We review products independently, but we may earn affiliate commissions from buying links on this page. Terms of use.

Garmin Forerunner 45

 & Brenda Stolyar Analyst, Consumer Electronics

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS HOW WE TEST
65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS

Garmin Forerunner 45

The Garmin Forerunner 45 smartwatch is a solid option for beginner runners who want to focus on enhancing their performance.

Two Sizes

The watch comes in either a 42mm case size, or a smaller 39mm called the 45S (also $199.99, and otherwise identical). Normally, I go for the smaller size, but the 42mm model I tested looks good and doesn't feel big at all.

Display

Surrounded by a black polymer bezel, the Forerunner's 1.04-inch color display features a 208-by-208-pixel resolution and transflective memory-in-pixel technology that makes it easily visible in direct sunlight.

Right Side

The right side of the watch is home to two buttons. The top button starts and stops the timer on activities and acts as the select control. The bottom button is to return to previous windows. It's also used to record laps during an activity.

Left Side

On the left side, the top button controls power, the backlight, and toggles the controls menu. Use the middle button to scroll up through widgets, and hold it down to view the menu. To scroll down through the same windows, press the button on the bottom; hold it down to access music controls.

Back

The Forerunner 45packs an accelerometer, a GPS with GLONASS and Galileo satellite systems, and an optical heart rate monitor. With a 5ATM water-resistance rating, it's safe to take for a swim and wear in the shower.

Garmin OS

The Forerunner 45 connects to your phone via the Garmin Connect app, which shows you the same metrics found on the watch, including body battery, heart rate, sleep, steps, and stress. When paired with your phone, the watch receives calls, texts, and smartphone notifications.

Activity Tracking

The watch offers five different exercise modes to choose from: cycling, multisport, running, swimming, and walking. While in workout mode, it displays stats like distance, time, pace, and heart rate. Your information then syncs with the Garmin Connect app, where you can see a clear overview of all of your stats.

About Our Expert

Brenda Stolyar

Brenda Stolyar

Analyst, Consumer Electronics

Brenda Stolyar is a member of PCMag's consumer electronics team, covering smart home and wearable technology. She previously covered apps, phones, and wearables at Digital Trends. She owes her interest in technology to her grandpa, who gifted her a Dell computer when she was in second grade. While she loves all things tech, Brenda also has a passion for film and music...as well as an obsession with celebrity gossip. When she’s not reviewing and writing about the latest gadgets, you can find her binge-watching reality TV on Bravo with her pet Chihuahua, Phoebe, by her side.

Read full bio