12 Best Garmin Watches With Music Storage In 2024(No Phone Needed)

You’re searching for the best Garmin watches with music storage for 2024, and you’ve got fantastic options—the Venu® 3 charms with its sleek design and built-in speaker. The vívoactive® 5 keeps you connected and active, while the epix™ (Gen 2) adjusts to your body clock.

For solar-powered longevity, the fēnix® 7 won’t disappoint. For those who count every beat and step, the Forerunner® 165 Music stores up to 500 songs. And for fitness enthusiasts, the Garmin MARQ Athlete offers elite features. Choosing the right one will elevate your workouts and your fitness journey. Let’s explore what sets them apart.

Venu® 3

Offering built-in music storage, the Garmin Venu® 3 is a top choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want their tunes on the go without carrying extra devices. You’ll appreciate its lightweight design, weighing only 27g (40g with band), making it comfortable for all-day wear.

The Venu® 3 and its variant, the Venu® 3S, both feature a sleek slate stainless steel bezel with a black case and a silicone band, offering not only functionality but also style. With a display size designed for clear visibility, you won’t miss a beat, whether you’re tracking your fitness goals or receiving alerts for weight shifts.

Its built-in speaker and microphone enhance its utility, ensuring you’re always connected, even without your phone.

Best For: Fitness enthusiasts who value style, connectivity, and comprehensive health tracking in a single device.

Pros:

• Built-in music storage allows for phone-free workouts.
• Lightweight design with a comfortable fit for all-day wear.
• Advanced health monitoring features, including heart rate sensor and sleep tracking.

Cons:

• May be considered pricey for those on a budget.

vívoactive® 5

For those in need of a fitness companion that not only tracks energy levels but also allows for music storage, the vívoactive® 5 stands out with its built-in GPS and energy monitoring features. It’s a fitness smartwatch designed to cater to a wide audience, including wheelchair users with its unique weight shift alerts.

With a plethora of sports apps and workouts included, it’s tailored for those who lead an active lifestyle. Compatibility isn’t an issue, as it syncs with both iPhone and Android smartphones, supports contactless payments, and fits wrists between 125-190mm comfortably. Weighing just 23g (36g with the included band), it’s incredibly lightweight.

Plus, with additional accessories and app functionalities available for purchase, you can enhance your fitness journey even further.

Best For: Individuals leading an active lifestyle seeking a versatile fitness smartwatch with unique features for wheelchair users.

Pros:

• Includes GPS and energy monitoring for comprehensive fitness tracking.
• Offers weight shift alerts specifically designed for wheelchair users.
• Supports contactless payments and is compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones.

Cons:

• Warranty details are not specified, which may concern some users.

epix™ (Gen 2)

If you’re a passionate traveler, the epix™ (Gen 2) with its unique feature to track body clock adjustments makes it the perfect Garmin watch for keeping pace with your journeys.

Beyond helping you adapt to new time zones, it’s packed with 24/7 health and connectivity features. You can monitor your heart rate, Pulse Ox, stress, and even get alerts on abnormal oxygen levels.

The watch doesn’t just monitor your physical health; it provides essential energy monitoring insights, showing how sleep, stress, and daily activities impact your energy levels. Plus, with PacePro guidance, your runs are more intelligent, not harder.

And for those who never want to miss a beat, it supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments. Whether you’re exploring a new city or keeping up with your health and payments, this watch is your dependable companion.

Best For: Travelers and fitness enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive health and connectivity tool to keep pace with their active lifestyle.

Pros:

• Offers a wide range of health monitoring features including heart rate, Pulse Ox, and stress levels, ensuring a holistic view of one’s physical well-being.
• Supports Garmin Pay for convenient contactless payments, making it easier to manage transactions on the go.
• Features advanced guidance for activities like running and skiing, enhancing workout efficiency and enjoyment.

Cons:

• The large physical size (47 x 47 x 14.6mm) and weight (70 g) may not be comfortable for all users, especially those with smaller wrists.

fēnix® 7

Athletes seeking a multisport GPS smartwatch that doubles as a personal music library will find the Garmin fēnix 7 Series to be an exceptional choice. With features like wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox monitoring, and VO2 Max measurement, you’re equipped to track your fitness with precision.

The solar charging lens extends battery life, ensuring you’re always ready to go. The fēnix 7 isn’t just about exploring; it’s about moving through your environment with ease, thanks to compatibility with various maps and updated movement tools.

Whether you’re running trails or swimming laps, the bright AMOLED display and various sensors keep you informed. Plus, with different case sizes and editions like Pro Solar and Sapphire Solar, there’s a fēnix 7 that fits your style and needs perfectly.

Best For: Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a high-performance, versatile GPS smartwatch with advanced health and fitness tracking features.

Pros:

• Long battery life enhanced by solar charging capabilities, minimizing the need for frequent recharges.
• Comprehensive health tracking including wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox, VO2 Max, and energy monitoring for a detailed wellness overview.
• Robust navigation and mapping features, compatible with various global maps for different activities, ensuring reliable guidance in diverse environments.

Cons:

• Premium price point may be a barrier for some users looking for a more budget-friendly smartwatch option.

Forerunner® 165 Music

Runners looking for a high-tech companion will find the Forerunner® 165 Music, with its ability to store up to 500 songs, an ideal match for their workout needs. This GPS running watch not only keeps your favorite tunes close but also impresses with a bright touchscreen display. You won’t be charging it daily either; it offers up to 11 days of battery life.

Explore detailed training metrics and adaptive plans, enhancing your runs. Plus, it’s easy to pair with Bluetooth headphones for phone-free listening. With a design that fits most wrists and a lightweight build, you’ll barely notice it’s there, except for the powerful technology at your fingertips, including Garmin Pay and exclusive Garmin Technology, making it a standout choice for runners who love music.

Best For: Runners who seek a technologically advanced watch that allows for music storage, long battery life, and detailed training insights.

Pros:

• Allows for storage of up to 500 songs, facilitating phone-free listening with Bluetooth headphone connectivity.
• Offers a long battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, extending to 20 days in Battery Saver mode.
• Provides detailed training metrics, adaptive training plans, and features like Garmin Pay and Garmin Technology for a comprehensive running experience.

Cons:

• The device may be considered pricey for those on a tight budget.

Forerunner® 265

For those looking for a versatile running watch that also functions as a music player, the Garmin Forerunner 265‘s AMOLED touchscreen display and long battery life make it an ideal choice. You’ll appreciate the training metrics and phone-free music, especially with up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.

It’s available in various colors with silicone bands, fitting wrists between 115-178 mm. The Forerunner 265, weighing just 39 grams, offers a comfortable fit without compromising functionality. You’ll enjoy features like heart rate variability (HRV) status, weather updates, and Garmin Pay. Plus, its multi-band GPS guarantees accurate activity tracking.

Priced at $449.99, it ships within 1-3 business days, offering a great value for its features.

Best For: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive running and multisport smartwatch with advanced health and music features.

Pros:

• Long battery life of up to 15 days in smartwatch mode allows for extended use without frequent charging.
• Multi-band GPS provides highly accurate tracking for outdoor activities.
• Garmin Pay enables convenient, contactless payments right from your wrist.

Cons:

• Priced at $449.99, it may be considered expensive for budget-conscious consumers.

Forerunner® 965

Looking for a premium running smartwatch that lets you store and play music directly from your wrist? The Garmin Forerunner 965 could be your perfect match. It’s not just about music; this smartwatch comes with a touchscreen AMOLED display, making your interactions smooth and vivid.

You won’t be charging it every day either, as it boasts up to 23 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Navigation’s a breeze with built-in maps and handy buttons, designed to fit wrists measuring 135-205 mm. And at a lightweight 53g, it’s as if it’s barely there.

The display is just the right size for viewing maps and notifications, ensuring you’re always in the loop and on track.

Best For: Athletes and runners looking for a high-end smartwatch with extensive battery life and navigational features.

Pros:

• Premium touchscreen AMOLED display for vivid interactions.
• Impressive battery life of up to 23 days in smartwatch mode.
• Built-in maps and easy navigation buttons for seamless outdoor activities.

Cons:

• Relatively large physical size may not suit all wrist sizes.

MARQ® Athlete (Gen 2)

If you’re an athlete seeking a smartwatch that not only tracks your performance with precision but also lets you enjoy music storage, the Garmin MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) is your ideal match.

This modern tool watch comes equipped with multi-band GNSS and SatIQ technology, ensuring unparalleled positioning accuracy during your workouts. It doesn’t stop at tracking; you’ll enjoy top-grade health monitoring, including HRV status and stamina tracking, all viewable on a bright AMOLED display.

The Grade-5 titanium design isn’t just about looks; it’s about durability, making it perfect for any sporting challenge. Plus, with Garmin Pay and access to the Connect IQ Store, you’ve got convenience on your wrist.

Whether you’re mapping out your next trail with TopoActive maps or keeping an eye on your health stats, this watch is designed to elevate your athletic pursuits while keeping you entertained with your favorite tunes.

Best For: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking for a high-end smartwatch that combines precision tracking with rugged durability and advanced health and music features.

Pros:

• Multi-band GNSS and SatIQ technology ensure accurate location tracking during diverse activities.
• Advanced health monitoring, including HRV and stamina tracking, on a high-quality AMOLED display.
• Grade-5 titanium design offers exceptional durability, paired with convenient features like Garmin Pay and music storage.

Cons:

• High price point may be a barrier for some potential users.

Venu® Sq 2 – Music Edition

Boasting an impressive up to 11 days of battery life, the Venu® Sq 2 – Music Edition is your ideal companion if you’re passionate about combining fitness tracking with on-the-go music storage.

This smartwatch doesn’t just play your favorite tunes; it’s a thorough health and fitness monitor. You’ll have your heart rate, sleep quality, and even blood oxygen levels tracked accurately, offering insights to enhance your overall health.

Its sleek design, weighing just 38.0 g, fits comfortably on wrists sized 125-190 mm, making it perfect for all-day wear. With Garmin Pay, you can make contactless payments effortlessly, and its compatibility with both Apple and Android devices makes sure you’re connected wherever you go.

The Venu® Sq 2 – Music Edition isn’t just a smartwatch; it’s a health companion that keeps your favorite playlists close at hand.

Best For: Individuals seeking a lightweight, all-in-one fitness smartwatch to monitor their health metrics and enjoy music on the go.

Pros:

• Offers a broad range of health and fitness tracking features including heart rate, sleep quality, and blood oxygen levels.
• Supports Garmin Pay for convenient, contactless payments.
• Compatible with both Apple and Android devices, ensuring wide connectivity options.

Cons:

• Battery life might be insufficient for those who use the music playback feature extensively.

Enduro™ 2

For endurance athletes seeking unmatched durability and long battery life, the Garmin Enduro 2 is the ideal choice. As the latest model in the Garmin Enduro series, it’s designed specifically with your high-intensity lifestyle in mind.

You’ll find its long battery life indispensable for those extended training sessions or races, ensuring you’re always on track without constant recharges. Its robust construction stands up to the toughest conditions, meaning you won’t have to worry about wear and tear no matter where your adventures take you.

Additionally, the Enduro 2 comes packed with advanced features for performance tracking, helping you analyze and improve your endurance activities with precision. It’s the ultimate tool for athletes who refuse to compromise on performance and reliability.

Best For: Endurance athletes seeking a durable smartwatch with long battery life and advanced performance tracking features.

Pros:

• Long battery life suitable for extended training sessions and races
• Robust construction withstands tough conditions and rigorous use
• Advanced features for detailed performance tracking and analysis

Cons:

• May be more expensive than other models due to advanced features

Forerunner® 255S Music

Ideal for runners seeking high-quality motivation, the Forerunner® 255S Music offers GPS-based pace guidance and the ability to store your favorite tracks directly on the watch. It’s got a heart rate sensor that’s excellent, tracking everything from your pulse to your energy levels throughout the day.

You can even monitor how well you’re sleeping and your respiration, with all this data easily accessible via the Garmin Connect app. And don’t worry about missing important notifications; it syncs with your smartphone and even lets you respond to texts if you’re using an Android.

Plus, with its durable Gorilla Glass 3 and a comfortable fit for most wrists, it’s designed to keep up with your active lifestyle.

Best For: Runners and athletes looking for a comprehensive fitness tracker that offers music storage, advanced health monitoring, and smart connectivity.

Pros:

• Offers detailed health monitoring including heart rate variability, Pulse Ox, and sleep tracking.
• Supports music storage directly on the device for phone-free workouts.
• Durable design with Gorilla Glass 3 and water resistance, suitable for all types of physical activities.

Cons:

• High initial cost, although currently available at a discounted price.

Forerunner® 245 Music

If you’re an enthusiastic runner looking to track detailed metrics while enjoying your favorite tunes, the Forerunner® 245 Music is an outstanding choice, capable of storing up to 500 songs.

It’s not just about the music; this watch measures essential running metrics like cadence and stride length, ensuring you’re always on top of your performance. Plus, with heart rate monitoring, even underwater, and oxygen absorption tracking, particularly during sleep, it’s a thorough health and fitness tool.

The 245 Music goes beyond basics with safety features like incident detection and location sharing, keeping you safe on your runs. And with Garmin Pay, you’ll enjoy the convenience of making purchases with your watch.

It’s a perfect blend of entertainment, health tracking, and safety features, all wrapped up in a device that fits comfortably on your wrist.

Best For: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive activity tracker that combines music, health monitoring, and safety features.

Pros:

• Measures advanced running metrics and tracks heart rate even underwater, offering a detailed analysis of fitness and health.
• Includes unique features like menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking, catering to a wide range of health monitoring needs.
• Supports music storage and streaming, providing entertainment during workouts without needing an additional device.

Cons:

• Limited to 500 songs for music storage, which might not be enough for users with extensive playlists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Any of the Listed Garmin Watches With Music Storage Be Directly Connected to Wireless Headphones Without Needing a Smartphone Intermediary?

Yes, you can directly connect your Garmin watch with music storage to wireless headphones without needing a smartphone. Simply pair your headphones through the watch’s Bluetooth settings to enjoy your music on the go.

Are There Any Unique, Music-Related Features or Apps Exclusive to Certain Models in the 2024 Lineup That Aren’t Found on Other Garmin Watches?

Yes, some models offer unique music-related features and apps not available on other Garmin watches. You’ll find exclusive streaming service apps and enhanced audio equalizer settings to customize your listening experience on select watches.

How Do the Music Storage Capacities Compare Across the Different Models Listed for 2024, and Are There Any Significant Limitations to Be Aware Of?

You’ll find varying music storage capacities across models, with some offering more space for your tunes. Be mindful of potential limitations, such as file type restrictions, which could impact your music listening experience.

Is It Possible to Stream Music Directly From Online Platforms Like Spotify or Apple Music on Any of These Garmin Watches Without Having to Download the Tracks First?

Yes, you can stream music directly from platforms like Spotify or Apple Music on some Garmin watches. You don’t need to download tracks first, making it convenient to enjoy your playlists on the go.

For Those Who Frequently Engage in Water Sports or Activities, Which Models From the 2024 Lineup Offer Waterproof Capabilities That Also Protect the Music Storage and Playback Functionality?

If you’re a fan of water activities, you’ll want a Garmin that’s waterproof and keeps your tunes secure. Look for models specifically tailored for swimmers or triathletes; they’ll guarantee your music plays on, no matter the splash.

Conclusion

In 2024, finding the perfect Garmin watch with music storage to fit your lifestyle and workout needs has never been easier.

Whether you’re drawn to the sleek design of the Venu® 3, the robust features of the fēnix® 7, or the endurance-focused Enduro™ 2, there’s a match for everyone.

With options ranging from the versatile vívoactive® 5 to the specialized Forerunner® series, you’re sure to find a companion that not only tracks your progress but also plays your favorite tunes on the go.