Garmin Forerunner 245 Review – Check What It Can Offer

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Garmin Forerunner 245 comes with accurate GPS tracking, detailed fitness metrics, and impressive battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode. With smart features, performance insights, and reliable health tracking, it hits the sweet spot between functionality and affordability.

Table Of Contents hide
1 What Garmin Forerunner 245 Offer?
2 Pros & Cons
3 Comparison

What Garmin Forerunner 245 Offer?

  • The Garmin Forerunner 245 has built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support for delivering accurate location tracking during runs, walks, or rides, even in challenging environments.
  • Garmin Forerunner 245 has VO2 max estimation for helping gauge cardiovascular fitness and track improvements over time.
  • It has advanced training status and load insights for optimizing performance by showing how workouts affect your fitness level.
  • The Garmin Forerunner 245 has a wrist-based heart rate monitor that provides 24/7 heart rate tracking, stress levels, and calorie burn insights.
  • Garmin Forerunner 245 has a Pulse Ox sensor for measuring blood oxygen levels, sleep monitoring, and adjusting to altitude changes.
  • It has a 1.2-inch sunlight-readable display for clear, easy-to-read workout stats and data in bright outdoor conditions.
  • The Garmin Forerunner 245 has music storage (Music version) to allow listening playlists and podcasts without a phone.
  • Garmin Forerunner 245 has safety and incident detection features for sending real-time location alerts to emergency contacts during outdoor activities.

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Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Accurate multi-GNSS tracking (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo)

  • Advanced performance metrics (VO2 Max, Training Load, Recovery)

  • Lightweight and comfortable for daily wear

  • Long battery life

  • Optional music playback (Music edition)

  • Pulse Ox and sleep tracking

Cons
  • No built-in altimeter or barometer

  • Lacks touchscreen functionality

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Comparison

FeatureGarmin Forerunner 245Garmin Forerunner 255Garmin Venu Sq 2
Display Type1.2″ MIP, Always-On1.3″ MIP, Always-On1.41″ AMOLED
GPS SystemGPS/GLONASS/GalileoMulti-Band GPSGPS
Music StorageYesYesNo
Battery Life7 days / 24h GPS14 days / 30h GPS11 days / 26h GPS
Heart Rate & Pulse OxYesYesYes
Advanced MetricsYesYes + HRVLimited
NFC PaymentNoYesYes
Weight38.5g39g38g
PriceCheck 245 PriceCheck 255 PriceCheck Venu Sq 2 Price

FAQ

Is the Garmin Forerunner 245 compatible with iPhone and Android?
Yes, the Forerunner 245 works with both iPhone and Android via the Garmin Connect app for syncing health data, customizing settings, and receiving notifications.

Does the Garmin Forerunner 245 support music?
Yes, the Music edition of the Forerunner 245 supports up to 500 songs. You can sync playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, or load MP3s manually for phone-free listening.

How accurate is the GPS on the Forerunner 245?
The Forerunner 245 is very accurate, using GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites. It tracks routes and distances reliably, even in areas with tree cover or tall buildings.

Can I swim with the Garmin Forerunner 245?
Yes, it’s water-rated to 5 ATM, which means it’s suitable for swimming and showering, but not for diving or high-pressure water activities.

Does it track sleep and heart rate 24/7?
Yes, it offers continuous heart rate monitoring and tracks sleep stages (light, deep, and REM) along with sleep quality using pulse oximeter data.

Is there a touchscreen on the Garmin Forerunner 245?
No, it uses physical buttons for navigation. This makes it more reliable during workouts or in wet conditions, though it may feel less modern than touchscreen models.

Can I make phone calls or reply to texts from the Forerunner 245?
You can view call and message notifications, but you cannot answer calls or respond to texts directly from the watch unless you’re using Android with limited canned responses.

Does it have NFC for contactless payments?
No, the Forerunner 245 does not support Garmin Pay or NFC payments.

How long does the battery last?
You can expect up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and about 24 hours with continuous GPS use, which is excellent for regular training without frequent recharging.

Does the Garmin Forerunner 245 support interval training?
Yes, it includes customizable workouts, interval training, and pace alerts to support structured training plans.

Can I download apps on the Garmin Forerunner 245?
Yes, through Garmin Connect IQ, you can install custom watch faces, apps, widgets, and data fields to personalize your watch.

Does it have training plans built in?
Yes, you can sync free adaptive training plans like Garmin Coach for 5K, 10K, or half marathon races right to your watch.

Is the Garmin Forerunner 245 suitable for cycling or just running?
It supports multiple activity types including running, cycling, pool swimming, and strength training, making it versatile beyond just running.

How comfortable is it for all-day wear?
At only 38.5g with a slim design, it’s lightweight and unobtrusive, ideal for both workouts and daily wear.

Can I use it for hiking or trail running?
Yes, it’s suitable for trail running and hiking, although it lacks a built-in altimeter, so elevation data will be GPS-based and not as precise.

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