10 Best Gps Running Watch With Music 2026 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) is a solid choice for runners who want more than just basic tracking. It has built-in GPS that helps accurately track your runs, paired with a lightweight and snug design that stays comfortable during exercise. The watch runs on Wear OS and offers 32GB of storage, so you can store and play music directly from your wrist without needing your phone nearby — great for music lovers who want to focus on their workout. Battery life is improved and reliable for daily use, though it may need daily charging if you use GPS and music playback extensively.

Heart rate monitoring is advanced and works alongside features like sleep coaching and a running coach that provides real-time feedback and training plans. While water resistance details aren’t explicitly listed here, Samsung watches typically handle sweat and rain well, making it suitable for outdoor runs. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, ensuring easy pairing with your phone and headphones. The user interface has been improved for easier navigation, and the watch includes a personal AI assistant that helps manage tasks hands-free.

Durability and build quality are good, with a sleek, thin design that doesn’t feel bulky on the wrist. This watch is best suited for users who want a mix of fitness features plus smart capabilities, rather than a purely rugged sports watch. If you value a stylish look, music on the go, and smart coaching features along with reliable GPS, the Galaxy Watch 8 balances these well.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a solid choice for runners looking for an easy-to-use GPS watch that also stores and plays music. Its built-in GPS combined with wrist-based heart rate monitoring offers reliable tracking for pace, distance, and fitness metrics. The colorful AMOLED touchscreen display is bright and clear, while physical buttons add intuitive control even during workouts. This watch stands out with convenient music features, allowing you to download playlists from popular services like Spotify and listen without needing your phone.

Battery life is respectable, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and about 19 hours with GPS active, which should support most training sessions and races. Water resistance to 50 meters means it can handle sweat, rain, and swimming. It also includes helpful safety features like incident detection and live location sharing when paired with a smartphone. Connectivity is broad, supporting both Android and iOS devices, Bluetooth headphones, and Garmin Pay for contactless payments. The lightweight design and durable fiber-reinforced polymer case provide comfort and resilience during runs.

A minor drawback is the screen resolution (240 x 204), which while adequate, is not the sharpest compared to some higher-end models. Additionally, music streaming requires a subscription to supported services, and some advanced training metrics may be overwhelming for beginners. This watch balances important running and music capabilities with user-friendly features, making it well suited for runners who want motivation and convenience on their wrist without complicated setups.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a versatile running smartwatch that fits well for fitness enthusiasts. With built-in GPS, it accurately tracks your pace and distance, making it a reliable companion for outdoor activities. One of its standout features is the brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display, which is complemented by traditional button controls, ensuring ease of use even during intense workouts. The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, which is important for long training sessions. Its heart rate monitoring is quite reliable and provides insightful data on your performance and recovery.

The battery life is impressive, offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode, so you won't need to charge it frequently. Garmin Forerunner 165 also supports music storage and playback, allowing you to leave your phone at home and enjoy your favorite tunes on the go. It has 4 GB of memory, sufficient for storing a decent amount of music. In terms of water resistance, it is built to withstand sweat and rain, but it might not be the best option for swimming. Connectivity is seamless, thanks to Bluetooth, and it is compatible with both Android and Apple smartphones.

Additionally, you can receive smart notifications, making it convenient to stay connected without having to check your phone constantly. The safety and tracking features, such as incident detection and Assistance, add an extra layer of security during your runs. Garmin Pay is another handy feature that lets you make contactless payments. The Garmin Connect app integrates well with the watch, providing a comprehensive overview of your health and fitness data. The 4 GB of storage might be a limitation if you plan to store a large amount of music. While the touchscreen is bright and responsive, some users might prefer larger screen sizes for easier readability. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a robust option for runners seeking a reliable GPS watch with music capabilities and extensive fitness tracking features.