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Is the Garmin Forerunner 745 Worth Buying?

The Garmin Forerunner 745 represents a compelling mid-range option for serious runners and triathletes who demand comprehensive training metrics without the premium price tag of flagship models. After extensive testing, this smartwatch delivers exceptional value for athletes prioritizing performance tracking over fashion-forward design. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or managing peak performance for an Ironman, the Forerunner 745 provides the tools necessary to optimize your training regimen. This watch sits comfortably in Garmin’s lineup, offering more advanced features than the entry-level Forerunner 245 while remaining more affordable than the flagship Forerunner 955.

How Does the Garmin Forerunner 745 Look and Feel?

The Forerunner 745 features a compact, no-nonsense design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetic appeal. The 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display offers vibrant colors and excellent readability in both bright sunlight and dim indoor environments, setting it apart from earlier Garmin models. The watch measures 43.8 x 43.8 x 12.7mm and weighs just 38.5 grams, making it remarkably lightweight for extended wear during endurance activities. The silicone band is durable and comfortable, though some users may prefer the customization options available with aftermarket straps.

The watch runs on Garmin OS, Garmin’s proprietary operating system that prioritizes battery efficiency and responsiveness. The build quality feels premium with its stainless steel bezel and chemically strengthened glass display rated 5 ATM water resistance, suitable for swimming and snorkeling but not diving. The overall aesthetic appeals to serious athletes rather than fashion-conscious consumers—a positioning that clearly defines Garmin’s target demographic.

What Health Features Does the Garmin Forerunner 745 Offer?

The Forerunner 745 integrates an impressive array of health monitoring sensors. The optical heart rate sensor provides continuous pulse tracking throughout the day and during workouts, while the barometric altimeter measures elevation changes with precision. The accelerometer detects movement patterns, and the SpO2 sensor monitors blood oxygen saturation levels, offering insights into sleep quality and cardiovascular health.

Additional health features include 24/7 stress monitoring through heart rate variability analysis, sleep tracking with REM and light sleep distinction, and menstrual cycle tracking for female athletes. The watch calculates training load, recovery time, and body battery—a unique metric that combines sleep quality, stress, and activity to indicate your readiness for intense training. The pulse oximetry function can be set to automatic monitoring during sleep, providing valuable data for athletes concerned about altitude adaptation or overall wellness.

How Long Does the Garmin Forerunner 745 Battery Last?

Battery longevity represents one of the Forerunner 745’s strongest advantages over Apple Watch and Wear OS competitors. In smartwatch mode with all features enabled, the battery lasts approximately 7 to 10 days between charges. During continuous GPS tracking at standard settings, you’ll achieve 10 to 16 hours of operation. The watch supports multiple GPS modes: standard GPS provides reliable tracking for most activities, while multi-band GPS (GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS) extends accuracy in challenging environments but reduces battery life to approximately 12 hours.

Battery Saver mode can extend GPS tracking to roughly 24 hours by disabling certain features, making this watch practical for ultramarathons and extended expedition-style activities. These figures significantly outpace Apple Watch competitors and most Wear OS alternatives, making the Forerunner 745 a practical choice for athletes who travel frequently or prefer weekly charging routines.

What Smart Features Does the Garmin Forerunner 745 Have?

The Forerunner 745 connects via Bluetooth to compatible smartphones and includes smart notifications for calls, texts, and app alerts. The watch supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments, though availability remains limited compared to Apple Pay or Google Pay. You can receive calendar notifications, set reminders, and control music playback on your paired device. Weather data syncs to the watch, providing accurate forecasts for training planning.

The Garmin Connect app serves as the ecosystem hub, offering detailed activity analysis, social features, and integration with popular training platforms including Strava, TrainingPeaks, and MyFitnessPal. The app store functionality is limited compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS devices, but Garmin’s Connect IQ store provides watch faces, apps, and data fields that matter to endurance athletes. Notably, the Forerunner 745 lacks NFC support, which limits its smart home capabilities.

How Well Does the Garmin Forerunner 745 Track Sports?

The Forerunner 745 excels at multisport tracking, featuring pre-loaded profiles for running, cycling, swimming, triathlon, strength training, and over 40 additional sports. The GPS receiver combines traditional GPS with GALILEO and GLONASS support for accurate positioning in urban canyons and heavily forested areas. During running workouts, the watch captures ground contact time, vertical oscillation, and stride length through its advanced accelerometer.

For swimming, the watch automatically detects pool lengths and counts laps with impressive accuracy. Open water swimming mode tracks distance using GPS rather than motion-based calculations. Cycling metrics include power output when paired with compatible ANT+ power meters. The triathlon mode seamlessly transitions between disciplines without losing data continuity. Real-time coaching features provide form feedback during runs, suggesting adjustments to improve efficiency. This level of sports-specific tracking sophistication rivals the best Garmin watches available today.

Pros

• Exceptional battery life of 7-10 days in smartwatch mode and 10-16 hours in GPS mode significantly outlasts Apple Watch and most Wear OS alternatives
• AMOLED touchscreen display provides excellent color vibrancy and readability even in direct sunlight, with quick response times
• Comprehensive sports tracking with 40+ activity profiles, advanced running metrics including form dynamics, and seamless triathlon mode transitions
• Complete health monitoring suite including optical heart rate sensor, SpO2 sensor, barometric altimeter, and advanced stress tracking through heart rate variability analysis
• Affordable pricing for the feature set, positioning it between entry-level and flagship models while offering premium functionality

Cons

• Limited smart features compared to Apple Watch and Wear OS devices—Garmin Pay has restricted merchant availability, and the app ecosystem through Connect IQ remains significantly smaller than iOS or Android alternatives
• The touchscreen interface occasionally requires multiple attempts in wet conditions, particularly during swimming or immediately post-shower when moisture affects sensor responsiveness
• Design language appeals primarily to athletes rather than fashion-conscious consumers, with minimal customization beyond watch band changes and a relatively chunky bezel

Who Should Buy the Garmin Forerunner 745?

Serious runners and triathletes will find the Forerunner 745 ideally suited to their needs. Athletes training for marathons, half-ironmans, or ultramarathons will appreciate the advanced metrics, reliable GPS tracking, and exceptional battery longevity. Weekend warriors logging multiple training sessions weekly benefit from the comprehensive activity tracking and recovery recommendations. Swimmers seeking open water capabilities and pool lap counting will value the specialized swimming modes. Consider this watch if you travel frequently and dislike constant charging requirements. The Forerunner 745 appeals to data-driven athletes who prioritize performance insights over aesthetic appeal.

Who Should Skip the Garmin Forerunner 745?

Casual fitness enthusiasts seeking basic activity tracking may find the Forerunner 745 overly complex and unnecessarily expensive. If smart features like NFC payments, extensive app store access, and voice assistant integration are priorities, look toward Apple Watch or Wear OS alternatives. Fashion-conscious consumers unimpressed by athletic styling should explore alternatives in our Apple Watch vs Samsung comparison coverage.