• Health Is Wealth
  • Posts
  • Garmin Forerunner 245 and 245 Music: the successful running watch

Garmin Forerunner 245 and 245 Music: the successful running watch

April 07, 2020

After the global success of the Forerunner 235, Garmin offers the Forerunner 245, a new, much more complete running watch now including functions for cycling and swimming. This model has been improved so much that it now looks more like a Forerunner 645, one of the brand’s high-end models, than the model it is supposed to upgrade. In short, the Forerunner 245 incorporates the best of the Forerunner 645 plus some functions of the Fenix ​​5, all in an ultra-light housing, better autonomy and an optional mp3 player. Difficult to find better for the price offered (see above).

Specifications of the Forerunner 245

Weight38.5g

Dimensions42.3 x 42.3 mm x 12.2 mm

ScreenColor, anti-reflective, 240 x 240 px

Autonomy24 h in GPS mode, 7 days in watch mode, 6 h in GPS mode with music

GPSGPS, GLONASS, Galileo

Multisports–

Recommended activitiesRunning, swimming in the pool, outdoor, indoor sports (16 sports)

ConnectivityiPhone, Android, PC, Mac. Bluetooth wireless data transfer.

Heart rate monitoringYes, cardio optics on the wrist (HRM-Run belt supported)

Topographic maps–

Music playerYes on Forerunner 245 Music

Payment system–

Telephony / 4G–

Barometric altimeterNo (GPS altimeter)

Barometer–

CompassYes

Thermometer–

Weather forecastYes

Waterproof5 ATM (50 m)

OtherPulse oximeter, advanced training tools, GPS navigation, activity tracking, SOS function in the event of an incident

Quick presentation of the Forerunner 245 and 245 Music

The Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 245 Music in brief: the right compromise for running

Released in May 2019, the Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 245 Music are two mid-range sporty smart watches, light and long-lasting, designed for running. They are also suitable for many other sports (16 onboard profiles including swimming, trail running, yoga, bodybuilding, rowing machine, step, elliptical trainer, cardio training, treadmill, indoor running) .

This new model is a significantly improved version of the Forerunner 235, a watch with global success (best sellers in the world for the brand), and now offering almost as many features as the Forerunner 645 or 645 Music.

Garmin offers it in 2 versions: Forerunner 245 Music (with integrated mp3 player and a storage capacity of 500 songs) and the Forerunner 245 (exactly the same watch but without mp3 player and without Wi-Fi).

This new model has everything you need to train for running and now includes functions for cycling and swimming in the pool.

It offers everything you need to train and track your performance and even offers advanced GPS navigation (location, guidance). Its advanced training tools (physiological, metric and dynamic race measurements) are complete for very good performance monitoring.

It also has a pulse oximeter for measuring acclimatization at altitude and to heat, a new Body Battery function (body energy), assistance in the event of an incident (fall detection, SOS call), an activity tracking function (number of steps, distance, calories, detailed sleep and stress analysis) and Smartphone notifications.

To date, it constitutes the running watch at best quality price report.

Who is the Forerunner 245 designed for?

This watch is for all athletes, from beginners to advanced, who are looking for advanced tools to train, optimize their performance or have detailed statistics on their activity. It is perfect for even long running (marathon, ultra-deep) and offers additional functions for swimming in the pool and cycling. It is also suitable for trail running but it does not offer a barometric altimeter (no altitude profile, no measurement of the ascending speed, no difference in altitude traveled among others). For trail running, the Forerunner 645 or the Forerunner 645 Music and of course the Forerunner 945, the best current running and triathlon watch on the market, will be better suited.

Overview of new features in the Forerunner 245 and 245 Music

The main new features of the Forerunner 245 (compared to the Forerunner 235) are numerous. We only list the main points here. Read our comparison below.

  • A better resolution screen

  • Greater autonomy (24 hours instead of 15 hours in GPS mode)

  • An mp3 player (Music version only)

  • GPS navigation

  • Many additional functions (advanced training, metrics, physiological measurements, cycling and swimming functions)

  • Pulse oximeter

  • Incident detection and an assistance function

  • Compatibility with the European Galileo satellite system (in addition to GPS and GLONASS)

In-depth review of the Forerunner 245

Design and weight: lighter and better resolution

Garmin improves the design of its watch by offering a smaller 3 mm case (42.3 mm in diameter instead of 45 mm) but a screen of almost the same size (30.4 mm instead of 30.1 mm), the gain being obtained by a thinner screen border.

The resolution goes from 215 x 180 px to 240 x 240 px, as on the high-end Forerunner 945 watch. The thickness of the case does not change much (12.2 mm, or 0.5 mm more).

The weight of the watch goes from 42 to 38.5 g, a few grams less. We are dealing with a very light watch!

Autonomy: 24 hours in GPS mode!

Garmin significantly improves the autonomy of its watch, going from 3 p.m. to 12 p.m. in GPS mode. The feat was obtained in part thanks to the new GPS chip from Sony, more economical but a bit less precise too (see below). An energy saving function has also been added (UltraTrac function: recording GPS data and more spaced apart, for lower accuracy. Heart rate data is not recorded). The autonomy decreases a little in watch mode (7 days versus 9). It is 6 hours maximum in GPS mode with music.

Note that it is not possible to recharge the watch without stopping the recording of the current activity.

The GPS chip: more economical, Galileo more

As with its new Forerunner 45 and 945 watches, Garmin has adopted a new, more energy-efficient Sony GPS chip on its Forerunner 245. It is the same chip that Polar and Suunto use on their latest sports watches (Vantage, Suunto 9). The precision would be a little less good because of the technology used, more energy efficient. Software updates can however partially correct this.

This chip is compatible with the American GPS, Russian GLONASS and European Galileo satellite systems. Garmin has chosen to enable compatibility with Galileo. This should allow greater coverage in less favored areas but also improve the signal capture time (in theory).

The optical sensor: an oximeter in addition to the heart rate sensor and possible use underwater

The Forerunner 245 is equipped with an optical heart rate sensor. Like Polar and its Vantage V, it will now work underwater. You just have to wait for a software update for that. The watch also supports a cardio belt HRM-Run but no HRM-Swim or HRM-Tri belt, too bad.

Garmin is also adding the famous pulseOX function, a pulse oximeter (or saturometer), to its sports smart health connected watch, which was one of the innovations of the Fenis 5X Plus. It is an additional red LED to complement those of the cardio. Garmin uses this new feature to measure blood oxygen saturation and assess altitude acclimatization. This device is used in a medical environment. Note that the measurement is delicate and must be carried out without moving. One can therefore wonder if the measurements will be relevant on a moving person.

The other sensors: an additional compass and Wi-Fi on the Music version

In addition to the new heart rate sensor and the Sony GPS chip, the watch offers a digital compass (new), an accelerometer (to assess the distance traveled in the gym, on a mat, elliptical, etc.), but still no gyroscope or thermometer.

It has a barometer operating from GPS but no barometric altimeter, which limits sports profiles (skiing for example) and functions for trail running and hiking.

It also supports a number of external sensors via ANT + and bluetooth: cadence sensor (running and cycling), speed sensor (running and cycling), HRM-Run heart rate belt, footpod, Varia Vision, Varia Radar and Varia lights. However, it is not possible to add a power sensor.

Wi-Fi is available on the Forerunner 245 Music and is used for synchronizing playlists. It is not offered on the Forerunner 245.

An mp3 player and access to Deezer and Spotify on the Forerunner 245 Music

After having introduced an mp3 player on the Forerunner 645 Music (the superior range for runners and trailers) and then on its Vivoactive 3 Music (a sports multisport smart health connected watch aimed at all profiles, sporty or not), Garmin is finally extending this function with its other mid-range and high-end watches (very recent Forerunner 945 and Forerunner 245 Music). We can run light without having to clutter a Smartphone on the arm to go running. A pair of wireless bluetooth headphones will suffice. The watch can store up to 500 songs in its memory. You can also listen to music streaming via Deezer or Spotify (paid subscription).

Advanced training tools: a lot of progress

The Forerunner 245 takes over the functions of the Forerunner 235. The watch already offered interesting functions, in particular the possibility of programming interval training, downloadable training programs in the watch, calculating the VO2max, Aerobic Training Effect 2.0, audio instructions, race time predictor (for running), cadence information (with compatible sensor).

But that’s not all. Garmin adds new features that make the Forerunner 245 really interesting for athletes looking for relevant performance monitoring tools. We find most of the functions of the Forerunner 645.

The main functions added are:

    • Training status: a function to find out if the training is sufficient. The function is based on a certain number of physiological measurements (VO2max, anaerobic threshold) and compares the exercise data with the previous activities.

    • Training load: the watch assesses the intensity of your training over the past 28 days and helps you train in the optimal zone in order to reach your goals

    • The Anaerobic Training Effect: the watch assesses the quality of your training, in particular the impact of physical activity on your aerobic and anaerobic capacities, and helps to estimate the effectiveness of your training. Garmin adds the anaerobic training effect on this model.

    • Race dynamics: oscillation and vertical ratio, ground contact time and balance, stride length (with compatible accessory).

    • Fitness assessment: the watch compares the athlete’s physical condition, after a run of a few minutes, with the values ​​recorded previously. This allows you to situate yourself and see if you have progressed.

    • Assessment of stress level: the watch assesses the stress level throughout the day and offers breathing exercises to reduce it if necessary. This function is part of the activity monitoring functions.

  • The Body Battery: this function estimates your body’s energy level, as you would estimate the level of an electric battery. Basically, the watch assesses your ability to produce an effort. This level decreases with fatigue, stress, work, physical activity. It increases with rest, sleep, relaxation. This new indicator makes it possible to judge whether it is wise or not, at a given moment, to go to play sports.

  • Physical age assessment (in the Garmin app)

GPS navigation

Unlike the Forerunner 235 which only offered a return to departure function and the distance to the destination, the Forerunner 245 offers complete navigation functions: point-to-point navigation, real-time breadcrumb (GPS track), TracBack (to retrace his steps by following the trace).

Functions for cycling and swimming

The Forerunner 235 was essentially running oriented and offered, apart from a cycling profile and the support of a cadence sensor, no function for cycling and swimming. The Forerunner 245 corrects this.

Added the following functions for cycling:

  • Race against a recorded activity

  • Varia compatibility (Vision, Radar, lights)

  • Comparison with a recorded activity

Added the following functions for pool swimming:

  • Swimming profile

  • Swimming metrics (distances, number of lengths, pace, frequency of movements, number of calories expended)

  • Swimming type detection among freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly

  • Swimming efficiency (SWOLF)

  • Recording of exercises

  • Swimming training program

Monitoring and security (assistance) functions

In addition to the LiveTrack function (tracking the athlete on the internet) already available on the old model, Garmin adds 3 useful functions:

  • Incident detection: depending on the sporting activity, the watch can detect a fall and send a request for assistance via a smartphone coupled to the watch while transmitting the athlete’s name and GPS coordinates. This function had already been integrated on the high-end bicycle GPS Edge 1030 and, very recently, on the Edge 530 and 830 models. Apple, which is placing increasing emphasis on safety and health, had also already integrated, on its latest Apple Watch 4, fall detection and l automatic call of an emergency number.

  • An assistance function: the athlete can ask for help from the watch (call for help) and transmit his GPS coordinates

  • Sharing events in real time: the watch allows you to share information in real time with the community (position, route, etc.) (on Android only)

smart health connected functions: access information and control your health home devices

The Forerunner 245 offers smart health connected functions, such as Smart notifications, the possibility of answering or refusing a call with SMS (new, on Android only), a “find my watch” function (new), a “find my phone” function, the access to calendar and weather, access to sunrise and sunset times (new). It can be used to control a VIRB camera. You can also download watchfaces, widgets and applications from Connect IQ.

Activity monitoring to stay motivated

For daily use, the watch tracks your activity 24 hours a day: distance traveled, number of steps taken, intensive minutes, calories expended, sleep analysis (light, deep, REM sleep and movement analysis), etc. Garmin adds the “Body battery” function described above.

Comparison between Forerunner 235, 245 and 645

Comparison Forerunner 245 versus 235, the differences

The Forerunner 245 incorporates all the features of the Forerunner 235 and adds many changes to it. The design changes, the case is refined, the resolution increases, the weight decreases and the autonomy is almost doubled (24 h against 15 h). Garmin adds GPS navigation, functions for swimming in the pool (absent from the old model), an optional mp3 player (Forerunner 245 Music), a large number of new features for training, new relevant metrics (status and training load, anaerobic training effect, running dynamics), physiological measures, a pulse oximeter, assistance in the event of an incident, many more sports profiles, Varia compatibility, UltraTrack mode and more.

Comparison Forerunner 245 versus 645, the differences

The Forerunner 245 is more like a 645 than a 235! Compared to the Forerunner 245, the Forerunner 645 offers a stainless steel bezel, a battery life of 14 h (versus 24 h), Garmin Pay, a barometric altimeter, a gyroscope, a thermometer, sport profiles a little more complete thanks to the ‘altimeter (ski for example, climbs for activity monitoring), Segments and Strava functions, altitude profiles, vertical speed, elevation, compatibility with a power sensor for the bike.

In return, the Forerunner 245 offers a pulse oximeter, the Body Battery function, incident detection and assistance, access to the Galileo satellite network.

Read also :

  • Forerunner 645 Music review: the running watch with music and contactless payment

  • Comparison Garmin Forerunner 45 vs 245 vs 645 vs 945: the differences, which one to choose?

Our opinion on the Forerunner 245 and 245 Music: should we buy it?

The best compromise and best value for money for a running watch

After the Forerunner 235, best seller worldwide of the brand, the Forerunner 245 should have even greater success in view of its sensors and very complete functions for the proposed price which remains rather correct. It is indeed an excellent choice for most runners.

More than an improved Forerunner 235, it looks more like the Forerunner 645 (the high-end watch just below the Forerunner 945, the top of the range) to which we have added a few functions of the Fenix ​​5 Plus, all for a price of € 100 cheaper!

It offers all the useful functions for running, advanced performance monitoring tools, an optional mp3 player, new functions for cycling and swimming and GPS navigation in addition. What more ?

It seems to us to be the most interesting watch for a runner who does not want to put too much money in a sports watch but who is still looking for advanced training tools without being too sophisticated either.

For a professional or an enthusiast who is looking for the best in running watches, you have to go for the excellent Forerunner 945 which includes the color mapping of Europe.

For a smaller budget, we can turn to the entry-level model, the very recent Forerunner 45, which offers the essential functions for running.

For trail running, however, we recommend the Forerunner 645 which offers a barometric altimeter and more complete functions for the mountain: vertical speed, total ascent / descent, altitude profile. It will be better adapted. It is available in a version with or without an mp3 player and also offers the Garmin Pay payment solution. Or, but more expensive, the brand new Forerunner 945 which is the most complete of running, trail and triathlon watches to date (May 2019). The Polar Vantage V can be a good alternative with its advanced training tools and power measurement on the wrist, but it is less provided.

The Forerunner 245 Music provides nothing more than an mp3 player and Wi-Fi for downloading playlists. It is perfect for athletes who like to listen to music during their sport. For the others, Garmin had the good idea to propose a model without mp3 player cheaper of 50 €.

Should you resell your Forerunner 235 for a Forerunner 245 or 245 Music?

It all depends on your budget (the Forerunner 245 is more expensive by € 60) and the functions you need. The Forerunner 245 is clearly more complete (sporting functions, metrics, training tools, oximeter, GPS navigation), its autonomy is clearly greater and it offers functions for swimming and cycling. The 2 watches have almost nothing to do. In between, there is no photo. However, if GPS navigation or additional training tools are not useful to you and the autonomy of your Forerunner 235 is sufficient, the investment may not be worth the effort.

We liked

  • Great autonomy

  • The mp3 player integrated (finally) on the Music version

  • The light weight of the watch and its comfortable screen to read

  • The plethora of functions and metrics added

  • Pulse oximeter

  • Assistance in the event of an incident

We’d have liked

  • Support for an HRM-Swim and HRM-Tri belt

  • Support for a power meter for cycling

Price and availability

The Garmin Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 245 Music are available for sale at the recommended retail price of € 249.99 and € 349.99 respectively.