Deciding on a sports watch can be a bit like choosing a superhero sidekick for your fitness adventures. And in the world of fitness wearables, Garmin has unleashed two powerful contenders – the Forerunner 745 and the Forerunner 945. They’re like your fitness buddies, equipped with cool features to amp up your workouts. But, how do you pick the perfect one for you?
The Forerunner 745 is like the triathlon specialist, all geared up for running, cycling, and swimming. It’s got a laser focus on these activities, making it a strong contender against its sibling, the Forerunner 945.
Now, the Forerunner 945 is like the all-around superhero – great at running, but it brings even more skills to the table. It’s got advanced mapping, navigation tools, and a bunch of other tricks up its sleeve.
This showdown between the Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945 has become a hot topic. It’s leaving folks scratching their heads, wondering, “Which one is the real champ, and how do I choose the right sidekick for my fitness journey?”
Well, fear not! We’re diving deep into the features and differences between these two Garmin heroes to help you make the best choice. Whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned pro, let’s unravel the mystery of the Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945, and find the perfect fit for your adventures.
Garmin Forerunner 745 vs Forerunner 945 Spec
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 745 | Garmin Forerunner 945 |
| Design and Dimensions | Compact design: 43.8 x 43.8 x 13.3 mm | Slightly larger: 47 x 47 x 13.7 mm |
| Weight | 47 grams | 50 grams |
| Display | 1.2″ MIP display, 240 x 240 pixels | 1.2 Inches MIP display, 240 x 240 pixels |
| Build Material | Glass fiber reinforced polymer | Glass fiber reinforced polymer |
| Display Glass | Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 DX | Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 DX |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM (Water-resistant) | 5 ATM (Water-resistant) |
| Memory | 4 GB | 16 GB |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+ | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Garmin Elevate™ wrist HR monitor with pulse oximeter | Garmin Elevate™ wrist HR monitor with pulse oximeter |
| Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 days (watch mode), 6 hrs (GPS + music), 16 hrs (GPS) | Up to 14 days (watch mode), 10 hrs (GPS + music), 36 hrs (GPS) |
| Training Load Analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Training Status | Yes | Yes |
| ClimbPro Feature | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Pay™ | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse Oximeter | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Advanced sleep monitoring with Pulse Ox (SpO2) | Advanced sleep monitoring with Pulse Ox (SpO2) |
| Body Battery™ Energy Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Stress Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Hydration Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Women’s Health Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility | Compatible with iPhone® and Android™ smartphones | Compatible with iPhone® and Android™ smartphones |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Design, Display and Build
The design and build of a sports watch play a significant role in its usability and comfort during activities. In this aspect, both the Garmin Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945 share a common foundation.
They feature cases made of glass fibre-reinforced polymer, a material known for its durability and lightweight properties. The flexible silicone straps not only contribute to the watches’ overall comfort but also ensure a secure fit during various physical activities.
When it comes to the display, both models are equipped with a vibrant 1.2-inch transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display.
This display, with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, is designed to be visible even in direct sunlight, providing users with clear and crisp information at a glance. Additionally, the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX protects the display, adding a layer of toughness to withstand the rigours of outdoor and athletic use.
Despite these similarities, there are subtle differences in dimensions. The Forerunner 945 is slightly larger with dimensions of 47 x 47 x 13.7 mm compared to the Forerunner 745’s more compact 43.8 x 43.8 x 13.3 mm size.
The Forerunner 945 also carries a slightly higher weight at 50g compared to the 47g weight of the Forerunner 745. These distinctions may influence user preferences based on wrist size, comfort, and the desire for a more lightweight device.
Memory and Storage
Internal storage is a critical aspect, particularly for users who plan to store music, maps, or other data directly on their sports watch.
In this regard, the Forerunner 945 takes a notable lead with 16 GB of internal storage, providing ample space for extensive data storage.
On the other hand, the Forerunner 745 offers a more modest 4 GB of storage, which may suffice for basic needs but might limit options for those requiring more space.
The difference in storage capacity can impact the user experience, especially for individuals who want to download and store a significant amount of music for offline listening or prefer having detailed maps directly on the watch.
Users should carefully assess their storage needs and consider whether the additional space offered by the Forerunner 945 is worth the potentially higher cost.
Health and Fitness Features
Staying healthy is a big deal, especially when you’re into sports, and Garmin’s got you covered with the Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945.
Let’s break down the health features these watches bring to the table.
Heart Rate Monitoring [Garmin Forerunner 745 vs Forerunner 945]
Both the Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945 come with heart rate monitoring features to keep tabs on your ticker.
While the Forerunner 745 offers continuous heart rate tracking, the Forerunner 945 goes the extra mile with a pulse oximeter, which also measures blood oxygen levels.
So, if you’re keen on getting a more detailed picture of your heart health, the Forerunner 945 might be the way to go.
Advanced Sleep Tracking
When it comes to sleep tracking, both watches have you covered. The Forerunner 745 provides insights into your sleep stages, movement, and overall sleep quality.
On the other hand, the Forerunner 945 takes it up a notch by introducing a feature called Body Battery, which factors in your body’s energy levels alongside sleep data.
So, if you’re looking for more detailed sleep insights, the Forerunner 945 could be your sleep buddy.
Stress Tracking
Managing stress is essential for a healthy lifestyle, and both watches offer stress-tracking features.
While the Forerunner 745 assesses stress based on factors like heart rate variability, the Forerunner 945 takes it further by considering additional metrics such as training load and sleep quality.
So, if you’re keen on understanding your stress levels in more detail, the Forerunner 945 might be worth considering.
Body Battery Energy Monitor
Both watches come equipped with Garmin’s Body Battery™ feature, which gives you an idea of your body’s energy reserves.
However, the Forerunner 945 takes it a step further by including training load data, providing a more comprehensive analysis of your energy balance.
So, if you’re interested in optimizing your energy levels for better performance, the Forerunner 945 could be the one for you.
Hydration and Menstrual Cycle Tracking
Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, and both watches allow you to track your hydration levels.
Additionally, for female users, both watches offer menstrual cycle tracking, providing insights into cycle phases and symptoms.
However, the Forerunner 945 offers advanced hydration tracking by considering factors like temperature and workout intensity for more accurate alerts.
In conclusion, both the Garmin Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945 are excellent choices for tracking your health and fitness journey.
The Forerunner 945 offers more advanced features for those who want a deeper insight into their health metrics, while the Forerunner 745 provides a solid foundation of essential health tracking features.
So, whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned athlete, there’s a Garmin Forerunner 945 to suit your needs!
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for athletes who engage in prolonged activities or those who prefer not to charge their devices frequently.
Both the Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945 offer impressive battery life, but some distinctions may sway the decision-making process.
The Forerunner 745 boasts a respectable battery life of up to 7 days in watch mode, 6 hours in GPS mode with music, 16 hours in GPS mode without music, and up to 21 hours in UltraTrac mode.
Its makes it suitable for daily wear, shorter workouts, and even longer activities, with the UltraTrac mode conserving energy.
In contrast, the Forerunner 945 excels in extended battery life, making it an ideal choice for athletes engaged in lengthier outdoor pursuits.
It offers up to 14 days in watch mode, 10 hours in GPS mode with music, 36 hours in GPS mode without music, and an impressive 60 hours in UltraTrac mode.
For users prioritizing extended use without frequent charging, the Forerunner 945 emerges as the preferred option.
Sports Features
The sports features of these Garmin watches are comprehensive, catering to a wide range of activities from running and triathlons to gym workouts and outdoor adventures.
However, the Forerunner 945 comes with some additional features that might appeal to certain users.
On-screen workout animations enhance the training experience by providing visual guidance during exercises.
For those who focus on breathing exercises, the Forerunner 945 offers the ability to measure breathing frequency during workouts, though this requires a compatible accessory.
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the golfing features present in the Forerunner 945. It comes preloaded with data for 43,000 courses worldwide, providing stroke and distance measurements, a digital scorecard, and stat tracking.
Compatibility with TruSwing adds further value for those looking to improve their golf swing.
One of the standout features of the Forerunner 945 is its detailed mapping capabilities.
Equipped with preloaded topographical maps and road and trail maps, it becomes a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. The ability to download additional cartography further expands its navigation capabilities.
Price
Price is a significant factor for many consumers when deciding on a sports watch. Unsurprisingly, the Forerunner 945, with its additional features and extended capabilities, tends to be priced higher than the Forerunner 745.
The cost difference may influence the decision-making process, especially for users who prioritize specific features within a certain budget.
Potential buyers need to weigh the added functionalities of the Forerunner 945 against their personal requirements and budget constraints.
While the Forerunner 945 offers more features, the Forerunner 745 remains an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance sports watch without the premium price tag.
5 Reasons To Buy The Garmin Forerunner 745 Over The 945
Here are 5 reasons why you might choose the Garmin Forerunner 745 over the 945:
- Smaller and lighter: The 745 is more comfortable to wear, especially for those with smaller wrists or who prefer a more lightweight design.
- More affordable: The 745 is generally cheaper than the 945, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- More smartwatch features: The 745 offers features like music controls, contactless payments, and access to apps through the Garmin Connect IQ store, which the 945 lacks.
- Newer features: The 745 is a newer model and may have some features not found on the older 945, such as specific training features or software updates.
- Battery life is still good: While not as long as the 945, the 745 still offers a respectable 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, which is sufficient for most users.
Ultimately, the best choice between the 745 and 945 depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider which features are most important to you and how much you are willing to spend when making your decision.
Garmin Forerunner 745 Over Value
5 Reasons to Choose the Garmin Forerunner 945 over the 745:
- Superior Battery Life: The 945 boasts a whopping 14 days in smartwatch mode compared to the 745’s 7 days. This makes it ideal for long adventures, endurance training, or simply not having to worry about charging as often.
- Built-in Topographical Maps: The 945 comes preloaded with topographical maps, a game-changer for trail runners, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need detailed navigation on their adventures.
- Ample Storage: With 16GB of storage, the 945 allows you to store significantly more music, maps, and workout data compared to the 745’s 4GB, providing more flexibility for offline use.
- Training Analysis and Insights: The 945 offers advanced training features like training load analysis, training status, and recovery time recommendations, providing deeper insights into your workouts and helping you optimize your training plans.
- Durability and Ruggedness: The 945 is built with a more robust construction, potentially better suited for tougher environments and demanding activities compared to the 745.
Remember, the best choice depends on your needs. If features like longer battery life, built-in maps, increased storage, and advanced training analysis are crucial, the 945 might be the better fit. However, if you prioritize a smaller, lighter design, affordability, and more smartwatch features, the 745 could be a better option.
Garmin Forerunner 945 Best OVER ALL
Conclusion Garmin Forerunner 745 vs Forerunner 945
In conclusion, the choice between the Garmin Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945 ultimately depends on individual needs, preferences, and budget considerations.
The Forerunner 745 is a solid option for users who prioritize a more compact design, have modest storage needs, and are content with a slightly shorter battery life.
On the other hand, the Forerunner 945 caters to athletes seeking extended battery life and additional sports features like on-screen animations and detailed maps and are willing to invest in a more feature-rich device.
Before making a decision, users should carefully assess their specific requirements, whether it be longer battery life, advanced sports features, or budget-friendly options.
Both watches represent top-tier offerings from Garmin, ensuring a high level of performance and functionality for individuals pursuing their fitness and athletic goals.
Q. Is the Garmin Forerunner 945 that much better than the 745?
Picking the right Garmin watch depends on what you need most. The 945 is like a superhero with a long-lasting battery, built-in maps, and lots of space for music. It’s great for adventures and long workouts, but a bit bigger and pricier. The 745 is smaller, lighter, and has cool features like music controls and payments, but its battery doesn’t last as long and it doesn’t have maps. Think about what’s important to you – power like a superhero or handy features in a smaller size – to choose your perfect watch.
Q. Is the Garmin Forerunner 945 still worth it?
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is still a good watch, especially if you like to run or exercise for a long time and don’t mind not having the newest features. It lasts a long time on one charge (up to 14 days!) and has built-in maps to help you find your way. However, there are newer watches like the 955 that have some extra features, and the 945 might not get updated as often anymore. So, if you find a good deal on the 945 and don’t need the latest and greatest, it’s a great choice!
Q. Is Garmin Forerunner 745 touchscreen?
No, the Garmin Forerunner 745 does not have a touchscreen. Instead, it relies on five physical buttons for navigation and interaction. This is a common design choice for Garmin’s sports watches, prioritizing durability and ease of use during exercise, especially when sweaty or in wet conditions.
