10 Best Running Music Player 2026 in the United States

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed specifically for active users like runners, thanks to their secure-fit earhooks that stay put during intense movement. They offer a very impressive battery life—up to 45 hours total with the charging case and 10 hours on a single charge—meaning you can go days without recharging, which is great for long-term use. The earbuds are sweat and water resistant (IPX4), so they can handle tough workouts and rainy conditions. One standout feature is the real-time heart rate monitoring built right into the earbuds, which is handy for tracking your fitness without extra devices. The earbuds are also lightweight (around 8.7 grams each) and come with five different ear tip sizes, offering a comfortable and personalized fit that won’t feel bulky during runs.

In terms of sound, they provide active noise cancelling tailored for gym and workout environments, plus Transparency mode so you can stay aware of your surroundings when needed. Connectivity is solid with Class 1 Bluetooth, ensuring stable wireless connection and compatibility with both Apple and Android devices, including hands-free voice controls and quick device switching. However, these earbuds don’t have built-in music storage, so you need to stream music from a phone or another device, which might be a drawback if you prefer to run without carrying extra gear. The charging case supports wireless Qi charging, but the USB-C charging cable is sold separately, which is something to keep in mind.

Though the earbuds are moderately sized, their lightweight design and flexible earhooks help keep them comfortable even on long runs. These earbuds represent a strong choice for runners who want reliable battery life, fitness tracking, and workout-focused sound features, but they may be less ideal for those seeking standalone music playback.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a lightweight and user-friendly running smartwatch designed to support your workouts while letting you enjoy music without your phone. It features a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen that’s easy to navigate, combined with traditional buttons for quick control, which helps usability in different conditions. With up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 19 hours when using GPS, it offers lasting performance for long training sessions or multi-day use.

The 4GB of storage allows you to download playlists from popular music services like Spotify and Amazon Music, so you can run without carrying your phone. At just 1.38 ounces, it’s comfortable to wear without feeling bulky, which is great for runners. Connectivity is strong, offering Bluetooth for headphones and your smartphone, plus Garmin Pay for contactless payments on the go.

It also provides useful training features such as personalized workout suggestions, recovery insights, and safety options like incident detection. While the watch is sturdy enough for regular runs, it may not be as rugged as specialized outdoor watches if you plan to use it in extreme conditions. Additionally, some features like incident alerts require a connected smartphone with network coverage. This watch suits runners who want a balanced combination of music, training support, and smart features in a compact, stylish package.

The SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro is a great choice if you’re looking for headphones that work for running and swimming thanks to their waterproof design and versatile music options. They use bone conduction technology so your ears stay open to hear your surroundings, which is safer for outdoor activities. The headphones hold up well in water with an IP68 rating, meaning you can fully submerge them—perfect for swimmers wanting to listen without a phone. Battery life is solid at 9 hours, and a quick 10-minute charge gives you 3 hours of playback, which should be plenty for most workouts.

You can store up to 8,000 songs directly on the device in MP3 mode, beneficial for phone-free listening when swimming or running. On land, Bluetooth streaming is smooth but only works outside the water, so switching modes is necessary. With a lightweight, slim design weighing just 42.5 grams, they’re comfortable and stable during intense exercises and fit well with swim caps or helmets. The controls are simple, using buttons or the Shokz App, though there's no noise cancellation, which might affect sound clarity in very noisy environments.

If you want durable, waterproof headphones that offer flexibility and safety for running and swimming, the OpenSwim Pro is a strong option. Keep in mind that Bluetooth won’t operate underwater, and the open-ear design means some ambient noise will always be heard.