If you like listening to music while you run, a GPS watch with onboard audio can let you leave your phone at home. But not every watch that advertises music works the same way. Some store songs or download playlists for true phone-free listening, while others only control music playing on a nearby phone.
For 2026, our top pick is the Garmin fēnix 9 Pro. It combines onboard music, downloadable playlists, excellent GPS, full mapping, and one of the deepest training feature sets available.
If you don’t need a premium adventure watch, there are much less expensive options here. The Garmin Forerunner 170 Music gives runners the core phone-free music experience in a lighter package, while the Amazfit Active Max offers local offline audio at a lower price.
Top 3 Best and Favorites
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Best Overall
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Best Overall
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Garmin fēnix 9 Pro |
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Top Smartwatch with Spotify
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Top Smartwatch with Spotify
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Garmin Venu 4 |
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Best Value Music Watch
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Best Value Music Watch
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Amazfit Active Max |
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How We Picked These Watches
For this update, we focused on current GPS watches that have a meaningful music feature. The strongest options can store audio directly on the watch or download playlists for phone-free listening. We also included two watches—the Fitbit Sense 2 and Polar Vantage V3—that are worth considering for their fitness platforms but only provide music controls for a nearby phone.
We also looked at GPS quality, battery life, running and multisport features, comfort, mapping, smartwatch functions, and overall value. Because playing music while using GPS increases battery drain, runners training for marathons and ultras should pay particular attention to battery estimates with both features active.
Best Overall
1. Garmin fēnix 9 Pro
The Garmin fēnix 9 Pro is our best overall GPS watch with music. It combines true phone-free music with Garmin's deepest navigation, training, mapping, and outdoor feature set.
What We Like
The fēnix 9 Pro stores music on the watch, so you can pair Bluetooth headphones and leave your phone behind. Garmin also supports downloadable content from compatible services such as Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music, plus personal audio files. For runners, you also get multi-band GPS, full-color maps, advanced training metrics, recovery tools, an LED flashlight, and a rugged premium build.
What We Don’t Like
Price and size remain the biggest drawbacks. Even though the Pro uses a lighter titanium case, it is still more watch than many runners need.
What to Consider
Battery life changes significantly by case size and by whether you use GPS, maps, LTE/satellite features, the always-on display, and music. Music playback is one of the fastest ways to reduce runtime during a long event.
What’s New
Compared with the fēnix 8 generation, the fēnix 9 Pro adds a titanium case, a brighter AMOLED display, expanded connectivity on Pro models, and Garmin's newest training and stamina features while retaining onboard music and mapping.
PROS:
- Excellent phone-free music support
- Full maps and multi-band GPS
- Huge training and outdoor feature set
- Long battery life for a smartwatch
CONS:
- Expensive
- Heavier and bulkier than dedicated running watches
Top Smartwatch with Spotify
2. Garmin Venu 4
The Garmin Venu 4 is our favorite choice if you want a polished everyday smartwatch that can also download music for phone-free workouts.
What We Like
You can load personal audio or download compatible playlists to the watch, then listen through Bluetooth headphones without carrying your phone. The Venu 4 also has an AMOLED display, GPS, Garmin Pay, health and fitness tracking, and a built-in speaker and microphone, making it more smartwatch-like than most Garmin running watches.
What We Don’t Like
It does not offer the same depth of race, navigation, and training tools as the fēnix 9 Pro or Forerunner 970.
What to Consider
The Venu is strongest for runners who want an all-day smartwatch first and a capable GPS fitness watch second. If detailed training load, advanced race tools, or full mapping are priorities, a Forerunner or fēnix is a better fit.
What’s New
Compared with the Venu 3, the Venu 4 updates Garmin's everyday smartwatch platform while keeping one of its best features: onboard music from personal files and supported third-party providers.
PROS:
- Excellent music support
- Bright AMOLED display
- Useful everyday smartwatch features
- More streamlined than a fēnix
CONS:
- Fewer advanced running tools than top Forerunners
- Premium price for a lifestyle-focused Garmin
Best Battery Life
3. COROS VERTIX 2S
The COROS VERTIX 2S remains one of the best choices for runners who want very long battery life and basic phone-free music in the same rugged watch.
What We Like
The VERTIX 2S has 32 GB of storage and can play locally stored MP3 files through Bluetooth headphones. It also offers dual-frequency GPS, global offline maps, route navigation, a sapphire screen, and battery life designed for ultras and multi-day adventures.
What We Don’t Like
COROS does not support Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, or other streaming apps on the watch. You have to copy MP3 files from a computer.
What to Consider
If music convenience matters more than extreme battery life, Garmin, Apple, Google, Samsung, or Amazfit make the process easier. The VERTIX 2S makes the most sense for runners who already own local music files and prioritize endurance.
What’s New
Compared with the original VERTIX 2, the VERTIX 2S is a refinement with an updated optical heart-rate sensor and revised case/color options while keeping the same rugged navigation, 32 GB storage, and local-MP3 music approach.
PROS:
- Excellent battery life
- 32 GB of storage
- Offline maps and dual-frequency GPS
- Phone-free MP3 playback
CONS:
- No streaming-service downloads
- Music files must be transferred manually
Top Garmin Music Watch
4. Garmin Forerunner 570
The Forerunner 570 is the best Garmin music watch for most serious runners who want advanced training features without stepping up to the price of the 970 or fēnix 9 Pro.
What We Like
The Forerunner 570 can download playlists and songs from supported services including Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. You can also load personal audio files. Its running side includes advanced workout guidance, race tools, recovery metrics, multi-band GPS, and a bright AMOLED display.
What We Don’t Like
It is expensive for a mid-to-high-end running watch, especially if you will not use the training and recovery features.
What to Consider
The 570 is available in more than one case size. Choose based on wrist fit and battery needs rather than simply buying the larger model.
What’s New
The Forerunner 570 moves Garmin's midrange running line forward with a brighter AMOLED experience, expanded training tools, and speaker/microphone functionality while retaining true phone-free music downloads.
PROS:
- Excellent Garmin music ecosystem
- Strong running-specific features
- Bright AMOLED display
- Lighter than a fēnix
CONS:
- Not inexpensive
- More features than casual runners may need
Best Apple Smartwatch for Music
5. Apple Watch Series 12
For iPhone users, the Apple Watch Series 12 is the easiest all-around smartwatch for running with music.
What We Like
You can download music, podcasts, and playlists to the watch for offline listening, or stream over Wi-Fi or cellular on an LTE model. Apple Music integration is especially smooth, and the watch also supports GPS run tracking, heart-rate data, workout apps, Apple Pay, notifications, and a huge app ecosystem.
What We Don’t Like
Battery life is still much shorter than Garmin, COROS, Suunto, or Polar sports watches, particularly when using GPS, cellular service, and music together.
What to Consider
The Apple Watch works best if you already use an iPhone and Apple's services. Android users should look at the Pixel Watch 5 or Galaxy Watch9 instead.
What’s New
Compared with Series 11, Series 12 is Apple's current-generation mainstream watch. The music experience remains familiar: offline downloads, Bluetooth headphone support, and optional cellular streaming remain major advantages for runners who want to leave the phone behind.
PROS:
- Excellent music and podcast support
- Optional cellular streaming
- Huge app ecosystem
- Strong general smartwatch features
CONS:
- Shorter battery than dedicated sports watches
- Requires an iPhone
Best Fitness Smartwatch with Music
6. Google Pixel Watch 5
The Google Pixel Watch 5 is our top fitness-focused Wear OS smartwatch with music, particularly for Android users who want Fitbit-style health tracking and full smartwatch apps.
What We Like
The Pixel Watch 5 runs Wear OS 7 and has 64 GB of storage. With YouTube Music Premium, you can download music and podcasts directly to the watch for offline listening, or stream when the watch has Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity. It also combines built-in GPS with Google's health and fitness ecosystem.
What We Don’t Like
Battery life is much shorter than a dedicated Garmin, COROS, or Suunto running watch, especially with an always-on display, GPS, and streaming.
What to Consider
It is a smartwatch with strong fitness features rather than a pure race watch. Runners who want detailed training-load tools, long-course navigation, or ultra-distance battery should consider the Garmin or COROS options instead.
What’s New
Compared with Pixel Watch 4, Pixel Watch 5 moves to Wear OS 7, uses Google's newer Qualcomm-based platform, and provides 64 GB of storage—useful for apps and offline audio.
PROS:
- 64 GB storage
- Offline and streaming YouTube Music
- Excellent Android integration
- Strong health and fitness ecosystem
CONS:
- Shorter battery life
- Not as training-focused as Garmin or COROS
Best GPS Watch with Music
7. Garmin Forerunner 170 Music
The Forerunner 170 Music is our favorite straightforward GPS running watch with music because it delivers Garmin's phone-free audio features without the cost of the higher-end Forerunners.
What We Like
Garmin lets you load personal MP3 or M4A files and download content from supported third-party music providers. Pair Bluetooth headphones and you can run without your phone. The 170 Music also gives you a bright AMOLED display, core running metrics, Garmin Pay, and a lighter, simpler package than the 570.
What We Don’t Like
You give up some of the advanced training, mapping, and multisport tools found on the Forerunner 570 and 970.
What to Consider
Make sure you buy the 170 Music version. The standard Forerunner 170 can control phone audio, but the Music model is the one designed for downloaded phone-free listening.
What’s New
Compared with the Forerunner 165 Music, the 170 Music adds newer Garmin features such as Garmin Pay, floor tracking, and expanded cycling metrics while retaining downloadable music and personal audio storage.
PROS:
- True phone-free music
- Good value in Garmin's lineup
- Bright AMOLED display
- Running-focused design
CONS:
- Fewer high-end training features
- Must choose the Music model for onboard audio
Top Android Smartwatch with Music
8. Samsung Galaxy Watch9
The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 is the strongest alternative to the Pixel Watch for Android users who want a traditional-looking smartwatch with robust music apps.
What We Like
Because it runs Wear OS, the Galaxy Watch9 can install apps such as Spotify and YouTube Music. Supported subscriptions allow downloaded playlists for offline listening, and LTE versions can stream without a phone when connected to cellular service. GPS, workout tracking, Samsung Health, messaging, and payments are all built in.
What We Don’t Like
Like other full-featured Wear OS watches, it needs charging much more often than a dedicated GPS running watch.
What to Consider
Some Samsung health features work best—or only—with compatible Samsung phones. If you use another Android brand, check which features matter to you before buying.
What’s New
Compared with Galaxy Watch8, the Watch9 is Samsung's current Wear OS generation, with updated hardware and health features while keeping access to Spotify, YouTube Music, and the Google Play Store.
PROS:
- Excellent Android music apps
- Offline playback with supported services
- Optional LTE streaming
- Strong general smartwatch features
CONS:
- Shorter battery than sports watches
- Best experience is with a Samsung phone
Best Fitbit with Music Controls
9. Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 is still the best fit if you specifically want Fitbit's health platform and basic music controls, but its music capability is much more limited than the older Fitbit watches in the original article.
What We Like
The Sense 2 has built-in GPS, Fitbit's health and activity tracking, and YouTube Music controls that let you browse recent playlists, play or pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume from your wrist.
What We Don’t Like
There is no offline music storage. Your paired phone needs to stay nearby, connected, and online for YouTube Music controls to work.
What to Consider
If leaving your phone at home is the reason you want a music watch, skip the Sense 2. Garmin, Apple, Google, Samsung, COROS, Suunto, and the Amazfit models in this list offer better phone-free options.
What’s New
Compared with the original Fitbit Sense, the Sense 2 changed Fitbit's music approach. Current software supports YouTube Music controls, but it does not restore the onboard music storage found on older Fitbit models.
PROS:
- Good health and sleep tracking
- Built-in GPS
- Convenient YouTube Music controls
- Slim design
CONS:
- No onboard music
- Phone must remain nearby for music controls
Best Value Music Watch
10. Amazfit Active Max
The Amazfit Active Max replaces the old Stratos 3 as our value pick because it offers current hardware and actual offline audio storage at a lower price than many premium GPS watches.
What We Like
The Active Max includes 4 GB of storage for offline music and podcasts, so you can transfer audio and listen without your phone. It also provides GPS tracking, health data, a bright smartwatch display, and Amazfit's broad workout library.
What We Don’t Like
Its music ecosystem is not as seamless as Garmin, Apple, Google, or Samsung. It is better for locally stored audio than for people who live inside a streaming service.
What to Consider
If Spotify or YouTube Music downloads are essential, choose a Garmin or Wear OS watch. The Active Max is strongest for value-minded runners who are comfortable loading audio onto the watch.
What’s New
This replaces the long-discontinued Amazfit Stratos 3 in our list. The Active Max offers a much newer smartwatch platform while retaining the feature that matters here: phone-free local audio.
PROS:
- 4 GB offline music and podcast storage
- Good value
- Built-in GPS
- Modern Amazfit platform
CONS:
- Less polished music ecosystem
- Fewer advanced running tools than Garmin
Best Garmin for Triathletes
11. Garmin Forerunner 970
The Garmin Forerunner 970 is the best choice for triathletes who want Garmin's top multisport features plus phone-free music in a lighter package than the fēnix.
What We Like
The 970 combines onboard music storage with Garmin's premium running and triathlon tools, multi-band GPS, full-color maps, training readiness, recovery metrics, and a bright AMOLED touchscreen. Supported music services can be downloaded to the watch, and personal audio files can be stored locally.
What We Don’t Like
It is expensive, and many runners will never use enough of its training and navigation features to justify the price.
What to Consider
If you mainly run roads and do not need maps or multisport features, the Forerunner 170 Music or 570 will save money and still give you phone-free music.
What’s New
Compared with the Forerunner 965, the 970 adds Garmin's newer training and smartwatch hardware while keeping the formula that made the 965 popular: AMOLED, maps, multisport, long battery, and onboard music.
PROS:
- Excellent triathlon features
- Phone-free music
- Full-color maps
- Lighter than a fēnix
CONS:
- Expensive
- Overkill for basic running
Best Rugged Sportwatch with Music
12. Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2
The Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2 is our rugged sportwatch pick for runners and hikers who want offline music in a tougher outdoor package.
What We Like
You can transfer MP3 files from your phone through the Zepp app and play them directly from the watch through its speaker or Bluetooth headphones. The T-Rex Ultra 2 also emphasizes durability, offline navigation, GPS tracking, long battery life, and a broad range of sport modes.
What We Don’t Like
Local-file transfer is less convenient than downloading Spotify or YouTube Music playlists directly to a Garmin or Wear OS watch.
What to Consider
This is a large, rugged watch. If you have a small wrist or mainly run short road routes, the Active Max or Forerunner 170 Music will feel much less bulky.
What’s New
The T-Rex Ultra 2 replaces the obsolete LG Watch Sport in this category. It offers a modern rugged GPS platform with local music playback, offline maps, and far better outdoor battery life.
PROS:
- Phone-free local music
- Very rugged construction
- Offline maps and navigation
- Long battery life
CONS:
- Large on the wrist
- No major streaming-service download ecosystem
Best Suunto with Music
13. Suunto Run 2
The Suunto Run 2 is a much better fit for this list than the old Suunto 7 because the new Run 2 is a purpose-built running watch with offline audio storage.
What We Like
The Run 2 is extremely light at about 35 grams and comes in 4 GB and 64 GB versions. It combines new-generation GPS, a bright AMOLED display, running-focused training tools, and phone-free audio capability in a much lighter body than Suunto's older smartwatch-style options.
What We Don’t Like
It is brand new, so app support, availability, and the music workflow are not as established as Garmin's ecosystem.
What to Consider
Choose the storage version carefully if you expect to keep a large offline audio library. Also note that U.S. Amazon availability may lag Suunto's direct store immediately after launch.
What’s New
Compared with the original Suunto Run, the Run 2 is a new 2026 generation with a brighter display, updated GPS and heart-rate hardware, a 35-gram body, and 4 GB or 64 GB storage options.
PROS:
- Very lightweight
- Offline audio capability
- Bright AMOLED display
- Strong running focus
CONS:
- New product with less-established availability
- Music ecosystem is less mature than Garmin
Best Polar Watch with Music Controls
14. Polar Vantage V3
The Polar Vantage V3 is the best Polar option in this guide, but it is important to understand that it controls music on your phone rather than storing music on the watch.
What We Like
During training, the Vantage V3 can show music controls for the phone connected to it, making it easy to play, pause, and change tracks without reaching for your phone. As a sports watch, it also offers an AMOLED touchscreen, dual-frequency GPS, offline maps, and Polar's extensive training and recovery tools.
What We Don’t Like
There is no onboard music storage, so it cannot replace your phone for audio the way a Garmin, COROS, Suunto, Apple, Google, Samsung, or Amazfit watch can.
What to Consider
Choose the Vantage V3 for Polar's training ecosystem—not because music is its strongest feature. Your phone must come with you if you want audio during the run.
What’s New
Compared with the Vantage V2, the V3 adds an AMOLED touchscreen, dual-frequency GPS, offline maps, and Polar's newer sensor platform. Music remains a control feature for a connected phone rather than an onboard player.
PROS:
- Excellent Polar training tools
- AMOLED touchscreen
- Dual-frequency GPS and offline maps
- Convenient phone music controls
CONS:
- No onboard music storage
- Phone required for audio
What to Look for in a GPS Watch with Music
Phone-Free Music vs. Music Controls
This is the biggest distinction in this category. A watch with onboard music can store audio files or downloaded playlists and play them directly to Bluetooth headphones. Music-control watches simply act as a remote for audio playing on your phone.
If your goal is to run without a phone, choose a true onboard-music model.
Streaming-Service Support
Garmin, Apple, Google, and Samsung offer the easiest integration with major music services, although a paid subscription is usually required for offline downloads. COROS and many Amazfit models rely more heavily on local music files.
Storage
More storage gives you room for larger music libraries, maps, podcasts, and apps. But raw storage capacity matters less if the watch supports the streaming service you already use.
Battery Life with GPS and Music
Battery estimates in smartwatch mode can be misleading for runners. GPS plus Bluetooth audio draws much more power than everyday watch use. If you run marathons, ultras, or long trail events, check the manufacturer’s GPS-plus-music estimate for the exact size and model you are buying.
Running Features
For basic running, nearly every watch here can track time, distance, pace, route, and heart rate. More expensive Garmin, COROS, Suunto, and Polar models add features such as multi-band GPS, maps, structured workouts, training load, recovery feedback, multisport modes, and race tools.
FAQs
Can I listen to music on a GPS watch without my phone?
Yes, if the watch has onboard music storage or supports downloaded playlists. The Garmin watches, COROS VERTIX 2S, Apple Watch Series 12, Pixel Watch 5, Galaxy Watch9, Amazfit Active Max, Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2, and Suunto Run 2 in this guide can all support phone-free audio in some form.
The Fitbit Sense 2 and Polar Vantage V3 are different: they control music playing on a nearby phone.
Do I need LTE or cellular service to listen without a phone?
No. If music is downloaded to the watch ahead of time, Bluetooth headphones can play it without LTE. Cellular service is useful if you want to stream music while away from Wi-Fi without downloading it first.
Which watches work best with Spotify?
Garmin and Wear OS watches such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 are among the easiest choices for Spotify users. Garmin supports downloadable playlists through compatible music-provider apps, while Wear OS gives you access to Spotify’s watch app.
Can COROS VERTIX 2S stream Spotify?
No. COROS supports local MP3 playback, not streaming-service apps. You transfer MP3 files from a computer to the watch and listen through Bluetooth headphones.
Does Fitbit Sense 2 store music?
No. The Sense 2 can control YouTube Music playing on a nearby phone, but it does not support offline music playback on the watch itself.
Does Polar Vantage V3 store music?
No. It provides music controls for a connected phone. The Vantage V3 is included because it remains Polar’s strongest current GPS training watch for runners who are comfortable carrying a phone for audio.
