The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is the feature-packed GPS running watch that does everything most runners needmdashand then some. Garmin's newest watch tracks your daily miles using GPS, GLONASS or Galileo satellite systems it has a built-in heart rate monitor to keep tabs on how hard you're pushing and it has a waterproof rating of 5 ATM, which means it's good down to 50 meters. The new Foreunner 245 Music refreshes the outgoing Forerunner 235 by adding new features and improving on some old ones. One of the biggest additions to the 245 is Garmin's Running Awareness features that let you share your location with a list of contacts so you can stay safe (or just let them track you during a race). You can also sync the watch with your smartphone to get text, email and other notifications right on your wrist. Designers also improved the Bluetooth capabilities, tacked on a Wi-Fi connection, gave it space to hold up to 500 songs and added more training metrics to help you run and recover smarter. (The base Garmin Forerunner 245 does everything the Music version does, but without Wi-Fi or storage for tunes.) In a review of the Garmin Forerunner 245, our tester loved how comfortable the watch is and how easy it is to keep track of daily and weekly mileage. She used it during training for a 100-mile race, and the ample battery life kept her running through 80-mile training weeks. The upgrades make the lightweight, low-profile running watch an ideal partner for your training.
The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is the feature-packed GPS running watch that does everything most runners needmdashand then some. Garmin's newest watch tracks your daily miles using GPS, GLONASS or Galileo satellite systems it has a built-in heart rate monitor to keep tabs on how hard you're pushing and it has a waterproof rating of 5 ATM, which means it's good down to 50 meters. The new Foreunner 245 Music refreshes the outgoing Forerunner 235 by adding new features and improving on some old ones. One of the biggest additions to the 245 is Garmin's Running Awareness features that let you share your location with a list of contacts so you can stay safe (or just let them track you during a race). You can also sync the watch with your smartphone to get text, email and other notifications right on your wrist. Designers also improved the Bluetooth capabilities, tacked on a Wi-Fi connection, gave it space to hold up to 500 songs and added more training metrics to help you run and recover smarter. (The base Garmin Forerunner 245 does everything the Music version does, but without Wi-Fi or storage for tunes.) In a review of the Garmin Forerunner 245, our tester loved how comfortable the watch is and how easy it is to keep track of daily and weekly mileage. She used it during training for a 100-mile race, and the ample battery life kept her running through 80-mile training weeks. The upgrades make the lightweight, low-profile running watch an ideal partner for your training.
The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is the feature-packed GPS running watch that does everything most runners needmdashand then some. Garmin's newest watch tracks your daily miles using GPS, GLONASS or Galileo satellite systems it has a built-in heart rate monitor to keep tabs on how hard you're pushing and it has a waterproof rating of 5 ATM, which means it's good down to 50 meters. The new Foreunner 245 Music refreshes the outgoing Forerunner 235 by adding new features and improving on some old ones. One of the biggest additions to the 245 is Garmin's Running Awareness features that let you share your location with a list of contacts so you can stay safe (or just let them track you during a race). You can also sync the watch with your smartphone to get text, email and other notifications right on your wrist. Designers also improved the Bluetooth capabilities, tacked on a Wi-Fi connection, gave it space to hold up to 500 songs and added more training metrics to help you run and recover smarter. (The base Garmin Forerunner 245 does everything the Music version does, but without Wi-Fi or storage for tunes.) In a review of the Garmin Forerunner 245, our tester loved how comfortable the watch is and how easy it is to keep track of daily and weekly mileage. She used it during training for a 100-mile race, and the ample battery life kept her running through 80-mile training weeks. The upgrades make the lightweight, low-profile running watch an ideal partner for your training.
The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is the feature-packed GPS running watch that does everything most runners needmdashand then some. Garmin's newest watch tracks your daily miles using GPS, GLONASS or Galileo satellite systems it has a built-in heart rate monitor to keep tabs on how hard you're pushing and it has a waterproof rating of 5 ATM, which means it's good down to 50 meters. The new Foreunner 245 Music refreshes the outgoing Forerunner 235 by adding new features and improving on some old ones. One of the biggest additions to the 245 is Garmin's Running Awareness features that let you share your location with a list of contacts so you can stay safe (or just let them track you during a race). You can also sync the watch with your smartphone to get text, email and other notifications right on your wrist. Designers also improved the Bluetooth capabilities, tacked on a Wi-Fi connection, gave it space to hold up to 500 songs and added more training metrics to help you run and recover smarter. (The base Garmin Forerunner 245 does everything the Music version does, but without Wi-Fi or storage for tunes.) In a review of the Garmin Forerunner 245, our tester loved how comfortable the watch is and how easy it is to keep track of daily and weekly mileage. She used it during training for a 100-mile race, and the ample battery life kept her running through 80-mile training weeks. The upgrades make the lightweight, low-profile running watch an ideal partner for your training.
Last updated at 07/18/2026 18:00:37
Garmin [International Model] Forerunner 245 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music and Advanced Dynamics, Black
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Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Gps Running Watch White Smartwatch Tested
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Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Gps Running Watch White Smartwatch Tested
Delivery $10.80
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Gps Running Watch Black Blue Smartwatch
Delivery $10.80
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Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Gps Running Watch Black Smartwatch Tested
Delivery $10.80
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Gps Running Watch Black Smartwatch Tested
Delivery $10.80
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Gps Running Watch Black Smartwatch Tested
Delivery $10.80
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Black Plastic Case Black Band Strap GPS Watch -...
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Garmin Forerunner 245 Music GPS Running Watch - Black
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Garmin Forerunner 245 Music GPS Running Watch - Black
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
originally posted on REI
I was coming from Samsung S3 Frontier and was time fir an upgrade. Had the following requirements: 1) connect to a chest bt heart rate monitor and headphones 2) seamless transfer of data with strava 3) on board music storage 4) operate without the phone including gps and music and 5) navigation of a course.One of the few times where I didn’t have to compromise on anything. Took about an hour to learn the watch, get some music on board and headed out for a run. Today I did a 50 mile ride so can report back.Navigation when you load up a course from Strava is awesome.Bluetooth connections with my Polar H10 and AirPods was easy and very stable.GPS tracking looks very accurate. Pace and other info collected on two activities lines up well with data collected ... MoreI was coming from Samsung S3 Frontier and was time fir an upgrade. Had the following requirements: 1) connect to a chest bt heart rate monitor and headphones 2) seamless transfer of data with strava 3) on board music storage 4) operate without the phone including gps and music and 5) navigation of a course.One of the few times where I didn’t have to compromise on anything. Took about an hour to learn the watch, get some music on board and headed out for a run. Today I did a 50 mile ride so can report back.Navigation when you load up a course from Strava is awesome.Bluetooth connections with my Polar H10 and AirPods was easy and very stable.GPS tracking looks very accurate. Pace and other info collected on two activities lines up well with data collected using Strava app on iPhone on same courses.Navigation of the phone is a little different from what I’m used so will take some time. It makes sense just lots to remember on how to get to things.It should be noted this for activity tracking first and foremost. It gets notifications but they disappear from the main screen and its not the focus. Want a smart watch that is an okay tracker, get something with wear os.Regarding battery, my ride this morning was 3:30 and had the bt going for my polar and used course navigation. Fully charged when I left and down to 82% when I got home. I can work with that.Garmin makes lots of models so need to decide what features you want. Courses and Music were my criteria which is why I went with the forerunner line.
originally posted on runningroom.com
Upgraded from the Vivo 3. Considered the Forerunner 745 as well but for the price tag this Forerunner 245 with music was a better price; especially since I can have my music with me.The Vivo 3 had a touch screen, so navigating with the buttons on the ForeRunner took a little bit to get used to. But the Forerunner 245 with music is easy to navigate.The face front is easy to read in all weather, including bright sunlight. Some claim the watch to be a bit chunky, but I have small wrists and I do not find it any bigger than my old Vivo3.When connecting to the Garmin Connect app the process was fairly straightforward; however, about a week after adding the Forerunner as a new device, I had to get a new mobile. When syncing the watch for the first time I had some ... MoreUpgraded from the Vivo 3. Considered the Forerunner 745 as well but for the price tag this Forerunner 245 with music was a better price; especially since I can have my music with me.The Vivo 3 had a touch screen, so navigating with the buttons on the ForeRunner took a little bit to get used to. But the Forerunner 245 with music is easy to navigate.The face front is easy to read in all weather, including bright sunlight. Some claim the watch to be a bit chunky, but I have small wrists and I do not find it any bigger than my old Vivo3.When connecting to the Garmin Connect app the process was fairly straightforward; however, about a week after adding the Forerunner as a new device, I had to get a new mobile. When syncing the watch for the first time I had some difficulty. I needed to delete the device and re- install on the app. This isn't well known so take note. The biggest selling point for me was how long the battery lasts. The Vivo 3 might last 3 days fully charged. The Forerunner 245 with music 7 days!!The watch gives all the stats I want from a sportwatch, I use this watch mainly for running. And for my everyday watch. Very impressed and very pleased. 5 stars for me
originally posted on REI
This watch is awesome. It might be a more 'entry level' Garmin device, but its feature set has made me extremely happy over the last 2 years. The software has been updated over time. The Garmin Connect software allows you to easily create different 'workouts' so you can get specific heart rate zone monitors while running, or even strength training workouts while lifting. They even supply pre-made workouts if you don't want to create your own.Battery life is great, I charge this maybe twice a week (after constant use with gps tracking runs, walks etc). It's much more battery friendly than the apple watch.Wrist band is great. Doesn't hold sweat, easy to clean, easy to dry. And you can find tons of replacements of every color online to match your running ... MoreThis watch is awesome. It might be a more 'entry level' Garmin device, but its feature set has made me extremely happy over the last 2 years. The software has been updated over time. The Garmin Connect software allows you to easily create different 'workouts' so you can get specific heart rate zone monitors while running, or even strength training workouts while lifting. They even supply pre-made workouts if you don't want to create your own.Battery life is great, I charge this maybe twice a week (after constant use with gps tracking runs, walks etc). It's much more battery friendly than the apple watch.Wrist band is great. Doesn't hold sweat, easy to clean, easy to dry. And you can find tons of replacements of every color online to match your running shoes.I've gone from not wearing a watch to feeling naked without it. The timer on it is also extremely quick and easy to use for cooking. This thing is just an all around quality tool.
| General | |
| Product Type | Smart watch |
| Activity / Sport | Running, swimming, ski, cycling |
| Tracking Data | Distance, time, speed, heart rate (with optional heart rate sensor), heart rate |
| Wearing Style | Watch style |
Garmin [International Model] Forerunner 245 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music and Advanced Dynamics, Black
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Gps Running Watch White Smartwatch Tested
Delivery $10.80
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Gps Running Watch White Smartwatch Tested
Delivery $10.80
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Gps Running Watch Black Blue Smartwatch
Delivery $10.80
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Gps Running Watch Black Smartwatch Tested
Delivery $10.80
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
I was coming from Samsung S3 Frontier and was time fir an upgrade. Had the following requirements: 1) connect to a chest bt heart rate monitor and headphones 2) seamless transfer of data with strava 3) on board music storage 4) operate without the phone including gps and music and 5) navigation of a course.One of the few times where I didn’t have to compromise on anything. Took about an hour to learn the watch, get some music on board and headed out for a run. Today I did a 50 mile ride so can report back.Navigation when you load up a course from Strava is awesome.Bluetooth connections with my Polar H10 and AirPods was easy and very stable.GPS tracking looks very accurate. Pace and other info collected on two activities lines up well with data collected ... MoreI was coming from Samsung S3 Frontier and was time fir an upgrade. Had the following requirements: 1) connect to a chest bt heart rate monitor and headphones 2) seamless transfer of data with strava 3) on board music storage 4) operate without the phone including gps and music and 5) navigation of a course.One of the few times where I didn’t have to compromise on anything. Took about an hour to learn the watch, get some music on board and headed out for a run. Today I did a 50 mile ride so can report back.Navigation when you load up a course from Strava is awesome.Bluetooth connections with my Polar H10 and AirPods was easy and very stable.GPS tracking looks very accurate. Pace and other info collected on two activities lines up well with data collected using Strava app on iPhone on same courses.Navigation of the phone is a little different from what I’m used so will take some time. It makes sense just lots to remember on how to get to things.It should be noted this for activity tracking first and foremost. It gets notifications but they disappear from the main screen and its not the focus. Want a smart watch that is an okay tracker, get something with wear os.Regarding battery, my ride this morning was 3:30 and had the bt going for my polar and used course navigation. Fully charged when I left and down to 82% when I got home. I can work with that.Garmin makes lots of models so need to decide what features you want. Courses and Music were my criteria which is why I went with the forerunner line.
Upgraded from the Vivo 3. Considered the Forerunner 745 as well but for the price tag this Forerunner 245 with music was a better price; especially since I can have my music with me.The Vivo 3 had a touch screen, so navigating with the buttons on the ForeRunner took a little bit to get used to. But the Forerunner 245 with music is easy to navigate.The face front is easy to read in all weather, including bright sunlight. Some claim the watch to be a bit chunky, but I have small wrists and I do not find it any bigger than my old Vivo3.When connecting to the Garmin Connect app the process was fairly straightforward; however, about a week after adding the Forerunner as a new device, I had to get a new mobile. When syncing the watch for the first time I had some ... MoreUpgraded from the Vivo 3. Considered the Forerunner 745 as well but for the price tag this Forerunner 245 with music was a better price; especially since I can have my music with me.The Vivo 3 had a touch screen, so navigating with the buttons on the ForeRunner took a little bit to get used to. But the Forerunner 245 with music is easy to navigate.The face front is easy to read in all weather, including bright sunlight. Some claim the watch to be a bit chunky, but I have small wrists and I do not find it any bigger than my old Vivo3.When connecting to the Garmin Connect app the process was fairly straightforward; however, about a week after adding the Forerunner as a new device, I had to get a new mobile. When syncing the watch for the first time I had some difficulty. I needed to delete the device and re- install on the app. This isn't well known so take note. The biggest selling point for me was how long the battery lasts. The Vivo 3 might last 3 days fully charged. The Forerunner 245 with music 7 days!!The watch gives all the stats I want from a sportwatch, I use this watch mainly for running. And for my everyday watch. Very impressed and very pleased. 5 stars for me
This watch is awesome. It might be a more 'entry level' Garmin device, but its feature set has made me extremely happy over the last 2 years. The software has been updated over time. The Garmin Connect software allows you to easily create different 'workouts' so you can get specific heart rate zone monitors while running, or even strength training workouts while lifting. They even supply pre-made workouts if you don't want to create your own.Battery life is great, I charge this maybe twice a week (after constant use with gps tracking runs, walks etc). It's much more battery friendly than the apple watch.Wrist band is great. Doesn't hold sweat, easy to clean, easy to dry. And you can find tons of replacements of every color online to match your running ... MoreThis watch is awesome. It might be a more 'entry level' Garmin device, but its feature set has made me extremely happy over the last 2 years. The software has been updated over time. The Garmin Connect software allows you to easily create different 'workouts' so you can get specific heart rate zone monitors while running, or even strength training workouts while lifting. They even supply pre-made workouts if you don't want to create your own.Battery life is great, I charge this maybe twice a week (after constant use with gps tracking runs, walks etc). It's much more battery friendly than the apple watch.Wrist band is great. Doesn't hold sweat, easy to clean, easy to dry. And you can find tons of replacements of every color online to match your running shoes.I've gone from not wearing a watch to feeling naked without it. The timer on it is also extremely quick and easy to use for cooking. This thing is just an all around quality tool.
I bought this nearly a month ago and I have been very impressed. The many watch faces are a fantastic way to personalize this watch. I compared this to a previous item and it reads in a more accurate manner. I wish there was an integration for Strength. It's quite a bother to have to stop and press the pause/go button while working out.Fortunately, on the desktop, you can go and edit/add anything that is missing. It is tedious work but I'm glad that that is an option. I have not been let down by the battery life, I was worried at first since the watch screen was always visible, regardless of if the back light was on or not. I'm notoriously bad at charging any electronic I have, finally made it a habit to plug it in when I shower and it's a fast charge for ... MoreI bought this nearly a month ago and I have been very impressed. The many watch faces are a fantastic way to personalize this watch. I compared this to a previous item and it reads in a more accurate manner. I wish there was an integration for Strength. It's quite a bother to have to stop and press the pause/go button while working out.Fortunately, on the desktop, you can go and edit/add anything that is missing. It is tedious work but I'm glad that that is an option. I have not been let down by the battery life, I was worried at first since the watch screen was always visible, regardless of if the back light was on or not. I'm notoriously bad at charging any electronic I have, finally made it a habit to plug it in when I shower and it's a fast charge for sure.The Bluetooth connection hasn't been a letdown. The buttons and how-to are a bit clunky and I would say have somewhat of a learning curve/adjustment. But once it's figured out it's nice to have on a run where I don't need to take my phone. Once you move away connectivity becomes spotty if you're not wearing the watch for whatever reason, and it's expected of most Bluetooth-supported devices.The widgets are hit-or-miss, that's all.Overall, I'm really impressed with the features it has, I wish it had more integrations, but that's personal want for some who regularly does weightlifting.
So I've had this watch about 2.5, almost 3 years. It is awesome, it's great, it does everything I want AND more. HR monitor links up with my NordicTrack and rower. Gives all kinds of data on the fly, and can adapt to you with so many different apps, and after all this time, the battery life is still almost as good as new! I'm military and this watch has been worn through flight ops, aircraft mechanic work, physical training, swimming/snorkling to about 20ft, among other activities and there's only been ONE problem:fThe ONLY problem I have after all this time, use, and abuse is that the 245/245 Music seems to have a frequent habit of burning a spot on the screen. Google it up. There is no cure once it starts, the screen location is random, and timeliness seems to ... MoreSo I've had this watch about 2.5, almost 3 years. It is awesome, it's great, it does everything I want AND more. HR monitor links up with my NordicTrack and rower. Gives all kinds of data on the fly, and can adapt to you with so many different apps, and after all this time, the battery life is still almost as good as new! I'm military and this watch has been worn through flight ops, aircraft mechanic work, physical training, swimming/snorkling to about 20ft, among other activities and there's only been ONE problem:fThe ONLY problem I have after all this time, use, and abuse is that the 245/245 Music seems to have a frequent habit of burning a spot on the screen. Google it up. There is no cure once it starts, the screen location is random, and timeliness seems to have no rhyme or reason. As you can see on mine, there's no sign of cracked/scratched glass (abuse). Some get the burn after a few months, mine was about the 2.5yr mark. Keep this in mind! Mfr Warranty is only 1 year.Overall, awesome watch. I still use mine despite the burn because it's in the top left of the screen and I can still view everything, OR download the info to my phone via the Garmin connect app and function is all there. Just annoying to have the burn mark, and I don't know if they ever fixed it with updates.
I've had this watch since December of 2021. Coming up on a year of use in about 3 months, and it's great. I love everything about it. EXCEPT for the fact that I paid extra money for a feature that does. not. work. Headphones pair properly, and music plays without an issue while I've just got the watch running. But the second I try to listen to music during an activity --the whole reason why I purchased this watch--the music cuts out and I hear nothing. It seems like this is an issue several other people have had, and I'm just frustrated. I've been running with my phone in hand and just playing my music from there, but I shouldn't have to. Coming up on my 1 year warranty and I think I'll be returning/exchanging this product for one that actually does what it's ... MoreI've had this watch since December of 2021. Coming up on a year of use in about 3 months, and it's great. I love everything about it. EXCEPT for the fact that I paid extra money for a feature that does. not. work. Headphones pair properly, and music plays without an issue while I've just got the watch running. But the second I try to listen to music during an activity --the whole reason why I purchased this watch--the music cuts out and I hear nothing. It seems like this is an issue several other people have had, and I'm just frustrated. I've been running with my phone in hand and just playing my music from there, but I shouldn't have to. Coming up on my 1 year warranty and I think I'll be returning/exchanging this product for one that actually does what it's supposed to.
This is my first Garmin smartwatch, and I have used it for about 2 weeks now. It's better than what I expected. The first time I saw the transflective display, I was a bit shocked how dull and dated it appeared, but that's expected indoors. The display really comes to life outdoors where it's bright. It takes a bit of a learning curve to navigate the menus and setting up Garmin Connect and Connect IQ apps on the phone. For most part, I followed some Youtube walkthroughs on how to create custom workouts and data fields in the watch. Once you've managed to get past the initial setup to suit your workout tracking needs, the watch is a delight. The silicon strap is soft and comfortable. The Forerunner 245 isn't heavy at all, after a few hours of wearing it.
At first, this watch is great. You can use it underwater, music plays to Bluetooth earphones, I like seeing my texts pop up on the screen, but otherwise it really misses the mark, which sucks considering it’s an expensive device.First of all, the heart rate monitor is not accurate at all. It often overestimates my heart rate at rest or light activity. When I’m working out hard and my heart is pumping at what I know has to be above 130 bpm, it just farts itself and sticks to around 110-120 bpm. Doesn’t matter if the watch is snug, lower wrist or higher wrist, it never has an accurate reading. Which is unfortunate considering that was one of the main reasons I bought the watch for.Second of all, the user interface and software on the Garmin Connect app is not user ... MoreAt first, this watch is great. You can use it underwater, music plays to Bluetooth earphones, I like seeing my texts pop up on the screen, but otherwise it really misses the mark, which sucks considering it’s an expensive device.First of all, the heart rate monitor is not accurate at all. It often overestimates my heart rate at rest or light activity. When I’m working out hard and my heart is pumping at what I know has to be above 130 bpm, it just farts itself and sticks to around 110-120 bpm. Doesn’t matter if the watch is snug, lower wrist or higher wrist, it never has an accurate reading. Which is unfortunate considering that was one of the main reasons I bought the watch for.Second of all, the user interface and software on the Garmin Connect app is not user friendly, often inaccurate and leaves something to be desired when compared to software from Fitbit. Sometimes the watch won’t connect to the app and it requires a whole process to reconnect that can be frustrating. The guides online are also not clear and often unhelpful.This is a great smartwatch if what you’re looking for is basically a wrist extension of your phone, but fitness wise it is way to expensive to be worth it and is a bit of a joke. Honestly thinking of selling it an upgrading to a newer Fitbit.
Wanted to love this watch. Bought it on request of running coach - workout app syncs with watch. Beyond syncing with workout app (not the Garmin app) and telling time, this watch is a wicked disappointment. When the GPS feature works, the GPS is lazy - it's rarely accurate, often rounds and cuts corners that I'm actually running. But that assumes it's working - the GPS feature works infrequently and when it does, it works inconsistently. Runs look like a flurry of em dashes instead of a single, fluid route. Cadence feature is also often off, undercounting by 2-4 steps per minute. The watch and Garmin app often don't sync. And I've only had the watch about 6 weeks.Quite frankly, the Polar watches rise above in terms of HR accuracy, GPS precision, and cadence. The ... MoreWanted to love this watch. Bought it on request of running coach - workout app syncs with watch. Beyond syncing with workout app (not the Garmin app) and telling time, this watch is a wicked disappointment. When the GPS feature works, the GPS is lazy - it's rarely accurate, often rounds and cuts corners that I'm actually running. But that assumes it's working - the GPS feature works infrequently and when it does, it works inconsistently. Runs look like a flurry of em dashes instead of a single, fluid route. Cadence feature is also often off, undercounting by 2-4 steps per minute. The watch and Garmin app often don't sync. And I've only had the watch about 6 weeks.Quite frankly, the Polar watches rise above in terms of HR accuracy, GPS precision, and cadence. The only "win" Garmin has over Polar is weight - the Garmin watch is noticeably lighter. I can't wait for the day when the workout app (my running coach uses) will sync with Polar. Garmin is all flash - it's very very little substance and a whole lotta frustration.
When I got lost in a remote national park with no cell service, my Garmin saved me -- I found the trail by pulling up the little map of the path I'd walked and following the arrow back to my previous line.I've worn this watch daily since July 2019 (it's now October 2022). I use it as a daily fitness tracker (steps, resting heart rate) and during exercise (running, rowing, biking, lifting). The sleep tracking isn't super reliable, but that's a general Garmin issue. Wrist HR seems accurate while running and rowing on the ergometer; it's less accurate while rowing outdoors and biking. I haven't had any issues pairing with a Wahoo HR strap or cadence sensor (I have had issues with the Wahoo HR strap, but that's another review).Battery life has decreased over the ... MoreWhen I got lost in a remote national park with no cell service, my Garmin saved me -- I found the trail by pulling up the little map of the path I'd walked and following the arrow back to my previous line.I've worn this watch daily since July 2019 (it's now October 2022). I use it as a daily fitness tracker (steps, resting heart rate) and during exercise (running, rowing, biking, lifting). The sleep tracking isn't super reliable, but that's a general Garmin issue. Wrist HR seems accurate while running and rowing on the ergometer; it's less accurate while rowing outdoors and biking. I haven't had any issues pairing with a Wahoo HR strap or cadence sensor (I have had issues with the Wahoo HR strap, but that's another review).Battery life has decreased over the years. I used to get a solid week out of it, including roughly six hours of GPS mode. Now I charge every 3-4 days, but I'm also using GPS over an hour a day, plus recording in non-GPS mode for another six hours a week.Route directions could be better. The watch shows me the route and my current location, but it doesn't show roads I'm not taking, so it can be difficult to determine when to turn.I'm still using the original strap. My watch has had a couple small software glitches over the years. Garmin support has been helpful.
| General | |
| Product Type | Smart watch |
| Activity / Sport | Running, swimming, ski, cycling |
| Tracking Data | Distance, time, speed, heart rate (with optional heart rate sensor), heart rate |
| Wearing Style | Watch style |
