Garmin Forerunner 45

Lightweight Good value Music controls

Limited sport profiles Plastic-heavy build No real swim tracking

Bang for buck, the Garmin Forerunner 45 is one of the most impressive running watches out there right now. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive device for this price. Yes, it has gaps and compromises, but it also sets the standard for...

Accurate step count and heart rate readings in testing. Long battery life. Comfortable.

No third-party app support. Distance tracking can be better.

The Garmin Forerunner 45 watch updates its predecessor with a new look and a color display, but remains a solid fitness tracker for runners and anyone else who wants to track their workouts.

Easy to use ; Week-long battery life ; Works with Garmin Coach

Doesn’t have full Connect IQ support ; Lacks training insights ; Limited additional sports tracking

This watch sticks to the basics, but if you're looking for a simple and easy-to-use running watch, plus some added smartwatch features, the Forerunner 45 definitely fits the bill.

Built-in GPS ; Accurate tracking and metrics ; Garmin Coach features offers tailored training plans

Five-button UI not for everyone ; Patchy sleep-tracking feature

Samsung and Apple win when it comes to a more well-rounded smartwatch experience, but if sophisticated fitness-tracking is your highest priority, the Garmin Forerunner 45 is worth a look.

Accurate step count and heart rate readings in testing. Long battery life. Comfortable.

No third-party app support. Distance tracking can be better.

The Garmin Forerunner 45 watch updates its predecessor with a new look and a color display, but remains a solid fitness tracker for runners and anyone else who wants to track their workouts.

The simplicity, the features, the abilities. This has been the best smartwatch I have bought so far, and I am very very happy with this purchase. It keeps motivated to be active, but doesn’t push me to the point where I start to ignore it. I really...