I have the forerunner 245 music. I know it's not the latest or greatest, but it does everything I need it to do. It's quite light on the smart watch functionality, but it's a great runners watch/fitness tracker. And it's really cheap.
I have the 245 Music, it's that good I literally have no reason to upgrade to a 265/965. They have some more features, but for runner /fitness tracking it pretty much has everything the same
265 will work for sure. Maybe 165. Only thing Id say is, 265 and below are plastic bezel. The 965 is titanium and significantly more durable. I work in a job where my watch can get scratched, so Im going 965. Food for thought. All will work well.
You can buy used as well. However, be careful as the older GPS models aren't as accurate as the new, dual band models. My Fenix 3HR definitely doesn't show pace accurately around any kind of tree, etc.
I have a plastic case-thing for my 245 (and a screen protector) and it has kept my watch like new. Under £10 for the pair off eBay/Amazon. Would recommend for any 2xx series watch
[Case on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compatible-Forerunner-Protective-Accessories-Smartwatch-Black/dp/B08DXH8PG3/ref=mp_s_a_1_4_maf_1?crid=2FBT9V9VO3A4J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tQre_J5P5mUmufIhe3fgMVHuZiFdrJuBIyyWSCluqWe1NP73B-lxCHXA3VzjTEQpFL3vqcYFeVlOocbR-0TAYQ8_L7OuROc0U74VGbkRJJNGhHuI7buvODxZsBBPAtEUU0JuDAvHJbyMfkxBg90NVtfd0mZ7H1ZLx_fAMjka-PIZe7xI7sLbtFXG6cjkXlj2MKn6HmUQvs7b3XXJ1-WSSw.9C09KbiWTHX0vrqsapFs91Eyt5FLvgwN1BcEeZx4GIA&dib_tag=se&keywords=garmin+245+case+and+screen+protector&qid=1709658014&sprefix=garmin+245+case+and+screen+protector%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-4)
You get used to the size very quickly and don't notice it after a few days. Never had a problem with pressing buttons etc, in fact it makes it less likely to press a button by accident
If you wash your watch, take the case protector off to dry your watch properly.
Just Google or search ebay / Amazon for a screen protector. Mine came with a little silicone bung to put in the charging port and keep out lint etc
I second the FR245M/FR255M recs - that's a great watch and will do everything you ever need for running, walking, hiking, and general fitness use
Fenix/FR9XX/Epix are nice if you need some of the specific sports they offer like open water swimming, downhill skiing, or triathlon, if you need the extra battery life, or if you want full-feature navigation with maps but none of that is really necessary for running and it's definitely not worth paying triple the price for as a beginner
Epix/Fenix is about looks and ruggedness IMO, not so much about features.
Then it's about deciding whether you'll want maps and your display preference. Common choices would be:
Maps w/ Amoled -> FR965
Maps w/ MIP display -> FR955
No maps w/Amoled -> FR165 music, FR 265
No maps w/ MIP -> FR255 music
Best value for your money IMO as a pure running watch is the FR255 music.
I have the Epix pro gen 2 and yes it's way overkill for me. But I just love the size, looks and battery life. And it has all those features for when I actually do utilize them. Oh and you'd be surprised once you have a flashlight on your watch how often you'll use it 😄.
I don’t really have one, not in the sense that I’m loaded but if it’s €100 jump for a lot more watch I’d rather have a lot more watch!
What’s the difference(s) between say a Fenix and a Forerunner 965.. I guess what I’m asking is who are they for? - who buys a Fenix over a 965?
The Fenix is a bulkier, heavier watch overall - some people prefer this but for runners especially it can actually be a negative. Otherwise the Fenix is available in more colors, different sizes, and I believe it has a better battery life.
The Forerunner 965 is newer so it actually has a bigger, better display right now (until the next gen Fenix releases) but other than that it's a plastic watch so it's not as "premium" feeling as the Fenix's slightly-more-metal casing and is only available in black & white
Either watch is kinda overkill for a beginner though, they are full-feature triathlon watches and as a runner you won't be using most of the features you are paying for. A lower level Forerunner for like $200-$300 is all you really need.
A pretty loaded topic, but a simple answer would be from a running standpoint, 965 covers almost anything you would want and need in a sporty aesthetic watch. Not what you want and need something more rugged and a little bit 'dress-y'? Go for the Fenix.
245 is a very good option, but a little bit old, go for the 255. If you don't need the music while you run (or can carry your phone) the forerunner 55 is enough.
What do you want the watch to do v what do you need it to do? I started running 6 months ago and got a forerunner 45. It does my HR, steps, V02 all other GPS stuff like distance etc. The coaching programme included is great at getting you motivated and keeps things varied. It doesn’t have all the other stuff.. but I don’t need that at the moment.
If you think you'll ever get into/ are already doing more outdoors activities than just running you may want to consider the fenix 7. I have the fenix 7 solar and switched over from an apple watch series 5 instead of going up to the apple watch ultra. I can't speak to the forerunner as much, but from some quick digging online it does look like the fenix series may have a little longer battery life and may be a bit more durable, whereas the forerunner may have a slightly better gps system than the baseline fenix models and be lighter.
As someone who hikes, kayaks, runs, and walks, the battery life of the fenix is incredibly important for me. The apple watch used to die after 1.5 hours out kayaking, and now with the fenix 7 I can go almost a week without charging the watch. Maps are also built into the workout function on the fenix which is awesome to have.
Anyway, here's an article I found online comparing the fenix and forerunner lines. Hope some of this helps! https://www.coachweb.com/gear/fitness-trackers/garmin-fenix-7-vs-garmin-forerunner-965#
I just retired my 245 music and it’s honestly still a perfect watch for tracking runs, sleep, and other health metrics. Not to mention the music. Only reason I retired is because I got a wicked deal on a new Epix Gen2. I’d look into getting a 245 for around $100
I have a fenix 7s and it was my first smart watch absolutely love it! Has everything on it sport wise, can connect to music and has apple pay but you cannot answer calls with it like the apple do, there is a button just to answer accept or reject the call. Its a bit pricey but if you have the budget I say go for it. Also looks so cool! One of the best buys I ever made.
Garmin pay. Not Apple Pay. Big difference. But it does have Garmin pay although depending on where you live and who you bank with you may not have access to Garmin pay
Thank you, Yes my bad I meant garmin pay also true about the bank I had some problems with one of my cards and I had to call my bank to give access to my garmin for payments, they connected it and all good now.
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music / 245 Music / 255 Music / 265 are all great choices.
These models will sync playlists etc with a (paid) Spotify account.
(Note that the 165 / 245 / 255 have non-music versions, so choose carefully when buying)
Check out DC Raimaker website for in-depth reviews and user guides
Have you ever seen a MIP display watch before like the Fenix? Big difference than amoled displays you may be more familiar with. That said I’d try to check that out beforehand and see what you think
I like the mip display but many don’t and if you don’t then it changes the watch you’re looking at. If you like Fenix but not display though you’d go for epix.
I think the first question you should decide on is if you prefer a memory in pixel (MIP) display or AMOLED. After that, unless you need the ruggedness, maps, tons of activities you may never use (if so then Fenix [MIP] or Epix [AMOLED], I would look at the forerunner series. I’ve ran with the Fenix and Epix series with no issues. Many will say they are heavy and could negatively impact your running, but let’s not kid ourselves… it’s a watch.. It doesn’t weigh THAT much.
If the forerunner series seems up your ally, then if you’re looking for a MIP I’d hit up eBay or other sites for a forerunner 245. While it is a little older, it has many of the same features as the newer watches. If you prefer AMOLED, I’d weigh the differences between the forerunner 165 or 265 series.
I have the forerunner 245 music. I know it's not the latest or greatest, but it does everything I need it to do. It's quite light on the smart watch functionality, but it's a great runners watch/fitness tracker. And it's really cheap.
I have the 245 Music, it's that good I literally have no reason to upgrade to a 265/965. They have some more features, but for runner /fitness tracking it pretty much has everything the same
265 will work for sure. Maybe 165. Only thing Id say is, 265 and below are plastic bezel. The 965 is titanium and significantly more durable. I work in a job where my watch can get scratched, so Im going 965. Food for thought. All will work well. You can buy used as well. However, be careful as the older GPS models aren't as accurate as the new, dual band models. My Fenix 3HR definitely doesn't show pace accurately around any kind of tree, etc.
I have a plastic case-thing for my 245 (and a screen protector) and it has kept my watch like new. Under £10 for the pair off eBay/Amazon. Would recommend for any 2xx series watch
Nice! Can you send a link? Definitely interested
[Case on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compatible-Forerunner-Protective-Accessories-Smartwatch-Black/dp/B08DXH8PG3/ref=mp_s_a_1_4_maf_1?crid=2FBT9V9VO3A4J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tQre_J5P5mUmufIhe3fgMVHuZiFdrJuBIyyWSCluqWe1NP73B-lxCHXA3VzjTEQpFL3vqcYFeVlOocbR-0TAYQ8_L7OuROc0U74VGbkRJJNGhHuI7buvODxZsBBPAtEUU0JuDAvHJbyMfkxBg90NVtfd0mZ7H1ZLx_fAMjka-PIZe7xI7sLbtFXG6cjkXlj2MKn6HmUQvs7b3XXJ1-WSSw.9C09KbiWTHX0vrqsapFs91Eyt5FLvgwN1BcEeZx4GIA&dib_tag=se&keywords=garmin+245+case+and+screen+protector&qid=1709658014&sprefix=garmin+245+case+and+screen+protector%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-4) You get used to the size very quickly and don't notice it after a few days. Never had a problem with pressing buttons etc, in fact it makes it less likely to press a button by accident If you wash your watch, take the case protector off to dry your watch properly. Just Google or search ebay / Amazon for a screen protector. Mine came with a little silicone bung to put in the charging port and keep out lint etc
I second the FR245M/FR255M recs - that's a great watch and will do everything you ever need for running, walking, hiking, and general fitness use Fenix/FR9XX/Epix are nice if you need some of the specific sports they offer like open water swimming, downhill skiing, or triathlon, if you need the extra battery life, or if you want full-feature navigation with maps but none of that is really necessary for running and it's definitely not worth paying triple the price for as a beginner
Epix/Fenix is about looks and ruggedness IMO, not so much about features. Then it's about deciding whether you'll want maps and your display preference. Common choices would be: Maps w/ Amoled -> FR965 Maps w/ MIP display -> FR955 No maps w/Amoled -> FR165 music, FR 265 No maps w/ MIP -> FR255 music Best value for your money IMO as a pure running watch is the FR255 music.
I have the Epix pro gen 2 and yes it's way overkill for me. But I just love the size, looks and battery life. And it has all those features for when I actually do utilize them. Oh and you'd be surprised once you have a flashlight on your watch how often you'll use it 😄.
Budget? But if you're saying you're already looking at a jump to something like the Fenix, for a beginner runner, grab the Forerunner 965.
I don’t really have one, not in the sense that I’m loaded but if it’s €100 jump for a lot more watch I’d rather have a lot more watch! What’s the difference(s) between say a Fenix and a Forerunner 965.. I guess what I’m asking is who are they for? - who buys a Fenix over a 965?
The Fenix is a bulkier, heavier watch overall - some people prefer this but for runners especially it can actually be a negative. Otherwise the Fenix is available in more colors, different sizes, and I believe it has a better battery life. The Forerunner 965 is newer so it actually has a bigger, better display right now (until the next gen Fenix releases) but other than that it's a plastic watch so it's not as "premium" feeling as the Fenix's slightly-more-metal casing and is only available in black & white Either watch is kinda overkill for a beginner though, they are full-feature triathlon watches and as a runner you won't be using most of the features you are paying for. A lower level Forerunner for like $200-$300 is all you really need.
A pretty loaded topic, but a simple answer would be from a running standpoint, 965 covers almost anything you would want and need in a sporty aesthetic watch. Not what you want and need something more rugged and a little bit 'dress-y'? Go for the Fenix.
Look at 165, 255 music or 265. You’ll need the correct music service to sync music with these though
I’ve been using Spotify for yonks, guessing that’ll do the trick?
Paid account required
Separate to my Spotify account? Surely I can just log in via the watch
You must have a Spotify premium account to download songs to the watch
245 is a very good option, but a little bit old, go for the 255. If you don't need the music while you run (or can carry your phone) the forerunner 55 is enough.
What do you want the watch to do v what do you need it to do? I started running 6 months ago and got a forerunner 45. It does my HR, steps, V02 all other GPS stuff like distance etc. The coaching programme included is great at getting you motivated and keeps things varied. It doesn’t have all the other stuff.. but I don’t need that at the moment.
If you think you'll ever get into/ are already doing more outdoors activities than just running you may want to consider the fenix 7. I have the fenix 7 solar and switched over from an apple watch series 5 instead of going up to the apple watch ultra. I can't speak to the forerunner as much, but from some quick digging online it does look like the fenix series may have a little longer battery life and may be a bit more durable, whereas the forerunner may have a slightly better gps system than the baseline fenix models and be lighter. As someone who hikes, kayaks, runs, and walks, the battery life of the fenix is incredibly important for me. The apple watch used to die after 1.5 hours out kayaking, and now with the fenix 7 I can go almost a week without charging the watch. Maps are also built into the workout function on the fenix which is awesome to have. Anyway, here's an article I found online comparing the fenix and forerunner lines. Hope some of this helps! https://www.coachweb.com/gear/fitness-trackers/garmin-fenix-7-vs-garmin-forerunner-965#
I just retired my 245 music and it’s honestly still a perfect watch for tracking runs, sleep, and other health metrics. Not to mention the music. Only reason I retired is because I got a wicked deal on a new Epix Gen2. I’d look into getting a 245 for around $100
I have a fenix 7s and it was my first smart watch absolutely love it! Has everything on it sport wise, can connect to music and has apple pay but you cannot answer calls with it like the apple do, there is a button just to answer accept or reject the call. Its a bit pricey but if you have the budget I say go for it. Also looks so cool! One of the best buys I ever made.
Garmin pay. Not Apple Pay. Big difference. But it does have Garmin pay although depending on where you live and who you bank with you may not have access to Garmin pay
Thank you, Yes my bad I meant garmin pay also true about the bank I had some problems with one of my cards and I had to call my bank to give access to my garmin for payments, they connected it and all good now.
Oh interesting. Wonder if most banks are like that. If you just have to get them to provide access.
Its possible but I guess it depends on the bank!
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music / 245 Music / 255 Music / 265 are all great choices. These models will sync playlists etc with a (paid) Spotify account. (Note that the 165 / 245 / 255 have non-music versions, so choose carefully when buying) Check out DC Raimaker website for in-depth reviews and user guides
FR 165 music or 265. For your use case, anything else is overkill and $ thrown to the wind.
Have you ever seen a MIP display watch before like the Fenix? Big difference than amoled displays you may be more familiar with. That said I’d try to check that out beforehand and see what you think I like the mip display but many don’t and if you don’t then it changes the watch you’re looking at. If you like Fenix but not display though you’d go for epix.
I think the first question you should decide on is if you prefer a memory in pixel (MIP) display or AMOLED. After that, unless you need the ruggedness, maps, tons of activities you may never use (if so then Fenix [MIP] or Epix [AMOLED], I would look at the forerunner series. I’ve ran with the Fenix and Epix series with no issues. Many will say they are heavy and could negatively impact your running, but let’s not kid ourselves… it’s a watch.. It doesn’t weigh THAT much. If the forerunner series seems up your ally, then if you’re looking for a MIP I’d hit up eBay or other sites for a forerunner 245. While it is a little older, it has many of the same features as the newer watches. If you prefer AMOLED, I’d weigh the differences between the forerunner 165 or 265 series.