Best Smartwatch Music Apps Stream Your Favorite Tunes

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 17, 2024

Contributions sourced from

The Top 7 Smartwatches With Music in 2023

Smartwatch technology keeps improving every year, with capabilities from additional health features and sensors to longer battery life and a more intuitive interface. One feature that many smartwatch wearers are looking for is the ability to play music straight from their device without the need to connect to their smartphone.

To help you find the perfect smartwatch that both tracks your runs and plays the music that motivates you to keep running, weve compiled a list of the top 7 smartwatches with music. Well dig into price ranges, which smartwatches use which apps, and whether you need LTE or wifi to play your tunes.

Apple Watch Series 7 or 8

If you have any watch thats later than the Series 3, such as the Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch 6, Apple Watch 7 or the latest version, the Apple Watch 8, you can easily play Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Apple Music, audiobooks, and more. Of course, the Apple Watch is one of the most desired watches on the market because of its integration with other products. For music lovers, the easy integration of the Apple Watch with Airpods makes it a good choice off the bat for wire-free listening during a workout.

Some of the other reasons the Apple Watch is perfect for listening to music can be found below.

Ability to download podcasts, audiobooks, and music onto the smartwatch so you dont need WIFI or a cell signal to listen.
Ability to listen without your phone.
Ability to download non-Apple music and podcast products from the app store such as Spotify, Pandora, and iHeartRadio.

Compare prices and choose your favorite merchant to buy the Apple Watch

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Buying options from $250 for the Apple Watch Series 7 can be found here.

Apple Apple Watch Series 7

Walmart Apple Watch Series 7

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Garmin Forerunner 245/255 Music

A smartwatch designed just for music? Yup! The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music and the 255 Music have a lot to offer, which is why it is so popular among those who love to work out and jam at the same time. You can download up to 500 songs (roughly 25 hours) to listen to offline or even while using GPS.

You can pair up with apps like iHeartRadio, Spotify (premium), Deezer, or Amazon Music. Unsurprisingly, you wont be able to access Apple products but can find your favorite tunes, audiobooks, and podcasts elsewhere.

Lets look at some of the other features.

Spotify Premium owners can transfer full playlists over to the watch offline.
Quick features, like pressing down a button to bring up a pop-up menu that allows you to easily skip songs and take other actions.
Offers lots of fitness tracking (especially running) features, making it the perfect running watch with music playing capability.

Buying options from $399+ for the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music can be found here.

Samsung Galaxy Watch4 and Watch 5

One of Apples biggest smartwatch competitors has been the Samsung Galaxy Watch. Its no different when it comes to smartwatches with music playing features. The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 offers up to 16GB of storage and allows for offline downloading of MP3s, Spotify (premium), among other options for podcasts and audiobooks. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offers 16GB of memory as well.

When Samsung switched from Tizen to Wear OS software, users gained access to all the Google Apps out there, including YouTube Music. With offline playback options incorporated as well, the latest Galaxy Watch is a great option for listening to music while runningor any other kind of activity.

What other features are expected?

Choose between streaming LTE or WIFI Streaming vs offline downloading.
Access to Strava (a popular fitness app) which syncs up well with music capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy Watch3 and even Watch2 have music capablity as well, but do not use the Wear OS system.

Buying options from $260+ for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 can be found here.

Also directly from Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch4

Garmin Venu 2

Garmin has a lot of smartwatches worth looking at. The Garmin Venu 2 offers a music playing feature as well as a new AMOLED screen that is appealing to look at and makes it easy to see and navigate the watchs features. You can access Spotify, Amazon Music, and other apps like Deezer on the Venu 2.

One thing worth noting is that you cant stream music on this watch like you can with some of the other watches on this list. You can, however, download your music, podcasts, and audiobooks. The Venu 2s 8 GB of storage allows for roughly 700 songs to be downloaded, more than enough to keep you entertained and motivated on even the longest run.

Below are some other things to keep in mind about the Venu 2.

No built-in speakers like the previous watches mentioned.
Bluetooth compatible to pair up headphones.
GPS and music work simultaneously.

Buying options from $399+ for the Venu 2 can be found below.

Garmin Garmin Venu 2

Best Buy Garmin Venu 2

Target Garmin Venu 2

Fitbit Versa 4

Fitbit is the fitness tracker company that seemed to start it all. The Fitbit Versa 4 seems to have caught up with competitors, and even allows for offline music playback. Like some of our other options on this list, though, it requires you to download your music and does not allow streaming.

Pandora and Deezer are the best music app choices for the Fitbit Versa 4 if you want to use it without your phone.

Consider the following factors when looking at the Fitbit Versa 3.

Large screen for easy viewing of songs or podcasts.
Access to major apps like Spotify, Deezer, and Pandora.
Affordable option with major benefits like extensive fitness tracking.

Buying options from $229+ for the Fitbit Versa 3 can be found below.

Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4

Amazon Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise...

AmazFit Stratos 3

The AmazFit Stratos 3 is worth a serious look because of its affordable pricing and ability to play music. This device allows you to sync up on Bluetooth with your headphones and crank out preloaded MP3 music and more.

The Stratos 3 can hold up to about 380 songs of around five minutes apiece. Keep in mind that you will have to download music from your computer to the watch via a connection cord.

More important features include:

Phone-free capability that lets you listen to music offline only using the watch.
Can run with GPS simultaneously on.
Price point is much lower than many watches with similar features.

Buying options from $199+ for the AmazFit Stratos 3 can be found below.

Garmin Fenix 7

The Garmin Fenix 7 is one of the newest additions to the Garmin line, and while this watch does come at a steeper cost than many, it has plenty of capabilities beyond streaming music and downloading audiobooks. While you can certainly load a fair number of tunes and audiobooks on the watch, you can also stream music by connecting to the IQ App store.

From Spotify to Amazon, the possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to your choice of music provider. The Fenix 7 also has incredible additions for those who like to spend time outdoors or fitness training.

Here are some of the key features.

Store up to roughly 1000 songs (this makes the Fenix 7 the option with the most music storage on our list).
Stream popular apps aside from Apple.
A high-end smartwatch and also the most expensive option on our list.

Buying options from $698+ for the Fenix 7 can be found below.

Garmin Fenix 7

Best Buy Fenix 7

Target Fenix 7

Amazon Garmin 010-02541-10 fenix 7X Sapphire,Larger adventure smartwatch, Solar Charging Capabilities,...

Can you listen to music on a smartwatch?

Absolutely. These seven examples above show all the different ways you can listen to music whether it be preloaded or using streaming. Some watches have speakers but still may not have the capability to play out loud and rather require Bluetooth headphones.

Which smartwatches have music?

The seven are our picks for smartwatches with music; however, most new smartwatches are now incorporating the ability to stream music. High-end smartwatches especially, like Apple and newer Garmin watches, will generally offer the ability to play music. This is especially true for watches that have screens, as you can see whats playing and skip the track or playlist if desired.

Can I listen to Spotify on my smartwatch?

Not all smartwatches allow you to listen to Spotify. However, most will have access through their own individual app stores where you can download the app. In order to download the actual music, you will need a premium subscription.

Can I listen to music on my smartwatch without my phone?

Not all smartwatches offer this but many on our list above do. Any smartwatch that allows you to pre-download music, giving you the ability to listen offline, should let you play music without a smartphone connection.

Which music apps are supported on Smartwatches?

This depends on the type of smartwatch. For instance, you will see all Apple apps on the Apple app store, whereas Garmin will have different access to apps. Most of the most popular apps, like iHeartRadio, Pandora, and Spotify can all be downloaded regardless of app store.

What is the quality of music on a smartwatch?

The quality of music on a smartwatch should be identical to that on your phone, since smartwatches play music in the same formatin MP3 format, for instanceas it is on your phone or computer. If you are streaming music, your music quality will depend more on your WIFI or LTE connection. Finally, if you want to play the music on your smartwatchs speaker, keep in mind that many do not have a built-in speaker and those that do were not designed to blast music. Your best bet is to invest a good pair of wireless headphones or earbuds.

Last Updated on December 12, 2022

Brittany Collens is one of our top sports writers. She is also a professional tennis player which helps her authority on subjects such as health and fitness.She has a degree in journalism and has previously written for well-established sports magazines in Massachusetts.

Brittany lives in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States.

7 Best Smartwatch For Listening to Music in 2024

Imagine a world where your favorite tracks are just a wrist-tap away. Sounds like music to your ears, doesnt it?

Lets deep dive into the rhythmic world of smartwatches built for music lovers like you!

Why you need a smartwatch with music capabilities?

#1. Jogging Jams:

When youre out for a morning run, theres nothing like a great playlist to keep your pace. No need to carry a bulky phone; your smartwatch will serve the beats right to your ears.

#2. Less is More:

Say goodbye to the juggling act of phone, headphones, and maybe even an old-school MP3 player. Streamline your music experience and pack all the functionality right on your wrist.

#3. Dance Anywhere:

Ever had that sudden urge to dance when your favorite song comes on? With music on your smartwatch, those spontaneous dance breaks can happen anywhere, anytime.

#4. Stay Updated:

Some smartwatches with music capabilities will also give you alerts and notifications. So, while youre grooving to your tunes, you wont miss that important message or call.

#5. Fitness Sync-Up:

Many fitness routines rely on timing and rhythm. Your smartwatch can play your workout jams and track your fitness metrics all in one place.

#6. Save That Phone Battery:

Playing music continuously on your phone can drain its battery fast. With a smartwatch, you can save your phones juice for other important tasks.

#7. Remote Control:

Sometimes, you might still play music from another device like a speaker. Some smartwatches act as a remote, letting you skip tracks or adjust the volume right from your wrist.

#8. Offline Play:

Going off the grid or into areas with patchy service? Some smartwatches let you download tracks and play them offline. Perfect for those wilderness treks or secluded beach days.

Best Smartwatch For Listening to Music: Buying Guide

#1. Spotify Compatibility:

Many smartwatches vibe with Spotify and other music streaming giants. Planning to groove offline? Make sure your chosen watch plays nice with your streaming service. Oh, and for offline tunes on brands like Garmin, Samsung, and Apple Watch, you might need that Spotify Premium.

#2. Controller or Player?

Some watches just control your phones tunes. Others can independently blast your favorite tracks. If its the latter, remember to pair up with Bluetooth headphones.

#3. Uploading Your Jams:

Got MP3s? Depending on the watch, you might be dragging and dropping via a computer or syncing through a phone app. And watch out there could be some picky file restrictions.

#4. Phone Compatibility:

Just because a watch has a music player doesnt mean it jams with every phone. Some, like Huaweis, might skip a beat with iPhones. Always double-check.

#5. Battery Blues:

Streaming tunes can be a battery guzzler, especially when tracking your runs. If youre a multitasker, keep an eye on those battery specs.

Top 7 Best Smartwatch For Listening to Music: List

Best Smartwatches For Listening to Music

Related Comparison:

Best Smartwatch For Listening to Music: Review

Garmin Fenix 7

Meet the Garmin Fenix 7, the music lovers dream watch. This bad boy can hold up to 1,000 of your favorite tracks, making those long runs feel shorter.

Whether youre a Spotify fan, an Amazon Music enthusiast, or youre vibing with Deezer or iHeartRadio, this watch supports offline syncing just keep in mind youll need that Premium subscription.

Craving a watch that doesnt skimp on battery? The Fenix 7 offers a whopping 10 hours of GPS tracking with your tunes on, and even more if youre cool with standard GPS.

And, if youre an adrenaline junkie, from trail running to literally jumping out of planes, this watch has got your back.

For the runners, the Fenix 7 goes above and beyond. It delivers all the juicy data like VO2 Max recovery stats, insights into your running style, and even training info.

Feeling fancy? Theres also the pricier Epix option with an AMOLED display. However, a little heads-up adding music on the Fenix 7 might test your patience a bit more than its competitors.

Pros:

Massive song storage (1,000 songs).
Offline syncing with popular music apps.
Stellar sports and activity tracking, from running to skydiving.
Solar editions available for a battery boost.

Cons:

Setting up music is a tad clunky.
The Epix variant can be a bit pricey.

Your sports tracking and music needs just met their match. The Garmin Fenix 7 is here to elevate your game!

Apple Watch Series 8

While Apple is synonymous with style, the Apple Watch Series 8 isnt just a pretty face.

Boasting the ability to store up to 500 songs and offering seamless integration with Apple Music, this watch is a treat for both runners and music enthusiasts.

Though it may appear similar to its predecessor, Series 7, the Series 8 ensures you can stream your favorite tracks on the go.

The revamped Workout app is like your personal trainer, giving real-time insights, including live cadence when youre on a run.

And while it might not drown you in data like Garmin, it offers sufficient details for the everyday athlete.

Creating and syncing playlists from Apple Music is a breeze, especially now that you dont need the watch on a charger for the task.

And if youre among those who cant live without Spotify, theres good news!

The Apple Watch now lets you stream music over Wi-Fi or cellular connections. Plus, you can save your Spotify playlists for those offline moments.

Lastly, lets not forget the Apple Watch Series SE 2 a solid performer that can easily rival the Series 8, especially after its significant makeover in 2022.

Pros:

Seamless integration with Apple Music.
Supports offline syncing for popular platforms like Spotify, Deezer, and Pandora.
Robust Workout app with real-time insights.
Streaming over both Wi-Fi and cellular.

Cons:

About three hours of GPS and music playback.
Not a major upgrade from Series 7.

To sum it up, the Apple Watch Series 8 is more than just a tech gadget; its a fusion of music and fitness, ensuring your runs are both enjoyable and effective.

Garmin Forerunner 965

If the Fenix 7 was the music lovers dream, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is the marathoners symphony.

Boasting a massive 32GB storage for a whooping 2,000 songs, this watch has tunes for days (literally!). Whether youre jamming to MP3s, Spotify, Deezer, or even iHeartRadio, its all game.

But where this watch truly shines is in its top-notch sports analytics. Think of it as a sleeker, lighter Fenix 7 but focused solely on running.

From GPS accuracy to heart rate tracking, the Forerunner 965s features rank among the top of the charts.

For runners seeking deeper insights, the watch offers advanced running metrics without needing external sensors.

While its battery is a notch down from its predecessor, the Forerunner 955, thats mainly because of its vibrant AMOLED display.

But dont fret, youll still get around a weeks use with that beautiful display always on.

Pros:

Huge song storage (2,000 songs).
Advanced running metrics right on your wrist.
Stunning AMOLED display.
Top-tier sports tracking capabilities.

Cons:

Battery life slightly reduced from the Forerunner 955.
Might stretch some budgets.

In short, if youre looking to combine your love for sports with your passion for music and have a few extra bucks to spend, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is your jam!

Garmin Venu 3

Out with the old, in with the new! The recently launched Venu 3 is like a fresh remix of your favorite song, especially when you pit it against the Venu 2 series.

With its built-in speaker and mic, this watch lets you jive to your beats and make calls a feature reminiscent of the Venu 2 Plus.

Though its an all-rounder in the sports tracking world, its more of a pop hit than a classical masterpiece; the data and analysis are straightforward and user-friendly.

But music aficionados, heres the real deal: the Venu 3 ups its game with space for a whopping 2,000 songs!

Whether youre a Spotify enthusiast, an Amazon Music buff, or you jam to Deezer or iHeartRadio, offline syncing is just a tap away.

With the Venu 3, youre not just tracking your run, but a wide range of sports, and there are even enhanced modes for those intense HIIT sessions.

Those who value display clarity will appreciate the vivid AMOLED screen. Looking for something more compact?

Theres the Venu 3S. And for the tech-savvy, the Venu 2 Plus lets you chat with your phones smart assistant.

Pros:

Generous song storage (2,000 songs).
Comprehensive sports tracking, with a focus on HIIT and indoor workouts.
Vivid AMOLED display.
Intuitive and user-friendly interface.

Cons:

Sports data and analysis are more basic than its counterparts.
Expensive

In a nutshell, the Garmin Venu 3 is your trusty sidekick, whether youre busting out a workout or grooving to your favorite tunes. A solid choice for the everyday athlete and music lover!

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Meet the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: an Android watch with an impressive music storage capacity and a slick integration with popular platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.

The 16GB storage allows you to take your favorite tracks wherever you go, especially with its handy offline playback feature.

While its a Wear OS device, its musical prowess doesnt overshadow its fitness capabilities.

It may not reach the gold standard set by Garmin or Apple in tracking accuracy, but it holds its own pretty well. Especially for Android users, this is a watch that ticks most boxes.

A notable feature is the third-party app support, with Strava being a highlight.

Youve got size options with the Galaxy Watch 6, from 40mm to 44mm, and even the Classic version, which comes in larger sizes and boasts a longer battery life, thanks to its rotating bezel.

For those considering an older model, the Galaxy Watch 5 also offers Wear OS and similar app support, making it a worthy contender.

Pros:

Robust music storage and offline playback.
Access to big third-party apps like Strava.
Multiple size options and classic version for longer battery life.
Solid fitness tracking for Android users.

Cons:

May not be as accurate as Garmin or Apple in fitness tracking.

In a nutshell, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a harmonious blend of music, fitness, and style. For Android aficionados looking for a reliable music companion on their wrist, this ones a hit!

Coros Vertix 2

Introducing the Coros Vertix 2, a watch that marries old-school MP3 music capabilities with impressive modern-day battery life.

With 32GB of storage, it offers ample room for all your favorite tunes. However, be ready to go a bit retro with drag-and-drop from your computer, as it only supports MP3 file formats.

Unlike its flashy contemporaries, there are no third-party music streaming services here, but if youve got an expansive personal music collection, this could be your jam. Just pair it with Bluetooth headphones, and youre good to go sans phone.

The standout? Its battery life! The Vertix 2 promises a whopping 60 days of daily use and still manages 35 hours with GPS and music combined.

Beyond music, its a powerhouse in sports tracking, with a myriad of modes, offline mapping, and compatibility with popular third-party fitness apps.

Pros:

Exceptional battery life for uninterrupted adventures.
Generous 32GB storage for your MP3 collection.
Comprehensive sports modes and third-party app compatibility.

Cons:

No integration with popular streaming services.
Manual drag-and-drop music transfer.

For those who prioritize battery longevity and have a beloved MP3 collection, the Coros Vertix 2 might be your next wrist companion, proving that sometimes, old-school rocks!

TicWatch Pro 5

Introducing the TicWatch Pro 5, where high-tech meets high tunes! At the heart of this wearable beauty is a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, safeguarded by Corning Gorillas Anti-fingerprint Cover Glass.

Trust its Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 SoC to play your favorite tracks smoothly.

Style-wise, its a harmonious symphony! With a case made from 7000 series aluminum and reinforced with high-strength nylon and fiberglass, this watch isnt just a looker; its a resilient performer.

Speaking of performance, lets talk battery. It plays on for 80 hours in Smart Mode, and if youre on a power ballad, switch to Essential Mode for an incredible 45-day life. In a hurry? A 30-minute charge is all it takes to hit 65%.

Now, for the music maestros! Running on WearOS, the TicWatch Pro 5 syncs smoothly with Spotify and supports other music platforms.

Stream your beats, curate playlists, and let the rotating crown guide your musical journey.

Pros:

Seamless music streaming with WearOS.
Stellar battery life with quick-charge magic.
Premium, durable design with intuitive navigation.

Cons:

Bulky design
Not many sports features as Garmin

In a world full of smartwatches, the TicWatch Pro 5 hits a high note for music lovers! Whether youre jazzing up a jog or grooving through a busy day, let this watch be your musical companion.