Are you a runner looking to upgrade your GPS watch or a beginner seeking your first reliable training companion? The world of Garmin’s Forerunner series can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. Two popular options that often come up in comparison are the Forerunner 35 and the Forerunner 45.
Both offer excellent core running features, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets. Understanding their key differences is crucial for making the right choice. We’ll break down what sets the Forerunner 35 apart from the newer Forerunner 45, helping you decide which model will best support your fitness journey.
Whether you prioritize simplicity and value or seek a few more modern features, this comparison will guide you. Let’s dive into the details of the Garmin Forerunner 35 versus the Forerunner 45.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Forerunner 35 | Forerunner 45 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 0.93 x 0.93 inches | 1.04 inches diameter |
| Display Type | Sunlight-visible, transflective, pixel memory (MIP) | Sunlight-visible, transflective, pixel memory (MIP) |
| Weight | 37.3g | 36g |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| GLONASS | Yes | Yes |
| Galileo | No | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Yes (Wrist-based) | Yes (Wrist-based) |
| Barometric Altimeter | No | No |
| Music Control | No | Yes |
| Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Activity Tracking | Steps, distance, calories, sleep | Steps, distance, calories, sleep, intensity minutes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
GPS Accuracy
- Forerunner 35: Features built-in GPS to accurately track distance, pace, and routes. It’s generally reliable for outdoor activities, though accuracy can be affected by dense tree cover or tall buildings.
- 45: Also boasts integrated GPS for precise tracking of outdoor runs and rides. It offers comparable accuracy to the 35, with improvements in newer models for handling signal interference.
- Winner: Tie
Heart Rate Monitoring
- Forerunner 35: Utilizes Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology for 24/7 monitoring and during workouts. While convenient, it can sometimes be less accurate than a chest strap, especially during high-intensity intervals.
- 45: Incorporates an updated Elevate optical heart rate sensor for continuous monitoring and heart rate zones. It generally provides improved accuracy over the 35, particularly with more consistent skin contact.
- Winner: 45
Activity Tracking
- Forerunner 35: Tracks basic daily activities like steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep. It provides a solid foundation for general fitness monitoring.
- 45: Offers enhanced activity tracking, including steps, distance, calories, sleep, intensity minutes, and all-day stress. It provides a more comprehensive overview of daily well-being.
- Winner: 45
Sports Profiles
- Forerunner 35: Comes with pre-loaded profiles for running, cycling, and cardio. It’s suitable for core activities but lacks specialized modes for niche sports.
- 45: Includes a wider array of sports profiles, such as running (indoor/outdoor), cycling (indoor/outdoor), treadmill, elliptical, cardio, strength training, and yoga. This makes it more versatile for diverse training routines.
- Winner: 45
Smart Notifications
- Forerunner 35: Can receive basic smart notifications from a paired smartphone, such as calls and texts. It offers essential connectivity without overwhelming the user.
- 45: Provides more comprehensive smart notifications, including calls, texts, app alerts, and calendar reminders. It allows for a greater degree of smartphone interaction directly from the wrist.
- Winner: 45
Battery Life
- Forerunner 35: Offers an impressive battery life of up to 9 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours in GPS mode. This is a significant advantage for long-duration activities and infrequent charging.
- 45: Provides up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode. While still good, it’s slightly less in smartwatch mode compared to the 35.
- Winner: Forerunner 35
Design and Display
- Forerunner 35: Features a more utilitarian, rectangular design with a monochrome display. It prioritizes readability of data over aesthetics.
- 45: Boasts a sleeker, more modern design with a color display. The screen is brighter and easier to read in various lighting conditions, and the overall look is more appealing for everyday wear.
- Winner: 45
Safety and Tracking Features
- Forerunner 35: Includes basic incident detection and assistance features, allowing you to send your real-time location to emergency contacts.
- 45: Offers enhanced safety features like incident detection and assistance, as well as LiveTrack, which allows friends and family to follow your activities in real time. This provides greater peace of mind for solo athletes.
- Winner: 45
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Value for Money | Forerunner 35 |
| Smart Features | Forerunner 45 |
| Design & Display | Forerunner 45 |
| Core Running Performance | Forerunner 35 |
| Overall Recommendation | Forerunner 45 |
What They Have in Common
- Built-in Gps: Both watches come equipped with integrated GPS, allowing you to accurately track your runs, walks, and bike rides without needing to carry your phone. This means you can leave your phone behind and still record your distance, pace, and routes.
- Wrist-Based Heart Rate: You’ll find a built-in optical heart rate sensor on both the Forerunner 35 and 45. This enables continuous heart rate monitoring throughout the day and during your workouts, providing valuable insights into your cardiovascular health and training intensity.
- Smart Notifications: Stay connected without constantly checking your phone. Both devices can display alerts for calls, texts, and app notifications directly on your wrist, ensuring you don’t miss important updates while you’re on the move or in the middle of a workout.
- Water Resistance: With a 5 ATM water rating, both the Forerunner 35 and 45 are suitable for swimming and showering. This makes them versatile companions for a variety of activities, offering peace of mind in wet conditions.
- Activity Tracking Features: Beyond just sports, both watches diligently track your daily activity. This includes monitoring your steps taken, distance covered, calories burned, and even sleep patterns, giving you a holistic view of your health and wellness.
Forerunner 35 Vs 45 Buying Guide
Who is the Forerunner 35 best for?
The Forerunner 35 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious runners and beginners who need reliable GPS tracking and basic fitness metrics. Its simplicity makes it easy to use straight out of the box, perfect for those who don’t want to be overwhelmed by advanced features. If you prioritize essential running data like pace, distance, and heart rate without a lot of bells and whistles, the 35 is a solid contender. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Switch Lite )
Who is the Forerunner 45 best for?
The Forerunner 45 is ideal for runners seeking a more modern and feature-rich experience at an accessible price point. It offers a sleeker design, a color display, and additional training tools like VO2 Max estimation and recovery advisor. If you’re looking to subtly improve your training, gain deeper insights into your performance, and enjoy a more visually appealing interface, the 45 is a strong upgrade.
Key Differences to Consider
When comparing the two, focus on the display, design, and advanced metrics. The Forerunner 35 sports a monochrome display and a more utilitarian design, while the 45 boasts a vibrant color screen and a more refined aesthetic. The 45 also provides more sophisticated training analytics, which can be crucial for runners aiming to optimize their performance and prevent overtraining. Consider which of these aspects aligns best with your running goals and preferences.
Value Proposition
The Forerunner 35 offers exceptional value for its price, delivering core GPS running functionality at a very competitive cost. It’s a no-frills device that excels at its primary purpose. The Forerunner 45, while costing slightly more, provides a significant leap in features and design, making it a compelling option for those who want more bang for their buck. Evaluate your budget and the features you truly need to determine which offers the best long-term value for your specific running journey. (See Also: Pixel 6a Vs Iphone 12 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy forerunner 35 If…
- You’re a beginner runner or fitness enthusiast looking for a reliable and straightforward GPS watch.
- Your budget is a primary concern, and you want excellent core functionality without unnecessary extras.
- You prioritize a simple, no-fuss interface for tracking your runs and basic activities.
- You don’t need advanced smart features like music control or extensive smart notifications.
Buy 45 If…
- You want a more modern and feature-rich GPS running watch with slightly improved design.
- You appreciate having music controls directly on your wrist to manage your workout playlists.
- You desire access to more advanced training metrics and insights that the newer model offers.
- You’re looking for a watch that seamlessly integrates with a broader range of smart features and connectivity options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the battery life like on each device?
The Forerunner 35 generally offers up to 9 days of battery life in watch mode and around 13 hours in GPS mode. The Forerunner 45 provides a similar battery performance, with up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and approximately 14 hours in GPS mode. Both are sufficient for most daily use and typical training runs, though the 35 might edge out slightly in pure smartwatch endurance.
Does either watch have music storage?
Neither the Forerunner 35 nor the Forerunner 45 offers onboard music storage or the ability to control music playback from your smartphone directly on the device. If music playback is a crucial feature for your runs, you would need to consider higher-tier Garmin Forerunner models that include this functionality, such as the Forerunner 245 Music or higher.
Which watch has a better display?
The Forerunner 45 features a significantly improved display over the Forerunner 35. The 45 boasts a bright, sunlight-readable color display that makes it easier to view metrics at a glance, especially during outdoor activities. In contrast, the Forerunner 35 has a simpler monochrome display, which is functional but lacks the visual appeal and clarity of the 45’s screen. (See Also: Galaxy Watch 6 Vs Active 2 )
Can I track activities other than running?
Yes, both the Forerunner 35 and Forerunner 45 can track a variety of activities beyond just running. The Forerunner 35 supports activities like cycling, cardio, and walking. The Forerunner 45 expands on this with profiles for running, cycling, treadmill, elliptical, cardio, strength training, and yoga, offering more versatility for a broader range of fitness pursuits.
Is the Forerunner 45 waterproof?
Yes, both the Forerunner 35 and the Forerunner 45 are water-rated to 5 ATM, which means they can withstand splashes, rain, and are suitable for showering and swimming. You can confidently wear either device during water-based activities like swimming laps in a pool or open water, though they are not designed for high-velocity water sports.
Final Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 45 represents a significant step up from the 35, offering a modern color display, enhanced training insights like VO2 Max, and a sleeker design. While the Forerunner 35 remains a capable and budget-friendly option for basic GPS tracking, the 45 provides a more comprehensive and enjoyable user experience for the slightly higher price. For most users looking for a well-rounded running watch, the 45 is the clear winner.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 45