In this article, we cover how to pick the best music devices for running so you can get more from your next workout and leave that phone at home.
If you’ve ever been stuck without your phone, MP3 player, or another music-playing device while working out, then you know all too well how much this can affect your performance.
In fact, scientific studies have even proven that listening to music during a workout can increase endurance, boost energy levels, and even distract from pain.
Still, not all music devices are created equal. And if you’re a runner, you need a device that’s durable enough to withstand this high-impact exercise while remaining compact and lightweight.
Not sure where to begin when it comes to choosing the best music device for your run? We’ve got a handful of recommendations for you to consider, as well as some tips for making the right selection.
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Top 5 Best Music Devices for Running
1. Mighty Vibe
If you’re looking for something compact that won’t weigh you down while you’re running, the Mighty Vibe is an excellent choice. This tiny device can be easily clipped onto your waistband or collar, so there’s no need for a special carrier (or even pockets on your running gear).
Meanwhile, the Might Vibe is both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® enabled, so you can easily connect to your favorite wireless headphones. If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi on your runs, no worries; this little device can also store several hours’ worth of music or podcasts.
2. Sony Walkman NW-WS623
If you prefer to avoid the hassle of lugging around a separate music player altogether, you might instead want to check out the Sony Walkman NW-WS623. These wireless headphones serve an innovative dual purpose; they can store hours of music, podcasts, or audiobooks so there is no need to carry a separate device!
These headphones are also great for runners because they’re extremely sweatproof and waterproof. This means you can continue listening to your favorite music even if you get caught in a downpour mid-run.
Likewise, the battery life on these headphones is excellent; they can be charged in just a matter of minutes and will hold a charge for up to 12 hours.
And while you have the option of pairing these headphones to your smartphone, you can also upload files directly to the headphones themselves if you prefer to leave your smartphone at home for a lighter run.
3. Apple Watch
Shopping for a wearable music player with plenty of other useful features? You can’t go wrong with an Apple Watch. Specifically, the Apple Watch Series 5 seems to be a popular option among runners.
With this watch, you can seamlessly load your favorite music or podcasts from your phone before you head out on your run. And with built-in wireless, you’ll also have access to your full music library.
The Apple Watch also offers some other useful features to help you get the most out of your runs, such as GPS tracking, a heart-rate monitor, and much more.
4. H20 Audio Stream
Shopping for a completely waterproof music player? The H20 Audio Stream is designed for swimmers, but it’s also a great option for runners who sweat a lot or find themselves caught in the rain on occasion.
Specifically, this MP3 player comes with 8GB of onboard memory, which is enough to store about 2,000 songs. It also boasts the highest possible waterproof rating (IPX8, to be precise) and supports just about any music or audio file you could imagine.
The H20 Audio Stream is lightweight and you can easily pair it with any smartphone. It even comes with a convenient snap-clip for easy and secure attachment to your waistband or collar.
5. Garmin 245 Music
We’ve tested this running watch extensively here at Fitter Habits. It’s a great choice if you want to hit the road or the trails and leave your phone at home. Basically, it syncs with your preferred Spotify or Deezer playlist over Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you can upload music directly to the device via iTunes. Podcasts also sync via Spotify or iTunes.
Once on the road, you don’t need internet access to listen to this music, it’s a button-click away. The only downside is the price of this rather expensive running watch and the impact listening to music has on its battery. It drops from over 24 hours to less than 7. You control music on the device via a side-button rather than a touchscreen.
Considerations for Choosing a Music Device for Running
Any of these music devices can be a great companion to your daily running workouts. However, there are some specific considerations to keep in mind as you come to a decision.
Start by thinking about whether you prefer to leave your smartphone at home or bring it with you on your runs. If you’d like to start leaving your phone at home, then you’ll want to select a device that has on-board music storage rather than relying on a Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi connection to access your music library from your phone.
You’ll also want to consider how important it is for you to have a water-resistant or even waterproof music player. This may vary depending on how much you tend to sweat during your workouts or what kinds of weather conditions you’re comfortable running in.
The Final Word on Best Music Devices for Running
Consider the act of carrying said music device. Are you okay with one you need to keep in your pocket or clip to your clothing, or do you prefer something wearable (like an Apple Watch). With some research, you can select the music device that best suits your needs and budget as a runner!
