Garmin GPS Watch Buyer’s Guide
and Feature Comparison Charts

The Garmin Forerunner™ series is Garmin's primary GPS watch product line for runners and triathletes and is considered the industry standard when it comes to running watches.

I have been using Garmin watches since 2009 and I recommend the following watches to my coaching clients. While other watches do exist and many do a great job, the following watches are among the best running watches you can buy.

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Comparison Of Garmin Forerunner 35 vs Garmin Forerunner 45

Main Differences Between the Garmin 35 and Garmin 45:

Both Watches Share the Following Features:

Physical Specifications of Garmin FR35 and FR45:

If you are looking for a great mid-range quality option, you can't go wrong with the Garmin 235 and 245 models. These running watches are the workhorse's when it comes to GPS watches.                                      

I personally own the Forerunner 235 and it has been a great watch. Watches in this price category level tend to have faster connection times to access the satellite and more advanced options and integrated training tools.

If you are working to become the next great runner and your cardio-intensive training goals require more than just an average GPS watch, Garmin FR 935, Garmin FR 945, Garmin Fenix 5 Sapphire, Garmin Fenix Sapphire 6 Pro are currently the best GPS watches to choose from.

The Premium Garmin GPS watches not only track your every move and position but provide in-depth fitness and health analysis. These are helpful and reliable running companions for marathon trainees and serious athletes.

The Fenix series is Garmin's high end sports watch. I own a Fenix 5 and it is amazing. The Fenix series are sports watches that can be worn with work clothes and looks like a regular watch.  The Fenix 5 is a back model, with the release of the Fenix 6 but available about $200 cheaper than it was when the watch first came out. Compared to the 200 series watches, these are a little heavier so make sure you are OK with a slightly heavier watch.