Best 2023 Garmin Smartwatches for music controls

#1 Garmin Approach S70
4.5

Music controls are positively framed in limited evidence, with one reviewer calling music performance a strength.

Pros: display quality, value for money

Cons: charging convenience, smartphone notifications

#2 Garmin Vivoactive 5
4.5

Music controls were praised as a highlight in the smartwatch feature set.

Pros: value for money, GPS accuracy

Cons: sleep tracking accuracy, recovery insights

#3 Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)
4.2

Music controls received limited positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the music controls and player well integrated.

Pros: battery life, GPS accuracy

Cons: user interface, fit

#4 Garmin Venu 3
4.0

Music controls are functional, with playback controls for downloaded playlists covering the basics like pause, skip, and volume.

Pros: battery life, GPS accuracy

Cons: smartwatch features, smartphone notifications

#5 Garmin vivomove Trend
4.0

Music controls were useful in the one direct review because music could be controlled from the watch during workouts without leaving the workout screen.

Pros: style and design, charging convenience

Cons: battery life, charging speed

#6 Garmin fēnix 7X Pro
3.3

Music controls were mixed, ranging from good controls to complaints that Spotify/offline music feels less clean than Apple-style watches.

Pros: battery life, mapping and navigation

Cons: value for money, score tracking

#7 Garmin Forerunner 965
3.3

Music controls were adequate for basic use, but one reviewer noted playback issues when skipping or changing playlists.

Pros: battery life, GPS accuracy

Cons: smartwatch features, charging convenience