Smart Watch Review: What Nobody Tells You Before You Buy

Imagine heading out for a morning run and seamlessly tracking your route, heart rate, and progress—all without carrying your phone. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music makes this possible, blending fitness tracking with music storage to keep you moving effortlessly.

Performance

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music excels in tracking your fitness journey. With accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring, it provides detailed insights into your workouts. During my months of testing, I found the GPS lock quick and reliable, even in densely populated urban areas. The heart rate monitor performs well, giving real-time feedback that matches up closely with chest strap monitors. For runners, features like VO2 max estimation and training status updates are especially valuable, making it a strong contender for those serious about improving their performance.

Design & Build

Lightweight and comfortable, the Forerunner 245 Music is designed for everyday wear. Its sleek design doesn’t scream “sports watch”, so you can wear it from gym to office seamlessly. The 1.2-inch display is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. The buttons are responsive and well-placed, allowing you to navigate its features without a hitch. With a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, you can confidently take it swimming or wear it in the shower. However, the plastic build, while durable, can feel a bit less premium compared to metal counterparts.

Battery / Durability

In smartwatch mode, the battery life extends up to 7 days, which is impressive given its range of features. However, when using GPS with music, expect around 6 hours before needing a recharge. For most runners, this is sufficient for a few sessions before charging. During my long-term usage, the battery held up well with no significant degradation in performance. The watch’s durability is commendable; it survived accidental drops and daily wear without any scratches or functional issues, thanks to its Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

Value for Money

Priced at $349.99, the Forerunner 245 Music offers solid value for dedicated runners seeking an all-in-one fitness and music solution. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of high-end smartwatches like the Apple Watch, but it focuses on fitness features that matter. If running is your primary focus, the fitness insights and music storage justify the cost. If you’re seeking a general-purpose smartwatch with more lifestyle features, there might be better options at this price point.

Many overlook the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music’s music storage feature, which is a game-changer for runners who rely on music for motivation. Not needing a phone for music during runs is liberating and adds significant value to the overall experience.