Forerunner 245

Before jumping into another brand, you might check out the WorkOutDoors app and see if it helps you step up your training a bit: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/workoutdoors/id1241909999 Disclaimer: I don’t use an Apple Watch myself (Garmin Forerunner 245 here), but I have running buddies that do and they swear by WorkOutDoors. It has a similar workout builder to Garmin, every data screen you could imagine and more metrics than you could shake a stick at. Everything should sync up between Apple Health and Strava/Runalyze/TrainingPeaks/whatever sinks your submarine.

I'm also coming from a FR245 non-music, but went with the Fenix 7 Pro Solar, as it was 43% cheaper than the FR970. The 245 still is a very decent watch that's perfectly usable in 2026.

Honestly? Not worth it. It uses the gps of your phone, and then you’re better off using your phone with a cheap Bluetooth chest strap heart rate monitor. I do recommend you to slightly stretch your budget for a Vivoactive 5, Forerunner 165 or 255. They’re a bit more expensive, but still under $300. Maybe you can find a good deal secondhand. I’m still using my Forerunner 245 after 4 years and it’s still a solid watch for my running (5-10km).

I am also using an AMOLED (epix pro gen 2), which replaced a fr245.  I had a tough time in some scenarios with the MIPS display, such as on shaded trails and around subset (both common in my users). In these cases I am happier with the AMOLED. 

A few months ago I made the transition from the FR245 to the Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire and have been enjoying the change, I especially like the larger and brighter screen. I hope you have a great time with the new watch!

I usually wear both a watch and a fitness tracker. For the watch, it is usually a Seiko SKX007 or a Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster. For the fitness tracker, I wore a Garmin Forerunner 245 for several years, and a few months ago, I purchased an Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire (47m).

The first one i broke rock climbing. 245 i replaced with 255 bcs i started trail running and i wanted elevation tracking. 255 was the reasonable choice (price vs function) even though I liked fenix 7 more

FR245 still live and kicking