Forerunner 245 Music GPS Running Smartwatch - Tunes & Training

Our review of the Forerunner 245 Music finds it best suited to runners who want detailed training feedback and on-device music without a phone. The watch pairs solid GPS accuracy and advanced running dynamics with convenient music storage and streaming support, so it appeals to solo road and trail runners who value training insight and battery life. If the single biggest reason to buy is having advanced metrics and phone-free music during runs, this watch delivers both in a compact, comfortable package.

Key Features

• On-device music: Stores and plays songs and syncs with services like Spotify so you can run without carrying your phone.
• Advanced running dynamics: Provides metrics such as ground contact time balance and stride length when paired with compatible pods or HR monitors, helping refine form.
• Training status and plans: Evaluates current training status to warn of undertraining or overreaching and offers adaptive Garmin Coach plans to guide workouts.
• Durable build: A Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens and fiber-reinforced polymer bezel give impact resistance in a lightweight package for outdoor use.
• Safety and tracking: Incident detection can send your real-time location to emergency contacts through a paired smartphone for added security on solo runs.
• Battery life: Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and around 6 hours in GPS mode with music, offering longer use than many wrist smartwatches during activity.

Who It's For

The Forerunner 245 Music is aimed at run-focused athletes who want detailed performance data and the convenience of storing music on their wrist. It suits road and trail runners who use structured training plans and who may pair the watch with additional sensors to unlock advanced dynamics.

Runners who need a touchscreen-rich smartwatch ecosystem or casual users seeking a simple step counter might prefer a different model; likewise, those wanting very long GPS runtimes should consider higher-capacity devices, since GPS with music reduces battery life to several hours.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Accurate activity and GPS tracking that users praise for road and trail runs.
• On-watch music and streaming syncs like Spotify remove the need to carry a phone during workouts.
• Advanced training metrics and adaptive plans provide actionable guidance for improving performance.

Cons

• Some users find the interface and setup complicated, and Bluetooth connectivity experiences are mixed across devices.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Forerunner 245 Music is a strong choice for dedicated runners who want reliable GPS, advanced running metrics and the convenience of stored music without subscriptions. It offers excellent value for individuals focused on training and form, though those who prioritize absolute simplicity or the longest possible GPS runtime should evaluate alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the watch play Spotify playlists offline?
Yes, it can sync playlists from compatible streaming services like Spotify to the watch for offline playback.

How long does the battery last during GPS runs with music?
Expect around 6 hours of GPS runtime when music is playing from the device, and up to 7 days in general smartwatch mode.

Does it provide advanced running metrics without extra accessories?
Basic metrics are available out of the box, but full advanced dynamics like ground contact time balance require a Running Dynamics Pod or compatible HRM monitor sold separately.