garmin smartwatches

The Garmin Forerunner 235 and 735XT are very similar watches, with a few key distinctions. 

While the Forerunner 235 offers basic multisport capabilities suitable for the average sports enthusiast, the 735XT offers features that specifically cater towards triathletes such as dedicated triathlon and open water swimming sport profiles. 

In short, when it comes to Forerunner 235 vs 735XT; if you're either an ultra-runner, endurance event enthusiast, open water swimmer, triathlete, or a serious runner; then the extra 100$ you spend on 735XT would probably worth it. Otherwise, I'd recommend the 235. 

The more expensive 735XT also packs the ability to load pre-planned routes for use during an activity; an invaluable feature to those who run on unmarked trails.

With 1.23 inch colour-capable transflective displays apiece, both offer a great viewing experience when flicking through information during an activity.

Both watches offer the typical array of GPS data fields such as distance, pace, time and heart rate. The watches also offer multisport profiles; this means you can use them for running, cycling, hiking and a number of other different activities.

Both watches also sync via the Garmin Connect app for iOS and Android.

Battery life is also fairly similar on either model. In watch mode you can average around a week on both watches, and in GPS activity mode you can expect around 14 hours of continuous tracking for the 235 and 16 hours for the 735XT.

The identical silicon bands found on either watch are extremely comfortable and the watches them self are so light that you can often forget you are wearing them.

This is ideal for long runs, rides or triathlon events in the case of the 735XT model, where comfort is a priority. 

Both watches also offer near identical software experiences, and can similarly be paired to ANT+ accessories such as chest heart rate straps and bike cadence sensors.

The identical charging cable that comes with both the Forerunner 235 and Forerunner 735XT clips on to the side of the watch, meaning the watch can be charged while on the move (alternatively, the watch could easily be stowed in a backpack).

This means that if you intend to use the 735XT for long triathlon events such as the Ironman, you could carry an external battery pack to charge the watch while completing the ride section of the race.

Both of these watches also offer the ability to control music playing through your phone via the Bluetooth connection, and display incoming notifications directly on the watch face. 

Differences

• The 735XT is an extra $100
• Battery life: the 735XT just slightly outperforms the 235 model in GPS activity mode
• The 735XT allows for pairing with a compatible power meter for cycling
• Provided a compatible power meter is paired, the 735XT is capable of producing an FTP (Functional Threshold Power) value for cycling
• The 735XT has the ability to display live Garmin and Strava segments during activities (Strava Premium membership is required for Strava Live segments)
• When paired with a compatible accessory, the 735XT is capable of displaying advanced running dynamics such as vertical oscillation, stride length, ground contact time and ground contact time balance
• The 735XT is capable of tracking both pool and open water swimming activities
• The 735XT has a dedicated triathlon sport mode, with built in auto-detection to determine each discipline
• The 735XT has the Virtual Partner and Virtual Racer features
• The 735XT is capable of waypoint navigation and displaying pre-determined courses
• The 735XT has a digital compass built in to aid course and waypoint navigation
• The 735XT has a built in sunrise/sunset times widget
• The 735XT offers additional heart rate data widgets, such as % of HR max
• The 735XT is able to determine a lactate threshold estimate when paired with a compatible accessory
• The 735XT is capable of UltraTrac mode (UltraTrac mode is a GPS setting that ceases or decreases the rate of GPS sampling to save battery power. When GPS is off, the device uses the built in accelerometer to calculate speed and distance. Speed and distance data accuracy are reduced in UltraTrac mode. The accuracy of the data can improve after a few outdoor runs using GPS)
• The 735XT offers Garmin’s performance condition metric (after running for 6-20 minutes, your real-time condition is perceived and compared to your average fitness level)

I have highlighted above the differences that I think should be valued and therefore contemplated the most when making a Garmin Forerunner 235 vs 735XT purchase decision. 

Forerunner 235 vs 735XT Conclusion: Which should you buy, and why?

I have decided to categorize this conclusion into 4 recommendations, each for a different type of athlete with different sporting pursuits.

• For ultra-runners or endurance event enthusiasts, I would strongly advise you spend the extra $100 for the Forerunner 735XT. Both the course navigation and UltraTrac battery mode features are ideal for activities in excess of 12 hours where navigation and battery life are crucial.
• For open water swimmers or triathletes, I would also advise you to shell out the extra cash for the 735XT. The plethora of swimming and triathlon-specific features are perfect for beginner triathletes or those who are keen pool or open-water swimmers.
• For the serious runner, I also have to advise that you buy the 735XT over the 235.

The addition of advanced running dynamics, Garmin/Strava segments, lactate threshold data and performance condition metrics make this the ideal watch for anyone wanting to take their running to the next level.

• And finally, if none of the above listed features appeal to you, I would advise you to buy the Forerunner 235.

The 235 is still a fantastic multisport watch with more than enough features to satisfy the avid runner, cyclist or hiker. You will not be disappointed with your choice.

Here's a good video review of the 735XT:

The Forerunner 230 and 235 are both mid-range running and multisport watches from Garmin. Both offer a multitude of features and metrics, to satisfy anyone from the beginner to the seasoned marathon runner.

Having used both watches for an extended time, I find the Forerunner 235 to be the superior option compared to Forerunner 230. 

I believe that the 230 model was discontinued due to the lack of demand in comparison to the 235, which is consumer confirmation that the Forerunner 235 is the far better option in terms of features and value for money.

The watches are very similar in build and design, apart from the fact that the 235 model has a rear-mounted optical heart rate sensor that helps it to provide the user with a number of useful data points the 230 cannot.

The Forerunner 230 retailed for $249.99, but is now shown as discontinued on the Garmin US site. The watch can still be purchased through certain third party online retailers, although stock is usually limited. The Forerunner 235 is still up for sale on Garmin’s site, and will set you back $249.99.

Similarities

Both watches share an identical design, except for the optical heart rate sensor that can only be found on the 235 model.

With 1.23 inch colour-capable transflective displays apiece, both offer a great viewing experience when flicking through data fields during an activity. 

Both watches offer multisport profiles; this means you can use them for running, cycling, hiking and a number of other different activities. Both watches also sync via the Garmin Connect app for iOS and Android.

Battery life is also fairly similar on both models. In watch mode you can average around a week on both watches, and in GPS activity mode you can expect around 12-15 hours, depending on backlight usage.

The identical silicon bands found on either watch are extremely comfortable and the watches themselves are so light that you can often forget you are wearing them.

This is ideal for long runs, rides or hikes, where comfort is extremely important.

Both watches also offer a near identical software experience, and can similarly be paired to ANT+ accessories such as chest heart rate straps and bike cadence sensors.

The charging cable that comes with both the Forerunner 230 and Forerunner 235 clips on to the side of the watch, meaning the watch can be charged while on the move (alternatively, the watch could easily be stowed in a backpack).

These watches also offer the ability to control music playing through your phone via the Bluetooth connection, and display incoming notifications directly on the watch face.

Differences

• The Forerunner 235 has an optical wrist heart rate sensor
• The Forerunner 235 offers additional metrics such as 24 hour heart rate, daily resting heart rate, intensity minutes and more extensive sleep tracking
• The Forerunner 230 has slightly better battery life due to the missing heart rate sensor
• The Forerunner 235 is 1g heavier at 42g, a negligible difference
• The Forerunner 235 will give more accurate estimates of calories burned due to the use of the wrist based heart rate sensor
• The Forerunner 235 has the ability to broadcast to other devices in real-time the data collected by the optical heart rate sensor 
• A chest heart rate strap is needed for VO2 max estimates on the Forerunner 230
• The Forerunner 235 offers the Back to Start navigation feature, which is useful in situations where you are lost and need to return to where you started your activity

Evidenced by the numerous bullet points seen above, the optical heart rate sensor found on the Forerunner 235 opens up an entire avenue of different training metrics that can be used to help deduce how your training is going. The 7 day average resting heart rate offered by the 235 model is an underrated data point I have found extremely useful when deciding whether or not to ramp up my training or ease off and have a rest day.

Forerunner 230 vs 235 Conclusion: Which should you buy, and why?

As both of these watches are so similarly priced I would strongly advise you to buy the Forerunner 235 over the 230, unless you can find the 230 at a far more favourable price from another online retailer and the additional features of the 235 do not interest you.

If you care about ease of use then I would strongly advise you to go with the 235 model, as the wrist based optical heart rate sensor is far easier to use.

Chest heart rate straps tend to be more accurate, but can be annoying to pair and uncomfortable if not correctly fitted. 

I believe that the 230 model was discontinued due to the lack of demand in comparison to the 235, which is consumer confirmation that the Forerunner 235 is the far better option in terms of features and value for money.

Here's a good review of FR 235:

Both the Garmin Forerunner 30 and 35 are intuitive budget GPS watches for people who are new to running and want basic metrics to aid their training such as distance, pace and heart rate. 

The newer Forerunner 30 is physically the same as the 35, although it does lack a few software features. Even still, these two watches are extremely similar.

The Forerunner 35 is also slightly more expensive than the 30 (169,99 vs 149,99 USD).

Similarities

On the face of it, these two GPS watches are extremely similar. Both share the same small square display, wrist-based optical heart rate sensor, physical dimensions and weight.

This means that if you intend to only use either of these watches for running, they will both offer an extremely similar user experience.

Both options also have solid build quality and extremely comfortable silicon bands, which in my experience make for a comfortable wear and fit.

Both units are also very light so that, after a while, it is easy to forget you are wearing them.

Both watches sync via the Garmin Connect app for iOS and Android.

Either watch can last around a week in watch mode and 12 hours in GPS activity mode, so if you plan to do an activity in excess of this amount I suggest you bring an external battery pack to charge the unit.

The charging cable that comes with both the FR30 and FR35 clips on to the side of the watch, meaning the watch can be charged while on the move (alternatively, the watch could easily be stowed in a backpack).

One extremely useful feature of both watches is that they can be charged while recording a GPS activity, which is not a feature that you can find in many watches in this price range.

Differences between Garmin Forerunner 30 vs 35

The Forerunner 35 differs in that it offers a few more features in the software such as:

• On-watch support for activities other than running (walking, cycling, cardio, etc.)
• The ability to control phone music via a Bluetooth connection
• Heart rate and training features such as interval workouts, virtual pacer and HR alerts
• ANT+ accessory connectivity (foot pods to measure cadence, HR chest straps, etc.)
• The ability to change data fields for activities directly on the watch
• The ability to change the watch face directly on the watch

It's important to realise that the Forerunner 30 can only be used to record running, whereas the 35 model can track a number of different sporting activities.

However, the FR30 can be used to record hiking and cycling using the run profile on the watch.

You can then change the format of the activity through the Garmin Connect app to display your chosen activity type. 

If you enjoy listening to music while running or hiking, the Forerunner 35 is definitely the better watch for you as you have the ability to play, pause and skip tracks, and adjust the volume of your phone music.

The ability to pair external sensors to the Forerunner 35 really sets it apart from the 30 model.

If you want to pair your watch to accessories like running foot pods and gym equipment (eg. rowing machines), I would only advise you to fork out the extra cash for the Forerunner 35.

Conclusion: Is it worth paying extra for the Garmin Forerunner 30 vs 35?

If running is your only choice of exercise and you do not care about accessory compatibility and interval training, I would advise you to save your money and buy the Forerunner 30.

However, if you value any one of the extra features listed above that the Forerunner 35 offers I would advise you to spend that tiny bit extra, in order to satisfy your needs and future-proof your purchase.