear OS (Google) watch then the Samsung Galaxy 2 is a great choice. Stable and tested OS and music/waterproof etc as you are after. It has a more delicate design which doesn’t look tough but it’s no wallflower.

      Failing all these recommendations, the fossil is not a bad choice at all, which comes down to the fact that these watches are all improving year by year, go with what you like the look of.

  7. Hi Mark I currently I gave the Garmin vivoactive 3, and I line the design and how the Garmin works but I want one that I don’t have to take my phone with me to listen to music and that’s also compatible with iTunes?

    1. Hey Emma, thanks for the question and comment. If you want iTunes compatibility then the Apple Watch is your only go-to for that option and, that’s OK if you’re OK with Apple. The Apple Watch is solid choice for a fitness smartwatch with music (offline).

      If you want like the Garmin Vivoactive 3 and watch to stick with Garmin, and you’re OK with using Spotify for music then the Vivoactive 4 is a great choice for phone free-running – or the Vivoactive 4S which is just slightly smaller (see here).

      Hope that helps!

  8. I’m glad I found this review exactly what I was looking for. Doing my research I found the Amazfit T-Rex that looks really cool just haven’t seen anywhere that it allows for phone free music and other phone free features. Any insight on the T-Rex?

    1. Hi Sean – the Amazfit T-Rex is a good looking unit if you’re looking for something tough. My understanding of the OS is that it has music controls (for controlling music on your phone) but doesn’t allow you to download music to the watch and leave your phone at home? If I’m wrong, happy to be so. Thanks for the comment.

  9. Great review!
    Are you positive, though, that the Amazfit GTS has standalone music playback for phone-free running?
    There’s no mention to it on the GTS page of the Amazfit website (in fact, on their website, of all their smartwatches, the ones of the Stratos line are the only ones that have mentions to standalone music playback), and I couldn’t find it anywhere else either.

    1. You’re 100% correct! We were given that information when it was a pre-release. 😱 That shouldn’t be on that list and we’ve noticed the list is out of order so I’ll have that updated today. Thanks for picking that up! It’s only the Stratos which is on the list already.

  10. Great review Mark, one of the best I have head the pleasure of reading. can you recommend which fitness tracker (not smart watch) has internal storage for offline music as well as a decent GPS and some basic tracing features like heart rate, etc…? I am not in a market for a smart watch seeing as I usually wear a real ‘old-school’ watch on my wrist.
    Thanks again for a great review

    1. Hi Rami – thanks for the nice comment. I’ve not found a specific fitness tracker that yet supports offline music. It really is mostly on the smartwatches with more powerful processors and storage capacity. More Fitbit devices now support Spotify but it’s still only streaming via your phone (Ionic does offline) It could be that there are some more affordable devices in the many cheaper units on Amazon/Aliexpress but I am yet to troll through them and pick them out. I’ll comment here if I come across or get introduced to a device that matches your criteria! Thanks – Mark

  11. I feel obliged to comment on the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. I have had endless problems with trying to Sync Spotify to this watch. Once you can work out how to even sign into Spotify on the watch (via the Garmin Connect app, also requiring the ConnectIQ app), I can see all of my Spotify playlists on the watch. Yet when pressing to download that playlist to the watch, it sits at “Syncing 0% complete” for minutes before saying sync failed. I have tried multiple wi-go networks with strong bandwidth, have tried uninstalling the Spotify app from the watch (what a disaster that was – took me days to get it back on) and tried all recommendations on forums. It appears I’m not the only person with issues. With what should be a simple software fix, Garmin could resolve this issue but unfortunately it seems to be ignored. Great watch with regards to GPS and sports like feel, but if you are buying this for easy music listening on the run, forget about it.

    1. Thanks for the comment Broc. Fingers crossed they get it solved. Usually these things affect a small few but there isn’t always a clear reason why some and not others. No longer an option to get a replacement unit?

  12. Hey!
    I’m looking for my first smartwatch now and this is by far the most helpful post I’ve found on the subject. Thank you! (I’m about 6 hours in and it got frustrating a while ago.)
    My requirements are basically
    -must play Spotify offline
    -looks “graceful”/is small (basically doesn’t look to rugged and isn’t too big, my wrists are tiny, some of those watches would look like a dinner plate on me 😛 )
    -a decent battary live would be nice, I’m rubbish at remembering to charge my stuff
    My current favorites are
    Garmin vívoactive 4s
    Garmin Venu
    Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 40mm
    Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 41mm

    Does anyone have any experience with these? If you had similar requirements, what did you pick? Any opinions?
    I’m having trouble making up my mind 🙂

    1. Me again 🙂
      apparently there’s also the Garmin Venu Sq Music, which has a lot of the features of the Venu, but is much cheaper (and lighter).
      I’m probably going for that one, so if you’re looking for something similar, check it out

      1. Hey Eva – are you still looking. Sorry for the delay. I meant to ask originally, is there a reason an Apple Watch isn’t in your list? Just based on your list the Venu is a great choice but you’re also kind of describing the Apple Watch. Even a Version 3 or 4 are still good units. Spotify with offline streaming music was just added to Apple Watch OS.

        1. Hey Mark,
          Yes, I’m still having trouble making up my mind, it goes back and forth – my current favorite is the vivoactive 4s.

          The apple watch isn’t on there because I’d have to get a new phone for that, everything I’ve got is either windows or android.
          I actually have an apple watch 5 – I won one in a raffle, but I figured it’d be cheaper to sell that and buy something android compatible than buying a decent i-phone. Also, all the Garmin watches seem to have really good battery live and the apple watch doesn’t (samsung isn’t on the list anymore either for the same reason).

        2. “Spotify with offline music was just added to Apple Watch OS.”

          I went looking and everything I can find says that it’s only music streaming with an LTE capable watch, it doesn’t seem possible yet to download music via spotify, so no offline listening possible without drm-removal workarounds.

          1. Hi Eva – Sorry, you’re 100% correct. That was not clear. They have launched streaming which is a big step in the right direction. My hope is the next update will be offering offline but not sure Apple will allow that.

  13. Hi Eva,
    you’ve literally just described my exact search! I was also thinking the vivoactive4s (I have an android) and mostly want it to play music phone-free and also want it to sync with a running app so I can compare running. times/routes post run- does this seem like a good choice or would the 645 or venu be better?

  14. Hi, thank you for this extensive review
    Used to own a TomTom Spark 3 Music (i think that’s what it’s called) till the display died.
    Currently, am looking for an affordable sports watch that allows music storage (am old-school, preferring to recycle and download/transfer tracks from old to new devices).
    What’s your take on the Huawei Watch Fit/GT vs the Garmin 245/Venu/645/vivoactive range.

    Thank you.

    1. My quick take on this is that the Huawei Watch GT is nice but quite a bigger watch for delicate wrists. The Garmin range you have outlined are all excellent with the 245 and Venu Sq is a great choice for a smaller size. The 645 and vivoactive if you’re keen on a larger sized watch type.

      Now, all that being said the Huawei Watch Fit is probably a newer version of what you had with the Spark 3 Music in form factor.

      Hope that helps? Not a lot of bad choices there but Gamins OS is in a great place right now in terms of features and speed.

  15. Mark,

    Firstly, what an incredible effort to go to. I think you’ve helped and informed so many people with this. I too have done an awful lot of Google searches but still, find myself debating. Would love your thoughts!

    I currently have an android phone, though my smartphone is also due an update and I’m happy to stick with android or go back to apple on this – I really don’t have too many preferences. I do, however, need my smartphone to work in coordination with a future smartwatch!
    I have to say the main reason for buying a smartwatch is purely so that I can run and listen to music (phoneless and ideally through Spotify offline). I do really like older versions of the Garmin 235 etc but was siding towards the 245 music just purely for the capabilities of the watch. I do agree with you though, it does seem to have its target segment! I’d say my budget would go anywhere from the £200 mark and the Garmin 245 up to a new Apple watch.

    Excited to hear your thoughts and thanks again for all your hard research!

  16. Hey just wanted to start off by saying a big great thanks! this post was very insightful and I have been literally spending so many hours trying to find something. Even though I have narrowed down my choices, I wonder what your personal suggestion would be when it comes to specifically just a running watch with offline spotify. I have an iphone, so a bit of decent fluidity between both would definitely be nice, but still confused as to which watch to get. Thank you so much again

    1. Hi Julian – thanks for the feedback. Garmin have really led the path with Spotify offline. The new Apple Watch also supports Spotify, but online only. You can stream Spotify without your watch but you need your Apple Watch to be connected to WiFi or a data network. Samsung Galaxy also supports offline Spotify although if you are serious about sports, the Garmin range might be a good pick for you. Hope that helps – let me know if you have specific questions of models you’re looking at. Mark

  17. Hi all,
    after having spent +5 hours looking for a running watch that can play music (preferrably with speaker instead of earplugs) I ended up here.
    Does anyone know if there’s already something available in the < $100 price range which isn't too bad?
    Thanks!
    W

  18. Few hours in and found this article! Thank you for the hours of work. I’m a newbie and don’t understand the lingo 100%. Basically looking for a fitness watch that would pair to an iPad as I don’t have a phone but be able to store music or use offline Spotify/Amazon music if that’s even possible?? Thanks!

    1. If you’re in the Apple world already with an iPad it would make sense to consider an Apple Watch but, they don’t store Spotify or amazon offline. This would then suggest a Garmin for offline Spotify. Any Garmin on this list are worth considering for that use. Hope that helps! If you need specific model recommendations let me know. Mark.

  19. Hi Mark,
    I personally want to have a sports watch (which works for mainly running, AFL, and hockey), and I was thinking of the Garmin Forerunner 245 (music). I often listen to music, and want a watch capable to controlling music. Furthermore, I don’t particularly want a watch too expensive (more than $200 on sale), and I want a watch which is able to track most running features, such as VO2, body battery, cadence, stride length, and accurate gps, with breadcrumbs. Do you think the forerunner 245 with music would be a good option?

  20. This was by far the best article I’ve come across. I was looking for dayssss before I reached this and you’ve really covered everything, answered all my questions and helped me find EXACTLY what I was after, right when I was about to give up. Thank you so much!
    I have purchased the Garmin Vivoactive 4s and am so excited to exercise and listen to music without my phone. Yay to hands free!

  21. Hi mate, thanks for the fantastic article. Loads of great options but was wondering what you’d recommend as the best choice to track running, swimming (talking 25-40 laps (1km) ~20-25 mins continual swimming) + have the offline Spotify included in Australia… I’m not fussed on any brand.

    I’m less interested (don’t care) re: peripheral features like heart rate, sleep trackers, taking calls, etc.

    Also for having Spotify (this might be a stupid Q) will I need a sim card / data plan.. i.e. continual connectivity to the internet?

    Thanks a ton for your help and once again great article!

  22. Thanks for sharing this blog, I really appreciate your efforts put into this blog. It is very informative and knowledgeable.

  23. Hi Mark

    Great research 👍👍👍

    I just want to hear my pace thru my headphones and maybe heart rate ..music not required
    ..and don’t want to carry my phone

    I believe the Garmin 245 Music has this feature just wondering if there are some cheaper options?

    My old eyes struggle to see the watch screen

    Thanks

    Mark

    1. Hi Mark – sorry for the delay. Yes, that will do it for you – good choice and that stats on screen are a good size. Something my Apple Watch lacks.

  24. Hi Mark,
    you rock for putting this review together for all of us. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the work u did. Ok here is my situation.

    I use an android phone and the lose it app, my current activities are walking, bootcamp, body combat, zumba, biking, hiking and kayaking.
    I would like GPS tracking with offline PODCASTS. The lose it app talks to my fitbit app. I have a Versa lite. It will also talk to a garmin, a nokia, and a misfit whatever that is. It’s not required for me though.

    I like the look of the versa lite. I like the big numbers on screen. So after a night of trying to figure out if the ionic will download podcasts from my PHONE, it won’t. You need the computer and then create a playlist then transfer but you can’t FF or RW or pause. It doesn’t remember where you were in the podcast last.
    So you always have to start at the beginning even if you already heard it. What am I gonna do? Fitbit have not responded to their customers for over 6 years. There is no plan for a podcast app. Thanks mark. Let me know what you think.

  25. Thanks for the article !
    I run without phone since I bought my AppleWatch, it´s freedom, but I need to replace it with a cheaper one. But running without a phone, only the watch, is the best experience….

  26. The Amazfit BIP 3 Pro it’s on the list but I can’t found the official information about the music storage.
    Are you sure it’s available? Thank you

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