smartwatches

DEAL ALERT: The Garmin Forerunner 965, Garmin Forerunner 265 and 265s, and Garmin Forerunner 55 are all significantly discounted at REI until September 22! Click here for the sale prices. 

Welcome to my best Garmin Forerunner watches review.

I’ve been a devotee of Garmin activity devices for nearly a decade. During that time I've ran, biked, and swam thousands of miles with no fewer than 10 different Garmin sports watches.

What I love about Garmin is they literally have the perfect watch for every type of runner or athlete. And some of their best models cost less than $200.

In this review, I’ll break down my favorite Garmin Forerunner watches according to running level, value, price, and functionality.

Ready to find your perfect Garmin watch? Let’s get to it …

NOTE: This is a Garmin Forerunner review, but I'm assuming you’re looking for the best Garmin watch overall. Because my goal is to make sure you get a fair and accurate recommendation, I’ve included one non-Forerunner model because that’s what I truly believe is the best value overall.

The Best Garmin Forerunner Watches Overview

In a rush?

Here are my top recommendations at a glance:

1. The Best Overall Garmin Watch: Fenix 7 or 8 (Perfect for high-level runners and multi-sport athletes with a mid-range budget).
2. The Best Garmin Forerunner for Beginners: Forerunner 55 (The best entry-level sports watch on the market. This is the Ford Model T of running watches.
3. The Best Cheap Garmin Forerunner: Forerunner 35 (If you absolutely need the cheapest watch that won’t break on the first day)
4. The Best Garmin Forerunner for Runners: Forerunner 265 (Best mix of value and features for runners)
5. Best Elite Garmin Forerunner: Forerunner 965 (Easily the best watch I’ve ever owned)

#1) Fenix 7/Fenix 8 - The Best Overall Garmin Watch

Why I Love it

• Multi-Sport Profiles: Extra profiles for skiing and mountain biking
• Granular Metrics and Data: Stress levels, sleep, heart rate variability, heat-adjusted VO2 max, and recovery advisor. I used it to train for Triathlons, that’s how detailed it is.
• Recovery Insight: Automatically calculates optimal recovery time based on workout, stress, and other factors so you don’t have to guess and hope for the best.
• Pace Guidance: First of its kind pace guidance tells you when to speed up and slow down for max performance. I usually ignore it, but it’s still cool to have.
• Added Accuracy: The heart rate monitor and GPS are a big step up from cheaper models like the 245, and way more accurate than entry-level models like the 45.

Why You Might Not Love it

• Price: Definitely not cheap by any means, and a big investment for new runners. If you’re on a budget or new to running, then this watch is overkill. You won’t get any value from the high-end features.
• Long learning curve: Most Garmin watches are cut and dry - 4 buttons, a few metrics, and just a handful of sports profiles. Not this one. It took me a while to get the hang of it.
• Not stylish: I love the design. It looks badass. But for some reason, a lot of negative reviews online focus on the “military style” look. I think it looks awesome though.

The Garmin Fenix 6 is one of, if not the best, sports watch money can buy. I’m actually wearing it right now.

It’s got everything runners love about Forerunner models like the 245, plus tons of extra upgrades that no Forerunner can match (besides the 945...more on that later).

I think this is hands down the best watch out there for serious athletes, triathletes, advanced runners and bikers, and even enthusiasts looking for the best value for money.

The best way for me to sum it up for you is this:

The Fenix is like a high-level running watch, plus high-level multi-sport watch, a built-in running coach, and exercise analytics program in a single watch.

So not only is it accurate in terms of heart rate, GPS, and in-workout exertion, it also includes extra sport profiles, animated instructions for different exercises, accurate advanced analytics such as recovery and heat-adjust VO2 max, instant pace adjustment, and even body hydration stats. And it does it all on a large, 260 x 260 screen that clearly displays all your valuable metrics in one place.

I don’t want to sound like I’m overselling it, but it’s really incredible to see what Garmin has fit into this watch:

• Extra sport profiles: Skiing, rowing, mountainbiking_Garmin added a ton more profiles into this watch you can’t find in other models. They even add golf for Christ’s sake.
• Advanced analytics: The Fenix tells you how much water to drink, how well you’re sleeping, how fast or slow to go, and how long to wait to exercise again.
• Accurate workout recommendations: Rather than decide for yourself, the Fenix 6 recommends a personalized workout plan for you based on your previous exertion. I question how accurate it is, but it’s definitely nice to have a suggestion as a baseline.
• Cool extras that I don’t use: It’s cool to know my watch will make surfing videos for me if I ever decide to rid the waves. I definitely won’t, but it’s cool to know.

The only real downsides to the watch are the price and the sheer onslaught of data. I know advanced runners that returned the watch just because it gave them a headache taking all the data into account. But hey, if you really want to reach your peak, you need every ounce of data you can get.

If you’re an outdoor athlete looking for the pinnacle of Garmin watches, this is it. If you need something cheaper, keep reading.

#2) Garmin Forerunner 55 - The Best Garmin Watch for Beginners

Why I Love it

• Perfect for New Runners: The Forerunner 55 has everything a new runner needs and nothing they don’t. You get all the key metrics (calories, distance, heart rate, etc.), sport profiles, some advanced metrics, and Garmin coach, and 0 of the confusing, expensive extras.
• Beautiful Display: The screen is large, clear, and colorful, plus it displays all the key metrics in one place without requiring you to press a button mid run. That was my biggest pet peeve about the old Forerunner 35.
• Added Safety Features: The Forerunner 55 automatically alerts an emergency contact if it detects something fishy. The peace of mind alone is worth upgrading from older models.
• Light and Comfortable: At 37 grams, you might forget you’re wearing it.

Why You Might Not Love it

• Only Beginner to Intermediate: The lack of profiles, advanced metrics, and other features limits your ceiling. It’s great for getting in shape or doing a couch to 5k, but not for serious athletes.
• Limited Features: The Forerunner 55 is a big step up from previous models but still very limited in what it can do compared to more advanced Forerunners like the 265 and 965.
• Questionable HRM: The heart rate monitor is a little janky. I’m not sure it’s as accurate as Garmin claims.

Next up is the best entry-level watch on the market. The Garmin Forerunner 55 is perfect for new runners, cyclists, or gym goers that want a cheap, simple, and clear watch that’s still reliable.

If this is your first time buying a sports watch, then there’s no reason not to start here.

Here’s why:

The Forerunner 55 tracks all the key beginner metrics you need to progress quickly, and they’re all available in one place. Nothing is every more than a click or two away. You can view everything you need even in mid-run with a quick glance without stopping and switching views.

And it does it all on a very sharp, clear screen without all the confusing numbers you get with more advanced models. So even though it’s limited in what it can do, that’s actually a plus for beginners since it doesn’t overwhelm you with data you can’t use.

I upgraded from the Forerunner 45 (the Forerunner 55's predecessor) awhile ago but my girlfriend still uses it and loves it. Plus it connects to Garmin Coach, which connects you to personalized coaching and extends most of the limited features of the watch.

That’s what’s cool about it actually. It grows as you grow. Then, when you outgrow it, you can just trade it in and upgrade to the Forerunner 265, Forerunner 965, or Fenix 7 when you’re ready.

If you’re a beginner or just try to do a couch-to-5k challenge, this is the Garmin watch for you.

Find sales promotions, discounts and rebates on your favorite Garmin products.

#3) Garmin Forerunner 35 - The Best Cheap Garmin Watch (DISCONTINUED)

Why I Love it

• Cheap and Easy: You won’t find a cheaper sports watch that actually does anything worthwhile. The 35 manages to at least help a little bit, and it does it for super cheap. Anything below this model is just a timepiece.
• Long Battery Life: No advanced features means no drain on the battery.

Why You Might Not Love it

• It Doesn’t Do Much: Plain and simple. You get calories, distance, and time plus heart-rate (chest strap though). That’s about it.
• Ugly Design: I’m not a fan of the 1984 Apple Home Computer look. It won’t affect your run at all, though.

If gas station ramen noodles make up 85% of your calorie intake, the Garmin Forerunner 35 will help you burn all those carbs for less than $100.

It’s the only cheap watch I recommend at that price. If you’re absolutely on a budget or just want a cheap gift for your friend, child, or family member that’s into fitness, then why not?

OK, joking aside. When the 35 came out years ago, it was THE BIG DEAL in the entry-level sports watch market. Since then, it’s come way down in price and been blown away by all of Garmin’s upgrades. Even the Forerunner 55 is a major step up.

However, if you just need a basic sports watch for evening runs or gym sessions, you can find a second-hand Forerunner 35 for under $100, which is nothing for a sports watch.

The Forerunner 35 is only for running or cycling. If you plan to do anything else, you need to upgrade. If you want to just run for an hour at the gym or in your neighborhood it’s fine and you’ll save $100. 

#4) Garmin Forerunner 265 - The Best Value Garmin Watch for Runners

Why I Love it

• The Best Running Location Features: Compass, super accurate GPS, maps, routes_it’s made with distance runners in mind. With the Forerunner 265, you can go anywhere.
• Great Value: I don’t know how this watch costs as little as it does. It’s really a steal. It’s about half the price of the Fenix 7.
• Detailed Running Training Reports: Tracks improvements, goals, blood oxygenation, and tons more granular metrics to help you get every ounce of juice from your workouts.
• Extra Running Features: Recovery time, pacing plan, race time prediction mechanism_Not sure how reliable all this stuff is but it’s nice to have.

Why You Might Not Love it

• HRM Issues: The HRM is fairly accurate in my experience, but the resting heart rate always felt a bit off to me. Not super important though.
• Not the Best for Other Sports: I don’t recommend the Forerunner 265 unless you want it solely for running and maybe cycling.

The Forerunner 265 is hands down the best watch for runners. I don’t think I could have ever run a marathon if it weren’t for this watch.

Imagine a lightweight, high-resolution watch that measures everything from heartbeat to blood oxygenation levels. Now imagine that the watch also has a compass, detailed route tracking, activity reports, and music streaming.

I loved waking up for my morning run, uploading my map, setting a goal, and binging my '80s metal playlist. I credit the Garmin 265 for helping break through plateaus and keeping me dedicated to my routine every day.

The Forerunner 265 is basically the Forerunner 55 plus:

• Higher resolution
• Detailed training reports, including whether you improved from last time or not (I find this very motivating)
• Recovery time
• Race prediction stats
• Automated pacing plan
• Longer battery life
• Better tracking (Maps, compass, accurate GPS, routes)

This watch was designed for runners. I’m mostly a distance runner, but I dabble in cross-training, sprints, and triathlons. I’ve moved on to the Fenix now for the most part because my goals have changed, but if I were to get back to doing solely distance running, I’d wear the Forerunner 265.

It’s the only running watch you’ll ever need. You’ll pay a few hundred bucks and most likely never buy another running watch again.

#5) Garmin Forerunner 965 - The Best High-End Garmin Watch Watch

Why I Love it

• The Maserati of Sports Watches: The Forerunner 965 comes with all standard exercise features plus an altitude meter, training load focus, brick workouts, and a lot of other flashy features you don’t find anywhere else.
• The Best Multi-Sport Watch: the Foreunner 965 supports open water swimming, golf, and more sport profiles than any other watch. It even has built-in functionality for multi-sport training. You can set it to brick workout and it auto-adjusts for real-time switching between sports mid workout. For example, if you want to switch from running to cycling.
• It Has a Goddamn Gyroscope: Seriously, is it a watch or an aircraft? The gyroscope improves rotation sensing, thereby improving gym rep counting and movement for greater distance and exertion accuracy.
• That Special Sauce: No other way to describe it. There’s a lot of incredible extra sauce outside of exercise functionality.. 1,000 song storage capacity, contactless payments, SP02 reading_that’s just the beginning.

Why You Might Not Like it

• The Design is Lacking: I’m not sure why they made the design so “meh”, but the 965 is basically a sports car on the inside that looks like standard government vehicle on the outside.
• Price: This special sauce doesn’t come cheap. It’s worth every penny, but it will cost a lot of pennies.

What do you get when you combine the world’s best sports watch, a multi-sport analytics machine, an iPod, and smartphone-app functionality?

Yeah, the Forerunner 965.

There’s a reason most people call this the best sports watch on the market. Garmin basically went fantasy movie hero on this and poured all of its magic into one weapon to create the world’s best running watch.

I’m not trying to oversell this to you. It really has nearly everything Garmin has ever made, just in a lighter, more wearable frame than the more expensive models.

There are some serious upgrades here:

• Workout analysis: The watch breaks down your previous 4 weeks according to aerobic, high aerobic, and low aerobic, then tells you if you’re striking the right balance.
• Auto acclimation: The watch auto adjusts for heat and altitude to accurately reflect how much you’re exerting. Personally, I was always annoyed when my other watches showed the same exertion for running on hills as running on flat ground.
• Granular data: Stress, training load focus, sleep, respiration rate, pulse ox, recovery, body battery_it tracks just about everything.
• Greater accuracy: Everything from the GPS (USA, Russian, European) to Race Prediction (5k, 10k, half-marathon, full-marathon) are far more accurate than previous models. That includes the heart monitor too.
• Sports tracking: The watch ATTEMPTS to count your reps and laps depending on the sport you’re performing. It’s not perfect but it’s better than any other watch I’ve tried. You can always go into Garmin Connect and edit yourself for inaccuracies.

This is the type of watch you get if you’re an elite athlete and need the absolute top training metrics and tracking available.

Wondering if the Garmin Forerunner 235 is worth the extra money over the 35?

I ran for 2 years with the 35 before finally upgrading to the 235. The 235 isn’t for everyone, but, honestly, my only regret is that I didn’t switch sooner.

In this review, I’ll cover:

• The key upgrades in the 235
• Why the 35 might still be the better choice for you
• Is the 235 actually worth it?
• My experiences with 235 after using the 35 for 2 years
  

Ready to take a deep dive into two awesome sports watches? Close your tabs, grab a coffee, and start stretching.

Let’s hit the road.

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The Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 235: What’s New?

Garmin took everything people loved about the 35, and added a few key upgrades that serious athletes will use daily:

• Upgraded GPS: The 235’s GPS covers more territory with improved accuracy. 
• A Clearer Color Display: The most noticeable upgrade. The 215 x 180 color display is a major improvement on the dull 128 x 128 black-and-white display of the 35. I never had a black and white TV, but I bet this is how people felt getting a color TV back in the day. Now that I look back at the 35, the screen is a bit depressing!
• Goal Setting (Via Garmin Connect): The 235 motivates you to achieve better results by allowing you to set goals. Want to run 12 hours this week? Set the goal and let it track your progress. Reviewing it every day will help you hit the road more often.
• Live Tracking: Share your live progress/location with friends and family. Not only does it keep you accountable, it keeps you safe in case of emergency. An emergency contact will always know where you are, and will be instantly notified if something fishy happens.
• Routes: I love being able to follow a downloaded map right from the watch. Normally, I’d have to stop, open my phone, check where I’m at and where to go, then get back to my run. Now, the map is right on my watch. It’s a VERY BASIC map, but it does the trick.
• Garmin Connect: I use Garmin Connect to link directly to Strava. This is seriously life changing, man. Now, I don’t have to manually upload stats into Strava. Just upload directly from Garmin Connect to Strava and that’s it. Done automatically. BOOM.

Quick Verdict: Is the Garmin Forerunner 235 Worth it?

In my experience, yes. The Garmin Forerunner 235 is worth the price, and definitely worth the extra money over the 35 if you’re an active person.

The 35 is a great entry-level watch. It’s a bare bones, no-frills beginner’s watch with everything a new runner needs.

The 235 is on a completely different level though. If I had to sum it up, I’d say:

The 35 is the perfect watch for beginners. The 235 is a great watch for more serious runners, cyclists, and athletes. The clearer display, more accurate GPS, exercise analytics, route tracking, and apps are game-changing upgrades that you’ll use every day.

I Recommend the 235 if…

1. You have advanced exercise goals: You’ll eventually plateau with the 35. Exercise tagging, analytic reports, apps, maps, and all the other upgrades will help you break through plateaus and reach the next level.
2. You exercise daily: The first thing I noticed was the clearer screen. The resolution is noticeably better immediately. I didn’t have to squint my eyes to see my running metrics anymore. If you’re the kind of runner that checks their watch 200 times an hour (like me), your eyes will thank you.
3. You want added safety: I’m not a control freak, but I like knowing where my girlfriend is at all times (just while she’s running!). I’ve heard way too many horror stories about creeps stalking women while running outdoors. It’s nice knowing that I’ll be notified immediately in case of an emergency.
4. You simply want the better watch: Seems obvious, but it’s true. The 235 is clearer, more accurate, and comes with more features. There’s a reason it’s more expensive.

I Recommend the 35 if…

1. You’re on a budget: You’ll save a decent amount of money by going with the 35. If that’s important to you, then be my guest.
2. You’re a beginner: Honestly, if you’re just starting your couch to 5k journey, you won’t even use half the features on the 235. At this point, you just need something that counts calories, steps, distance, heart rate, etc. In that case, the 35 is plenty. Upgrade to the 235 once you’ve reached a plateau.
3. You prefer a smaller watch: One drawback to the 235 is it’s a bit bigger. It’s not clunky by any means, but it’s a bit heavier and the screen is larger. It makes a slightly noticeable difference.

Product Overview

Garmin Forerunner 35

Products Specs

Dimensions: 1.4” x 1.6” x 0.5" (35.5 x 40.7 x 13.3 mm)
Display: 0.93” x 0.93” (23.5 x 23.5 mm)
Resolution: 128 x 128
Waterproof: 5ATM
Battery life: 9 days, watch mode/ 13 hours training mode
Key features: Wrist-based heart monitor, waterproof, GPS enabled

The world’s most popular entry-level sports watch, and the watch model that totally changed the game.

The wrist-based heart monitor finally freed humanity from servitude, liberating us from a life of chest-strap bondage.

OK, seriously. The Garmin Forerunner 35 was a revolutionary sports watch when it came out. Before it, most watches were either too expensive or too complicated for most beginners. The 35’s clear display, simplified operation, and convenient heart rate monitor all came at under $100.

I loved my Forerunner 35. It was the only watch on my arm for 2 years. Keep in mind this is an entry-level watch with only basic features. That’s the draw of it though. You can track calories, distance, heart rate, and pretty much all the other basic metrics you need, and all for a very affordable price. Plus it comes with sports profiles to get even more granular data according to which type of exercise you’re doing.

The HRM isn’t super accurate, but that doesn’t matter much at beginner levels. You just need a ballpark figure.

Check out the manual for Garmin Forerunner 35.

Pros

• Wrist-based HRM
• Lightweight
• Very user-friendly
• Sport profiles for more accurate results
• Price

Cons

• Limited features
• Basic screen
• Old design
• No apps
• No analytics

Garmin Forerunner 235

Products Specs

Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 11.7 mm
Display: 1.23" (31.1 mm) diameter
Resolution: 215 x 180
Waterproof: 5ATM
Battery life: 9 days, watch mode/ 11 hours training mode
Key features: Garmin Connect, route tracking, enhanced GPS, enhanced HRM, color screen

If the Garmin 35 is the best entry-level sports watch, then the Garmin 235 is the best mid-range sports watch. It’s for runners, cyclists, swimmers, Crossfit enthusiasts, and other fitness lovers that need advanced tracking, GPS, analytics, and mapping to take their game to the next level.

Going from the 35 to the 235 is like going from the Freshman to the Varsity team - it’s a major step up. The screen is sharper, there are more features, the analytics give you a more detailed view of your workouts, and goal setting helps motivate you to train harder and longer.

Garmin makes watches for every part of the spectrum. The 235’s upgrades put it a step above its entry-level models, but not quite at the elite end.

I don’t recommend it if you’re training for a triathlon or trying to win a race.

However, I think it’s about the best value you can find on the sports watch market right now.

Pros

• More accurate GPS
• Garmin Connect
• Workout analytics
• Goal setting
• Route tracking
• Live tracking

Cons

• Higher price
• Larger learning curve
• Synching issues
• Maps are basic

My Experiences With the 235: What I Like and What I Don’t Like

I’ve had the 235 for a few months now, and there’s a lot to like about it. Like I said before, it’s not a super high-end watch - there’s definitely a lot lacking here. But for what it is, the value is nearly unbeatable.

What I Like

The More Accurate GPS

Man, the GPS is just OFF in some watches. When I used the 35, the watch showed my route all over the place. I even started second guessing myself sometimes. Did I really run there? And the distance was always inconsistent.

The 235 is way more on point. Every day I check my run, the map is exactly as it should be, and the distance is nearly the same every day.

It’s nice having the peace of mind knowing that my watch is actually accurate.

The 235 Connects to Other Apps

Just log into Garmin Connect, choose partner apps, and synch up your watch to whichever app you want. Personally, I use Strava.

Now after every workout my stats automatically upload to Strava, and I can also participate in challenges and share photos. Total game changer. It saves me hours of work a week.

The Design and Display

The 235’s display is 2.36x better than the 35, and it’s noticeable right away.

If you’re like me and check your watch every 5 seconds, the sharper, more colorful display is way easier to read. It’s like watching a movie in color vs black and white...literally.

It’s not as sharp as the 645 or anywhere near the Apple Watch, but it’s a big upgrade for the 35 for sure.

What I Don’t Like

The HRM Isn’t Super Accurate

You know some days you’re just not in a good mood and you don’t know why (I know it’s due to lack of sleep, but anyways…).

That’s pretty much the heart rate monitor on the 235. Some days it works and other days it’s just off.

A few days ago, it said my resting heart rate was 35. Thanks, but I know I’m not that fit. I WISH. My resting heart rate is about 40 - 50. Some days it’s spot on and others it’s a bit off.

It Feels a bit too Plastic-y

I have this same feeling about just about every watch in the Garmin line. It’s primarily made of plastic, and it’s not hard to tell.

Again, this is a relatively cheap watch, so I guess we can’t complain. You aren’t getting anything metal for under $200.

It doesn’t affect performance - only aesthetics.

Here is the manual of Here Forerunner 230/235.

Final Verdict: Forerunner 35 or Forerunner 235?

I really don’t feel like there’s much competition here. The Garmin Forerunner 235 is a clear upgrade in every way over the 35. It’s basically the same as the 35 except with major upgrades to the GPS, exercise capabilities, Garmin Connect apps, and route tracking.

I only regret that I didn’t make the change sooner. The 35 is fine for beginner runners, but if you’re trying to do anything more than run or cycle around the neighborhood, you’ll want all the extra features.

And since the price has dropped so much in the last few years, the small difference in price doesn’t make this a very close decision at all.

Welcome to my Garmin Forerunner 225 vs. Forerunner 235 review.

Wondering if the Garmin Forerunner 235’s upgrades are worth the extra money?

I spent a full week putting them head-to-head on the road, trail, exercise bike, and treadmill to bring you the definitive answer.

The 235 is definitely the “successor” to the 225, but is it really worth the money?

Read on to find out. The answer might actually surprise you.

Quick Verdict: Is the 235 that much better than the 225?

Short answer, yes.

If you wear them every day, you’ll notice a clear difference.

The Forerunner 225 is an awesome watch, and one of the best running watches for intermediate to advanced runners.

But the 235 has a few key upgrades that make it a superior watch, especially for people who run every day like I do.

Let me sum up my week of training like to you like this:

The 235 and the 225 are nearly identical, except the 235 is more comfortable, has a sharper display, is more accurate, and is compatible with Android/iPhone.

By the end of the week, after wearing the sharper, more comfortable 235, I actually struggled to finish my workout with the 225 on. And after exercising 18 hours total, the data from the 235 was more helpful (I’ll explain later).

If you plan to exercise regularly, it’s a no-brainer decision. Since prices have come down so much, you’ll pay a few bucks more for features that will make your work out more enjoyable and fruitful.

Don’t just take my word for it, though. Let’s see them side-by-side.

Garmin 235 vs. 225: What’s New?

I don’t know about you, but I loved the Garmin 225 like it was part of my family. I wore it all day every day. I forgot it was even there actually.

My girlfriend used to joke that it was like an engagement ring (sigh - hint?).

The wrist-based heart rate monitor was a gift from heaven, and the iMAX display was heaven itself.

So when the 235 came out, I almost felt like it was a threat to my ego. Anyone who says they’re better than my family is saying they’re better than me.

But as a runner who makes a living in this industry, I had to try it…

And wow was I wrong

The 235 has some pretty sweet upgrades.

What makes the 235 better than the 225?

#1) The 235 is more comfortable

This stuck out to me the most. By the end of the week, any time I put the 225 on I thought “not this again!”.

Garmin cut the weight down by 10g and width is 4.5mm thinner. That doesn’t sound like much, but wearing the 225 is like running with an extra Sharpie permanent marker on your wrist. When running or swimming, every little bit matters.

When you wear your watch all day every day (like me), you notice.

#2) The screen is noticeably better

The 235’s screen is a noticeable step up:

225: 180 x 180

235: 215 x 180

It’s 20% sharper, which is actually really noticeable when running. You don’t have to squint as hard to get a clear reading, and it’s way easier on the eyes when checking out your metrics post run. It’s nowhere near the Apple Watch yet, but it’s nowhere near in price either.

It also comes in handy when reading your smartphone notifications.

Wait, did I mention that?

#3) The 235 gets notifications like a smartphone

This is something totally new in the 235.

Now you can get texts, alarms, email notifications, and a ton of other smartphone notifications right on your wrist.

Fair warning - this could actually get really annoying. Use at your own peril. I found that getting mostly spam email notifications while running was a huge headache. Like I wanted to check how far I’d run and the screen was an email notification.

You can turn this off directly in the watch though. Just switch it to “not during activity”, and you’ll be fine.

#4) More advanced tracking

Garmin added GLONASS, ANT+ compatibility, and route tracking to the 235, so it’s better at knowing what you’re doing at all times.

Great for your workout - not so great for your privacy.

GLONASS is another global satellite system that kicks in whenever GPS fails, giving you a backup in case you’re in a GPS dark zone (and informing Mother Russia of whatever you’re doing).

Route tracking means you can add a map and follow it. Again, super helpful if you’re ever in a strange area or just trying to challenge yourself. It’s not a super detailed map but it is helpful.

#5) Garmin Elevate - new and improved heart rate monitor

The Garmin 225 revolutionized running watches forever with its wrist-based HRM.

Finally, no more annoying chest straps. I told my girlfriend wearing a chest strap felt like wearing a sports bra. She said “yeah, try wearing two!”.

The 235 is even better…

Garmin Elevate is the single greatest leap forward in HRM tech since the 225 introduced the wrist-based HRM.

The 225 uses MIO, a 3rd-party heart rate monitoring software. Don’t get me wrong it’s awesome. But for the 235, Garmin took things in house and created an algorithm that cuts through the noise and delivers super accurate data...even while you’re not exercising.

MIO’s technology was great at rest, but during physical activity, all the movement, sweat, hemoglobin spikes, and other random events seriously messed with the data.

Garmin Elevate is way more accurate. It emits green light, which your blood’s hemoglobin absorbs differently depending on oxygen content. Elevate uses these fluctuating differences to calculate your heart rate rather than traditional methods. The result? Way less noise!

NOTE: There were major issues with Elevate when it first came out, so you’ll probably see a lot of disgruntled people around the web. But Garmin has released a series of software updates that have put those bugs to bed.

#6) Garmin Connect

This is maybe the biggest advantage for serious runners, cyclists, and athletes .

Garmin Connect is a powerhouse app with detailed workout plans, custom maps, way more metrics, an awesome dashboard, and auto stats comparison to give you a full picture of how well you’re doing.

You need at least the 235 to connect to it.

Now after I’m done running - BOOM. All my stats are uploaded to the app and I let it work it’s magic. After a few days I’ve got a full picture of how well I did.

What’s the Same?

The 225 and 235 are extremely close. Think of them like twin brothers, except one is slightly bigger, smarter, and more athletic.

There’s a lot in common here.

They both:

• Track basic metrics: Steps, calories, heart rate, distance, etc.
• Track advanced metrics: Vo2 MAX, sleep tracking, etc
• Have a rounded design: a huge step up from the clunky 1984 supercomputer rectangle.
• Have a wrist-based HRM: An accurate and more comfortable alternative to a chest strap.
• Have goal setting: I love this feature. Definitely helps me stick to my workouts and motivates me to run harder every day.

When to Get the 225 and When to Get the 235?

I recommend the 235 for…

• Serious athletes that need to squeeze every ounce of their workouts. Garmin Connect, the more accurate wrist watch, the better display, and more accurate tracking give you that extra oomph you can’t get with the 225.
• Anyone who’s more than casual with their running or cycling. The 225 is great for running and cycling for sure, but if you want to take things further you’ll need upgrades.
• Anyone who struggles to read the screen while running.

I recommend the 225 for…

• Anyone who’s on a serious budget and needs to save money.
• Anyone who won’t use Garmin Connect, the HRM, maps, or any of the advanced features. Why pay more if you won’t use it?

Important Specs

Garmin 235:

• Display: 1.23" (31.1 mm)
• Resolution: 215 x 180 pixels
• Weight: 1.5 oz (42 g)
• Battery Life: 11 hours training, 9 days watch + activity tracking + notifications + heart rate
• Water Rating: 5 ATM

Garmin 225:

• Display: 1.0" (25.4 mm) diameter
• Resolution: 180 x 180 pixels
• Weight: 1.9 oz. (54 g)
• Battery Life: up to 10 hours in GPS mode with optical HRM/4 weeks normal
• Water Rating: 5 ATM

Check out the manual for Garmin Forerunner 230/235.

The Garmin Forerunner 225 vs The Garmin Forerunner 235: My Experiences With Both

I spent a week exercising with both. Here’s what I think:

Usability

Honestly, they’re both extremely easy to use. Just click one of the 5 buttons and everything else is pretty self explanatory. Everything is right on the display. You really can’t mess it up.

If I had to pick a winner then obviously the 235 because the display is sharper and easier to read. But that’s the only difference here.

Exercising

This is where 235 breaks away and takes the gold.

The 235 is hands down:

• More comfortable
• More accurate
• Better at tracking
• Better at collecting data and evaluating it

I noticed the difference in comfort quickly and it’s great to have the app synch my data and give me an overview after each run or weekly. Now I can see what I’m doing right and where I need to pick it up. NO EXCUSES!

Comfort

The lighter weight and thinner display make a noticable difference. The 225 used to make my wrist turn bright red and get sore after wearing it 24/7. You know when you finally take off your watch and there’s that giant silver dollar imprint on your arm?

I didn’t really get that with the 235. Some yes. But not that much. It definitely feels lighter and more breathable on the arm.

Features

I’m a running geek, so I love all of the new features in the 235. You might not get as excited as me, but they’re definitely a lot of fun.

I play around on Garmin Connect daily, and evaluate my stats in my down time while binging Netflix. The add route tracking, app, resting heart rate, and other features are a ton of fun. Definitely worth a few extra dollars. The 225 will eventually limit what you can do. With the 235, there’s no limit.

Verdict

I hate to sound super salesy, but I don’t see any reason to get the 225 instead of the 235 unless you’re on a tight budget. They’re the same watch, except the 235 has some major upgrades with the HRM, tracking, and Android/iOS compatibility. Plus it’s more comfortable and comes with Garmin Connect.

If it were $200 more then it’d be a debate. But since they’ve both come down in price over the years, there’s no debate.

Hey there. Welcome to our Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45 comparison.

We tested these two running watches against each other indoors, outdoors, cycling, on the treadmill, and even on cheat days walking to the door to get our well-deserved pizza (meat lovers...hmmm…).

In this review, we’ll cover:

• Who each model is for
• What’s new in the 45
• Whether the 45 is worth the extra money
• Specs like accuracy, design, display, and more

This article will give you all the key information you need to make an informed decision.

Let’s get to it:

Forerunner 35 vs. Forerunner 45: Is the 45 Worth the Extra Money?

The Forerunner 45 is the souped-up version of the 35.

For just a few dollars more, you get a clearer display, better design, more sport profiles, and a bunch of cool features and metrics that give you more variety, control, and insight for your workouts.

This is the best way to summarize the difference:

The Garmin 35 is made for entry-level runners. The 45 is for serious fitness enthusiasts.

If you’re working out with a Garmin Forerunner 45 on your wrist, you’ll:

• Gain deeper insight from more advanced metrics
• Have access to more diverse sport profiles so you can push harder. For example, elliptical, cardio, stairs, and even yoga
• Get hands on training from Garmin Coach to help you achieve goals faster and track progress
• Benefit from a more colorful display
• Get a sleeker, more comfortable watch
• Gain access to helpful safety features

We noticed the difference as soon as we started running with the 45 on. You’ll notice it almost immediately.

Not saying the 35 is bad. For the price, it’s an incredible value. But all of the upgrades on the 45 make it a far better, more valuable exercise watch.

Get the Forerunner 45 if…

We highly recommend the 45 over the 35. If you’re serious about losing weight, gaining an edge in competitive athletics, or improving your health, all of the sport profiles, metrics, and coaching will give you everything you need and more. You won’t get that with the 35. In fact, you might not get any value out of it at all aside from running.

Check here the complete specifications of Forerunner 45.

Get the Forerunner 35 if…

There are only two reasons to get the 35:

1. If you’re on a serious budget: If you can’t spare the extra money, then stick to the 35. You’ll save $50 or so.
2. You’re a complete beginner: If you’re a complete beginner, the 45 might be overkill. The 35 has everything you need plus nothing you don’t. Make sense? The 35 is designed as an entry-level watch for novices and there’s nothing wrong with that. Why spend the money if you won’t get the value?

Here’s why:

Key Upgrades in the Forerunner 45

Like we said before, the 45 is pretty much a big step up in every major way from the 35. You pay for those upgrades, but they’re worth it in our opinion. Here are the key changes in this model:

A Round, Lightweight Design

Goodbye square display.

Hello, 21st-century design.

Personally, we didn’t like the “1984 Apple Macintosh Home Computer” design of the 35. It felt like wearing a wrist computer more than a sports watch.

The 45 solves that. Plus it’s “transflective”, meaning it’s easily readable in direct sunlight. That way, you can quickly view the time and metrics even during mid-day without going blind.

And now the design is far more sleek. Here are the differences in dimensions (the 45 comes in 2 sizes):

• Large: 42 x 42 x 11.4mm (wrist size: 129-197m)
• Small: 39.5 x 39.5 x 11.4mm (wrist size 124-185mm)

The 35 is a standard 35.5 x 40.7 x13.4mm (wrist size: 140 - 200mm).

The added flexibility and improved design makes it pretty easy to wear 24/7, though not ideal.

More Sport Profiles

Garmin added heaps of sport/activity profiles to this bad boy. It really helps give you more variety. With the 35, you’re limited to just a few basic profiles like running or cycling.

The 45 has 12 activity profiles. Including:

• Running
• Treadmill
• Indoor track
• Bike
• Walk
• Yoga
• Cardio and elliptical training
• Stair stepping

Some of these are only accessible through Garmin Connect, but it’s a huge help to have them if you’re serious about fitness.

Note: The 45 can store up to 200 hours of workout data. The 35 doesn’t even come close (though you can upload data into the app and store it with no problems).

Garmin Coach Personal Training

This is our favorite upgrade.

Garmin Coach is a built-in personal trainer with pre-made fitness plans ranging from complete beginner up to 7-minute mile (a fairly advanced goal).

Since we’re a bit more advanced, we didn’t get the full value from it. But there’s a ton of value for beginners and intermediate runners. It definitely helps motivate you to stick to your goals.

Plus it adapts to your performance. Doing well? The app pushes harder. Struggling to hit your mark? Garmin Coach adjusts to help you hit the goal and motivate you to try harder the next time.

Cool Safety Features

This is going to sound super salesy, but it’s true.

The Garmin 45 could save your life in an emergency. They are:

• Incident detection: Garmin warns an emergency contact about strange incidents during activities such as a sudden drop in heartbeat.
• Assistance: Allows you to request assistance directly through the watch. Say, god forbid, some creep starts following you in a car, you can directly contact an emergency contact via the watch.

Garmin’s newly added key safety features are ideal for anyone who runs in the middle of nowhere, cycles on busy streets, or takes long hikes in the mountains. They’re especially valuable for women runners worried about being followed. One BBC study reported that over 40% of female runners have been followed while running. The extra money might be worth the price alone to some people.

Better, More Colorful Screen

Neither model is as clear as an Apple Watch, but the 45 is 60% sharper (208 x 208 for the 45 and 128 x 128 for the 35).

Plus it comes in vibrant colors. The 35 is only black and white.

New Activity Tracking

Garmin has once again added more metrics to the 45 that give you even deeper insight into your fitness levels.

If you’re still a beginner, then they won’t make much of a difference to you. But if you’re trying to squeeze every ounce of juice out of your workout, they’ll definitely give you that extra oomph you’ll need to feel healthier and get fitter.

The new metrics are:

• Fitness Age: An estimation of how old your body is (age is just a number, right?).
• Body Battery: An overall estimation of your energy level scale 1-100. Not sure how accurate this is, but it’s definitely cool to have as a barometer.
• All-Day Stress Levels: A measure of your body’s stress levels based on a 3-minute test performed while standing still.

You might also want to check the support videos for Forerunner 35.

Garmin Forerunner 45 Overview

The Forerunner 45 is the upgraded version of the 45 that reflects feedback given from high-level athletes about the 35.

Garmin added in pretty much everything the 35 was lacking, along with upgrading the screen and changing the design.

It’s one of the only legit sports watches for athletes that’s also reasonably priced. Along with running and cycling profiles, basic exercise metrics, and Garmin Connect, you also get personal coaching, extra profiles, safety features, and advanced metrics like stress and energy levels. Serious athletes will love the level of insight and control you get when exercising/wearing the 45.

Pros

• Sharper display
• Added safety features
• Garmin Coach
• More in-depth metrics
• 12 sport profiles, including popular gym activities

Cons

• Color display drains the battery faster
• Price

Garmin Forerunner 35 Overview

The Forerunner 35 is the next step in low-cost running watches. When it first came out, it was a huge upgrade over the 25. To this day it remains one of the most popular budget models.

The reason it’s so popular is that it gives you all the basics plus a few key upgrades to take your game to the next level, and it does it all for less than $100. It has a few cool smartwatch features, tracks your heartbeat, calories, time, and distance, plus it’s waterproof and helps track your heart rate. Perfect for runners on a budget if you ask us.

The biggest limitation is that it’s basically an entry-level running watch - nothing more and nothing less. It doesn’t give you the level of flexibility or control of the 45.

Pros

• Great for beginners
• Battery lasts all day
• Very reasonably priced
• Everything you need for running or cycling

Cons

• Limited features
• No advanced metrics
• Limited sport profiles

A Quick Side-By-Side Comparison

We want to share our experience exercising with both of these watches to give you a feel for how it’ll help you achieve your fitness goals.

Usability

Both watches are very easy to use, but the 45 is the clear winner here.

First, it has 5 buttons instead of 4, giving you faster access to features. And the sharper transflective display makes it super easy to view key metrics at a glance when running.

As you can see the image, it’s extremely user friendly (though admittedly it is still a bit basic).

Up, down, back, start/stop, light - it’s pretty simple and the display is super clear.

Comfort

Both are super comfortable, and we didn’t notice much of a difference between the two.

However, just the fact that the 45 fits a wider range of wrists give the edge here. The 45 fits anyone with a wrist 124 - 197mm. The circular design didn’t make much of a difference in the comfort, though.

Exercise Quality

The wider range of profiles, more metrics, and workout programs made the 45 a much better workout companion than the 35.

Also, the 45 has access to a wider range of satellites, making the tracking and GPS way more accurate. One huge advantage is the greater workout memory. It’s nice to have 200 hours of stored data so you don’t have to keep transferring data to the app.

Now you can get a clear overview of performance and progress without switching back and forth.

Wondering if it’s worth it to buy the Garmin Forerunner 35 instead of the cheaper Garmin Forerunner 25?

I ran for a full year with the 25, then upgraded in 2017 a few months after the 35 launched.

To be honest, both are excellent entry-level watches that provide the basics for a productive run, but the 35 is just flat out better.

It’s a clear upgrade in every way, but is it worth the extra money?

In this review, I’ll compare both side-by-side so you get the full picture before spending the extra money. Including:

• The key upgrades that I think make the 35 a better product for runners, cyclists, and indoor/outdoor athletes
• Who the 25 is for and who the 35 is for
• A brief overview of each product
• A side-by-side features breakdown so you get a feel for the look, design, usability, and comfort before buying

Ready to get an awesome sports watch at a discount?

Let’s go…

Forerunner 25 vs Forerunner 35: What’s the Difference?

The Garmin Forerunner 35 is the next step up in GPS running watches. 

It has everything that I loved about the Forerunner 25 - price, simplicity, comfort, accurate run tracking - plus a few key upgrades that I always felt the 25 was lacking.

Key upgrades in the 35:

• Built-in heart rate monitor (HRM): Hands down the biggest improvement. The 35 has 3 built-in optical heart rate sensors right on the watch (you still need a Garmin ANT+ heart rate monitor though).
• Better UX: The Forerunner series has the best UX in my opinion, since it’s so simple. That’s what you want in a watch, right? But the 35 allows you to view 3 metrics at once instead of 2, which is a complete game changer during runs - at least for me. I’ll explain further down below.
• Clearer screen: The 35’s screen is noticeably sharper. You can clearly see time, distance, and any other metric at a quick glance (even with all that burning sweat in your eye). The 25’s is great too, but the 35 is a moderate step up.
• Music controls: Imagine being able to pause, replay, or skip mid run at the click of a button? It’s such a breath of fresh air. Now you aren’t stuck listening to overplayed songs that you’re too lazy to remove from your playlist.
• More activities: Now you can capture walking, cycling, and running plus it includes interval training. It’s a good upgrade for Crosfit-ers, weightlifters, cyclists, and other indoor athletes. The 25 only captures running.

Garmin has always been good at making small, incremental upgrades that improve your life as a runner, but this time the jump is pretty noticeable.

Is there any downside to upgrading to the 35?

Aside from spending more money, the only clear downside to the Forerunner 35 is the shorter battery life.

All the extra features drain the battery a lot faster.

Battery Life

Watch Mode: 9 days.
Training Mode: 13 hours.

For comparison, the 25’s battery could last up to 10 weeks (though on 10 hours in training mode).

Forerunner 35 vs. Forerunner 25: Bottom Line

Both are excellent entry-level running watches that accurately track basic stats and encourage you to keep beating your best.

However, the 35 is such a clear upgrade that I can’t recommend the 25 to anyone unless you’re on a super tight budget and want to buy a cheap refurbished 25.

For me, the music skipping feature is enough to pay the extra money. Throw in the heart rate monitor, screen, and extra activities, and it’s not a fair comparison anymore.

Imagine if someone offered you an iPhone 12 for just a few more dollars than the iPhone 5. That’s pretty much the difference between the 35 and 25.

Pros and Cons

Garmin 25

Pros

• Affordable
• Very simple to use
• Waterproof
• Long battery life
  

Cons

• No HRM
• Only running
• No music controls
• Only shows 2 metrics

Forerunner 35

Pros

• Built-in HRM
• Compatible with more software/devices
• Music controls (skip, pause, etc.)
• Sharper screen
• Displays more metrics for a clearer picture of your current status
  

Cons

• More expensive
• Shorter battery life in watch mode

Quick Overview

Forerunner 25

The Garmin Forerunner 25 is a no-frills, run-only watch ideal for beginners, budget shoppers, or anyone who’s only looking for a very affordable - but basic - watch. You will get the basic - nothing more. Nothing less.

The 128 x 128 pixel screen (black and white color) accurately displays metrics like distance, calories, and time so you get a more accurate picture of your workout intensity on the road. And everything is controlled by the 4 buttons on the watch (no touch screen).

Once you sign up for an account with Garmin, just enter your height, weight, and age, and you’re set to start tracking everything you need for an efficient run.

The Forerunner 25 was THE LOW-COST watch for new runners for a long stretch. Pretty much everyone I knew was asking me “hey, is it worth to drop the $$$ for the Forerunner 25?”.

It definitely was...until Garmin released yet another upgrade a few years later.

Forerunner 35

Like I said before, the Forerunner 35 is the next logical step in the evolution of low-cost running watches.

It’s basically the Forerunner 25 PLUS all the stuff the 25 was missing that more hardcore runners wanted.

Garmin added more sport profiles, a built-in heart rate monitor, and a bunch of other key upgrades

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a basic running watch without luxurious features, but for the cost the value is incredible. It’s actually not even close to the best Garmin watch. It’s just the best affordable one.

Plus you can sync it with upgrades like a chest strap or cycling speed sensor. That’s the cool thing about the 35 - it’s got all the basics plus it grows with you as you improve.

I know I listed them before but here are a few of my favorite features:

• Heart rate monitor
• Interval training
• Location tracking (so you stay safe)
• Music skipping
• Auto and manual lap
• VO2 Max (for serious athletes)

Forerunner 25 vs. Forerunner 35: Side-By-Side Comparison

After using both of these watches extensively, I want to give you my opinion of actually using them. Since I assume you actually want to put one of them on and work out rather than read my ramblings all day.

User Experience

Both watches are stupidly easy to set up and use.

They have the same 4-button layout that allows you to scroll through metrics/options/menus and all that jazz.

There’s normally a correlation between features and UX. The more features the harder the watch is to use.

The 35 manages to upgrade on the 25 without that hassle though. Syncing it up with Garmin is super easy and once you set up your profile once you’re good to go.

Both are so easy to use I don’t feel the need to explain more. Just click the buttons.

Actually Running With the Watch on

I give the 35 the clear edge in this metric.

Both are comfortable, but the 35 is more convenient.

Here’s why…

The 25 only displays two metrics at once, so if you want to view others you’ve actually got to click a button, then cycle back to view time and distance (or whichever metric you choose).

This doesn’t sound like much, but you will start to get super annoyed while running. Imagine you’re jogging on a busy street and instead of keeping your eyes focused on the run ahead, you’re constantly spending an extra few seconds clicking buttons and staring at the screen. It all adds up.

With the 35, you get time, distance, and heart rate zone right on the same screen, so you don’t have to constantly cycle back and forth. I noticed the difference immediately. It’s so much more convenient.

Accuracy

This is the only real blotch on the Forerunner’s resume in my opinion. Keep it mind that they’re supposed to be budget watches, so you shouldn’t expect NASA-level tracking anyway.

Both the 25 and 35 are small watches, meaning they have smaller GPS attenae. Neither support GLONASS (the high-end GPS tracking you find in luxury watches). Basically, what this means for you is that you’ll need to give both watches about a 5% cushion either way. So if it says you traveled 2 kilometers, you may have traveled 100 meters more or less. Not a big deal.

Design and Comfort

The 35’s design is a big step up front he 25’s. Both are small and comfortable, meaning they won’t burn or smother your wrist, and they’ll fit under almost every type of jacket or sportswear.

The only real bummer is the 4-button system is a bit annoying after a while. Touch screens are way better - but they also way more expensive. The more detailed screen on the 35 is a big advantage by the way. Worth the money.

Garmin Forerunner 25 vs. Garmin Forerunner 35: Final Verdict

In the end, both watches are a steal at the price. They’re basic, entry-level running watches with mostly basic features, but it’s plenty to get you started at a very fair price.

As a more serious runner, I have to recommend the 35 for the key upgrades that I’ve mentioned. Now that they’re both so close in price, I see no reason to get the 25 unless you’re on a super tight budget.

If you get the 25, you’re missing out on so much value that will improve your workout and keep you motivated to stay on track and hit the road every day. Think of all the agony you’ll go through with your music or the limitations on your workout programs that will come from buying a watch that only supports running.

I hate to sound super biased, but the 35 is just flat out better and it’s not that much more expensive.

Totally worth the upgrade!