How To Listen To Music Running Without An Armband – Your Best Options

Do you want to listen to music while running but don’t have an armband? Do you not like how the armband feels and want to know what your options are?

Finding a way to listen to your favorite music without an armband can be tricky, especially if you have never done it before.

Well, that’s where I come swooping in to save the day! I’ll have you picking your favorite playlist of songs and ready to track your heart rate and activity levels in no time.

I have a list of your options below, so let’s dive straight in and get you focused on you’re running performance! 

How To Listen To Music While Running

Below I have the best ways you can listen to music while running without needing an armband. Some of these methods will require you to purchase additional equipment but don’t worry, you can find an affordable option! Let’s take a look at your options now. 

Use Wireless Headphones

Your first, and easiest option, is to use wireless headphones while you run, wired headphones work but can get snagged and be uncomfortable. These could be in-ear earphones, on-ear headphones, or over-the-ear headphones, whatever you feel most comfortable in.

These will be connected wirelessly to your phone through Bluetooth. 

Simply connect your headphones, select your favorite playlist, and you are good to go! Your phone does need to be within range of your headset for the connection to remain, so we recommend storing your phone in a zippable pocket on your jacket or running pants.

If you don’t have pockets, a little bag strapped to you can also work. 

Wireless headphones range in price, allowing you to find a pair for you no matter your budget. You will need to ensure they are charged before you head out on your run to avoid them dying mid-run, but most can be charged through a USB cable. 

If you are running on a treadmill, your headphones might have enough range for you to leave your phone in a locker.

That way, you don’t need to worry about storing your phone while you run. Another option is to place it on the shelf on the treadmill for easy access if you want to change songs or send a text. 

Be sure to look for headphones with sweat-proof coatings as sweat can damage the internal components of your headphones. Make sure you wipe them down regularly after use too. 

Use A Smartwatch

Perhaps the most expensive option is to use a smartwatch. You can find smartwatches that come with music playback and GPS!

Now you don’t need to use your bulky phone, or even take it with you if you don’t want to. Simply load your songs onto your watch, or sync them to your music streaming account.

Your watch will then play your music through a connection to headphones and track your run as you go. You might need wireless headphones connected to your watch via Bluetooth for this to work too.

You can find out what connection you need when you select your specific smartwatch, just be sure that it’s compatible with your phone! 

Apple’s smartwatch is an excellent option, just be sure to select the GPS version if you want to leave your phone at home. It comes in several versions with different sizes and a variety of colors.

Plus, they are water-resistant so you don’t need to worry about running in the rain! Their tracking is pretty accurate too and you can find them at a good price. 

The Garmin Forerunner 645 music is another popular choice! It has space for up to 500 songs, will track your run, and can even pay for goods in a store!

It’s a light watch too, so you won’t feel it on your wrist while you run. Again, connect your wireless headphones to the watch and you can leave your phone at home. 

To be safe while running, I recommend that you let someone know your planned route and track it through your watch if you are planning on leaving your phone at home. It’s better to be safe! 

Use A Music Device 

Do you still have an old iPod or MP3 player, now is the time to grab it! Sure, it won’t have GPS or tracking, but it will allow you to listen to your music while you run.

If you have a small iPod or MP3 player, these can be slipped into your pocket while you run, or you can invest in a clip that allows you to secure the device to your clothing. 

SanDisk’s Sansa is a small MP3 player that can be purchased with a clip, allowing you to secure it easily to your clothing.

The 8GB music player has plenty of space for your favorite songs and can be attached to you easily, so you don’t need to worry about your music while you run. 

For those that like to track your runs, this might not be the best option for you, but it’s one worth mentioning, especially if you just want to run and enjoy your favorite songs! 

Use A FlipBelt 

Another option is to use a FlipBelt. These come in a range of colors and look like a narrow tire. The belt is attached to your hips and will hold your phone and other essential items you need to take running.

It’s a great alternative to an armband, as your phone is within easy reach at all times! 

Plus, it’s bounce-free too, so you don’t need to worry about your phone or other items when they are stored inside.

The belt also won’t slip while you run, so you don’t need to worry about hiking it up or adjusting it. The belt runs true to size from XXS to XL, helping anyone to find the right size for them.

Plus it comes in a variety of colors so you are sure to find one that matches your running gear! 

The belt is comfortable and machine washable too, so you don’t need to worry about it starting to smell after a few sweaty runs.

It’s a great option for those that don’t want to run with a bag, have pockets, or are looking for a convenient place to store their phone. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable options we have looked at today!

Use A Bag 

I touched on this earlier, but if you don’t want an armband, you can take a bag running with you. This could be a small backpack you already have, a fanny pack, or a cross-body bag.

You don’t need to buy a new bag for this, anything small that you have at home will do! 

Simply store your phone and other items in your bag and head out on your run. We recommend a backpack or fanny pack as they cause the least disruption to your run. You don’t want a bag bumping against you while you run! 

It’s the additional movement that puts some people off running with a bag, but a slim backpack can work well. The only downside is that your phone and other items are out of reach.

You could wear the bag on your front, which would allow you to access your phone, keys, or other items if you need them. 

Grab Your Running Belt, Choose a Playlist, Play Your Music, and Start Running!

And there you have it, your best options for listento tunes while running without an armband! Whether you are using a smartwatch, MP3 device, a bag, or FitBelt, there is sure to be an option that suits you so you don’t have to worry.

Don’t forget to grab some sweat-resistant wireless headphones to increase your options and free yourself from wires while you run. You will never look back after doing so! 

Check your budget too, ensuring that you can afford your desired option before you make your purchase. 

Happy running!

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Garrett Jones

Hi, my name is Garrett Jones, and I am a tech enthusiast. I enjoy researching the new tech that has been released, and have a vast knowledge of the best tech to purchase.

From a young age, I have always had a big interest in technology, and this blog is an extension of that interest. Through this blog, I hope to provide others with all of the information they need regarding tech options to consider, and things such as compatibility. Some of the different items I will be discussing include headphones, smartwatches, and how to fix common issues.

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