If I were to rank the questions that appear most frequently in our Facebook group, in first place we would surely find “hello everyone, can you recommend which Garmin to buy?” And it’s a more than fair question because the U.S. company has a lot of models and it’s not always easy to navigate as, in some cases, the features overlap.
As I have said on many occasions, three questions need to be asked before getting oriented. They are, more or less, these:
- What activity will I use it in and what kind of athlete am I?
- What is my spending budget?
- How much data do I need?
With your answers in hand, you should be able to get clarity even among models that may look similar. Let’s say that, in any case, the last question is the least important. And not to define you as a level of “tech runner” but because–save for a few products–Garmin’s trend is to already offer as much data as possible on many models.
For the essential runner: Forerunner 45
The Forerunner 45 is the entry point for the Garmin world, and you can tell by the name. This sportwatch is already compatible with Garmin Coach to access workouts created by the U.S. brand’s coaches.
If you are not interested in particular running dynamics or the features of Training Load and Training Status, then you can safely stop here.
The absence of running dynamics also makes it the perfect sportwatch for experienced runners who already know themselves very well and especially need references on distance, stopwatch and heart rate in one product.
Forerunner 45 is reliable and, with a battery life of up to 13 hours in GPS mode, never leaves you stranded. It is available in two different sizes: normal and “S,” for thinner wrists
List price: $169.99
Info:
Garmin Forerunner 45
The bestseller: Forerunner 245
Without fear of contradiction, I can say that the Forerunner 245 is the sportwatch you see most on runners’ wrists. It mainly depends on the fact that it is the technological representation of the Latin saying “in medio stat virtus.” The 245 is perfect for the needs of almost all runners because it also provides advanced running dynamics, has the third-generation Elevate wrist sensor, you can use it in cross-training, biking, and swimming in the pool (but it is not multisport for triathlon).
It doesn’t have a barometric altimeter, HRV stress measurement or respiratory rate recording, you can’t swim in it in open water but, you can be sure, it has everything you could possibly need. Including pulse oximeter for acclimatization and sensor for incident detection (when paired with smartphone).
Available in one size, with a battery that (in GPS mode without music) lasts up to 24 hours, the Forerunner 245 is also available for purchase in a “Music” version that, synchronized with Spotify (or Deezer or Amazon Music), allows you to listen to music without carrying your phone.
List price: $299.99
Info:
Garmin Forerunner 245
Forerunner 945 and 745: dedicated to triathletes and runners who want it all
In the Forerunner 945 you find it all. All the features for running, all the dynamics, everything. Including map navigation.
I won’t hide from you that he has been my daily training companion for two years now, and he has never shown any sign of weakness.
Said another way: if you have no budget constraints, you’re on the safe side with the Forerunner 945.
I am also often asked what the differences are with the Forerunner 745, and, not surprisingly, I have included it as an alternative. Also because the two products are very similar. The Forerunner 745, however, is a bit more compact-with 3 mm less in diameter, you could almost call it the Forerunner 945S. In addition, the 745 does not have map navigation, and the battery life is somewhat shorter: up to 21 hours, compared to 36 hours for the 945. But everything else is there.
Let’s say that-speaking in the language of triathletes-the basic features of the two products position the Forerunner 745 perfect for preparing for sprint and Olympic triathlons all the way up to half Ironman. While the Forerunner 945 is better suited for half to full Ironman distances.
List price:
Forerunner 745: $499.99
Forerunner 945: $549.99
Info:
Garmin Forerunner 745
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Garmin Forerunner 945
For the trail runner: fēnix 6 Pro Solar
Navigating the fēnix 6 world is not easy; I counted 28 different models in the Garmin store. Once the logic is understood, however, everything appears simple and intuitive.
There are three sizes: regular 47 mm, “S” with a 42 mm case, and “X” with a 51 mm case. Then there are the “Pro” versions, which bring with them all the most advanced features and metrics, including the very useful Pace Pro and Climb Pro, and preloaded maps. Finally, one can choose from different materials for the case, bezel and glass depending on which activity we practice most.
Personally, I think the most interesting and comprehensive product is the fēnix 6 Pro Solar because, in addition to all the technology and functionality features, the Power Glass technology gives the battery an extra boost to make it last a few hours longer. And we know that in the trail they can be very useful.
List price: $799.99
Info:
Garmin fēnix 6 Pro Solar
Then if you don’t care about map navigation but want a watch designed for the battery to last a long time (which is why there is no map), then you should take a look at the brand new Enduro. With 70 hours of duration in GPS function and up to 300 hours in “Max Battery” mode, the Enduro is perfect for any Ultra.
List price: from £799.99
Info:
Garmin Enduro
Instinct Solar: the outsider for the trail
If I had to give you a musical example to describe Instinct and Instinct Solar, I would tell you about Micawber, Keith Richards’ Fender Telecaster: essential in its construction, without frills and with the right features-when you need them.
In fact, the Instinct does not have the completeness of the dynamics of the other sportwatches, you cannot put watchfaces on it, it has a monochrome display, however, you take it everywhere, you make it do anything, and it goes with you faithfully. And with the battery supported by Power Glass.
Even in its aesthetics, the Instinct conforms to this feeling of ruggedness and essentiality, and unlike the other sportwatches in this guide, it comes in a lot of colors and combinations to suit your use.
Clearly, less technology and less functionality also means a lower price, and by a lot.
List price: $349.99
Info:
Garmin Instinct Solar