Best Music Solutions for Running 2025: Ditch Your Phone, Keep the Tunes
The world of “MP3 players for running” has completely changed since I was young. Remember those little clip-ons you used to see? They are now basically extinct, why? Because smartwatches got really good at streaming music, and honestly, carrying a separate device when your watch can do it all is just… extra.
After researching pretty much every “phone-free music” option available. From Apple Watch to Garmin watches and, even those old-school MP3 players. I’ve figured out what actually makes sense for runners in 2025. Spoiler: it’s mostly smartwatches now, but there are still some solid alternatives.
Last Updated: November 2025| Music Sources: Spotify, Apple Music, offline MP3s
Quick Answers:
- Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 265 Music – Streaming + GPS + training metrics
- Best for Apple Users: Apple Watch Series 10 – Seamless ecosystem integration
- Best Budget Watch: Garmin Forerunner 165 Music – Affordable streaming capability
- Best Standalone Device: Mighty Vibe – Spotify/Amazon without a watch
- Best Old-School MP3: SanDisk Clip Sport Go – Traditional MP3 file storage
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Related article: Best Running Watches for Women
Top 5 MP3 Players for Running Quick Comparison
| Music Player | Main Features | Our Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
Top pick | Garmin Forerunner 265
| ||
 | Apple Watch Series 10
| ||
 | Garmin Forerunner 165 Music
| ||
 | Mighty 3 Spotify and Amazon Music Player
| ||
 | SanDisk Clip Sport Go
|
In-Depth Reviews: Best Music Solutions for Running 2025
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1. Garmin Forerunner 265 Music – Best Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Garmin Forerunner 265 Music is the gold standard for runners who want music without their phone. AMOLED screen, music streaming (Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music), GPS tracking, training metrics, and up to 13 days of battery life. This is the watch that makes carrying your phone obsolete.
Why Runners Love This:
- Music streaming built-in – Download playlists from Spotify/Deezer/Amazon
- 8GB storage – Hold ~2,000 songs
- AMOLED display – Gorgeous screen, easy to read
- Advanced training metrics – Training Readiness, HRV, VO2 max
- 13-day battery life (smartwatch mode), 6 hours GPS+music
- Bluetooth headphone connection – Pairs instantly
- Lightweight and comfortable – Forget you’re wearing it
Real Experience:
The music experience is seamless. Download a Spotify playlist before a run, connect your headphones, and your set. The screen is bright enough to see in direct sunlight, the GPS is accurate, and having training metrics + music in one device is genuinely convenient.
Real Talk – Downsides:
- Expensive at $450
- Requires music streaming subscription ($10-15/month)
- Battery drains faster with music (6 hours GPS+music vs 13 hours GPS only)
- Garmin’s music interface is slightly clunky compared to Apple
Who Should Buy:
Serious runners, marathon trainers, data nerds, anyone wanting GPS + music in one device, Spotify/Amazon Music subscribers.
Who Shouldn’t:
Budget shoppers, Apple ecosystem users (get Apple Watch), casual joggers.
Bottom Line: Garmin Forerunner 265 Music is the best overall solution for runners who want everything. GPS, training metrics, and music all without your phone.
2. Apple Watch Series 10 – Best for Apple Users ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re already deep in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, AirPods, Apple Music), the Apple Watch Series 10 is the obvious choice. Streaming music, GPS tracking, fitness metrics, and it works flawlessly with everything Apple.
Why Apple Users Choose This:
- Apple Music + Spotify streaming built-in
- 64GB storage – Massive capacity
- Gorgeous always-on display – Best screen on any smartwatch
- Seamless AirPods pairing – Instant connection
- 18-hour battery life (all-day use)
- Cellular option – Stream music without downloading
- Full smartwatch features – Notifications, apps, everything
Real Experience:
The Apple Watch just works if you’re in the Apple world. AirPods pair instantly, Apple Music downloads are fast, and the screen is stunning. Running with this feels effortless music, GPS, metrics, all beautifully integrated.
Real Talk – Downsides:
- Very expensive ($399-$499+ depending on model)
- Battery life shorter than Garmin (18 hours vs 13 days)
- Requires iPhone (doesn’t work with Android)
- More smartwatch than running watch (less training-specific metrics)
Who Should Buy:
Apple users, iPhone + AirPods owners, runners wanting full smartwatch + music, urban runners, casual to serious runners.
Who Shouldn’t:
Android users, battery-life prioritizers, ultra runners (battery too short), budget shoppers.
Bottom Line: Apple Watch Series 10 is the best choice for Apple users. Seamless, beautiful, functional—just expensive and battery-limited.
3. Garmin Forerunner 165 Music – Best Budget Watch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re already deep in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, AirPods, Apple Music), the Apple Watch Series 10 is the obvious choice. Streaming music, GPS tracking, fitness metrics, and it works flawlessly with everything Apple.
Why Budget Runners Love This:
- $250 price – Half the cost of Forerunner 265
- Music streaming – Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music
- 4GB storage – ~1,000 songs
- AMOLED display – Same screen as Forerunner 265
- Training Readiness + metrics – Serious training features
- 11-day battery life (smartwatch), 5 hours GPS+music
- Lightweight – Comfortable for all-day wear
Real Experience:
This watch punches way above its price. The AMOLED screen looks premium, music streaming works flawlessly, and having GPS + training metrics at $250 is incredible value.
Real Talk – Downsides:
- Smaller storage (4GB vs 8GB on Forerunner 265)
- Shorter battery with music (5 hours vs 6 hours)
- Less premium materials than Forerunner 265
- Missing some advanced metrics (Training Load, HRV status)
Who Should Buy:
Budget-conscious serious runners, marathon trainers on budget, first GPS watch with music, value shoppers.
Who Shouldn’t:
Ultra runners (battery too short), those needing max metrics, runners wanting premium build.
Bottom Line: Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is the best value running watch with music. You get 90% of Forerunner 265’s features at 55% of the price.
4. Mighty Vibe – Best Standalone Music Device ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Simple, Clip-On Music Player
The Mighty Vibe is the modern version of the old-school MP3 player. Clip it to your waistband, connect Bluetooth headphones, and run with Spotify or Amazon Music—no phone needed.
Why Minimalists Love This:
- $99 price – Cheapest phone-free music solution
- Spotify + Amazon Music – Stream your playlists offline
- Clip design – Attaches to waistband, shirt, or shorts
- 5-hour battery – Covers long runs
- Weighs only 20g – Ultra-lightweight
- No subscription required trick – Load playlists during trial, cancel subscription
Real Experience:
The Mighty Vibe is brilliantly simple. Clip it on, press play, run. No GPS, no notifications, no distractions just music. Perfect for runners who already have a GPS watch and just want music added.
Real Talk – Downsides:
- No GPS (music only)
- Requires Spotify/Amazon Music subscription (or use the free trial hack)
- Limited storage (1,000 songs max)
- Clunky app for loading music
- Clip can fall off if not secured properly
Who Should Buy:
Minimalists, runners with GPS watch already, budget shoppers, anyone wanting music without smartwatch complexity.
Who Shouldn’t:
Runners wanting GPS, people without streaming subscriptions, those needing training metrics.
Bottom Line: Mighty Vibe is the best standalone music device for runners. Simple, affordable, effective. Perfect add-on if you already have a GPS watch.
5. SanDisk Clip Sport Go – Best Old-School MP3 Player ⭐⭐⭐
Traditional MP3 File Storage
The SanDisk Clip Sport Go is the last true MP3 player designed for runners. Load your MP3 files via computer, clip it on, and run. No streaming, no subscriptions, no complications.
Why Old-School Runners Love This:
- $50 price – Cheapest option
- 16GB storage – ~4,000 songs
- 18-hour battery – Lasts forever
- Clip design – Attaches anywhere
- No subscription needed – Own your music files
- Simple interface – Big buttons, easy to use
Real Experience:
This is nostalgia for runners who miss the iPod Shuffle days. Load your music, clip it on, done. No apps, no streaming, no monthly fees. If you have a large MP3 library, this is your device.
Real Talk – Downsides:
- No streaming (MP3 files only)
- Requires computer to load music (annoying in 2025)
- No GPS
- Dated technology (feels old compared to smartwatches)
- Limited features
Who Should Buy:
Budget runners, people with large MP3 libraries, minimalists, runners allergic to subscriptions, old-school tech lovers.
Who Shouldn’t:
Streaming music users, runners wanting GPS, anyone expecting modern features.
Bottom Line: SanDisk Clip Sport Go is the last true MP3 player for runners. Simple, cheap, effective—but feels dated in 2025.
Complete Music for Running Buying Guide 2025
How to listen to Audiobooks on your mp3 player or Garmin Watch
Audible has a full library from university courses, business books, comedies, to romantic thrillers, and everything in-between. You can get healthy and smart with audiobooks + running.
Step 1
Choose your favorite book with a free trial here (then come back for step 2)
Step 2
Use the guide here to load your audiobook.
If your mp3 player is not compatible, no worries, just cancel the Audible free trial before the 30 days is complete!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best device for listening to music while running that is not a watch?
Best Overall: Vivo active 3 with music
The Vivo active 3 with music is a great music player designed for working out. It is the best value when it comes to the features a runner wants
Should I get a smartwatch with music or a standalone device?
Get a smartwatch if: You want GPS tracking + music, You’re serious about training metrics, Budget allows
Get standalone device if: You already have a GPS watch, You just want music added, Budget is tight
Can I run with just my phone and headphones?
Yes, absolutely. Most runners still do this. Carry phone in: – Running belt (FlipBelt, SPIBelt) – Hydration vest pocket – Armband (less popular now)
Pros: Unlimited music, GPS tracking, safety device
Cons: Bulky, heavy, bounce, can’t disconnect
What’s better: bone conduction or earbuds?
Bone conduction (Shokz):
– ✅ Hear traffic and surroundings
– ✅ Safer for urban/road running
– ❌ Less immersive sound
– ❌ More expensive
Earbuds:
– ✅ Better sound quality
– ✅ More affordable options
– ❌ Block outside noise (safety concern)
– ❌ Can fall out during running
How do I download music to my Garmin watch?
Step-by-step:
1. Connect watch to Wi-Fi
2. Open Garmin Connect app on phone
3. Go to Music → Music Providers
4. Select Spotify/Deezer/Amazon Music
5. Log in to your account
6. Select playlists to download
7. Wait for sync (takes 10-30 minutes depending on playlist size)
8. Connect Bluetooth headphones to watch
9. Run phone-free!
Can Apple Watch work without iPhone nearby?
Yes, but: – You need to download music to watch before run – GPS tracking works without phone – Cellular Apple Watch can stream music without phone (requires cellular plan) – Non-cellular models need pre-downloaded music
What headphones work with smartwatches?
Any Bluetooth headphones work:
– AirPods (Apple Watch)
– Jaybird Vista 2
– Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
– Beats Fit Pro
– Generic Bluetooth earbuds
Best for running:
– Secure fit (won’t fall out)
– Sweatproof (IPX4+ rating)
– Good battery life (6+ hours)
