Garmin

Forerunner 245 Series

Overall

#28 in

Fitness Trackers

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score70% positive
67
16
13

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Aug 22, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Icon100HB
10 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. 

9 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!

6 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 Iconalittlebitofall
10 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 Iconarmaddon
3 months ago

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.

Reddit IconAZtoOH_82
6 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 Iconbvc25
7 months ago

I see a lot of people recommending the Forerunners, I own a 245 and it's great but keep in mind that it sucks at tracking you with the GPS while open water swimming. I don't know if that's something that happens with every smartwatch but it's something you probably would like to know. For everything else? Absolutely great and I've had pretty much 0 issues in 2 years of using it.

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