The 10 Best Workout Music Players (2023)
There’s something magical about listening to great music while you sweat it out in the gym. It has the power to transport you to another world of focus, motivation, and pure determination. Whether you’re hitting the weights, going for a run, or practicing yoga, the right music can take your workout to the next level.
From their sleek and compact designs to their robust features, these devices will help you stay in the zone and push through your limits. They are equipped with high-quality sound systems to ensure that every beat and rhythm is delivered with clarity and intensity. Features like wireless connectivity, water resistance, and multi-format compatibility allow you to enjoy your workout with music without any hassle.
My top-pick music player is the Mighty Vibe Spotify and Amazon Music Player. With its Bluetooth and wired headphone capabilities, 1,000+ song storage, and no phone needed, it offers convenience and versatility for music lovers.
As the budget pick, I recommend AGPTEK G02 due to its great value-for-price ratio, clip-on design, one-click shuffle function, 8GB internal memory, long battery life, and portable design.
So, get ready to take your workouts to a whole new level with the perfect soundtrack. Let’s dive into the top 10 best workout music players and discover the benefits they have to offer.
Contents
- The Best Workout Music Players (2023) – At a Glance
- 1. Mighty Vibe Spotify and Amazon Music Player
- 2. AGPTEK G02
- 3. iPod Touch
- 4. Aiworth Mp3 Player
- 5. H2O Audio Stream 3 and Surge S+ Earbuds
- 6. Sony Walkman NW-WS413
- 7. AGPTEK A02 MP3 Player
- 8. SanDisk Clip Sport Plus
- 9. EVIDA Mp3 Player
- 10. Surfans F20 HiFi
- Buyers Guide
- FAQs
- Conclusion
The Best Workout Music Players (2023) – At a Glance
Now let’s move on to the full list:
1. Mighty Vibe Spotify and Amazon Music Player
Mighty Vibe Spotify and Amazon Music Player doesn’t stick to the norm of always needing to be online in this tech-heavy world. Its ability to play Spotify and Amazon Music offline means you can listen to your favorite tunes and podcasts without needing the internet. Just sync your music over Wi-Fi, and you can enjoy it without having to stay connected to the digital world.
What I really like about the Mighty Vibe is that it doesn’t need a smartphone, giving you true freedom to listen to your audio. I love how it eliminates the need for a screen or internet, serving as a standalone device for your music. Whether you’re working out, out for a walk, or traveling, just press a button, and you can listen to your music.
On the cons part, you find the connection performance. Apparently, the device can have some annoying issues connecting to other devices, often taking too long. The automatic re-connection feature isn’t as great as it sounds because of these issues.
Besides that minor issues, its portable design, offline playback feature for Spotify and Amazon Music, user-friendly controls, good sound quality, and wide compatibility with Bluetooth headphones and speakers make this music player one of the best choices as a workout music player.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Offline playback feature for Spotify and Amazon Music
- No need for data or Wi-Fi for playback
- Automatic update feature for playlists through the Stay Fresh feature
- User-friendly and intuitive to use
- Durable and kid-friendly with a screenless design
- Good sound quality
- Wide compatibility with Bluetooth headphones and speakers
- Decent battery life
Cons
- Requires a premium Spotify account
Specs
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
- Memory Storage Capacity: 8 GB
- Color: Black
- Battery Life: 5+ Hours,
- Buttons: Power, shuffle, song fwd/back, volume up/down, playlist selector (with spoken playlist names)
- Media Type: SDHC
- Supported Standards: Spotify and Amazon Music
- Included: Charger, Quick Start Guide (headset not included)
2. AGPTEK G02
AGPTEK G02 is an affordable yet versatile MP3 player with a clip-on design that’s great for people who love adventure. From my research, the standout feature is its long battery life, which users love. It lasts for two 8-hour shifts or a full 12-hour work day non-stop, playing your favorite tunes the whole time.
Plus, its clever clip means it attaches securely to your clothes or bag. It’s perfect for hiking trips or gym workouts. It also has a sweatproof silicone case. This player is designed to fit your active lifestyle, making sure nothing interrupts your groove.
Furthermore, the design is highly lightweight and portable, making the small gadget impressively powerful. It is a great iPod Shuffle alternative, in my opinion, as it can deliver such great sound despite its small size.
On the negative part, the durability is not the best. You should be careful when using the device not to break or drop it. Plus, the buttons, especially the turn-on button, are a bit hard to use.
As a serious music lover, good storage is a must. This player doesn’t disappoint, providing 8GB of internal memory. It’s like having a mini music library you can take with you. You can store a wide range of tracks and listen to your favorite songs whenever you want. With so much storage, you won’t run out of music anytime soon.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Clip-on design
- Long-lasting 160mAh rechargeable battery
- 8GB internal memory capacity
- Decent sound quality
- Supports MP3, WMA, and WAV music formats
- Equipped with an FM Radio
- Good value for money
- Comes with sweatproof silicone case
Cons
- Not the most user-friendly control panel.
- No earphones included in the package
Specs
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Memory Storage Capacity: 8 GB
- Color: Blue
- Battery Life: 10 Hours
- Buttons: Power, shuffle-mode switcher, song fwd/back, volume up/down
- Media Type: MP3, WMA, WAV, FM Radio
- Included: Micro USB Cable, Sweatproof Silicone Case, User’s Manual
3. iPod Touch
iPod Touch is a great portable music player for storing a ton of music, taking your favorite tunes, workout hits, or travel playlists with you everywhere. It’s like having a personal music festival right in your pocket, which I, as a music fan, love. It is actually more than a music player but a smart device.
Thanks to the powerful A10 Fusion chip, this device can speedily handle a host of tasks. From intense gaming to displaying advanced digital scenarios, this small gadget is surprising in what it can do. Add to that its ability to provide immersive augmented reality experiences, and you’ve got a tech-savvy powerhouse.
One thing I really like about this product is FaceTime. Kids are particularly fond of it. You can share precious moments with faraway friends from the comfort of your own home, bringing them closer through the small 4-inch retina display. Combined with its stylish design, this feature enhances the user experience.
However, the product’s battery life isn’t great, with some reportedly only lasting about 2 hours. Also, it is larger than other portable music players, as it almost has the size of a smartphone, making it hard to use for some exercises like running.
If you are after a smart device-style music player with great sound, and highly versatile features, iPod Touch is extremely hard-to-beat.
Pros
- Great for first-time users
- High storage capacity
- Works well for music storage
- Displays crisp, vivid visuals
- Offers augmented reality experiences
- Facilitates group FaceTime calls
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Smart device features
- Highly versatile
Cons
- Short battery life
- Bulky design might not be the best for some exercises
- Pricey
Specs
- Connectivity Technology: USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
- Color: Blue
- Battery Life: 3 Hours
- Buttons: Main Button, Screen On-Off, Volume Up-Down, and touchscreen
- Media Type: MP4, MP3
- Included: Charge cable, Headphones
4. Aiworth Mp3 Player
Aiworth Mp3 Player features a slim and sleek design, allowing for high portability and ease of use. Its aesthetic beauty, thanks to 2.5D dual-sided acrylic glass and a strong metal frame, is matched by its resilience.
This MP3 player, with its huge 32GB built-in memory holding around 5000 songs, offers enjoyable musical company. Plus, it has a slot for a TF card to add up to 128GB more. You can always have your favorite tunes at hand, making this the perfect travel accessory.
Beyond playing music, this MP3 player also has FM Radio, voice recording, and even e-book viewing functions – all displayed on a large 2.4-inch screen for easier menu option selection.
But I found the control panel and the buttons lacking in user-friendliness. It uses a quick dial UI design meant to make navigating music genres and audiobooks a breeze.
What caught my attention was the long-lasting battery life, backed by power-saving Bluetooth 5.0. The sound quality is also top-notch, providing crystal-clear melodies for an exceptional audio journey.
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.0 for faster data transfer and stable connections
- Good sound quality
- Supports a variety of audio formats
- Large, built-in 32GB memory, expandable up to 128GB
- Compact and stylish design
- Easy-to-use interface with a 2.4-inch screen
- Versatile, plays music, e-books, FM radio, and allows recording
Cons
- Bluetooth connectivity might decrease battery life
- No touchscreen
- Not the best control panel
Specs
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Memory Storage Capacity: 32 GB
- Color: Black
- Battery Life: 8 Hours
- Buttons: Menu, Back, song fwd/back, volume up/down, play-stop, A-B selector, Rec, Power
- Media Type: MP4, MP3, APE, FLAC, WMA, WAV, OGG
- Included: Charge cable, earphones
5. H2O Audio Stream 3 and Surge S+ Earbuds
H2O Audio Stream 3 and Surge S+ Earbuds handle sweat from hot runs and even 12-foot deep submersion, providing continuous music during any kind of exercise, including swimming. The small device can play various audio formats, and the Bluetooth feature allows you to listen to music from popular streaming sites, and it can hold up to 2000 songs in its 8GB storage.
With its adaptability, the player offers fantastic performance. It features great sound quality, multiple ear tips for a good fit, 8 hours of playback time, Bluetooth connectivity, and extra features to make your life easier.
The only complaint about the device goes around its durability. The product is slightly fragile, so you have to be careful not to drop it. Also, the earbuds included in the package do not provide the highest-quality sound. So, you might want to change them.
In short, H2O Audio Stream 3 is a great music player if you are looking for a waterproof device for your exercise sessions.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Multiple ear tips provided for good fit
- Syncs easily with Apple music library
- Good for indoor swimming laps
- Waterproof and sweatproof, ideal for athletes
- Good battery life
Cons
- Not the best sound quality from the earbuds
- Difficulty in switching songs due to small buttons
- No USB power supply cable in the package
Specs
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth mode to connect to smartphones
- Memory Storage Capacity: 8 GB
- Color: Black-Blue
- Battery Life: 8 Hours
- Buttons: Shuffle, Bluetooth, Song fwd/back, Volume up/down, Play-Stop
- Media Type: -Apple iTunes music (.m4a), MP3, WMA, FLAC, APE
- Included: Charge cable, earphones
- Waterproof Range: 12ft – 3.6m
6. Sony Walkman NW-WS413
Sony Walkman NW-WS413 blends ease of use and comfort beautifully, boasting an ultra-light design. With their lightweight special design, they secure easily in the ear, providing total freedom. Their design clearly takes into account the needs of active users, as they are highly secure and comfortable.
A highlight for me is their water resistance, making them ideal for sports lovers. They are designed to withstand sweat, dust, and even water. Whether you hit the gym hard or swim a lot, these headphones can endure both salt and freshwater up to two meters deep, increasing their suitability for all sports and exercise pursuits.
Though, I was let down by their durability and sound quality. The headphones were not particularly robust, and many were unimpressed with the sound, especially the bass.
However, they do come with a 4GB audio storage capacity, keeping your cherished music and playlists easily accessible. The 12-hour battery life deserves praise, reinforcing these headphones as your go-to for daily activities. What’s more, USB compatibility simplifies music transfer, and charging is straightforward. In summary, they offer a blend of features that will appeal based on individual needs.
Pros
- Designed for both land and water activities
- Comfortable ergonomic design with a secure fit
- Easy to operate and user-friendly
- Sweat-proof and water-resistant
- 4GB internal memory
- Salt and fresh water resistant up to two meters deep
- 12 hours of battery life
- Ambient sound mode allows for awareness of external sounds while listening
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Not the best bass response
- Not compatible with Apple devices, making music uploading cumbersome
Specs
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Memory Storage Capacity: 4 GB
- Color: Dark Gray
- Battery Life: 12 Hours
- Media Type: MP3, WMA, AAC-LC, and L-PCM
- Included: USB charge cable, two sets of earbuds
- Waterproof Range: 6.6′ – 2 m
7. AGPTEK A02 MP3 Player
AGPTEK A02 MP3 Player is a small, portable gadget with excellent sound quality and an impressive 70 hours of battery life. It can play many types of audio files, from MP3 to FLAC, and is handy for everyday tasks like going to the gym or traveling by car. It’s light and fits easily in your pocket or can link to your car’s audio system.
Its built-in storage can hold up to 2000 songs. But the exciting feature is that you can expand the storage using a Micro SD card of up to 128 GB – so you’ll never run out of music! It’s more than just a music player too. It can also work as an FM radio, voice recorder, and even an e-Book reader.
This device comes in a range of colors, from blue and black to rose gold. Despite its popularity, I did find that the interface could be tricky for some users, which might affect how easy it is to use. But on the bright side, the battery life is excellent, and it lasts longer than similar products on the market.
Overall, it is a great music player for the price, with amazing battery life, decent sound quality, intuitive design, and acceptable durability.
Pros
- Long battery life, up to 70 hours.
- Lightweight and portable
- Classic button design makes it user-friendly
- Built-in 8GB memory capacity
- Supports a variety of audio formats
- Can work perfectly with cars via AUX port.
- Affordable and provides good value for money
Cons
- Not the best quality charging cable
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- No independent volume control
- Not the best working interface and control buttons
Specs
- Connectivity Technology: USB, Aux
- Memory Storage Capacity: 8 GB
- Color: Blue, Black, Red, Rose
- Buttons: Bluetooth-Menu, song fwd/back, volume, play-stop
- Battery Life: 70 Hours
- Media Type: MP3, WMA, OGG, WAV, APE, FLAC, AAC-LC, ACELP, FM radio, and e-book
- Included: USB Type-C cable
8. SanDisk Clip Sport Plus
SanDisk Clip Sport Plus competently fulfills your needs with its durable and water-resistant clip-on design, 20 hours of battery life, 16 GB capacity, Bluetooth connectivity, and affordable price tag. It allows you to carry 6000 songs in your pocket, be it death metal, Debussy, hip-hop, or any other genre. With various models like the Clip Sport Plus, Clip Sport Go, and Clip Jam, it gives shoppers plenty of options.
Another nice surprise is this device’s water resistance. It can smoothly handle a few splashes, making it great for gym sessions or unexpected rain showers. Although it’s been criticized for its average build, especially the clip, it’s marketed as a durable product designed to support your fitness regimen.
While Bluetooth connectivity does not have the largest range, it works ok in short distances. Despite that, its long battery life – topping off at 20 hours on a single charge – is highly recommended. Though there are concerns over build quality and Bluetooth reliability, this device pledges to keep you entertained for longer than you have stamina.
Pros
- Water-resistant and durable
- Lightweight clip-on design
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 16 GB storage capacity
- Good sound quality
- Built-in FM radio
- Easy to operate with a straightforward interface.
- Compatibility with both WMA and MP3 formats.
Cons
- Not the best Bluetooth connection
- Does not have a memory card slot
Specs
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Memory Storage Capacity: 16 GB
- Color: Blue, Black, Red
- Buttons: Menu, song fwd/back, volume up-down, play-stop, back
- Battery Life: 20 Hours (with wired headphones)
- Media Type: MP3, WMA (no DRM), AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WAV, FLAC, Audible (DRM only), FM Radio
- Included: USB 2.0 transfer cable, Wired earphones, Quick start guide
9. EVIDA Mp3 Player
EVIDA Mp3 Player offers an improved music experience with the most recent Bluetooth 5.2 tech. It provides a strong, reliable connection with your Bluetooth devices like earbuds and speakers. Plus, the feature-packed device offers a large storage capacity of 64 GB as well as 25 hours of battery life.
Impressively, this gadget is perfect for music lovers, boasting a whopping 64GB storage space – enough for over 10,000 tunes. This means you can carry around a mini-concert in your pocket, ready to enjoy whenever you want!
Furthermore, its superb sound quality also caught my attention, as many customers praised its exceptional audio output. Thanks to the top-grade standalone DAC audio decoding chip, this player delivers everything from crisp, clear highs to warm, rich mids and deep, powerful bass. It feels like you’ve got a personal, high-quality audio setup that delivers live-performance sound anywhere.
Pros
- Stronger and faster signal with Bluetooth 5.2
- 64 GB storage capacity
- 25 hours of continuous play.
- DAC-independent professional audio decoding chip
- Convenient and faster music downloading with supplied card reader
- Extra features like voice recorder, E-book, A-B repeat, and alarm.
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Not the easiest music player to control
- Screen not always bright enough for daylight
- Not compatible with iTunes
Specs
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Memory Storage Capacity: 64 GB
- Color: Black
- Buttons: 4-way navigation buttons, Menu, Back, Volume Up-Down, Screen Turn On-Off, Touchscreen
- Battery Life: 25 Hours
- Media Type: MP3, WMA (no DRM), AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WAV, FLAC, Audible (DRM only), FM Radio
- Included: Type-c cable, Earphones, Card reader, Card removal tool, User manual
- Extra Features: Voice recorder, E-book, and alarm function
10. Surfans F20 HiFi
The Surfans F20 is a Bluetooth MP3 player that delivers outstanding audio quality and supports high-resolution music formats. It has a balanced performance of bass, alto, and treble, providing a rich and detailed sound experience. With its DSD playback feature, it offers natural sound with intense detail.
The F20 features 2-way Bluetooth transmission, allowing you to connect with Bluetooth headphones or speakers or use it as a receiver amp to connect with your smartphone wirelessly.
The device comes with a 32 GB memory card and supports memory cards up to 256 GB. Furthermore, it has 10 hours of battery life, which is great for any exercise session.
Plus, it has a solid and sturdy construction, though it is not dust or water-resistant. Also, the control wheel can get stuck sometimes, so you will have to clean the device regularly.
Finally, it is a user-friendly device with its basic navigation buttons and 2.0″ HD screen, offering you a pretty intuitive user experience. Although it is a pricey music player, if you want high-quality audio for your exercise sessions, Surfans F20 HiFi is a great choice.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Durable and high-quality build
- Good battery life
- Capable of playing High-Resolution audio formats
- Customizable equalizer
- 2-way Bluetooth 4.0 transmission
- Expandable storage up to 256GB, with a 32GB flash card included.
- Compact size and physical buttons
Cons
- Pricey
- The wheel control can become stuck
- Not dust or water-resistant
Specs
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Memory Storage Capacity: 32 GB
- Color: Gray
- Buttons: Navigation wheel, Menu, Back, Volume Up-Down, Song Forward-Back,
- Battery Life: 10 Hours
- Media Type: FLAC, WAV, WMA, M4A, MP3, MP2, AAC, APE, ALAC, OGG, AIFF, DFF, Native DSD64 (2.8MHz) DSD 128(5.6 MHz), etc
- Included: User Manual, USB Cable, 32GB Memory Card
Buyers Guide
Key Features to Look for in a Workout Music Player
When choosing a workout music player, the features to consider are audio quality, durability, battery life, storage capacity, and ease of use. Some extra features like size and water resistance are also great to have in your music players.
- Sound Quality: The player should have excellent audio quality to ensure the best music experience during workouts.
- Durability: Workout music players should be durable enough to withstand knocks and sweat or water-resistant if used during high-intensity workouts or swimming.
- Battery Life: Longer battery life means less charging and more continuous music playing during long workout sessions.
- Storage Capacity: It should have enough storage space to hold a decent collection of music tracks according to the user’s preference.
- Ease of Use: The device should have easily navigable menus and controls that can be used while on the go.
- Extra Features: Features like water resistance, a compact design, and a wide range of connectivity options are also great bonuses.
The Importance of Water-Resistance and Durability
Water-Resistance and durability are paramount for workout music players, as they directly affect their lifespan and functionality. Whether you’re running in the rain or sweating in the gym, your player should be resilient enough to survive these effects.
Understanding Your Connectivity Needs: Bluetooth vs Wired
With Bluetooth-enabled players, you have a wireless experience, which is more convenient when working out than wired alternatives. That being said, wired connections tend to offer better sound quality.
FAQs
What is a Workout Music Player?
Workout music players are portable devices or apps that allow users to listen to their favorite songs while exercising. They are designed to be lightweight and sweat-resistant, with features like clip-on designs, Bluetooth connectivity, and long battery life, making them suitable for workouts.
How much storage capacity do I need in a workout music player?
The ideal storage capacity depends on your music library size and whether you prefer to have multiple playlists. For a large music collection, opt for a player with at least 16GB of storage, while 8GB may suffice for smaller collections. On average, 8GB storage means around 2000 songs.
Can I use wireless headphones with a workout music player?
Yes, many workout music players are compatible with Bluetooth technology, allowing you to connect wireless headphones for a hassle-free workout experience without tangled wires. If you go for a music player with Bluetooth connectivity, that means you can use it with wireless headphones or speakers.
Are workout music players compatible with streaming services?
Not all workout music players support streaming services, as many are designed for offline playback. However, some advanced models, like the iPod Touch, have Wi-Fi connectivity which allows streaming from services like Spotify or Apple Music.
Conclusion
Music players are great tools for exercising, as they are more compact and durable compared to smart devices. Here I have selected some of the best music players you can find today for different needs and budgets.
My main recommended music player is the Mighty Vibe Spotify and Amazon Music Player, as it comes with many great features like Bluetooth and wired headphone capabilities, 1,000+ song storage, long battery life, and good audio quality.
As an affordable option, I recommend AGPTEK G02, a highly cost-effective music player that features a clip-on design, a one-click shuffle function, 8GB internal memory, and long battery life.
