Garmin

Forerunner 245 Series

Overall

#39 in

Fitness Trackers

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score70% positive
85
18
19

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Jun 2, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Icon100HB
8 months ago

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. 

6 months ago

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!

3 months ago

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).

Reddit IconAdditional_Abies9192
11 months ago

I have been using forerunners (245 and 255) for some years and they're pretty accurate. You still need to manually enable drill mode but it's almost perfect for the basic strokes. By the way, it's worth noting that how it detects styles depends also on your technique.

Reddit Iconalittlebitofall
7 months ago

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

Reddit Iconanbu-black-ops
10 months ago

I have the 245 and 265. I actually like the touch screen when scrolling my data versus the buttons. Especially when looking at the morning report. Very convenient when scrolling. I was hesitant to get the 265 back then but happy i did. Love the screen. Very bright. My next one will definitely the 970. I love the flashlight, sapphire and titanium features.

Reddit Iconandisteezy
12 months ago

Garmin foreunner 245 has been a real joy for years now. zero complaints

Reddit IconAZtoOH_82
4 months ago

My FR245 has lasted almost 10 years. Beat the shit out of it and still going. Can't beat that imo. Looking at a slight upgrade to FR255 to keep the MIP

Reddit Iconbicycleroad
12 months ago

Seconded. I have the music version so I don't have to carry my phone on short runs.

Reddit IconBlackMagic05
11 months ago

I wear my Garmin 245 Music for working out and running, otherwise it’s my Explorer for everything else life has for me.

11 months ago

Garmin Forerunner 245M. Then I wear my Explorer for any other occasion. I used to use an Apple Watch to workout but I prefer having physical buttons for when I’m sweating and/or it’s raining out or something. Before I became interested in mechanical watches, I wore an Apple Watch exclusively, but I wanted to disconnect from constant notifications and such. We get enough of that on our phones as it is.

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