• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Brands
  • Comparisons
Superwatches - Smartwatches for smart healthy people

SuperWatches

Super Smartwatches and Wearables

  • News
  • About Us

Is the latest Garmin Forerunner 745 the impressive sports watch it aims to be?

Garmin Forerunner 745

Introduction

The Garmin Forerunner 745 succeeds the Garmin 735XT and is the watch for serious athletes lacking the budget for a Garmin Forerunner 945.  

Garmin’s aim with the Forerunner 745 was to pack in all the sports features it could get into a smaller case than on the 735XT. Granted, it has more sensors such as a  pulse oximeter and offers smart features such as onboard storage for music and contactless payments.

Garmin Forerunner 745, GPS Running Watch, Detailed Training Stats and On-Device Workouts, Essential Smartwatch...
Garmin Forerunner 745, GPS Running Watch, Detailed Training Stats and On-Device Workouts, Essential Smartwatch...
  • swim, bike, run — do it all with a smartwatch that uses multiple satellite systems to accurately...
  • switch up your workout routine whenever you like with preloaded activity profiles for running,...
  • receive on-device run and cycling daily workout suggestions based on your current training load and...
Check Amazon Price

As with its sibling devices, you get a device that’s accurate for those into running, swimming, cycling and some indoor activities such as rowing. What you now get with the Forerunner 745 is an abundance of metrics before and after your session. Plus, support for additional apps (found in the Connect IQ store) and sensors. With the addition of payments and music, it raises itself as a better smartwatch than others in the range. More, it pairs with any Android or iPhone. 

All in all, the Forerunner 745 is a competent watch. Unfortunately, it could do with better battery life for the price, or, vice versa, it could be cheaper to compensate.

Released in September of 2020 and priced at $587.57 it’s around twice the price of the 735XT.

Design

It comes with a 22mm silicon interchangeable wristband and a waterproof rating of 5ATM, meaning you can shower or swim in it.

For those that want colour options, you get whitestone, magma red, black and neo tropic. 

As you’ve come to love about Garmin, it has five physical buttons, a 1.2-inch display of 240 x 240 pixels, meaning it’s the same dimensions as the Forerunner 245, but not the Venu.

Garmin Forerunner 745, GPS Running Watch, Detailed Training Stats and On-Device Workouts, Essential Smartwatch...
Garmin Forerunner 745, GPS Running Watch, Detailed Training Stats and On-Device Workouts, Essential Smartwatch...
  • Swim, bike, run — do it all with a smartwatch that uses multiple satellite systems to accurately...
  • Switch up your workout routine whenever you like with preloaded activity profiles for running,...
  • Receive on-device run and cycling daily workout suggestions based on your current training load and...
Check Amazon Price

Ultimately, you won’t see any drastic changes to the traditional Garmin design. And why should they when the previous versions work so well?

Sensors and Metrics

Man using a heart rate strap with his Garmin

Firstly, you get GPS, GLONASS and Galileo to reliably track your outdoor adventures. More, you can upload a route before you head off, using Garmin’s native route finder, Koomoot or Strava. Also, you can use TracBack, a navigation feature to direct yourself home.

Secondly, the Garmin Elevate heart rate monitor is present. And on the back is ANT + and Bluetooth connectivity. These help you to pair other devices like the Varia or Garmin’s HRM straps. Even more still, there’s the addition on the SpO2 sensor, which is becoming standard on Garmin watches. 

As for sports, you can track runs using the new running mode. Plus, indoor and outdoor cycling, open and pool swimming and triathlons. There are more, too. Skiing, yoga and hiking, to name some.

The additional sensors proving better and more accurate data make the Forerunner 745 feel like the upgrade from the 735XT. For example, you’ll see Load, Load Focus, Training Status; meaning you’ll know if you’ve got the balance right during your session. It’s not done yet, though. Also, you get altitude and heat acclimation data which tells you how well your body is adjusting to those demands from the terrain and other conditions. After a heavy session, it’ll calculate how long to rest to sufficiently recover. Once you have, it’ll let you know.

Suggested Workouts

Another important addition to the software is Suggested Workouts. Predominantly for cyclists and runners and serves up workouts that suit your training. 

This works by scrolling through from the watch face to your widgets. Your suggestions will be informed by what is beneficial to your training. Furthermore, you can opt for the workout during a session, and you’ll be told if you’ve hit or fallen short of your goal pace or distance.

Smart Features

On the whole, the smartwatch experience is decent. You get notifications for Android and iPhone, but it works better for the former. 

Garmin Pay is present.

The app store still isn’t groundbreaking, but there’s the dedicated Garmin Connect IQ app, where your data lives. Also, you can do things like changing your watch face and select widgets from here.

Similar to the Apple Watch, the Forerunner 745 has a new safety feature, like fall detection. But, you need to have your phone closeby for it to work. 

Check out our comparison of Apple Watches to see if you think the SOS and fall detection feature is what you need.

Battery life

In terms of the battery life, the Forerunner 745 will give you a week in smartwatch mode compared to only 6 hours in GPS mode if you’re listening to music. However, without music, you can get 16 hours with GPS on. This is not much different from any other of the Forerunner series.

Compare it to the Fenix 6, though, and you’re going to miss out on the power management mode. Considering you can get better battery life for less, it’s certainly something Garmin will want to address.

Should I buy a Garmin Forerunner 745?

If you want in-depth training data including recovery advice, then the Forerunner 745 is for you. Also, if you have a 735XT and want an upgrade, go for it, you won’t regret it; the improvements are worthwhile. Garmin is known for accurate data so runners, swimmers and cyclists can rely on accurate data.

However, if you’re looking for something with long battery life, you can definitely find a watch with better stamina for less money. So, if you can afford it, the Forerunner 945 will suit you better.

Garmin Forerunner 745, GPS Running Watch, Detailed Training Stats and On-Device Workouts, Essential Smartwatch...
Garmin Forerunner 745, GPS Running Watch, Detailed Training Stats and On-Device Workouts, Essential Smartwatch...
  • Swim, bike, run — do it all with a smartwatch that uses multiple satellite systems to accurately...
  • Switch up your workout routine whenever you like with preloaded activity profiles for running,...
  • Receive on-device run and cycling daily workout suggestions based on your current training load and...
Check Amazon Price

If you enjoy our content, follow us on social media for the latest smartwatch news and reviews

facebook instagram twitter download on pinterest Tumblr
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Reddit

Last Updated on January 4, 2021

Maygen
Maygen

Maygen is a multifaceted writer, proofreader and an experienced smartwatch industry writing and editing professional.

January 4, 2021 By Maygen Leave a Comment Filed Under: Brands, Fitness & Sports Watches, Reviews

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

thirteen + 13 =

Affiliate Disclosure: Superwatches.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchase.
Our participation in affiliate programs is at no extra cost to you.


Copyright © 2021 · Superwatches.com · Privacy · FAQ · Terms · Contact us
Superwatches is a trading name of Lezgo Limited. Our correspondence address is Lezgo Limited, 4283 Express Lane, Suite 6707-288, Sarasota, FL 34249

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience for repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT