We’ve put together this Garmin comparison so that you can determine which of these high-quality Forerunner GPS watches is ideal for you and whether or not you should buy the older range while it’s still discounted.
If you’re a runner, you’re probably familiar with Garmin and the GPS running watches that they make. They manufacture the highest quality GPS running watches available on the market and offer a diverse selection of running wearables that are priced to accommodate runners of all levels and types.
One of the most highly regarded and trusted brands, Garmin Forerunner, has just expanded its lineup to include two new models: the Forerunner 945 and the Forerunner 55.
If you aren’t concerned about having the most up-to-date and sophisticated watch, you might want to consider purchasing a Forerunner 45 watch before they are permanently out of stock.
Enhanced training, emergency contacts, integrated music, and full-color onboard maps (for the 945), to name a few of the new features included in the redesigned Forerunner range, are just some of the new additions. Garmin took the aspects that contributed to the success of the Forerunner series and added even more capability.
Because of this, it could be tough for you to choose the option that will help you improve your health and your financial situation. Now, let’s examine each of these brand-new advancements to determine which ones are the most beneficial.
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The Most Recent Offering from Garmin
All of the more recent clocks have been designed with a build that includes five tactile buttons, which makes them easy to operate regardless of the temperature or the humidity. They all have a wrist-based heart rate sensor, a color display that is always on and can be seen in direct sunlight, support for smartphone notifications (both Android and iPhone), and an always-on display that can be viewed in direct sunlight.
Garmin has a built-in helpful safety function that monitors your actions, alerts up to three people you’ve designated to get your location in an emergency, and highlights any concerns that arise. That is, in the event that you were involved in a collision with another vehicle that rendered you unconscious, the watch would immediately alert the appropriate authorities. In order to pair something via Bluetooth, all you need is a phone that has a data connection. This is essential for anyone who, for instance, enjoys spending a lot of time in the middle of the forest. Additional safety measures include things like Assistance, LiveTrack, and Live Event Sharing (so your pals can follow along).
They have also included support for multi-satellite networks into their navigation system, which previously only worked with GPS but now also works with GLONASS and Galileo.
Garmin Coach is compatible with all of Garmin’s professional training programs and coaches, so you can take advantage of their expertise and get free workouts simultaneously. Approximately 12 different activity profiles are included with each GPS tracker so that it can be used for more than just monitoring jogging.
One of the most significant advantages offered by the brand-new products is that they are all resistant to water (5ATM).
Therefore, except for the prices, what else differentiates them? Let’s have a look at a comprehensive comparison of the running smartwatches produced by Garmin, the Forerunner series.
Garmin Forerunner 55
The Forerunner 55 is the updated version of the Garmin 45, and it is an excellent option for a dependable and long-lasting running watch that a) won’t put a strain on your wallet and b) includes all of the capabilities that you require in a fitness tracker to have a productive exercise.
It will cost you approximately $100 more than the Forerunner 45, but it is still quite a bit less expensive than their 945 and 245 models of smartwatches. For the Forerunner 55, Garmin improved the advanced capabilities for runners and joggers, added a tool to track the health of women, and included an altimeter. All of these improvements were made since the Forerunner 45.
In contrast to the Forerunner 945, the Forerunner 55 does not include high-level connectivity; nonetheless, thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities and intelligent notifications, it is still possible to remain connected in the event of an emergency when wearing a 55.
Both the 45 and the 55 are straightforward options provided by a watch manufacturer that is capable of producing some very pricey watches and smartwatches. Be aware, however, that the battery life of the 55 is significantly lower than that of its forerunner because of the modifications and new functions that it incorporates.
Advantages
- Accurate monitoring of the GPS signal
- Enhanced capabilities in comparison to a conventional fitness tracker
- Fair price
- Durable
Disadvantages
- When compared to other smartwatches now available on the market, it has relatively simple functions, and its battery life is short when GPS is turned on.
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Garmin Forerunner 45 and Forerunner 45S Forerunner 45 and 45s
The normal 45 is not exactly a large record, and the 45s is simply a more compact version of the standard 45. The case size of the 45s is 39 millimeters, whereas the case size of the 45 is 42 millimeters.
In smartwatch mode, the watch has a battery life that lasts for up to seven days. Even though while using GPS, the time required is 13 hours. This applies to both of the available sizes. However, unlike its predecessor, the Forerunner 35, this model features a display that is capable of displaying full-color images.
The bands are available in four distinct hues, and the dials of the watches are interchangeable.
Everyone is able to get their hands on these devices. It is a compact and affordable entry-level GPS watch with all of the main functions and additional features. This watch provides everything you require if you are content with monitoring your everyday wellbeing, heart rate, and stress levels, in addition to basic training information. Even though it does not have any internal storage for music, it is still possible to control music by linking it with your phone and using that. This GPS wristwatch costs around $200 and is a good option for beginners.
Advantages
- Excellent value for the price
- Lightweight and condensed in size (32g and 36g, respectively)
- Colour display
- Convenient control options for your music
Disadvantages
- No swim tracking
- There is no music storage on board.
- Bands are not adjustable
Garmin Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 245 Music
The Forerunner 245 is nevertheless quite lightweight despite having a width of 43 millimeters and weighing 38.5 grams. It is identical to the Forerunner 45 in every respect and comes with a few more functions.
The music edition, which is available for an additional $50, has a capacity of up to 500 tracks and syncs seamlessly with music streaming providers (like Spotify). Because of this, it is also equipped with Wi-Fi support.
The bands are available in five distinct hues, and they have a Quick Release feature that enables them to be switched out in a hurry.
The battery life is up to 7 days while using Smartwatch Mode, 24 hours when using GPS Mode without music, and 6 hours when using GPS Mode with music.
A comparison of Garmin would not be complete without first examining its fitness-related aspects. This Forerunner 245 features additional sensors, such as a compass and a pulse oximeter, which allow you to monitor the levels of oxygen in your blood. This makes it possible to conduct a significantly more in-depth investigation of the heart rate. It is possible, for instance, that it will monitor your VO2 max and adjust your workout accordingly.
The 245 comes with a lot more advanced training capabilities and running dynamics, allowing you to obtain a lot more complete feedback on your runs, thanks to these improvements.
Garmin Forerunner 245
If you are unable or unwilling to ever disconnect from your phone, the 245 enables you to send text responses to incoming phone calls when it is linked to your phone.
Although you are able to monitor your swimming with it, the wrist-based heart rate sensor is not water resistant like the one on the Forerunner 45.
Last but not least, in contrast to the Forerunner 45, this clock displays sunrise and sunset times.
This Garmin is useful for anyone who routinely puts on a GPS watch on their wrist. It is especially helpful for long runs while listening to music and for individuals who wish to keep a detailed record of their performance and general activities. This is the watch for all you data junkies and hardcore runners out there.
Advantages
- Constitution de peu de poids
- The screen is made of Gorilla Glass 3 for the onboard audio system, which is optional.
- Bands with a Quick Release
- Swim tracking
Disadvantages
- There are no charts, barometric altimeters, or gyroscopes available
Garmin Forerunner 945 AND 945 LTE
This top-of-the-line watch, the Forerunner 945, features an internal music storage capacity of up to a thousand tracks.
It has a battery life that breaks all records, as it can last up to two weeks in Smartwatch Mode, 36 hours in GPS mode if the audio is turned off, and just 10 hours in GPS mode with the music on.
Additionally, it provides a greater number of options for tracking both activity and fitness levels. For instance, the device can compute the acclimatization to heat and altitude. In addition to that, skiing and golf are both on the list of activities.
You only need to press one button in order to switch between the various sports and activities that this watch may track. This is one of the watch’s best features. As a result, triathletes will benefit greatly from doing so.
It’s interesting to note that this Forerunner watch is the only one that comes preloaded with color maps. There is also the option of contactless payments using Garmin PayTM.
An additional black band, and HRM-Tri monitor, and an HRM-Swim monitor are all included in a package deal that can be purchased for somewhere about $750. In this particular example, the watch strap is blue. Aside from that, it’s completely dark throughout.
The Forerunner 945 is a genuine powerhouse designed to meet the needs of serious athletes and runners that want a large amount of data and monitoring on their training, performance, and health. It is of great benefit to persons who participate in multiple sports, such as triathletes, because of the versatility it provides. Because of its long battery life is particularly beneficial for athletes who compete in endurance events such as triathlons.
The 945 LTE is a more recent and improved version of the 945. It is equipped with the most recent model of the ELEVATE heart rate sensor, in addition to all the technology required for cellular connection.
Advantages
- Excellent construction
- More sophisticated information than you could ever hope to find.
Disadvantages
- Expensive for a tracker in the middle price range
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Conclusion
A comparison of Garmin products reveals that the Forerunners are GPS watches designed to meet any runner’s requirements regardless of their spending limit. It is up to you at this point to decide what kind of activity you want to participate in and what it is that you are looking for. Balance is the most important factor to consider when comparing the Garmin Forerunners and selecting your choice.
