Many of us take up running in a bid to relieve some of the daily stresses and strains we feel in life. It releases endorphins and gives us the boost we need to tackle pressure. So, as this hobby becomes a passion, you’ll find that you want to know how fast you ran, how your heart performed as well as where you went and the landscape of those places, for example. Garmin offers the perfect solution.
To do all of this, you’ll need a watch that can monitor your progress and so we have reviewed the Garmin Fenix 6 and Garmin Forerunner 945 so that you can pick the perfect one for runners. If you are looking for a top of the line solar model have a look at the new Garmin Fenix 6x Pro Solar and also the Instinct Solar models.
What Do the Garmin Fenix 6 and Forerunner 945 Look Like?
Interestingly, these two watches look similar in size when you put them side by side. However, the appearances of the watches are different. The Fenix has a metal rim with exposed screws whereas the Forerunner 945 is less brazen, with an all-black plastic case that is sleek and sophisticated.
- Fit for performance with rugged, sophisticated design that features an always-on 1.3” (18% larger...
- Enhanced estimated wrist heart rate and Pulse Ox to support advanced sleep monitoring and altitude...
- Advanced training features include PacePro for grade-adjusted pace guidance throughout your activity...
Both watches have comfortable silicone bands that match the aesthetic and feel great on your wrist. They can be easily swapped for other bands, but there aren’t many options on the market right now so you’ll probably end up sticking with the original ones.
How Heavy Is the Garmin Fenix 6 and Forerunner 945?
The Fenix 6 weighs in at 80 grams, which is noticeable on your wrist. It’s not so heavy that you can’t use it for everyday tasks, however. Just expect to know it’s there when you are at the gym or working out.
The Forerunner 945 weighs in at a smaller 50 grams. This makes enough of a difference that you’ll notice it far less, if even at all! The great thing about opting for a lightweight model is that you can track without even acknowledging its presence.
- Premium GPS running/triathlon smartwatch with music
- Download songs to your watch, including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer (may require...
- Performance monitoring features include Vo2 Max and training status with adjustments for heat,...
What Is the Screen Like On the Garmin Fenix 6 and Forerunner 945?
The screen is 14.7mm thick on the Fenix 6, and it offers a 260-pixel resolution on a screen that is 1.3 inches big. Big enough to use with ease and small enough that it doesn’t take up too much real estate on your wrist.
The Forerunner 945 is slimmer at 13.7mm and offers a 240-pixel resolution on a 1.2-inch screen. The size difference between the two is minimal. The Forerunner 945 is not let down by it’s slightly smaller stature.
How Good Is the Battery Life On the Fenix 6 and Forerunner 945?
Both batteries offer a similar charge and Garmin state that you can expect to enjoy up to 14 days of battery life without GPS enabled. When you add GPS, you can expect to get around 36 in total.
However, the Fenix also offers a GPS with Music mode and employing that will reduce your battery life down to 10 hours maximum usage. The fantastic thing about the Fenix is that you can customise your experience by turning off battery-draining features you don’t need, resulting in better battery life.
How Easy Is It To Use the Fenix 6 and Forerunner 945?
As with the battery life, the user experience is very similar between these two models. You will find the button menus are easy to access. Each watch has three buttons to the left and two on the right that are easy to use and responsive.
There is a wide range of watch faces to pick from. You can customise the display on both watches to fully personalise your user experience.
What Can the Fenix 6 and Forerunner 945 Track?
The great thing about these Garmin watches is that they can track a huge amount of activities, making them the perfect partner for any avid sportsperson. If you find it doesn’t cover the activity you were looking for, you can use the custom activity maker so you are able to track everything you do.
In addition to both watches offering a comprehensive range of activity tracking, the Fenix 6 also comes with some activities pre-loaded for ease of use, including mountain biking, tactical and jumpmaster.
How Can I Navigate Using the Fenix 6 and Forerunner 945?
When it comes to navigation, you can expect both watches to provide detailed maps for the part of the world you live in. When you use the map feature, you’ll be given clear terrain information as well as points of interest, making it easy to keep on the right route at all times.
The watches both offer the ability to calculate three different routes based on how you want to trace. This is really helpful for runners and bikers alike. There are also predetermined courses you can follow, with both watches offering navigational notification.
What Do the Fenix 6 and Forerunner 945 Apps Offer?
The Garmin app is a standard app for all their watches so you can expect exactly the same treatment regardless of which you buy.
The app provides notifications and insights into your performance across the day. You can also use the app to organise your pre-downloaded music so you’re ready for the off at a moment’s notice.
The Verdict
Ultimately, you’ll find that these watches have huge similarities and are both a great choice for your running and other exercise tracking. You can expect to successfully analyse your training, predict your performance and understand your fitness profile with both of these watches.
The one area where they differ is their looks. This may be the defining aspect of your choice. If you want a watch that is sleek and can be used for training and everyday use, then the Forerunner 945 is the ideal choice. However, if you want a watch that offers a more rugged look, then the Fenix 6 is the choice for you.
If you’re interested to learn more about watches that perform exceptionally well for outdoor adventurers, check out our article on the 5 Best Tactical Watches for Adventurers!
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Last Updated on October 1, 2020
A top of the line copywriter with more than a decade of writing experience with many high-end clients. Lots of experience and interest in writing about technology.
Currently living a rural life in South Yorkshire, and devoted to work.
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