5 Reasons To Buy The Garmin Forerunner 745 Over The 945
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- Today we'll look at 5 reasons to buy the Garmin Forerunner 745 instead of the bigger and more expensive Garmin 945.
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I appreciate you showing actual test results for the GPS.
You’re welcome Daniel! Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
Thanks for this👍 For the past few years I’ve been using a Garmin 235 and been very happy with it.
Yeah, the 235 is a great watch. A lot of these newer features like maps, music and or Garmin pay are things I’ll almost never use.
Thanks for putting these in-depth reviews together. After trying the Fenix 6 pro and Apex Pro, I ended up with the 745. It seemed to hit the sweet spot regarding size and functions, and I really don't think I need the maps (at this point, anyway). All the reviews I read seemed to say that the 745 was really accurate regarding tracking, with one mentioning a slightly newer GPS chip. It certainly seems more accurate than the Fenix and has been picking up the GPS signal before I am out the door. Running pacing is pretty stable, while the Fenix was all over the place sometimes.
One note is that's a little bit of a bummer is that the backlight isn't as nice as the Fenix and possibly the 945. It has a bit of a blue backlight, just slightly washed out, though really doesn't effect readability in practice (Fenix had a nice black background when illuminated). Black on white is fine, but white text on black isn't as crisp. The Apex Pro was much worse and my aging eyes really struggled to read the screen sometimes.
Appreciate your efforts to inform, great work. Cheers.
You’re exactly right. The 745’s GPS is the best I’ve tested so far. It’s now my gold standard. The 945 actually has the brightest backlight and it’s about twice as bright as the other two. There are some OLED watches on the market but the battery life tends to be pretty dreadful. I think you’ll really enjoy the 745 but keep me posted on what you think.
Hello master Mat Legrand! I only run and, I tested the 245 music and found it small and feminine. Also, I tested the 745 and found it to be almost the same size as the 245. Can you help me on a bigger watch above 245 just for running? It can be up to 250 dollars more expensive, no problem.
Love your 745 gps battery saving tips
Yeah, I've really come to enjoy a long battery life on these watches and prefer to have the option. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment Julio! I really appreciate it. 👍
Love the depth of this review. The small details, like watch depth, matter. Nice work. Also, the lego got me in...
Awesome, thank you! Yes, there are lots of legos in my house with my three kids. It's almost harder to not have legos in my videos than to have them. 😂
One of the best reviews.
Thank you Vishal!!! 👍
I'm convinced something in the 945 that the 745 doesn't have is throwing off its accuracy vs. the 745.
Great vid. Your B-roll still shots are amazing, man. As a fellow (though very newbie) creator, I love watching your vids to get inspiration.
945 just got a software update. I'll have to go out a re-test some stuff. I can't imagine they're using GPS chips that are that different. 🤷♂️
yup for sure my next watch. 735XT still kicking and doing well so... future watch!! GREAT review as always.
I still vote the 945 or 955 for you. Wait, I don’t get a vote? 😂 Keep rocking that 735 until it falls apart. Good value there.
Good video, really helpful. Thanks for the heads up!
This is a bit old now. I might also look at the 955 and 255 👌
@@mlegrand 255 instead of 745?
I'd magine that 745 would be a lot better when it comes to HR, running features and battery life??
@@mlegrand 945 and 955 is a bit to big for my wrist. The size of the watch was the main reason for me to choose the 745. (I have not completed the purchase)..
@@hakonfrahmstokka1893 - Yeah, I think the 255 would be my pick. Battery life seems similar to me. HR tracking tests very similar and even GPS is similar (although the 255 has multi-band GPS). I really like the HRV and morning report that the 255 provides. So it's seems a bit better at recovery tracking. For me personally, I'd skip the music on the 255 to save money but I have a lot of watches with music capabilities and never use that feature. So that's just me. Let me know what you think and why you're leaning toward the 745. Either way, I think you'll enjoy your new device. If I could, I'd let you borrow both of these for a few days to help you pick but I'm on the west coast of the US. 🤷♂.
@@mlegrand that was really helpful, appreciate it alot! The music feature is a "must have", as it is one of the main reason why I'm getting a new watch. I would love to be able to leave my phone at home, but still be able to listen to those hard beats when shit gets tough.
At the moment I'm running with a Suunto 9 Baro, it is a great watch, and the battery life is out of this world. But on the down side it is just WAY to big, even sleeping with it is a "no-go".
I normally do ultras, but i can't use it when running more that 50km, then it actually starts to really hurt my wrist. Some of the reason is the size and some is the weight of the watch itself.
Definitely love my 945
I agree. It’s been such a solid watch this past year.
Suggested workouts, track run, bouldering, indoor climb, recovery time changes, grit and flow, and several other features came to 945, current firmware 5.20
Is it officially out or just in beta?
It's installing right now as I'm editing tomorrow's video. 👌 That's one issue with making these videos. They don't hold up all that well to time.
@@mikuslembergs - I think it's official. Should be coming your way soon depending on the manufacture location of your watch.
Thanks for the video it was easy to decide which watch to get. And thanks for the coupon code save me some money
You’re very welcome Mayferman! Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
Really good and helpful Video!
Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
Great video Matt, your B-roll is incredible as always! It kind of blew me away how different the GPS data between the two watches is... The 945 data looked horrible for the neighborhood run!
Thanks so much. Yeah, I did update my 945 firmware recently and I'll have to re-test. But I'd still probably go for the 945 at this point. It's a nice watch. 👌
@@mlegrand Yeah maybe update us with a pinned comment or something if the firmware update improved the GPS for the 945!
@@mlegrand aint you telling people to get the 745 on this video lol
@@Trekman78 -- I try to be honest 🤷🏻♂️
Hummm 745 vs 945..... Wait! might as well go all out, get the Fenix 6, and call it a day? hahahaha
Great video Matt!
I have compared the Fenix 6 to the 945 on this channel before but I had to return that watch as these watch reviews are just slowly driving me into bankruptcy 😂 Thanks for watching and commenting buddy!
I know right?! it's similar to buying popcorn at cinema. You'll end up getting the large popcorn :P
Fenix=Much thicker! To big for me! And to heavy!
@@jooserru - I agree jooserru. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hi Matt, as you might remember, I purchased the 745 after one of your review videos and used your discount code. They are legit company to buy from 👍 I’ve had it for a week today and since I’ve received it I’ve been getting used to it and Garmin connect. The GPS has been extremely accurate in my use. I have notifications on in a very limited setting. Detecting my workout barbell lifts and reps are hit and miss. I’ve charged it twice and it’s at 50% right now. I would’ve bought the 945 from the amazon ad you reference if I wasn’t thrown off by the reviews stating it’s a Pacific region watch. Honestly though, I’m very happy with the 745, I will say though anyone looking for a smart watch might want to look elsewhere. This is a fitness watch and everything is geared to that end. This doesn’t have a beautiful screen, doesn’t have full smart watch features and doesn’t have true navigation. This is an athlete’s watch and I’m glad I have it! The night time pulse O2 does drain the battery a bit but it’s worth it to me. I have small wrists and it fits well, no issues when sleeping, no regrets!
Awesome! So glad you like it. Keep me posted long term how it’s going and I’ll do the same. Maybe I can make a 745 after 100 days video or something. I still think battery life and size would be the big differences. Interesting that the link goes to a Pacific version of the watch. I think those watches have less frequent updates. I guess we should all be careful of deals that are too good to be true.
Great info! Was just checking the rates , do you feel 935 is still a good buy in 2023 for 264 dollars?
It's a great watch but personally, I'd skip it at this point. Garmin made the 945 then the 955 and then shortly thereafter made the 965. I'd expect Garmin to make more software updates for the two latest devices. The updates might not be something you care about or they might be critical for your workflow in the future. Hard to say. 🤷♂️
@mlegrand do you feel instinct 2 is a better watch getting a used as new one for 240 dollars.
@@ruthuparnashetty5783 - I think so if you're ok with the monochrome display. The Instinct 2 is a very impressive watch at that price.
Great video Matt, however if only one thing, suggested workouts came out to the Forerunner 945 too with the latest 5.20 update (it was expected and announced to come). Ah, and track running is also available on the FR945, too. So to me the FR945 is 95% identical to a Fenix 6 and to the FR745. Since maps, battery life and the size are more important for me I went ahead and bought a FR945 (bundle in fact) recently especially as the price wasn't too much higher. The FR745 was not that cheap, I'd say.
Zotmund, I agree 100% with your assessment. The video that I have coming out in about an hour goes over 5 reasons why people should consider the 945 over the 745. (I think you'll prefer this video) Ironically, while I was editing the video my 945 got the 5.2 update. And I think I even mention something about the 745 not being cheap. I really think Garmin needs to make some sort of affordable triathlon watch for under 300ish. 🤷♂️ Thank so much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it.
What shirt is that? Like the logo!
“That Triathlon Life” You might love their clothing and RUclips channel: ruclips.net/user/EricLagerstrom
Nice video and content, garmin releases the 5.09 firmware update to the 945 and add all the new feautures of the 745 , suggested workout, recovery time, etc, buy I still love the fact of the size of the 745, that the main reason why i bought, coz , the 945 is bigger , and if you look at the real size of the screen is the same 1.2 inches, so the 945 just add bulkiness (with more battery life ) but less easy to carry all day long, as well as the accuary of the heart rate that can be affected by the size of it!!! regards folks
Great feedback Luis! I agree. I think size is the main factor. I've had good GPS accuracy with the 745 also. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Garmin does with the next iteration of this 945.
And the 745 will get more updates next few years?
@@peterjanbo657 - It's hard to predict what updates Garmin will perform in the future but they're typically pretty good about basic updates to these watches.
That sony chipset issue is interesting... I wonder if it will be possible to be fixed in the future via a software update or if it is a hardware issue.
It's kinda strange, the the older fr935 has a higher gps accuracy than the fr945.
And people should not be bothered about battery life too much.
Every garmin can track a marathon. Everything above can be solved by charging the watch on the run, because you can charge all garmin watches while you record your run.
I think I have even seen an external battery, which you can put on your arm and connect to the watch while running somewhere...
Yeah, but most people running an ultra marathon don't really want to carry anymore than they need to carry. The Garmin Enduro is perfect for those situations. The 945LTE also has a more accurate GPS chip. It's all pretty interesting. Thanks Hannes for watching and commenting!
Hey, nice TTL shirt! 🏊🏽♂️🚴🏼♂️🏃🏻♂️
Hey, thanks! 👌
Thanks for the great info and video! Can you elaborate on the accuracy of both watches during open water swims ? Right now I ‘m using the 935 and that one sucks! It’s actually completely useless since it doesn’t track distance right, so shown tempo is way too slow. For me it’s a reason to replace this one, but I’m a bit hesitant referring to my bad experience with the quite expensive 935.
Thanks!
Open water accuracy is so tricky for me to figure out. I'm trying to set one watch above water and just have it do normal GPS tracking, (like walk mode or something) and then have other watches on the wrist. I've swam with the 945 a lot and I've had decent results. If anything it seems to measure a bit on the long side. 🤷♂️ I am hoping to do a full open water swim accuracy video this summer. I've got the buoys in the local lake and the water is warming up.
@@mlegrand Thanks for your quick response! 5-10% inaccuracy I can live with, but as FOP swimmer I get very depressed when I see 2:10/100m tempo on my display 😅
@@outdoorsports6768 - Yeah, we know that's incorrect. I would expect pace to be super precise on these but I can try to test that with the Form Swim goggles that have a heads up display for pace. I don't know when you need to make a purchase but if you can wait a few weeks I'm happy to provide more feedback on a very wide variety of watch options.
@@mlegrand sounds great!!
buy a Garmin just for running. I tested the 245 and found it too small. Do you think the 47mm 935 would only be good for racing? The 945 is still priced very high. thank you so much!
The 935 is a good option but it’s so old that’d I’d worry it won’t get software updates from Garmin going forward. When are you thinking about making a buying decision?
Hi! I'm thinking of buying in early June.
@@alexandrepaiva9684 - I’m actually planning a few comparison videos for the first week in June that I hope will help people trying to figure these two watches out. I can always try to trailer the video to you a bit if you have specific questions. 👍
nice review
Thanks Abbas!
Hey Matt, thanks for the vid. Love my 945! What band is that on the 945?
I took the band from the 935 and switched it out. I just ended up growing to like it.
Great video Matt. Have you considered reviewing Coros brand watches? I've been looking at them and the battery life is crazy long!
I’ve been trying to talk them into sending me something to test. The Pace 2 looks like a good option for a budget triathlon watch. I’m not sure their battery life is any better than the competition. 40 hours is pretty standard right now on the Polar watches. And you can make adjustments to these watches to push that out to 100 hours. So maybe they’re defaults are less frequent GPS updates 🤷🏻♂️ but I bet the Apex Pro is using that same standard 346 mAh lithium ion battery. But I’d love to test something from Coros. Hopefully they’ll send me that Pace 2.
LOVE the Lego. Did you get one of the crazy sets?! If I were to upgrade my watch right now I would def go for the 745 if I were going to stay in the Garmin ecosystem.
We have lots of crazy lego sets. I have three boys and they're all down to build legos for hours. And tomorrow's video is all about why you should pick the 945 > 745 so maybe I can change your mind. 😉
I’m deciding between 945 with the 745. The 745 is more budget friendly, but the only down side is the battery, in your opinion do u think is sufficient ?
The 745 battery is sufficient for most long races but I do enjoy not having to charge up my watch as frequently with the 945. Have a look around for sale 945s. Sometimes they are almost as low as the 745
@@mlegrand i see, well another concern is the size as i have relatively small wrist of 155mm, not sure if the 945 is too bulky. Also i realized there is a diff in terms of maps. I do hike occasionally but not sure if thats a big deal
@@fookaiwai - I have small wrists also. I think the biggest deal would be the battery life. It's so nice to have the longer time between charging.
Thanks for this great video. I would like to ask a quick question. I have an arrhythmia and have been on beta blockers for twenty years. According to the advice of my cardiologist, I practice running regularly, it helped me a lot and I was able to reduce my medication always according to my doctor's advice. For a complete follow-up of the shape and the heart, you recommend which watch? A Vantage V2 or a 745 for example? Hello from Germany ^^
Micaele, great news that you’re doing so well with your running! I would say both of those watches would have very similar heart rate monitors. They both use optical heart rate monitors. I would probably recommend the 745 but might also recommend picking up a chest strap which will give you more accurate heart rate readings. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
Hi, can you review how to change strap garmin forrunner 745? Thanks
I would love to make that video. I'll add it to my list but just a warning, my list is pretty long at this point. Basically you wedge a small flathead screw driver in the edge to pull it out. I'd recommend replacing it with a Quick release strap so you don't have to deal with that in the future. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
Hey Matt thanks first of all for the video! I have a question regarding that last comment you made over the software update. If I understood correctly the 5.2 software versioning is going to offer exactly the same sleep advanced metrics, improved recovery times, analytical load types (aerobic and anaerobic) that now are already included in the Forerunner 745. Do you know if such metrics will be included somehow also in the forerunner 245 by any chance? Thanks in advance!
Enrico, thanks so much for watching and commenting! Yes, some of these features are coming to the 245 and that release is slowly rolling out now. The rumors are that they had some bugs with the sleep metrics and it'll be a few more updates before they make it on to these watches.
Half way through the video n haven't seen a single upclose comparison lol
0:22 during the intro. I don't know how to get any closer than that. Maybe you have something specific in mind that you're hoping to see. Keep in mind these are older watches now and Garmin has some newer options. You might want to look at the 955 or 255. Best of luck.
TrackRun already arrived on the 245music with firmware 5.20. Guess same for the 945...
Exactly Miloo! It just arrived on my 945 as I am editing tomorrow's video. 👌
245 btw is a really a great choice for runners, so many features of the high end watches already tripped down with firmware updates.
@@milomito3322 - Should I review it or wait till the 255 comes out?
My biggest complaint with garmin as of late is their lagging software/firmware updates for their flagship watches. When I had the 935, it seemed I was getting pretty timely updates. I have the Fenix 6 pro now and it takes several months it seems to get the same firmware that is shipped with a lower tier watch. First world problems right? Awesome review though, I will always have that special place in my heart for the 900 series watches.
Yeah, I am all about trying different options but the 945 is my current fav. Thanks so much for watching and commenting! 👌
When can we expect a price drop on the 945.
It seems like they are always running sales randomly. I noticed it for 100 off around the holidays and lately I’ve seen it for about 50-70 off.
Loving my forerunner 945. Got it an year ago
I think that’s about when I got mine also. And it’s still my favorite as well. Thanks!
In HK/China the 945 is being discounted and around 100USD cheaper vs 745 - no brainer...!
Yeah Benouah, I can't believe the prices and yet the 745 has been sold out everywhere. 🤷♂️ I mention price again in my video coming out in an hour. And I think you might actually prefer this video. 👌
I'm so torn between these two watches!
They are both good options. I really think the only reason I'd pick the 745 would be if you're worried about the size of the 945. Otherwise the extra battery life on the 945 is well worth it. Let me know if you need any more help and I'll do my best!
I am worried about the size but also the battery life because I mainly go mountain biking and I don't want it to die on a ride!
@@maddieheise5463 - It'll make it through a long mt bike ride. But you'll have to charge it more often in a given month than you would with something like the 945. And I love not having to charge my watch often. Today for example, I'm doing a mock tri and I'm starting with the 745 at 58%. I'll probably go for 2-3 hours and it'll be just fine on battery.
Lego Star Wars is cool 👌
Thanks Tom! I agree.
Could you please tell me the lug-to-lug length of the 745?
49mm for the 745 (and 53mm for the 945)
@@mlegrand Thanks a lot for your time and effort.
Seems like some confusing positioning currently with those prices?
I don't know what they're thinking with the prices but the 745 is sold out everywhere so I don't think they're going to lower prices. The only thing that's clear is that Garmin is making some money on these watches. . . 🤷♂️
Fenix 5 vs 945? Which is better?
I'd go for the 945. I did a video comparing the 945 vs the Fenix 6. Honestly, I'd go for the 945 just because it's a little lighter weight. Let me know if you need more details Aamir! Oh, and thanks for watching and commenting 👌
@@mlegrand thanks for your reply. I was considering fenix 5 because its better looking. That’s it!! Feature wise, I think both are almost equal
Wait for the 955
Not a bad idea. I think Garmin’s watch release cycle is going to speed up with pressure from Apple. 🤔
I just got the Coros Pace 2, but personally I think if I hadn‘t gotten that one I‘d have bought the 745
You’re going to like my next video! 🙌
745 is $100 off right now.
Wow, that’s a good deal 👌
Can I listen to Spotify without bringing my phone?
Yes, you can download music from Spotify and take it for a run without your phone and with your watch connected to bluetooth headphones. I don't use it that often because it does take time to sync music over to the watch. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👌
I do like this feature (music on watch). The download does take some time, it's mostly a one time download and it does this when the watch is being charged anyway. I do like music on the wrist, but it does drain the battery fast also.
Definitely 945.
I agree but I’ve been impressed with the 745. I can’t figure out why the GPS tends to be the most accurate of all of my watches. I have some weird theories but truest have no idea. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
@@mlegrand Great Matt! Thanks for your comment. Best wishes! Greetings from Brazil.
1.25 Speed you're welcome
@Arling Hardinger - 😬 - Do I need to pick up the pace on these reviews a little? Always good to have feedback on how to make these better. 👌
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Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍