Key Takeaways
- Both the Garmin Approach S60 and S62 do not play music because they do not have built-in speakers or music storage capabilities so you will not be able to play music directly from these watches.
- Even though you cannot play music directly from the Garmin S62, you can still use the Garmin S62 to control the music played from your smartphone. This is because the Music Controls widget from the watch can control the audio playback on a smartphone via a Bluetooth connection.
- The S62 watch is a dedicated golf watch which means it will have limited storage capacity and will focus more on golf-related activities than fitness tracking during workouts.
- The Garmin Fenix 7, Garmin Vivoactive 4, and Apple Watch 8 are golf and fitness tracking watches that can play music because they come with a built-in speaker and four or more gigabytes of music storage.
- Garmin’s newest golf watch, the Garmin S70, has much more memory storage than the S62 so it can store a lot of your favorite songs but it has no speakers so you will have to listen to them with Bluetooth headphones. Read this article to learn how the Garmin Approach S70 compares to the Garmin S62: Garmin s62 vs s70 review.
I recently purchased the Garmin S62, one of the best golf GPS and fitness tracking watches on the market, because I love golf and it has many more golf features than the Garmin Fenix 7, Apple Watch 8, or Garmin Vivoactive 4 golf and fitness smartwatch. One question that kept popping up in my mind was whether it could play music because I love listening to music while playing golf.
After some research, I found out that the Garmin S62 does not have built-in speakers or the ability to play music directly from the watch itself.
The Garmin Approach S62 is the successor to the Garmin S60. If you perform a Garmin S62 vs S60 review or comparison, you will notice that the Garmin S62 has all of the features of the S60 along with additional ones such as club recommendations, a wind gauge, and a wrist-based heart rate monitor.
Does the Garmin S62 Play Music?
You won’t be able to play music on the Garmin S62 since it lacks a speaker, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite tunes. The Music Controls widget allows you to control the audio playback on your smartphone while connected via Bluetooth. This means you can use your watch to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and even play or pause a song that is being played on your phone.
The Music Controls widget is easy to access and use. Simply swipe up from the watch face until you find the widget, then tap on it to open up the controls. From there, you’ll be able to see what song is currently playing and adjust the settings as needed. This makes it easy to switch between songs or adjust the volume level without having to fumble with your phone.
While some people might be disappointed that they can’t directly play music on their Garmin S62, this feature actually has its benefits. By controlling music playback through your smartphone, you’re able to save battery life on your watch since only the smartphone is actively playing audio at any given time.
Does the Garmin S62 Have Music Storage Capabilities?
Unfortunately, the Garmin S62 does not have music storage capabilities. It only has 1GB of storage space, which is used for storing old scorecards, shot histories, and stats including greens in regulation and fairways hit but cannot be used for storing music or other media files. Also since it does not have a speaker you will not be able to hear any music coming from your watch from services like Spotify or Apple Music.
The primary focus of the Garmin S62 is to help you get accurate distance measurements to flagsticks, hazards, and other targets on the golf course and the secondary focus is to track your fitness activities and provide you with useful data during workouts. It also has all of the necessary sensors, such as GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer, and a heart rate monitor, to accurately track your workouts and monitor your health metrics.
Despite its lack of music storage capabilities, the Garmin S62 has many convenient features. It offers Garmin Pay contactless payments, which work with Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards, and smart notifications.
Product Specs:
- It features GPS tracking for accurate distance and location tracking
- It has heart rate monitoring technology
- Offers access to a few fitness apps
- Display: 1.3 inches
- Battery Life: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode; up to 10 hours in GPS mode with music
- Storage Capacity: 1GB
- Sensors: GPS/GLONASS/Galileo satellite reception; heart rate monitor; barometric altimeter; compass; gyroscope; accelerometer
Pros:
- Accurate tracking of fitness activities
- Long battery life in smartwatch mode
- Convenient features such as payments integration and smart notifications
- Heart rate monitoring technology
Cons:
- Compatible with a small number of fitness apps
- No storage capacity for music files
- No speaker for music playing capabilities
How to Listen to Music with the Garmin S62?
If you want to listen to your favorite tunes while using your Garmin S62, there’s only one way to do it. The first step is to add the Music Controls widget to your watch by going into settings and tapping on the Add Widgets menu item. Swipe up on the watch face till you see the Music Controls widget and tap on it to add the widget.
Once you have the Music Controls widget set up on your Garmin S62, you can use it to control music playback on your smartphone. You’ll need to have your smartphone connected via Bluetooth for this feature to work. To start playing music, simply open up the Spotify, Apple Music, or any other music app on your phone and select a song or playlist. Then, use the Music Controls widget on your Garmin S62 to play, pause, skip tracks, or adjust the volume.
The great thing about using the Garmin S62 as a remote control for music playback is that it allows for easy access without having to take out your phone from wherever it may be stored. Whether you’re running or working out at the gym, you can easily switch songs or turn up/down the volume with just a few taps of your finger on your watch screen.
Benefits of Listening to Music While Exercising
Feeling unmotivated during your workout? As someone who’s been exercising while listening to music for years, I can attest to its benefits.
One benefit of listening to music while exercising is that when you’re focused on a great song, you’re less likely to notice how tired your legs are or how heavy the weights feel in your hands which will help you maintain intensity throughout your workout and even allow you to go harder.
Also when I listen to upbeat music, it increases my heart rate and blood flow which helps me hit the ball with more power and run a little faster. It also puts me in a better mood because it releases endorphins – chemicals in my brain that make me happier.
Songs to Listen to While You Are Exercising
When it comes to working out, having the right music can make all the difference. It can keep your energy levels high enough to fight through the fatigue.
So, what are some of the best songs to listen to while exercising?
If you’re running or doing cardio, fast-paced songs with a strong beat are great for keeping your pace up. Some examples include ‘Can’t Hold Us’ by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis or ‘Lose Control’ by Missy Elliott.
On the other hand, if you’re lifting weights or doing strength training, slower songs with a good rhythm can help you focus and maintain control during each rep. Some great options include ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor or ‘The Power’ by Snap.
Best Golf and Fitness Tracking Watches with Music Storage Capabilities
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect golf and fitness tracking watch with music storage capabilities. After looking at the specs for some of the many golf and fitness watches online, I’ve narrowed it down to three top contenders: the Garmin Fenix 7, Garmin Vivoactive 4, and Apple Watch 8.
Garmin Fenix 7
You’ll love the Garmin Fenix 7’s music storage capacity of up to 2,000 songs, allowing you to jog without your phone weighing you down like a ball and chain. It has a rugged case material made of fiber-reinforced polymer and a metal rear cover that can handle rough conditions while hiking or mountaineering.
The Fenix 7 has an always-on 1.3-inch display and a super long battery life of 18 days in smartwatch mode and an amazing 57 hours in GPS mode. It also includes real-time stamina tracking, training status, advanced performance metrics, and over thirty built-in sports apps.
In addition to its impressive physical training features, the Fenix 7 also offers health and wellness monitoring with wrist-based heart rate tracking, Pulse Ox (not available in all countries), stress tracking, and enhanced sleep tracking. It also has built-in sensors for the 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter as well as multi-GNSS satellite systems (GPS/GLONASS/Galileo) for outdoor navigation.
With preloaded maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts worldwide as well as access to TopoActive maps for any region of your choice, this watch is perfect for exploring new territories while staying on course.
Product Specs:
- Music storage capacity: 16GB of music storage or up to 2,000 songs
- Battery Life: Up to 18 days in smartwatch mode; Up to 57 hours in GPS mode; Up to 40 days in Expedition mode
- Health & Wellness Monitoring: Wrist-based heart rate tracking; Pulse Ox (not available in all countries); Stress Tracking; Enhanced Sleep Tracking
- Outdoor Navigation: Built-in sensors for the compass/gyroscope/barometric altimeter; Multi-GNSS satellite systems support
- Preloaded Maps: Thousands of golf courses/ski resorts worldwide
Pros:
- Impressive music storage capacity
- Durable and rugged design
- Long battery life
- Advanced fitness tracking features
- Health & wellness monitoring capabilities
- Built-in sensors for outdoor navigation
- Preloaded maps for golf courses and ski resorts
Cons:
- Expensive pricing
Garmin Vivoactive 4
As someone who enjoys listening to music while working out, one of my main concerns when looking for a smartwatch is whether it can play music. The good news is that the Garmin Vivoactive 4 has you covered in this department.
With the ability to download up to 500 songs onto your watch, including playlists from popular music streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music (with a premium subscription), you can leave your phone behind and still have access to your favorite tunes. And with wireless headphones (sold separately), you can enjoy phone-free listening during your workouts.
But the Garmin Vivoactive 4 isn’t just a music player – it also offers a wide range of features to help track your health and fitness goals. From monitoring your energy levels and stress levels to tracking your menstrual cycle and estimated heart rate, this watch goes above and beyond basic fitness tracking. And with preloaded GPS apps for over 20 different sports, including yoga, running, swimming, and more, you’ll never run out of ways to stay active.
Product Specs:
- Music storage capacity: 4GB of music storage or up to 500 songs
- Battery life: up to 8 days in smartwatch mode; up to 6 hours in GPS + music mode
- Water rating: swim-friendly design with water resistance up to 50 meters
- Display size: 1.3 inches
- Weight: 50.5 g
Pros:
- Ability to download up to 500 songs onto watch for phone-free listening
- Wide range of health tracking features beyond basic fitness tracking
- Preloaded GPS apps for over 20 different sports
Cons:
- Shorter battery life than the Garmin Fenix 7 in all modes
Apple Watch 8
The Apple Watch 8 boasts advanced health and safety features, a powerful fitness partner, and access to thousands of apps. It also has the ability to stay connected with your iPhone or Wi-Fi. With temperature sensing, deep insights into women’s health, blood oxygen monitoring, ECG capabilities, sleep stage tracking, and more, the Apple Watch 8 is truly a game-changer in terms of health monitoring.
The Always-On Retina display makes it easy to read important information at a glance without having to constantly raise your wrist. The enhanced Workout app offers new ways to train and provides advanced metrics for more detailed workout performance analysis. The watch also comes with three months of Apple Fitness+ for free.
With access to tens of thousands of apps on the App Store right from your wrist, you can easily find apps that suit your needs whether it be productivity tools or entertainment options. And with Siri integration and the ability to send texts or make calls directly from the watch itself, staying connected has never been easier.
Product Specs:
- Music storage capacity: 8GB of music storage for the 32GB model or up to 2,000 songs
- Battery life: up to 18 hours of battery life
- Bright Always-On Retina display
- Temperature sensing feature for women’s health
- Blood oxygen monitoring capabilities
- ECG anytime feature for heart rate analysis
- Sleep stage tracking
- Enhanced Workout app with advanced metrics
- Access to tens of thousands of apps on the App Store
- Siri integration
- Ability to send texts/make calls directly from watch
Pros:
- Advanced health monitoring features
- Easy-to-read Always-On Retina display
- Enhanced Workout app with detailed metrics
- Tens of thousands of apps available on App Store
- Siri integration
Cons:
- Price may be prohibitive for some users
How to Securely Hold Your Phone
If you’re someone who’s always on the go, an armband or zippered pocket can be a lifesaver for securely holding your phone while staying active.
I like using an armband because it keeps my phone within easy reach. It’s important to choose an armband that fits your style of phone and is sweatproof to ensure that it stays secure and functions properly during your exercise routine. Loop the armband around either of your upper arms, making sure the slot for your phone is face-up, and secure it in place with the straps.
Alternatively, if you don’t like carrying anything on your arms while exercising, wearing shorts or pants with a zippered pocket is another great way to keep your phone safe and secure. The zippered pocket will prevent your phone from sliding out even during high-intensity workouts.
Look for workout clothes that are specifically designed with pockets or search online for running belts or waistbands that feature pockets to hold phones.
Alternative Options for Playing Music While Exercising
Now that we’ve covered how to securely hold your phone while exercising, next we will look at alternative options for playing music. As someone who enjoys running outdoors, I know firsthand the importance of having a reliable and convenient way to listen to music during exercise.
One option is to invest in an MP3 player that clips onto your shirt or waistband. This allows for hands-free listening and eliminates the need for a bulky phone armband or pocket.
The Open Ear Bone Conduction Wireless Earphones have a built-in 32G memory MP3 player, allowing you to store over 5,000 songs directly on the headset without needing a separate device.
Unlike traditional earbuds, which block out external noise completely, open-ear headphones allow you to hear ambient sounds such as traffic or other people approaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the battery life of the Garmin S62 when playing music?
I’ve been using the Garmin S62 for a few months now and I have been thoroughly impressed with its battery life. While I haven’t used the music feature much, I can’t speak to its impact on battery life. In general use, the watch can last up to 14 days on a single charge depending on usage. If you’re frequently using GPS or other power-intensive features, the battery life will decrease. But for everyday use and occasional workouts with GPS tracking enabled, the battery life is more than sufficient.
Can you stream music on the Garmin S62?
No, you cannot stream music on the Garmin S62. It does not have a built-in music player that allows you to connect to your favorite streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer. These apps are not compatible with the Garmin S62. If you want to use these apps with your watch, you will have to buy the Garmin S70, Garmin Fenix 7, or Garmin Vivoactive 4.
