Garmin Forerunner 245 Music | Great review and test

Garmin Forerunner 245 music stinks of quality. But that’s basically nothing new if you look at what you’re used to from Garmin. But with the Forerunner 245 you just get a super elegant, light and compact training watch. And the music version just gives you this little extra feature.

Test and review of Garmin Forerunner 245 music

The Garmin Forerunner 245 comes in 2 versions. One with music integration, and one without.

Model used in the test: Garmin Forerunner 245 music.

A small, light, compact and elegant training partner. That’s what you get if you end up investing in a Garmin Forerunner 245. If you choose the version with the option of Deezer or Spotify connectivity, your training partner can also sing to you. Well, maybe not completely, but you get the opportunity to listen to music via Bluetooth headphones, and without having to have your mobile nearby. It’s a freedom that I personally like. You can argue whether it’s a good idea, in any case, to run without your mobile? But I’m really happy about the freedom to be able to do it. If you have a relatively large phone, which most of today’s mobiles have to fit under, then it can be a burden to carry around. If such a large square box has to lie in your breast pocket or trouser pocket and rattle around. I won’t answer for everyone else, but it annoys and distracts me quite a bit. And then of course there’s the fact that you don’t have to expose your phone to the liquid risk (sweat) that comes with carrying it around. And you don’t have to worry about dropping it.

The Garmin Forerunner 245 itself has a lot of really cool updates, especially if we see it in relation to the popular Garmin Forerunner 235. But some of the ones you as a user will probably appreciate the most are extended battery life in GPS mode, a reduced weight so that the watch only weighs around 40 grams. A really cool feature, because you don’t actually feel like you’re wearing the watch. Much more flexible than its big brother Garmin Forerunner 645, but more on that in a later section. A better color screen is also integrated into the Forerunner 245, and the glass on the watch itself is now a Corning Gorilla Glass 3. That’s usually roughly what people ask. How robust is the watch and how long does the battery last! And I can assure everyone that the Garmin Forerunner 245 lives up to the standard, and actually a little above.

In addition to that, there have also been a number of more technical updates to the watch. Among other things, you can now see data about your running dynamics (requires compatible accessories). If you are the lucky owner of a pair of Garmin Varia lights, you can also connect them to your Garmin Forerunner 245. So all in all, lots of really cool updates in the Garmin Forerunner 245 (music). We will go into some of the functions below, but if you are in doubt, you can read more about the functions of the watch here

NOTE: Find the clock through the iloebesko andsave 746 crowns. Normal price: 2,900,- kroner, so there are great deals right now. Find it at one of our partners.

Watch our video review of the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

Price comparison Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

Leveringstid	Total price	Read more
2-5 dage	2,154 DKK	Til butik
1-2 dage	2,179 DKK	Til butik
1-2 dage	2,179 DKK	Til butik
1-2 dage	2,260 DKK	Til butik
4-7 dage	2,499 DKK	Til butik
1-3 dage	2,625 DKK	Til butik
5-7 dage	2,741 DKK	Til butik
1-3 dage	2,934 DKK	Til butik

Price comparison Garmin Forerunner 245

Leveringstid	Total price	Read more
1-2 dage	2,082 DKK	Til butik
4-7 dage	2,150 DKK	Til butik
1-3 dage	2,158 DKK	Til butik
5-7 dage	2,296 DKK	Til butik
1-3 dage	2,396 DKK	Til butik

First impressions of the Garmin Forerunner 245

When I first got the watch in my hand (Remember it is the Music model that is used for this test) my first thought was that the watch was very light and elegant to look at. And that is a fantastic starting point to go further..
Of course, you also notice that the watch has a different heart rate monitor than the watch I already had on my arm (Garmin Forerunner 645) and that the charging connector is different. Not that I think it’s cool actually – because at home it would be better to just have one connector for everything. I can never find what I’m missing.

The first 20 minutes of navigating around the watch very quickly gave me an insight into the fact that the Forerunner 245 might not be the successor to the Garmin Forerunner 235, but more like a competitor to the Forerunner 645.

If I have to add a bit of a quibble, I can of course see the idea of the red button on the watch, but on the contrary I think it’s a bit of a shame. I would have preferred a completely neutral watch.

The 6 best things about the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

Below I have listed the 6 coolest things about the Garmin Forerunner 245. It doesn’t have to be a specific feature, it could also be an update or something else.

Race calculator:
It’s really cool that the watch can tell you, data-driven, how you’re going to finish your race. What time you’ll achieve based on your current pace, form and condition.

Music connection:
It’s very banal, and probably what everyone will emphasize. But it’s just cool that the watch can contain up to 500 songs. You just make your playlists in, for example, Spotify, and very easily synchronize them to the watch. Boom, then there’s music in your ears, without having to bring another player.

Running dynamics:
I think it’s really cool to have that option. It does require some extra equipment, in the form of either HRM-Tri, HRM-Run or RD Pod, to get this info. I’m looking forward to the day when my daily life allows me to sit down and nerd out about this data. Because it’s really cool.

Garmin Coach:
In a time when everyone is running to a fitness coach, personal coach or a completely third type of coach. It is good that Garmin has seen that you have the opportunity to connect to an online running coach via Garmin Connect, and in this way be motivated and kept going.

Weight and fit:
If you’ve watched the video and maybe even read my review of the Garmin Forerunner 645. Then you’ll know that the Forerunner 245 is not my primary watch. But that’s solely because of its sporty look. Because the watch actually has a better fit than the Garmin Forerunner 645 if you ask me. Hard to explain, but the strap and watch case in combination just seem more flexible in the Garmin Forerunner 245.
It may have something to do with the weight. But there is no more than 3-4 grams difference between the 2 watches when I measure using my kitchen scale. But maybe 4 grams can really mean that much.

Not just a running watch:
There will also be a section about this further down. But I think it’s crazy that at the price of the Garmin Forerunner 245, they have managed to cram so many features into the watch. Because you really get a lot of cool things in this watch. See a selection of features in the next section..
The Forerunner was supposed to replace the 235, and it must be said that it has. But there is so much new in the watch that in my world it is not fair to compare the 2. You should rather compare the Garmin Forerunner 245 with the Forerunner 645. So we have of course done that further down.

forerunner 245 music front

14 features of the Garmin Forerunner 245

I have listed 15 features below. All features that I believe are the most desirable if you were to consider buying the Garmin Forerunner 245. It was actually difficult to limit yourself to 15 features, because there are so many cool features in the Forerunner 245 that can justify buying the watch.

Strength training plans (Fitness):
You can create and follow strength training plans on the watch. Create them via Garmin Connect, and upload them to the watch. Cool feature and super easy.

Better screen resolution (General):
It’s only an advantage to see better and more. And that’s why the pixel refresh of the Forerunner 245 screen is a welcome move.

Color display (General):
Nobody wants to watch black and white. It’s been a long time since it’s been on. But I generally think the screen’s colors are nice.

Sunrises and sunsets (Clock functions):
It may seem crazy to bring up a feature like this when you look at many other technical features in the Garmin Forerunner 245. But when you are a hunter, sunrise and sunset are a significant factor, so it is actually a feature that is used quite a bit by me.

Pulse OX sensor (Sensors):
The advanced wrist-based heart rate measurement might also be called that. It’s the version that also measures blood oxygen saturation, and based on this, data about your well-being can be displayed. Not a feature I use, it sounds smart, but I can’t say how accurate it is..
The function is probably more reserved for people who travel at high altitudes. And oxygen saturation can only be measured when you are standing still, so night is an obvious choice.

Connect IQ – personalization (Smart features):
The app where you can personalize your watch. For example, you can download your own watch face for the watch, and that way you can get the information you want.

Find phone/watch (Smart function):
It’s just smart if you’re unfortunate enough to not be able to find your phone or watch.

Garmin Connect connection (Smart function):
Can’t help but mention this feature. It’s the basic essence of why I think Garmin’s watches and other devices work SO well. Easy to use and gives you a great overview.

Sleep monitoring (Activity function):
The watch monitors your sleep state and makes optimization suggestions based on this data.

Recovery recommendation (Pulse function):
When the watch knows your training data, your sleep habits and everything else. Then the Garmin Forerunner 245 can come up with quite accurate recovery recommendations for you after training. It is important to recover. This is where you get better and stronger.

Point to point navigation (Outdoor):
You can get help with navigation.

Back to start (Outdoor):
Should you be unfortunate enough to get lost. Then there is a back to start function. So you can always find your way back.

Tracks (Cycling):
You can compete against your own activities. Great if you want to measure whether you have improved.

Running training plans (Running):
Just like with strength training plans, you can of course also throw running training plans into the watch. Then it all becomes much easier and more manageable.

I could go on and on. There are so many great features in the Garmin Forerunner 245. And earlier in the article I posted a link to compare features. Here’s one with the exact ones Garmin Forerunner 245 specifications

Garmin forerunner 245 seen from the side

Advantages and disadvantages of the Garmin Forerunner 245

Below I have listed some brief advantages and disadvantages of the watch. The list is by no means exhaustive, quite the opposite. But I have listed some of them that I think are extraordinary for the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music.

Benefits

The price

In fact, I usually consider the price a disadvantage for most of these types of products. But with this watch I will go the opposite way. And I will because I got much more than I expected. I don't think the Garmin Forerunner 245 is just a running watch as many say, I think it really fits the description of a multi-watch.

The music

Personally, storing music on Garmin's watches is something I've been looking forward to for a long time. That's why it's once again being highlighted as an advantage. A huge advantage, I think. I'm happy with my phone, I actually can't live without it, I think. But when it comes to running, it doesn't have to be part of it. It's way too big and clunky.

Libra

It's a few grams that separate the Forerunner 245 from the Forerunner 645. But it definitely feels like it's a lot more. You can definitely feel the difference if you ask me. The whole feel of the 245 watch is just lighter.

The whole

I got much more than I expected. And when they say that the Garmin Forerunner replaces the Forerunner 235, I can hardly see what they mean. It is both a shame and a bit out of proportion to compare the 2 models. But the whole of this light and elegant multi watch is unique to me.

Disadvantages

The mobile phone

Maybe my disadvantages bear a bit of the impression that there is not much wrong with the watch. But I definitely think it would be cool if the watch had an "alarm function" or a "crash function" where it was not dependent on a mobile phone. I know it is very difficult to achieve, but that is why it is still a disadvantage for me.

The sports look

The reason I'm not immediately selling my Garmin Forerunner 645 and buying this watch is the look of the watch. I moved away from my 735 because I wanted something with music integration and a more everyday look. Therefore, the sporty look of the 245 is a disadvantage for me.

Garmin Forerunner 245 is for multisport

The only thing I can see that should keep people from calling the Garmin Forerunner 245 a multisport watch is the fact that you can’t do this automatic switching between sports when, for example, Triathlon. But then you can use Physio TrueUp which in the short version means that you can use multiple compatible devices during training, but when you need to check data etc. it all comes together in one file/training.
The Garmin Forerunner 245 has been packed with so many cool features that it would be wrong to just call it a running watch. There are plenty of cool features for both cyclists and swimmers.

the strap of the Garmin Forerunner 245 music

Garmin Forerunner 245 vs 645

If justice is to be done, you should really compare the Garmin Forerunner 245 with the Garmin Forerunner 235. But I simply don’t think it’s fair, because the Forerunner 245 has SO much more than the 235 did, and therefore in my opinion it’s more fair to hold it up against its big brother, which is the Garmin Forerunner 645.

Basically, from my perspective, you don’t miss out on much when you choose the Garmin Forerunner 245 over the Forerunner 645. But there are still a few small things I can and will highlight. As you can also see in the video, the 2 watches are very similar in structure and size. However, I think that the Forerunner 245 as a whole is lighter in appearance and feel, even more than the few grams on the scale indicate.

The most prominent features and elements you lose in the Garmin Forerunner 245 compared to the 645 are:

Garmin Pay
Metal watch bezel (everyday look)
Multiple preset activity profiles

And then there are a few other features, such as a gyroscope and thermometer. But honestly, I’ll never use the gyroscope, and I could live without the thermometer.

Plenty of battery life in the Garmin Forerunner 245

It’s far from all the cool features that get a headline in this test and review. Then we would end up well over 15000 words. But I would still like to highlight the battery life as something super positive.
As a smart watch alone (without using music and GPS), the Garmin Forerunner 245 should be able to last around 7 days. I think there are some Apple fans sitting there and are a bit envious.

With GPS on, they estimate a battery life of 24 hours. I haven’t actually tested this myself, but their predictions tend to be very accurate.

If you want to run a half or full marathon, you don’t have to worry about running out of battery, and you can also listen to music the whole way. It is estimated that on a full charge, the watch can last for about 6 hours with both an active GPS and a music function running.

Save battery with UltraTrac

It’s actually quite smart. Maybe not for the average runner who uses their watch for 5-10-15 kilometers. But if you’re an ultra runner or you track distance over, for example, many hours or several days, you have the option to activate UltraTrac in the watch. It basically means that the watch doesn’t ask for GPS coordinates as often.

You can feel confident with the Garmin Forerunner 245

It’s basically a great thing. But it requires you to have your mobile phone with you to use this feature.

It’s about you being able to create up to 3 emergency contacts, which are then stored in your watch (Garmin Connect). Should you be unfortunate enough to fall or otherwise become unwell, you have the opportunity to get help. This can happen in several ways.
The watch can automatically send a message with GPS coordinates if a strong reaction is registered, and subsequently there is no activity. For example, if you fall and knock yourself unconscious. Then a link is sent to your emergency personnel with GPS coordinates. If you are picked up by an ambulance in the meantime or someone helps you into a house, the coordinate is a live coordinate, so your contacts can always find you.

Of course, you can also activate the function manually. If you suddenly feel unwell. Then hold the top left button for 5 seconds. The watch will vibrate 3 times, and then a message has been sent.

It’s a super cool feature that provides a form of security. The only downside is of course the requirement for a mobile phone. And I can only see that the function doesn’t work if you are in a place without a signal and the ability to obtain the correct coordinates.

Training programs: individual or coach

Are you, like me, more of a fan of creating your own running programs and training plans? Then there are plenty of opportunities for that. A very intuitive builder makes it easy to build, for example, your entire running program. You save it in Garmin Connect, and then you transfer it to your Forerunner 245. It almost doesn’t get any easier.

No touchscreen is perfect for me

This is another one of those little features that might not be talked about, but to me is actually really cool. Maybe you don’t think about it that much..
But the fact that the Garmin Forerunner 245 has buttons instead of a touch screen, I think has a lot of advantages. I am mostly in favor of navigation via buttons because:

You can operate the watch easily at all times. Even during training and running. You are not hampered by sweat or other things that can make it difficult to navigate a touch screen.
You can operate the watch all year round. This means you don’t have to worry about gloves etc. during the cold months.
It’s just easier to capture quick and precise navigation around the watch via buttons. Because there’s not much you can press wrong, and you’re sure the button will respond the first time. Not so much hassle with an unresponsive or a little-too-responsive screen. That drives me crazy. That’s why I love buttons.

Accessories for Garmin Forerunner 245

It is of course important to keep in mind that some of the smart features in the Garmin Forerunner 245 require additional accessories to be purchased.
Among other things, the running dynamics function is really smart and really geeky data to pull out of the watch. But it’s not data that comes “out-of-the-box”. Unfortunately, it requires a special heart rate monitor. You must either choose the Garmin HRM Tri heart rate belt or the Garmin HRM Run heart rate belt.
You can also choose to use Garmin Dynamic Pods for running dynamics.

Price comparison Garmin HRM Run

Leveringstid	Total price	Read more
1-2 dage	412 DKK	Til butik
1-3 dage	521 DKK	Til butik
1-3 dage	551 DKK	Til butik
4-7 dage	598 DKK	Til butik

Price comparison Garmin HRM Tri

Leveringstid	Total price	Read more
1-3 dage	611 DKK	Til butik
1-3 dage	656 DKK	Til butik
4-7 dage	721 DKK	Til butik
1-2 dage	941 DKK	Til butik

Garmin Forerunner series

Is the series from Garmin which is primarily aimed at runners. Garmin has a motto that goes that if you want to train like a runner, then a Forerunner watch is for you. The series has a lot of things and functions. And that is what makes it so attractive. Because it is not only GPS watches for professionals that are produced. They also make watches that are perfect for the exerciser who may not have quite the same requirements as the top athlete.

Alternatives to Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

It can actually be written very simply. The alternative to the Garmin Forerunner 245 is the Garmin Forerunner 645. The 2 watches are almost identical, there are very few things that separate them. But if you want a step up in features, compared to the Forerunner 245, then you should look towards either Forerunner 735xt (an older but very popular watch) or you can go all the way to the top of the Forerunner series and choose the 945.

pulse ox in garmin forerunner 245

Garmin Forerunner 245 offer

Below you will find the best offers and sales from our partners. So don’t overpay for your new Garmin Forerunner 245.

Price comparison Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

Leveringstid	Total price	Read more
2-5 dage	2,154 DKK	Til butik
1-2 dage	2,179 DKK	Til butik
1-2 dage	2,179 DKK	Til butik
1-2 dage	2,260 DKK	Til butik
4-7 dage	2,499 DKK	Til butik
1-3 dage	2,625 DKK	Til butik
5-7 dage	2,741 DKK	Til butik
1-3 dage	2,934 DKK	Til butik

Price comparison Garmin Forerunner 245

Leveringstid	Total price	Read more
1-2 dage	2,082 DKK	Til butik
4-7 dage	2,150 DKK	Til butik
1-3 dage	2,158 DKK	Til butik
5-7 dage	2,296 DKK	Til butik
1-3 dage	2,396 DKK	Til butik

Other great deals on Garmin watches

We sometimes test new watches from both Garmin and other heart rate watch brands such as Suunto and Polar. If the Forerunner 245 Music wasn’t quite the watch you were looking for, check out our other Garmin watches.

Price comparisons on Garmin heart rate monitors – it is here