Best MP3 Players for Running in 2023

1. Mighty Vibe

Measuring just 1.4 x 1.4 inches and weighing in at less than an ounce, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a smaller or lighter MP3 player.

If you’re a Spotify lover, you can use this little device to listen to your favorite playlists even if your run takes you far away from available WiFi. Using the Mighty app, you can create Spotify playlists and transfer them to the Vibe to use at any time.

After using a wireless connection to power on the Vibe, you can leave your smartphone behind and enjoy up to five hours of offline music, podcasts or audiobooks. While the fact that you can run this player offline is a huge plus, you’ll probably need some patience before starting your run since the Bluetooth connection can be a little slow.

The Vibe has a rear clip that easily snaps onto your collar, waistband or gear straps and provides a secure grip that leaves you free to focus on your workout.

2. Sony Walkman NW-E393

At 1.77 inches and with full color, the Walkman E393’s screen is easy to see and navigate even in dim ambient lighting. Each function has an icon, and the circular navigation control lets you select your settings with just a few clicks.

The Walkman E390 offers crisp, high-quality sound with the option to set a Bass Boost. Sony also included a pair of earbuds, so you can load your Walkman and get running with no additional purchases.

With 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB storage capacity options, you should be able to find the one that suits your needs. You can expect the battery to provide up to 35 hours of audio playback with conservative settings, and up to four hours of video playback.

The software portion is where the Walkman E390 falters a bit. The shuffle function can struggle to play a truly shuffled mix, and there can be an annoying lag time between making your selection on the menu and the device performing the command.

3. SanDisk Clip Sport Plus

The SanDisk Clip Sport Plus proves that a lower price doesn’t always mean that you have to go without convenient features.

Most players at this price point use hardwired connections to load songs and attach to headphones, so the fact that you get Bluetooth technology with the Sport Plus is impressive.

With 16GB of storage, you’ll be able to hold all the songs you want with plenty of room to spare. However, be aware that this device does not support the use of a micro SD card.

A handy attached clip lets you easily snap the Sport Plus onto your clothing or gear straps. The clip is surprisingly strong, so even the jarring motions of running shouldn’t shake your player loose. You also don’t have to worry if a rain shower springs up during your run thanks to the Sport Plus’s water-resistant outer layer.

One gripe is that the lack of advanced software can make organizing playlists on this device a bit of a challenge.

4. Pioneer XDP-30R

Packed with impressive features and audio components, Pioneer pulled out all the stops to put pristine sound into a palm-sized package.

Dual digital-to-analog converters and high-output amplifiers combine to produce a true-to-life sound that lets you hear every note as the artist intended. Separate audio and central processing circuit boards also reduce the chance of interference.

Whether you prefer to use Pioneer’s high-resolution or balanced headphones, the XDP-30R’s separate jacks make it easy to plug in your favorite. If wireless headphones are more your style, Bluetooth technology allows you to easily pair the XDP-30R with supported devices.

The XDP-30R has 16GB of built-in storage, and you also have the option to expand memory up to 416GB. A 2.4-inch touch screen lets you quickly navigate your menu, and the full-color display is easy to see. However, the screen only displays the first few characters of an album or song title, so you may struggle to distinguish similar choices from one another.

5. Sony Walkman Wearable WS620

A unique departure from the typical MP3 player’s rectangular or square shape, the Walkman Wearable WS620’s one-piece headphone design is awesome for keeping extra pieces out of your way while you’re on the move. The two-in-one player and headphone combination also helps you streamline your running gear.

A completely waterproof silicone outer layer means that you’ll never have to worry about water exposure from sudden rain showers or running on the beach. Bluetooth technology with one-touch control lets you easily stream from your smartphone or answer calls, and you have your choice of 4GB or 16GB of storage capacity.

If you like to run on the road, the Ambient Noise button provides a nice safety feature by enabling you to hear the other sounds in your environment along with your music.

One area where the Walkman Wearable comes up short compared to other models is in the sound quality. You may be a little disappointed if you consider yourself a true audiophile.

6. Apple Watch Series 7

If you prefer a stylish wearable device that does more than just play music, the Apple Watch Series 7 meets your requirements and does much more.

The slim design looks great without adding any extra bulk to your wrist area. A vibrant, full-color touch screen makes it easy to navigate to your desired features and apps, so you can quickly find the audio files you want and get your run started.

With a paid subscription to Apple Music, you can listen to any of the 50 million songs in the Apple library at any time, so you should be able to find plenty of variety. You can also access audiobooks or podcasts.

One feature that can be extra useful for runners is that the screen is always awake, so you can check your current song or other settings at a glance without slowing your pace. However, one downside to the always-on feature is that it drains the battery quickly, and you can probably expect to charge your Apple Watch every night.

7. Garmin vivoactive 4

For a runner, having an accurate GPS tracker is often nearly as important as easily accessible music, and the vivoactive 4 watch does a great job of combining the two in one sleek device.

The touch screen responds without any irritating lag, and the large, high-contrast display lets you easily see your current song, GPS location, heart rate, pulse oximetry and a multitude of other health stats.

Loading audio files onto the vivoactive 4 is easy and fast thanks to wireless connections, and you can store up to 500 songs for offline listening. Download your favorite playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer, but be aware that you may need to have a paid subscription to these providers.

With the combination of your stored music and Bluetooth technology for connecting to wireless headphones, you can go for a totally phone- and wire-free run. When you’re in GPS mode with music, you should be able to get up to six hours of battery life.

8. Apple iPod touch

Being one of the first MP3 players on the market, the iPod holds a special place in the hearts of many. Combining a smartphone’s size and ease of use with the focused functionality of an MP3 player, the touch is one of Apple’s best iPod iterations.

You can stream songs from the Apple Music library with a paid subscription, and you can easily drag and drop your favorites from iTunes. Since it is somewhat heavy and large, you’ll probably need an armband to house your iPod touch during a run.

With a bright, crisp 4-inch display, the details of your current song or podcast are visible at a glance. The touch screen is also large enough to use easily, so you won’t have to fumble around with a small, crowded display to select your settings.

While Apple has mostly ceased iPod production, they still offer new, albeit limited, options for the iPod touch. Alternatively, as long as it’s been properly refurbished or purchased from a trusted previous owner, you should get good results with a used model.