Garmin Forerunner 45s, 39MM Easy-to-Use GPS Running Watch with Garmin Coach Free Training Plan Support, Black

Update July 18: I've started wearing the 45s for sleep. It does indeed show REM. It doesn't offer pulse ox. The 45s works great with my Scosche Rhythm+ heart rate monitor. As is typical with wrist-based HRMs, I have to move the 45s higher on my arm and tighten it a bit during workouts where I'm swinging my arms. I find it easier to use the Rhythm+ during activity since I already owned it. Firmware update 2.60 didn't fix the notification issue I reported in my initial review, but Garmin support is working on it and will notify me when a fix is released. I do wish there were more band colors available for the 45s. I'm increasing my rating from 4 stars to 5. This is a great watch! Original review: I'm not a runner. I'm a walker with health issues, so I wanted something to track activity, training walks, sleep, etc. I left Fitbit (after owning almost every device since the original), as I got tired of not being able to share my Fitbit data with Apple Health and other health/fitness apps. Even though Fitbit advertises the ability to share data with Withings, One Drop, Cardiogram, etc., data doesn't import consistently, accurately or completely. Anyway, the Apple watch series 4 didn't work for me, as I had to charge it every night. So I started looking at the new Garmin devices. I did own a Forerunner 235 briefly a couple years ago, but it was so big on my small wrist and way overkill for my needs that I moved it along. I picked up the new Vivosmart 4, and it's a nice, small device that tracks steps accurately, but it has no GPS (or even connected GPS). It does have fantastic sleep tracking with an SpO2 sensor! Next I tried the Forerunner 45s. Unfortunately it doesn't use the SpO2 sensor, so there's no pulse ox. I've always preferred black or grey watches, so my choice of white or what looks like purple (in the pics) but is actually blue, was disappointing. I debated about getting the larger 45, but in the end I decided on white. It's nice looking, and the white silicone strap cleans up well in warm water and a mild facial cleanser. It's got everything I want except the SpO2 sensor that Vivosmart 4, Forerunner 245 and up have. Currently I'm wearing the Vivosmart 4 for sleep and the Forerunner 45s for daily wear and workouts. I was hesitant to buy the 45s after reading about connectivity issues. I had those issues too at first. It was extremely frustrating downloading the firmware update when the watch wouldn't stay connected to my phone. But once I got the firmware updated, the watch has stayed connected without issue (iPhone Xs). It's the original firmware that's the problem, not the watch! The one thing that does really bug me (and that Garmin will likely fix in future updates) is that even when I turn notifications off, I still get ALL notifications sent to my phone! The 45s has a choice of all notifications, calls and texts, calls or off. Further, notifications have to be cleared individually. I can find no "clear all" option. I finally got rid of notifications by removing the notifications widget. I would really like to get just calls and texts. I just updated to firmware 2.60 that installed quickly. Let's hope this fixes the notifications issue! I've done one walk, and the 45s worked great. I just paired my Rhythm+ heart rate monitor, so I'll try that on my next walk. I'll expand this review as I use the 45s.

This is my first running watch. I didn't want anything big or fancy or anything that had more than I needed. I've had this watch now for about a year and a half and I absolutely adore it. I use it mostly for running paces and distances as well as step count. I don't really pay attention to sleep data or the body battery, as they aren't really super accurate. I will sleep TERRIBLY one night on occasion and the watch will say I slept all night without waking and my body battery is 100. Not a chance, fam. Also, recovery is usually based on hrv, which, according to the current research, isn't a great measure. So really I don't put much stock in that stuff. Calories burned are also not accurate on most wearables. I find the HR can lag a bit. I will be GASPING for air at some point during a workout and my HR will say 110. 2-3 mins later, I finally see 160+ show up. But it's not really enough for me to not like the watch - just something I've noticed. I've never had issues with the gps connecting, but I know that's an issue for some. The wrist strap will cause me issues if I don't switch wrists at night. I wear it on my left arm during the day and my right arm at night while I sleep and I haven't had any issues since adopting that method. I love the ability to program the runs my coach programs for me using the app and I find the app to be pretty intuitive. I am noticing the longer I have the watch, the shorter the battery life is getting. I ONLY use gps for my 3 weekly runs, and those runs are usually only about 30-40 min long. So I'm only using GPS about 90-120 mins a week and I'd say I get about 3 days out of a charge right now. I'm DREADING the day mine dies. I feel like all the new watches out there come with so many features I don't want or need and this little guy is just so perfect.

I reviewed many watches and this one matched up well with my previous Forerunner 15 learning curve (15 no longer held a charge). The size is better for your wrist (6ft 150 lbs small wrists) and can easily be worn as an all day watch. There is a good bit to learn on setting it up but it does a good job from the get go; at least for a 35 year runner with a need to just get the info but not all the bells and whistles. It tracks perfectly with GPS in my area but I did have to find the right sat link spot in my yard to set it down and then let it link over a few minutes, sats are unblock located west/north for my area in SW Virginia. I love the roll arm light comes on feature and the face presentation is easy to program for what info you need on your run. Seems to hold a charge well and links well with my phone and my Garmin site online. No real complaints but will update in 6 mths if that changes. April 2021 8 months after I got the watch. The watch started to not hold a charge, with multiple tries to fix. Contacted customer service, they gave suggestions and that did not work and I was suggested to send it back, in 5 days I got a new one and it is working well now. Excellent service.

About three weeks into use I found that the GPS was not getting signal. At times I waited 20 minutes for it to connect. It doesn't really stop me from doing my activity but going with GPS is annoying. I found online that the problem is with a CPE file. Apparently the watch needs to not only connect to a GPS satellite but also some trajectory data has to be known. That data is in a CPE file on the watch. Garmin states that when you sync your watch that file should be updated if needed. In many cases that does not work. A work around advertised is to use Garmin Connect and hardwire your watch to your PC or MAC and do a sync. That has worked for me. I do that at least once a week and so far no more problems. To see if your CPE file has expired you do the following: 1) Hold in middle left button until you see WATCH FACE or something appear then release 2) Press (don't hold) middle left button quick to see ABOUT 3) press top right button for info data to appear 4) press middle left button to see CPE: Current or EXPIRED Hope this helps. I did not want the larger watch as I had a forerunner in the past and it was bulky. The watch face of the 45 is the same size as the 45s. What is different is the 45 s has a thinner outer case so it is just a tad smaller and that is what I like. However, the watch band for the 45s is smaller. I believe this was marketed for the ladies and not men. I am male but I have a thinner wrist. I did measure and this does fit but just barely. I would like a bit more room but this is fine. I do wish it could have removable or interchangeable wristbands like many of the other fitness watches out there. I don't know if it was a cost issue in manufacturing or not but I think it is something Garmin should look at. Feature wise no complaints. This does all I want and it is very easy to use. The GPS finds the satellite quickly (which was a problem with my older Garmin) and using my car and another phone app I find the distance measurement to be accurate. I used the Garmin app to download a different watch face that I like more than the default so I seethe numbers without glasses. All in all a winner.

I love this watch, I have purchased three. There’s a lot you can do with this watch and the price is reasonable. There’s a free app where you can change the faces of the watch to something you prefer. There’s also an app that you can track running , walking , exercising, heart rate, etc and even challenge your friends. Has a stop watch. And for ladies, it has an emergency button in case you need help, it will contact someone on your phone emergency list for you. If you lose your phone it will also find your phone . This watch is perfect for the ladies for men I recommend the 45. This is a 45S. The S is a smaller version of the 45. This will fit all ladies it’s very adjustable and very comfortable. This will count calories, and also tell you when it’s time to move you can set a goal of steps and it records them if you reach your steps you will get fireworks and through the app you will get badges . Very durable As I beat mine up all the time, Also waterproof. And the support staff with Garmin can help you for free with any problems you have even if you need to send it back or replace it great guarantee I recommend the warranty!!

I love this watch. I ordered this watch about a month ago, it arrived in perfect condition with easy to setup instructions. I have one previous Forerunner model and really liked it (it was not a smart watch, only GPS). This watch is very easy to use. I like that it tracks heart rate, daily steps, stress level, and "body battery". I also like being able to receive notifications on it, which I was hesitant about, but it's actually very helpful and can be turned off if you'd prefer. I have always like the button feature on Garmin watches, rather than a touch screen. Others have complained about the resolution on the screen being low quality but I think it is very good. I think the GPS is very accurate, starts quickly when about to start a run. I love the vibrate feature after completing every mile (or interval). The ONLY con I would say is that I have had a little trouble connecting to Bluetooth at times. I have had to turn on/off my watch and phone twice to get it to re-sync my activities to the Garmin Connect app. Easy to troubleshoot on Garmin's website though. I definitely recommend this watch. It is worth all $200.

I had an older version of the Garmin from literally like 2008, when I was a HS/college runner and I loved it and it lasted this long so I shopped for a newer version knowing the brand lasts forever! I wanted the watch strictly for running, I want to track my mileage, pace while running, distance and time. I really am not interested in all the other fancy features, so I was looking for something just purely for running, and this definitely checks all the boxes. I got the small version because I have small hands and small wrists and its perfect, doesn't bother me while I run. Some extra things I love is if you download the app and connect your phone, you will get notifications on your watch so if I'm getting a call or a text, I can easily see if its urgent or if I can ignore it instead of having to get my phone out and check or it stopping my music, so that's super nice. There are some extra features, like sleep tracking, etc that I haven't really used and don't plan on using, I don't wear my watch 24/7, it will track your steps and daily activity levels, etc, but I only wear it for running. It will also track running indoors/treadmill, biking, walking, and regular work outs, you can customize which type of workouts you want to easily access from your watch and you can customize the settings to add or remove the ones you want/don't want. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a running watch or something to track your daily exercise!

Update: I have had this watch for 6 months. Unfortunately its not the silicon band that broke, but the plastic pieces that the band attaches too. Should be covered under warranty but now I have to ship it back and wait for it to be processed before they send a replacement. Frustrating as I use it every day. Love the data and feedback plus a great price. Garmin's support is very helpful and available. I have been wearing Garmin watches for running since 2013 and for everyday use since 2016. This model in particular is more feminine due to slimmer watch band size and smaller, round face. I had the Forerunner 35 and Forerunner 10 previously. I don't think it the GPS is accurate in the woods and heavily wooded neighborhoods for running, but is not a major issue for me. My data always shows blue/slowdown in wooded spots. I have bought this watch for my mom and sister-in-law. Would recommend.

It's an original product with warranty. Fits my small wrist nicely. No scratch or any visible defects. I initially was a bit anxious since the delivery status indicated "preparing for shipment" for quite some time. But once the status changed to "shipped", the shipment was quite fast and it arrived on time. I'm very happy with the purchase.

El reloj es bastante bueno y preciso y junto con la app de Garmin un muy buen aliado para el running. cumple su función bastante bien, no se puede manejar spotify del reloj, pero los mensajes si se pueden visualizar. Muy buen producto, lo recomiendo ampliamente.

Belle montre pas trop grosse sur le poignet. Ça prend un petit moment pour comprendre comment naviguer dans les différentes fonctionnalités mais dès qu’on comprend, c’est très facile de s’y retrouver. Ce que j’apprécie sur cette montre c’est qu’il n’y a pas de gadgets inutiles, c’est une montre pour les sportifs qui fait très bien son boulot sans options superflus tels l’accès aux réseaux sociaux ou aux messages.

Great cheap Garmin - white strap is great, makes it look smarter and doesn’t get dirty. Easy to use with good battery life

I purchased the Forerunner 45s, and I found that it was a perfect size for my wrist! You are able to customize the watch faces by using the Connect IQ app, which enables you to make this watch truly yours. I haven't had any issues when using the GPS for activities, and the notifications were very useful to see on my watch. The colour is nice to have, and depending on the watch face, you are able to customize the colours to give it more personality! The display is amazing in the sunlight, but can be difficult to see indoors if it is dark without the backlight. The watch is very intuitive to use, and I have no complaints on any of the functions. I would highly recommend this watch to anyone who is looking for an entry-level activity tracker!