No matter what type of runner you are, there’s a watch out there that can enhance your tracking experience. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you’re casually tracking your progress, or you’re busy gearing up for a triathlon, the options are endless. We’ve rounded up the best Garmin Forerunner models to help you decide which one is best for all of your running needs.
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Garmin Forerunner 245
Staff Pick
Those who are seeking a mid-range GPS running watch will appreciate the Garmin Forerunner 245 and all of its features. You get a heart-rate sensor, seven days of battery life in smartwatch mode, and robust activity tracking. Most importantly, you can get in-depth details on your runs, including training load, training status, and training effect. The Pulse Ox sensor helps you better gauge how your body is absorbing oxygen.
$275 at Amazon
$300 at Best Buy
$300 at Walmart
Starting place
Garmin Forerunner 45
If you’re a beginner who is investing in a running watch for key features like built-in GPS and heart-rate monitoring, then you’ll love the Garmin Forerunner 45. It’s available in a 39mm or 42mm case, and you’ll have multiple bright colors to choose from. In addition to your runs, you also have sports apps for cardio, yoga, elliptical, and more. The Body Battery feature helps you find the best time for activity and rest throughout the day.
$190 at Amazon
$200 at Best Buy
$200 at Walmart
GPS for cheap
Garmin Forerunner 35
Sometimes, you want the basics without breaking the bank. The Garmin Forerunner 35 is the perfect solution. You’ll get nine days of juice with this model. It’s got everything you need to keep track of your workouts, like GPS, heart-rate monitoring, and activity tracking. It may not have advanced metrics, but for the low price, you can’t beat it. You’ll also have smartphone notifications on your wrist when your phone is connected.
$99 at Amazon
$120 at Best Buy
$99 at Walmart
Tons of functionality
Garmin Forerunner 645 Music
With a week of battery life, you can do a lot with the Garmin Forerunner 645 Music. This model is for versatile athletes who love running as well as other sports. It offers advanced running dynamics, including ground contact time balance, stride length, and vertical ratio. The other built-in activity profiles include cycling, swimming, strength training, and much more. Not to mention, you can store music on it for easy listening.
$289 at Amazon
$450 at Best Buy
$320 at Walmart
All the stats
Garmin Forerunner 945
Serious runners will prefer a Garmin Forerunner model that can track every little detail, and the 945 will deliver that and more. First, you get a full two weeks of battery, so frequent charging is never an issue. The Performance Condition feature will analyze your pace, heart rate, and heart rate variability to let you know how you’re performing. It also has advanced running dynamics and training features. Your GPS comes with built-in color mapping, too.
$560 at Amazon
$600 at Best Buy
$600 at Walmart
Triathlon, anyone?
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
It’s no secret that being a triathlete takes commitment. You need the same level of commitment from your running watch. The Garmin Forerunner 735XT fits the bill. It boasts 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. It comes with advanced dynamics for running, cycling, and swimming. When you’re in training mode, you’ll be glad to have critical metrics such as VO2 max estimation, lactate threshold, race predictor, and recovery advisor.
$238 at Amazon
$280 at Best Buy
$265 at Walmart
Run as fast as you can
As you can see, there’s no shortage of Garmin Forerunner models on the market. The lineup continues to grow and improve as the years go on. One of the best ones is the Garmin Forerunner 245, which is geared toward those passionate runners who want to take their tracking experience to the next level. It’s reasonably priced for a GPS running watch and comes with all o the features you need to track your progress and make improvements.
Those who want the basics at an affordable price will be more interested in the Garmin Forerunner 35. As long as you’re content with the basics, you’ll be in good hands with this running watch. It’s got standard activity tracking, heart-rate monitoring, GPS, and smartphone notifications.
The good news is that there is a Garmin Forerunner model for just about everyone. Regardless of what level runner you are, you’ll be able to find a watch that is designed for your lifestyle.
