Garmin
Forerunner 245 Music
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. This does not influence our editorial recommendations. Learn more about how we make money
Clara’s Verdict
ExcellentPerfect for runners who love music while training.
Best for: everyday users, busy parents
Skip if: tech enthusiasts
Ethan’s Verdict
Very GoodA solid choice for serious runners, but not for everyone.
Best for: serious runners, fitness enthusiasts, music during workouts
Skip if: casual athletes, users needing precise elevation tracking
Clara’s Pros & Cons
- +Great for music lovers
- +Lightweight and comfortable
- +Accurate fitness tracking
- −Limited smartwatch capabilities
- −No barometric altimeter
- −Setup can be tricky
Ethan’s Pros & Cons
- +Excellent fitness tracking
- +Good battery life
- +Music support
- −Limited smartwatch functions
- −No barometric altimeter
- −Less stylish design
Score Breakdown
Performance8.010% wt
Display8.010% wt
Camera8.025% wt
Battery Life8.015% wt
Design & Build9.020% wt
Software & Features8.05% wt
Value8.015% wt
Score Breakdown
Performance8.020% wt
Display8.015% wt
Camera6.015% wt
Battery Life8.015% wt
Design & Build7.010% wt
Software & Features7.015% wt
Value6.010% wt
Clara’s Full Review
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music: A Runner's Best Friend
The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a fantastic option for anyone who loves to run and enjoy their favorite tunes while doing so. With its lightweight design and comfy fit, it quickly becomes an everyday companion, whether you're hitting the pavement or just out running errands. Reviewers appreciate how easy it is to read the display, even in bright sunlight, which is a big plus when you're outside.
One of the standout features is the music storage and playback capability, allowing you to sync playlists from apps like Spotify and Deezer. This means you can leave your phone at home and still enjoy your favorite tracks during workouts. While some users note the lack of a barometric altimeter can affect elevation tracking, most agree that the overall performance for running metrics is solid. So if you're not scaling mountains but prefer a flat path, this shouldn't be a dealbreaker.
Battery life is impressive, too. You can expect up to 7 days of use in smartwatch mode, which is perfect for busy families who don’t want to worry about frequent charging. Plus, it can last up to 24 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for long runs or races.
However, if you’re looking for more smartwatch features, you might find this watch lacking. The interaction with notifications is somewhat limited, especially for iPhone users. But if your main goal is tracking workouts with a dash of music, you’ll likely find the Forerunner 245 Music meets your needs quite well.
In terms of value, at $349.99, it’s a reasonable investment for serious runners who want both tracking and entertainment while exercising. The combination of accurate fitness tracking, music support, and a comfortable design makes the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music a top choice for active families and daily runners alike. Just remember, if you need precise elevation tracking, you might want to consider other options.
Ethan’s Full Review
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Review
The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music stands out primarily as a fitness smartwatch tailored for serious runners. It boasts excellent tracking capabilities, accurately monitoring heart rate and other fitness metrics. Users appreciate the music playback feature, allowing them to stream from services like Spotify and Deezer, which is a notable advantage for those who prefer not to carry their phones during workouts.
However, there are significant limitations. The absence of a barometric altimeter impacts elevation tracking, making it less suitable for users who frequently run in hilly or mountainous areas. This oversight could deter potential buyers who prioritize comprehensive performance metrics.
The watch features a 1.2-inch transflective display that remains readable in sunlight, enhancing outdoor usability. Yet, its resolution is somewhat basic compared to rival products, which may limit overall satisfaction for those who value display quality. Additionally, while the design is lightweight and comfortable, it lacks the aesthetic appeal of other smartwatches, which may not appeal to users looking for a fashionable accessory.
Battery life is a strong point, lasting up to seven days in smartwatch mode and performing well even with GPS tracking activated. This makes it a reliable companion for long training sessions. However, at a price point of $349.99, the value proposition isn't as compelling when compared to alternatives that offer more features for less money.
In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a solid choice for dedicated runners who need reliable tracking and music support. Those with more casual fitness needs or who seek a more versatile smartwatch experience may want to consider other options.
Specifications
| display | Transflective MIP |
| battery life | Up to 7 days |
| connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| health features | Heart rate monitor, GPS |
| water resistance | WR50 |
Overall Rating
Related Reviews
Review History
Initial review from real source data
Initial review from real source data
Editorial Independence
Our reviews are based on research from trusted expert sources. We may earn commissions from affiliate links, but this never influences our ratings or recommendations. How we score · Editorial policy · Report an error
Related Smartwatches & Wearables
Lowest Price Vendor Auto-Selected
Lowest Price Vendor Auto-Selected