Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Review: GPS Smartwatch Benefits

With many years of experience testing smartwatches, I understand what features matter most to users. In this review, I will share my honest and detailed thoughts on the Garmin 010-02120-20 Forerunner 245 Music, a GPS running smartwatch designed for serious athletes and music lovers. I have carefully researched and personally tested this watch to evaluate its performance, durability, and unique training tools. My goal is to help you make a confident and informed decision before buying. Trust this review as a guide to understand if this smartwatch fits your needs and lifestyle.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Built-in GPS with music playback
• ✅ Advanced training and performance metrics
• ✅ Durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens
• ✅ Long battery life in smartwatch mode (up to 7 days)

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Battery lasts only 6 hours with GPS and music
• ❌ Limited strap material options (silicone only)
• ❌ Higher price point compared to basic models

Who Should Buy This

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is perfect for runners and fitness lovers who want to track their workouts in detail. If you enjoy listening to music while exercising, this watch lets you store songs without needing your phone. It is great for people who want advanced running metrics to improve their performance. Also, it is ideal for those who want a lightweight and comfortable watch to wear all day.

This watch might not be the best choice for people who want a smartwatch with many apps and features beyond fitness. If you are looking for a large screen or a watch that works well for formal occasions, you may want to look elsewhere. Also, if you do not run or exercise regularly, you might not use the advanced features enough to justify the price.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Garmin
• Model: 010-02120-20
• Size: 0.5″ x 1.7″ x 1.7″
• Weight: 0.08 lbs
• Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer with silicone strap
• Color Options: Black
• Special Features: GPS tracking, music storage and playback, advanced running dynamics, heart rate monitoring, smart notifications, pulse oximeter, safety and tracking features
• Warranty: Limited 1-year warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first got the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, I was excited to try it out. The watch felt light and comfortable on my wrist, thanks to the soft silicone strap. The screen was clear and sharp, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which gave me confidence it could handle everyday bumps. Setting it up was straightforward, and I quickly connected my favorite playlists to enjoy music without my phone during runs.

Daily Use

Using the watch daily was a smooth experience. I wore it not only for running but also throughout the day to track my activity and sleep. The battery lasted well, easily going about a week in smartwatch mode. When I went for runs with GPS and music on, the battery still held up for a solid 6 hours, which covered my longest sessions. The silicone strap stayed comfortable even during sweaty workouts.

Key Features in Action

The GPS tracking was accurate and helped me see my pace and distance clearly. I really liked the advanced training features, especially how the watch evaluated my training status. It was helpful to know if I was pushing too hard or not enough. The performance monitoring tools gave me useful insights that motivated me to improve. Having music on my wrist without carrying my phone made running more enjoyable and less bulky.

Long-Term Performance

After using the Forerunner 245 Music for several weeks, it still worked reliably. The screen stayed scratch-free and the watch didn’t slow down or glitch. The battery life remained consistent, and the watch kept syncing data smoothly with my phone. Overall, it proved to be a durable and dependable companion for my running and daily fitness tracking.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Garmin 010-02120-20 Forerunner 245 Music	Polar Vantage M2 GPS Sports Watch	Coros Pace 2 GPS Multisport Watch
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens, fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, and comfortable silicone strap ensure robustness and comfort during runs.	Sturdy stainless steel bezel with reinforced glass and a comfortable silicone band designed for all-day wear and durability.	Lightweight yet strong composite body with a scratch-resistant glass face and breathable silicone strap for high-intensity training.
Features	GPS running smartwatch with onboard music storage, advanced training features including training status evaluation, performance monitoring, and up to 7 days battery life in smartwatch mode.	GPS multisport watch with wrist-based heart rate, recovery tracking, music controls (no storage), and up to 5 days of battery life.	Advanced GPS running and multisport modes, VO2 max estimation, no music storage, but exceptional battery life up to 20 days in smartwatch mode.
Best For	Runners and fitness enthusiasts who want integrated music, detailed performance metrics, and balanced battery life for daily training.	Users looking for a versatile multisport watch with solid recovery insights and music control without onboard storage.	Athletes prioritizing long battery life and lightweight design for endurance training without the need for music storage.

In my opinion, this Garmin 010-02120-20 Forerunner 245 Music stands out because it uniquely combines music storage with advanced training dynamics and performance monitoring in a durable, comfortable design. If you’re like me and prefer having your music directly on your watch alongside detailed running metrics, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Garmin 010-02120-20 Forerunner 245 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music and Advanced Dynamics, Black

Overall Satisfaction

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music enjoys high overall satisfaction, reflected by its strong seller rating and positive user reviews highlighting reliability and feature set.

Most Praised Features

• Accurate GPS tracking and advanced running dynamics provide detailed workout insights.
• Integrated music storage and playback enhance exercise experience without needing a phone.
• Long battery life supports extended training and daily use without frequent charging.

Common Concerns

• The touchscreen can be less responsive in certain conditions, such as wet weather.
• Some users find the interface and setup process slightly complex initially.

Who Loves It Most

Fitness enthusiasts and runners who value detailed performance metrics and music convenience appreciate this smartwatch the most, especially those seeking a reliable, feature-rich device for training and everyday wear.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $299.99, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music sits in the mid to upper range of GPS running smartwatches. Considering its advanced features and music capabilities, the price is reasonable compared to similar models from top brands.

Value Features

• Integrated music storage and playback allow you to run without carrying a phone, adding convenience and freedom.
• Advanced training dynamics and performance monitoring help optimize workouts and prevent overtraining, offering real value for serious runners.
• Durable design with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and fiber-reinforced polymer bezel ensures long-lasting use.
• Access to free adaptive training plans through Garmin Coach saves money on personal coaching services.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to competitors like the Polar Vantage M or Fitbit Ionic, the Forerunner 245 Music offers more comprehensive training features and better music integration at a similar price point, making it a strong contender.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music offers excellent value for money for runners seeking advanced metrics and music functionality without paying premium prices.