Garmin Forerunner 745

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Garmin Forerunner 745: Review

“A multisport watch with advanced tracking and smart features for athletes.”

Overview


The Garmin Forerunner 745 is a multisport watch designed to cater to the needs of runners and triathletes. This watch is known for its comprehensive tracking capabilities and smart features.

Key Features:

  • Music Storage: Store up to 500 songs and sync playlists for on-the-go listening.
  • Garmin Pay: Make contactless payments directly from your watch.
  • Advanced Metrics: Track running dynamics like cadence (the number of steps you take per minute) and stride length (the distance covered in one step).

The Garmin Forerunner 745 is an ideal choice for athletes who prioritize detailed performance metrics and smart functionalities for training. Its music storage offers entertainment, making it suitable for long training sessions.

Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 40% of running watches today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Garmin Forerunner 745


The Garmin Forerunner 745 is a robust choice for athletes seeking a comprehensive training tool. Its lightweight design and durable build make it suitable for various sports, including swimming, cycling, and running. The watch's GPS accuracy and heart rate monitoring are highly praised, providing reliable data for performance analysis. With features like music storage and Garmin Pay, it seamlessly integrates into daily life, offering convenience beyond training. However, some users may find the battery life in GPS mode with music slightly limiting for extended sessions. Overall, the Forerunner 745 is a versatile and intelligent watch that enhances training experiences. Its combination of smart features and detailed metrics makes it a valuable asset for dedicated athletes.

Updates to Garmin Forerunner 745


The Garmin Forerunner 745 introduces several updates over its predecessor, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT. It features a more compact design and a higher resolution screen, enhancing visibility and aesthetics. The addition of music storage and Garmin Pay offers greater convenience for users. The integration of ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass) and a pulse oximeter provides more comprehensive data for athletes. These updates make the Forerunner 745 a more advanced and versatile option within the Garmin Forerunner family.

Comparable Watches




The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a good alternative for those seeking more advanced features. It offers longer battery life and additional metrics for serious athletes. However, it comes at a higher price point compared to the Forerunner 745.



The Garmin Forerunner 245 is a more budget-friendly option with essential features for runners. It lacks some of the advanced metrics and smart features found in the Forerunner 745, making it suitable for those with simpler needs.



The Suunto 9 is a robust option for those who need extended battery life and durability. It is particularly suitable for ultra-endurance athletes, though it may lack some of the smart features of the Forerunner 745.

7 Garmin Forerunner 745 Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Comprehensive tracking for multiple sports.
Music storage and playback for up to 500 songs.
Smart features like Garmin Pay and notifications.
Durable design with Corning Gorilla Glass DX.

3 Cons

Limited battery life in GPS mode with music.
Higher price point compared to some alternatives.
Screen size may be small for some users.

In Depth


Battery life

The Garmin Forerunner 745 offers a battery life of up to 16 hours in GPS mode, which is sufficient for most training sessions. However, when using GPS with music, the battery life reduces to about 6 hours. This may be a consideration for those planning longer activities. The watch also features a battery level indicator to keep track of remaining power.

Screen quality and brightness

The Forerunner 745 features a 240 x 240 pixel resolution display, providing clear visibility in various lighting conditions. The screen size of 30 mm ensures that data is easy to read during activities. The use of Corning Gorilla Glass DX enhances durability, making it resistant to scratches and impacts.

Strap comfort

The strap of the Garmin Forerunner 745 is designed for comfort during extended wear. Made from a flexible material, it fits snugly without causing irritation, even during intense workouts. This makes it suitable for athletes who engage in long training sessions.

Heart-rate monitor accuracy

Equipped with an optical heart rate sensor, the Forerunner 745 provides accurate heart rate data directly from the wrist. This feature is crucial for monitoring training intensity and recovery. The watch also offers fast/slow heart rate notifications to alert users of any irregularities.

GPS accuracy

The Forerunner 745 excels in GPS accuracy, making it a reliable choice for tracking outdoor activities. It uses multiple satellite systems, including GPS and Galileo (a global navigation satellite system), to ensure precise location data. This is particularly beneficial for runners and cyclists who require accurate distance and pace measurements.

Sleep tracking

The Garmin Forerunner 745 includes sleep tracking capabilities, allowing users to monitor their sleep patterns and quality. This feature helps athletes understand their recovery needs and optimize their training schedules accordingly.

Virtual coach and recovery

The Forerunner 745 offers a virtual coach feature that provides personalized training plans and feedback. It also tracks recovery time, helping athletes avoid overtraining and optimize their performance. This makes it a valuable tool for those looking to improve their fitness levels.

Who should buy the Garmin Forerunner 745?


The Garmin Forerunner 745 is perfect for dedicated athletes who engage in multi-sport mode activities. It's ideal for those who value detailed performance metrics and smart features like music playback and calendar sync. Runners and triathletes who need a reliable and durable watch for training will find it particularly beneficial. Its lightweight design and comprehensive tracking capabilities make it suitable for both casual and competitive athletes.

Who should not buy the Garmin Forerunner 745?


The Garmin Forerunner 745 may not be the best choice for those who prioritize battery life over features, as its battery life in GPS mode with music is limited. Casual users who do not require advanced metrics or GPS accuracy might find it too feature-rich. Those looking for a more budget-friendly option might consider alternatives with fewer functionalities. Additionally, individuals who prefer a larger display might find the screen size of the Forerunner 745 too small.

Garmin Forerunner 745: What's it good for?


The Garmin Forerunner 745 is excellent for running and triathlon training, offering detailed metrics for distance tracking and pace measurement. It's suitable for swimming due to its waterproof design, and ideal for cycling with its accurate GPS and heart rate monitor. The watch's smart features, like music playback and contactless payments, make it a versatile choice for athletes who want to integrate training with daily life.

5 Garmin Forerunner 745 FAQs


How does the Garmin Forerunner 745 handle music playback?

The Forerunner 745 allows you to store up to 500 songs and sync playlists from popular music services. This feature is ideal for athletes who enjoy listening to music during workouts.

Is the Garmin Forerunner 745 suitable for swimming?

Yes, the Forerunner 745 is waterproof up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

What are the smart features of the Garmin Forerunner 745?

The Forerunner 745 includes smart features like Garmin Pay for contactless payments, smart notifications, and music storage, enhancing its functionality beyond just fitness tracking.

How accurate is the GPS on the Garmin Forerunner 745?

The Forerunner 745 uses multiple satellite systems, including GPS and Galileo, to provide accurate location data, making it reliable for outdoor activities.

Can the Garmin Forerunner 745 track heart rate variability?

Yes, the Forerunner 745 includes heart rate variability tracking, which helps monitor stress levels and recovery status.

Garmin Forerunner 745 alternatives



Garmin Forerunner 745
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Garmin Forerunner 745
bestDealShow prices
priceBand
Price band
released
Released
Jun 2020
Oct 2022Oct 2022Oct 2022Oct 2022
Battery life
Battery life
168 hours
288 hours
288 hours
288 hours
288 hours
288 hours
Battery life – GPS mode
Battery life – GPS mode
16 hours
28 hours
28 hours
28 hours
28 hours
28 hours
Screen size
Screen size
30 mm
30 mm
30 mm
30 mm
30 mm
30 mm
Weight
Weight
47 g
87 g
94 g
88 g
95 g
144 g
Height
Height
44 mm
46 mm
46 mm
46 mm
46 mm
46 mm
Resolution
Resolution
240 x 240 px
240 x 240 px
240 x 240 px
240 x 240 px
240 x 240 px
240 x 240 px
Waterproof depth
Waterproof depth
50 m
100 m
100 m
100 m
100 m
100 m
Pixel density
Pixel density
283 ppi
283 ppi
283 ppi
283 ppi
283 ppi
283 ppi
Internal storage
Internal storage
32 GB
32 GB
32 GB
Health tracking features
Health tracking features
BMI trackingCalorie burn trackingPeriod notificationsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake tracking
BMI trackingCalorie burn trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingBMI trackingCalorie burn trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingBMI trackingCalorie burn trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingBMI trackingCalorie burn trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingBMI trackingCalorie burn trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake tracking
Alerts
Alerts
Inactivity alertsIrregular heart rate warningsSilent alarmVibrating alerts
Inactivity alertsSilent alarmVibrating alertsVoice feedbackInactivity alertsIrregular heart rate warningsSilent alarmVibrating alertsVoice feedbackInactivity alertsSilent alarmVibrating alertsVoice feedbackInactivity alertsSilent alarmThunderstorm warningsVibrating alertsVoice feedbackInactivity alertsSilent alarmVibrating alertsVoice feedback
Screen features
Screen features
Always-on displayDamage resistant glass
Always-on displaySapphire glassAlways-on displaySapphire glassAlways-on displaySapphire glassAlways-on displaySapphire glassAlways-on displaySapphire glass
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Garmin Forerunner 745: what the experts say (1 review)

Garmin Forerunner 745: 4 Expert video reviews

Garmin Forerunner 745: 1 Manufacturer video

Garmin Forerunner 745 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+131)
BrandGarmin (+87)
FeaturesAchievements (+90)Auto pause (+88)Calendar sync (+61)Call control (+81)has fast/slow heart rate notifications (+83)has HRV tracking (+74)measures resting heart rate (+87)measures VO2 max (+82)Multi-sport mode (+82)Music playback (+76)Phone locator (+81)Remote camera (+8)Shows readiness level (+58)Social network integration (+54)Sunrise/sunset time (+74)Uploadable maps (+56)Widgets (+79)
Activity Tracking FeaturesActivity detection (+99)Activity tagging (+98)Coaching (+73)Distance tracking (+112)Elevation tracking (+103)Goal setting (+80)Live tracking (+55)Pace measurement (+111)Route uploads (+72)Steps tracking (+112)Swim stroke counter (+90)Swim stroke recognition (+47)Trackback mode (+71)
Health tracking featuresBMI tracking (+54)Calorie burn tracking (+97)Period notifications (+58)Sleep tracking (+94)Temperature tracking (+60)Water intake tracking (+51)
Connectivity TypesANT+ (+82)Automatic syncing (+52)Cloud syncing (+54)NFC (+58)Wi-Fi (+60)Wireless syncing (+64)
SensorsAccelerometer (+110)Barometer (+91)Blood oxygenation monitor (+74)Body temperature sensor (+70)Cadence sensor (+47)Compass (+98)Galileo (+62)GPS (+110)Gyroscope (+80)Heart rate monitor (+104)
WaterproofingsIP67 (+88)Sweat resistant (+94)
AlertsInactivity alerts (+81)Irregular heart rate warnings (+42)Silent alarm (+80)Vibrating alerts (+84)
Supported peripheralsCompatible heart monitor (+90)Compatible smart scales (+64)
Screen featuresAlways-on display (+81)Damage resistant glass (+38)
Battery featuresBattery level indicator (+63)Rechargeable battery (+113)
ColorwaysBlack, Magma Red, Neo Tropic, Whitestone
Specificationsvs Average
Model
745
Released
Jun 2020
Measurements
Volume
26 cm³
Strap width
22 mm
Width
44 mm
Height
44 mm
Thickness
13 mm
Weight
47 g
Temperature
Min. temperature
-20 °C
Max. temperature
60 °C
Waterproofing
Waterproof depth
50 m
Screen
Pixel density
283 ppi
Resolution
240 x 240 px
Screen size
30 mm
Battery
Battery life – GPS mode
16 hours
Battery life
168 hours
AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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Tom Green
December 18, 2024 at 9:55 AM
Gunnersbury parkrun #230 (my #3️⃣4️⃣)
📊 Stats by geerly 👟 🕒 Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%