The Easy Way to Use Your Smartwatch to Listen to Music width
How to Listen to Your Music on Any Smartwatch
If youre thinking about buying a smartwatch, you might also be thinking about how well itll serve you when it comes to music playbackwill it just act as a remote control for whatevers on your phone, or will it actually stream and sync songs so you can listen to them anywhere (and leave your phone at home)? The answer is more complicated than you might have realized.
With so many different music apps and different smartwatch platforms currently available, getting your choice of music service running with your choice of hardware might not be possible. In fact, the best offline music playback support isnt even from smartwatches developed by Apple and Google, as well explain below.
If you want to know how capable each smartwatch platform is at playing music from your phone and playing music independently, heres what you need to know.
Apple watchOS
As the market leader in smartwatches, its no surprise that the Apple Watch gives you the most options for listening to music and other audio. Apple Music is the obvious default choice: You can control music playing on your phone from your wrist, or stream the tunes straight to the Apple Watch and listen through Bluetooth headphones. If you subscribe to Apple Music, you can stream anything from the catalog; if not, you can listen to anything youve purchased digitally and imported.
Music can be streamed directly to an Apple Watch over Wi-Fi or LTE (if the watch supports it). If youre going to be away from a connection and want to leave your phone at home, you can sync songs to your Apple Watch in advanceto do this, go to My Watch in the Apple Watch app on your phone, then tap Music and Add Music. Syncing will only work while the Apple Watch is charging.
Spotify has a dedicated app for the Apple Watch, and like the default Apple Music player, you can use it to stream songs straight to your wrist (to listen to over Bluetooth headphones) or to control playback on another device, such as your phone. Thanks to a recent update, this now works over cellular networks as well as wifi, so you can finally head out without your phone. A strong data connection from your watch is still required thoughas yet you cant sync playlists to the watch for listening to offline.
https://gizmodo.com/looks-like-spotify-is-expanding-its-streaming-beta-on-t-1845563183
Theres an official YouTube Music app for Apple Watch, but its only for browsing your collection and controlling playback on your other devices (still, more than Wear OS has got from YouTube Music at this point)a remote control on your wrist, basically. Youll find the same level of functionality from the Deezer app for Apple Watch. If you want to actually leave your phone behind, it has to be Apple Music or Spotify.
Google Wear OS
Googles smartwatch platform has yet to roll out full syncing support for YouTube Music, and theres been no word on when itll happenwhich is very strange considering Google Play Music has now been killed off. However, you can use Wear OS to control YouTube Music (play, pause, skip and so on) on your phone.
Its the same story for almost every music service out there: No dedicated Wear OS app, so no playlist syncing. Playback controls will pop up on your wrist whenever your Android phone is playing media (whether its through Apple Music or your podcast player), but you cant do much beyond start and stop playback, and youre still going to have to take your phone out with you.
The only major music service to have a dedicated Wear OS app is Spotify, but it doesnt offer much in the way of functionality besides what you would get through Androids standard integration with Wear OS anyway. You can add songs to your library from your wrist, and switch between playback devices, but you cant stream music direct to the watch and you cant sync tracks for offline listening.
If you want to be able to play songs on a Wear OS smartwatch without carrying your phone around with you as well, then the best option weve found is NavMusic ($1 after a 30-day trial). Its a competent little app, but it does rely on transferring local files to your watch, so youll need to have the music you want in digital form.
Fitbit, Samsung, and Garmin
Every Fitbit smartwatch bar the Versa Lite can control music as it plays on your connected phone, through whatever app you choose to use. On watches except for the Versa Lite and the new Sense and Versa 3which seem to be shifting more towards cloud servicesyou can sync digital tracks youve purchased to your wearable through the Fitbit Connect app (full step-by-step instructions are here).
There is a dedicated Spotify app for Fitbit smartwatches, but again it only controls playback on other devicesyou cant sync playlists to the watch. The apps you can do that with, on every device except the Versa Lite, are Deezer and Pandora, so if you want to listen to your tunes on your Fitbit and leave your phone at home you need to use one of those streaming services (or copy your digital music files over, as explained above).
When it comes to the Samsung Galaxy Watch series, open up the Music app and youll see you can switch between controlling music playback on your phone and on the watch itself (tap the device icon to switch). For offline music listening, you can sync digital tracks across from your phone (see here for details), or fire up the dedicated Spotify app: Unlike the Apple Watch and Wear OS devices, Samsung smartwatches support offline playback on the wearables themselves for Spotify Premium subscribers, no phones required.
Finally, Garmins wide range of smartwatches come with similar music playback options as the Samsung ones. You can use these watches to control playback from most music apps on your phone, or to play digital tracks youve synced over from a computer (via Garmin Connect), which will let you leave your phone behind. The only music service supported with a native app on the wearables themselves is Spotify, and as on Samsung devices, Spotify Premium subscribers can sync playlists to a Garmin device for listening anywhere (just dont forget your Bluetooth headphones).
Best smartwatches for music 2024: Take time to rock with our essential guide
If you'd told someone 20 years ago there would one day be an article listing the best smartwatches for music, they'd have thought you were out of your mind. But such is the beauty of modern technology that it's now perfectly possible to stream and store music and do countless other cool things using that thing on your wrist.
However, with so many high-tech smartwatches available, how do you go about choosing one that suits your needs? Don't fret as I've made the job a bit easier for you by listing what I consider to be the very best smartwatches for music.
Below, I'll give you the lowdown on which streaming services each watch can access, the storage facilities, battery life and more. Best of all, I'll also point you in the direction of the best smartwatch deals available right now, so that you can save money on your purchase. Top tech at a bargain price? What's not to like?
Quick list
Garmin's premium smartwatch is an ideal choice for listening to your sounds on the go. It holds around 1000 tracks and has streaming support from the top music services, while its 10-hour battery life with GPS and music activated is not to be sniffed at
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The Apple Watch is not only packed with excellent features you'll use every day like Fitness+, but it can also store a whole bunch of music as the Series 9 boasts 65GB of memory. Doesn't seem that long ago that I wondered how I'd ever fill my old 20GB iPod! How things change.
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3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Another attractive option is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 which, thanks to its LTE connectivity, means you'll be able to get online wherever you are. Great support for Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Music means you won't be short of tunes - and it's just a great fitness smartwatch.
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Music might not be the first thing you think about when considering the Fitbit brand, but this smartwatch will hold around 300 tracks - and of course, the watch is built around its fitness features. This makes it a great option if you're primarily using your watch for working out.
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With a whopping amount of battery life, this is your go-to watch if longevity is what you're after. It also comes in cheaper than some watches on the list and it also has 32GB of storage to cram in all your favourite tunes. We also like its chunky and rugged design.
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The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a great option if you're looking for a watch that packs in a little bit of everything. Sure, it'll hold around 1000 songs, but it also has Garmin's fitness tracking, offline synch for several streaming services and brilliant GPS and HR tracking.
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This is one of the best looking smartwatches out there thanks to its stunning AMOLED display, but there's more than enough under the hood to make this model highly recommended. It holds 1000 songs, has support for Spotify offline and more - and 11 hours battery life for GPS and music.
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We like the look of the Google Pixel Watch 2, which manages to stand out from the crowd with its sleek design. But where this smartwatch really impresses is its massive 32GB of storage. It has support for loads of music streaming platforms and its smart functions are top drawer.
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Our top pick
1. Garmin Fenix 7
Garmin's premium smartwatch has everything you need to listen on the go
Specifications
Storage: 1000 songs
Streaming: Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, iHeart Radio
Battery: 10 hours GPS and music
Offline support: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Top battery life
+Lots of streaming support
+Offline play
+Great sports features
+Rugged
The Garmin Fenix 7 is the company's ultimate smartwatch which not only means superb sports support and a mega-rugged build, but also lots of music support. This watch will store music files with a 1000 song limit, but you can also offline sync your streaming from the likes of Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer as well as getting iHeartRadio music.
Unlike many of the other options out there, the Garmin Fenix 7 has a super long battery life in standby mode but also an impressive 10 hours of use with both GPS and music playback active. Connect your Bluetooth headphones directly and this is all you need to listen to music wherever you go.
If you want the Garmin Fenix 7 for sports, then you're covered for nearly anything, from trail running to skydiving. This will get metrics like VO2 max and heart rate variability for the ultimate feedback and guidance on your workouts. There's even a solar edition that gives you more charge when out in direct daylight. And they both let you tap to pay, ideal if you're wallet-free too.
Best Apple option
2. Apple Watch Series 9
The best upgrade option for Apple Watch users
Specifications
Storage: 64GB
Streaming: Apple Music, Spotify, Podcasts
Battery: 18-36 hours
Offline support: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Streaming and offline support
+Fantastic design
+Rich in features
Reasons to avoid
-Works best with Apple apps
It's easy to casually glance at the Apple Watch Series 9 and think it's no different to previous models, but dig in and you'll see enough tweaks to make this a great option for those new to Apple's timepiece, or existing Apple Watch users who have had an older model for several years and are looking for an upgrade.
It's packed with 64GB of storage so you can fill it with a huge amount of songs and if like me you've been rocking an older model such as the Apple Watch Series 4 with its 16GB of storage, the difference here in clear.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is available in a load of colour options and when it comes to music, it really comes into its own when paired with Apple Music. There are also a large number of colourful face options which are customisable and look great on its ultra-clear display - and everything from colour variations to display functions can be tweaked on the fly.
Battery life is thoroughly decent too and you'll get 18 hours, with 36 hours possible when in low-power mode. And of course, you'll also have access to a load of extras such as Apple's Fitness+ app which has dedicated workouts complete with music for a wide variety of activities including running, walking, cycling, yoga and meditation. Pair the Apple Watch Series 9 with your iPhone and a whole world of fitness routines will open up.
Best OLED display
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The best OLED smartwatch that keeps the music going
Specifications
Storage: 16 GB
Streaming: Spotify, YouTube offline, MP3
Battery: 40 hours mixed use
Offline support: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Offline Spotify support
+MP3 onboard option
+LTE connectivity
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a super powerful smartwatch that combines a superb OLED display, attractive design and ECG heart rate monitor to give some of the best wrist-based tech out there. In terms of audio the options are huge with offline support for Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Music, plus MP3 storage on the 16GB device.
This watch, unlike many others, does offer LTE connectivity meaning you can get online anywhere you are, even without a smartphone connection. You do have that Wear operating system so keep in mind there are app limitations to that ecosystem compared to something like the Apple Watch. That said some apps are built just for this and work well, like the Strava app.
Best for workouts
4. Fitbit Versa 3
Music and fitness go together with this neat offering from Fitbit
Specifications
Storage: 300 songs
Streaming: Pandora (US) and Deezer (Europe)
Battery: 4 hours GPS and music
Offline support: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Great sleep tracking
+Heart rate and GPS
Reasons to avoid
-No Spotify support
-Limited apps
If you're on Team Fitbit and already using the app, then this is the smartwatch for you. This takes all the best bits about Fitbit, like its health and fitness tracking, and adds music support. The Fitbit Versa 3 can store 300 MP3 tracks that you can drag and drop right on there. It also works with Pandora in the US and Deezer in Europe with offline sync support for each. Unfortunately there's no Spotify support in that capacity with the app simply working as a wrist based controller for the app on your smartphone.
This is an affordable option if you're after a smartwatch that offers music, GPS run tracking, Bluetooth headphone connectivity and an accurate heart monitor rate on your wrist.
And it's also worth noting that even though the Fitbit Versa 4 is available, there's no onboard music storage feature, so that's why I'm still recommending this older.
Best battery
5. Coros Vertix 2
If you're after a smartwatch with an outrageous battery life, then look no further
Specifications
Storage: 32 GB
Streaming: MP3 only
Battery: 35 hours GPS and music
Offline support: No
Reasons to buy
+Huge 60 day battery life
+32GB of memory
+Good looking design/build
The Coros Vertix 2 is the best smartwatch for battery life bar none thanks to its whopping 60 day standby mode and 140 hours of use with GPS tracking on. That drops to 35 hours when using GPS and music playback to Bluetooth headphones, but it's still far more than the competition can offer. The Coros Vertix 2 is also a lot cheaper than the Garmin Fenix 7 and now offers impressive sports training insights.
You don't get streaming music support though. Instead this uses classic drag and drop file transfers for MP3 music, so you'll need a PC to hand. But with 32GB of storage onboard you should be able to fill it with enough to last that 60 day battery life and more. It's also waterproof, rugged and looks great.
Best all-rounder
6. Garmin Forerunner 265
A Garmin that's ideal for mixing sounds with the outdoor life
Specifications
Storage: 8GB
Streaming: Spotify, Amazon, Deezer, iHeart Radio all offline, MP3
Battery: 6-7 hours with GPS tracking
Offline support: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Offline streaming audio
+Superb GPS & HR tracking
+Stereo and mono modes
The Garmin Forerunner 265 comes in alongside the 965 as the company's running and multisport watches with the new AMOLED display. As such everything looks fantastic on the bright and colourful screen. But audio is awesome too thanks to offline support for Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio and MP3 storage. Plus you can pick to listen in stereo for quality or mono to save battery.
The downside is the Garmin Forerunner 265 is limited to 8GB of storage so you'll need to pick your favourite playlists wisely before downloading them for offline use. That said, that's still enough to hold around 1000 songs.
There's great GPS and HR tracking with most sports supported while even more are available via the IQ Connect store. All of these features combined makes this Garmin useful for a long time to come.
Best design
7. Garmin Venu 3
A slick and stylish Garmin that'll serve most of your smartwatch needs
Specifications
Storage: 8GB
Streaming: Spotify, YouTube offline, MP3
Battery: 11 hours GPS and music
Offline support: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Offline Spotify playback
+Stunning AMOLED display
+MP3 support
The Garmin Venu 3 is a good looking lifestyle tracking smartwatch which combines a rich AMOLED display with lots of tracking metrics - and the heart rate and GPS is spot on thanks to Garmin's experience in this area.
That extends to audio now too, with loads of offline streaming service support. So you can download Spotify to your wrist with that 8GB capacity topping out at around 1000 songs.
To be clear, the Garmin Venu 3 supports Spotify offline if you have a premium account, but it also has Deezer, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music support. You can also transfer your own MP3 files across to the watch if you want something the various music streaming services don't have. With around 11 hours of battery life for GPS and music playing, you'll get a lot of sounds for even the most demanding of training needs.
Best for storage
8. Google Pixel Watch 2
Monster storage makes this smartwatch worth a closer look
Specifications
Storage: 32GB
Streaming: Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, MP3
Battery: 24 hours
Offline support: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Huge 32GB storage
+LTE streaming
+Offline streaming support
The Google Pixel Watch 2 is a superb wearable that combines the Android OS and its many apps with a bright and high resolution AMOLED display. This also packs in a massive 32GB of storage making it one of the best smartwatches for storing offline music. There's also support for YouTube Music, Amazon Music and Spotify.
The Pixel Watch 2 also packs in LTE connectivity meaning you don't always have to download music since you can stream over that connection wherever you are. Plus that 24 hour battery life should have you going all day without worrying about charging too much presuming GPS isn't on, of course.
Buying advice
It's worth narrowing down your needs so you can look out for features you can't live without but potentially save money by going for those which don't have features you can live without. Here are a few key areas you'll want to give some thought.
Connectivity
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How connected do you need to be? Some watches will come with a SIM allowing you to always connect to data without a phone nearby. This is ideal if you always want access to your music streaming without having to limit choice. However, you can save money and battery life by going for an option without this connectivity. In this case you'll ideally want one that lets you save music for offline listening.
Stream or store?
I, like a lot of people, stream music these days, while others prefer having stored music instead. This can mean high fidelity audio or simply your music library all offline to listen to anywhere. Whichever class you fit into, make sure you look for a watch that suits those needs. If it's storage then you'll want a smartwatch with plenty of storage capacity. If it's streaming, then you may want one with a better battery life, or at least that offline storage option.
Battery life
The battery life on smartwatches is fairly similar with a day or two on a watch with GPS and smart connections. Some go longer but the key is to make sure yours charges quickly. That means it won't matter so much how long the battery lasts as you can top up quickly ready to go again.
Read more on how we test products and services at Louder.
7. Garmin Venu 3
A slick and stylish Garmin that'll serve most of your smartwatch needs
Specifications
Storage: 8GB
Streaming: Spotify, YouTube offline, MP3
Battery: 11 hours GPS and music
Offline support: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Offline Spotify playback
+Stunning AMOLED display
+MP3 support
