Last Updated on November 9, 2023 by Kian
Welcome to our head-to-head comparison of the Garmin Forerunner 35 and 45, two of the most popular GPS running watches in the market. If you are a fitness enthusiast or a runner, you might wonder which of these two watches would best fit you. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features, specs, and performance of the Garmin Forerunner 35 and 45 to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, read on to find out which watch comes out on top in the Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45 comparisons.
Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45: Overview
In the world of fitness tracking, Garmin is a trusted brand that provides high-quality devices to help you keep track of your progress. The Garmin Forerunner series, in particular, is a popular choice among runners and fitness enthusiasts. The Forerunner 35 and Forerunner 45 are two models that are frequently compared, and for good reason. Both devices come packed with features designed to enhance your workout and help you reach your fitness goals. In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the similarities and differences between the Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45 to help you decide which one is right for you.
Top Pick
Garmin Forerunner 45
Wrist-Based Heart Rate; Built-in GPS; Stress Tracking; Fitness Tracking; Smart Notifications
Top Pick
Garmin Forerunner 35
Smart notifications; Built-in GPS; Water Resistant; music controls;
Buy on AmazonGarmin Forerunner 35 vs 45 Specs Comparison:
| Product |  Garmin Forerunner 35 $99.99 4.5/5 |  Garmin Forerunner 45 $126.42 4.6/5 |
| Brand: | Garmin | Garmin |
| Colors Available: | 4 ( Frost Blue, Black, Blue, limelight) | 5 (Black, Black (small), Purple, Red, White) |
| Display Size: | 1.4-inch | 1.04 -inch |
| Display Type: | MIP-LCD | MIP-LCD |
| Display Resolution: | 128 x 128 | 208 x 208 |
| Voice Assistant: | No | No |
| Watch Faces: | Cloud-basedwatch faces | Cloud Based Watch Face |
| SpO2 Monitor: | Yes | Yes |
| Fitness Tracker: | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Monitor: | Yes | Yes |
| Sports Mode: | Yes | Yes |
| Distance Tracker: | Yes | Yes |
| Calling | No (Call notification is available) | No (Call notification is available) |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Backup | 9 Days | 7 days |
| Box Accessories | Forerunner 35Charging/data clipManual | Forerunner 45Charging cableDocumentation |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| OS Supported | Android and iOS | Android and iOS |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone, Tablet | Smartphone, Tablet |
| Features | Wrist-based heart rate, VO2 Max, Swim-tracking Find my phone | GPS Time Sync, Smart Notifications, Auto Lap, Manual Lap |
| Weight | 37.3 g | 32 g |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| 🛒Buy Now | 🛒Buy Now |
Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45: Display Comparison
When it comes to the display, there are some significant differences between the Garmin Forerunner 35 and 45. The Forerunner 35 has a smaller display size of 0.93 x 0.93 inches and a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. On the other hand, the Forerunner 45 has a larger display size of 1.04 inches and a resolution of 208 x 208 pixels, which is a significant improvement. The Forerunner 45 also has a transflective display, which means it’s easier to read in direct sunlight. Overall, if you’re looking for a watch with a larger and more vibrant display, the Forerunner 45 is the clear winner.
Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45: Battery Life
The battery life is an important consideration when choosing a smartwatch, especially for those who plan to use it for long-distance running or other endurance activities. The Garmin Forerunner 35 and 45 both have impressive battery life, but there are some key differences to note. The Forerunner 35 has a battery life of up to 9 days in watch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode. On the other hand, the Forerunner 45 has a slightly shorter battery life of up to 7 days in watch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode. While both watches can last for a long time, the Forerunner 35 may be a better option for those who want a longer battery life in watch mode, while the Forerunner 45 may be a better choice for those who need slightly more GPS time.
Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45: Design and Build Quality
When it comes to choosing a running watch, design and build quality are important factors to consider. In this head-to-head comparison of the Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45, we take a closer look at the differences in design and build quality between these two popular GPS watches. From the size and weight to the materials used, we’ll help you decide which watch is the better fit for your needs. Read on to learn more about the design and build quality of the Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45.
The Garmin Forerunner 35 and 45 have both been praised for their sleek and stylish designs, but there are some differences worth noting. The Forerunner 35 features a square face with slightly rounded edges, while the Forerunner 45 has a more circular face. Additionally, the Forerunner 45 has a stainless steel bezel that adds a premium feel to the watch. Both watches are made with high-quality materials and are durable enough to withstand tough workouts. Overall, both watches’ design and build quality are impressive, making them great options for anyone looking for a sports watch that looks as good as it performs.
Also Read: Garmin Forerunner 265: Price, Full Specifications & Reviews
Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45: Features Comparison
When it comes to features, both Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45 offer a plethora of options to help track your fitness journey. The Forerunner 35 has a built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, and step counter, making it a great option for those looking for basic tracking capabilities. The Forerunner 45, on the other hand, offers more advanced features such as the ability to track your running dynamics, monitor your VO2 max, and receive personalized training plans. Additionally, the Forerunner 45 has incident detection and assistance features, making it a great choice for those who like to run alone. Overall, both the Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45 have plenty of features to satisfy the needs of casual and serious athletes alike.
Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45: Fitness & Health Features
When it comes to fitness and health tracking features, both Garmin Forerunner 35 and 45 offer a range of options. They both come equipped with a heart rate monitor, step counter, and calories burned tracker. However, the Garmin Forerunner 45 includes additional features such as advanced sleep monitoring and menstrual cycle tracking, making it a better option for women. The Forerunner 45 also includes Garmin’s Body Battery feature, which uses data from various sensors to measure your energy levels throughout the day, giving you insights into when you should rest or when you’re ready to tackle a workout. Overall, both watches offer impressive fitness and health tracking capabilities, but the Garmin Forerunner 45 goes the extra mile in terms of additional features.
Difference Between Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45
The Garmin Forerunner 35 and 45 are both popular GPS running watches, but they have some key differences that may influence which one is right for you. One major difference is in the design, with the Forerunner 45 offering a more updated and sleek appearance compared to the older Forerunner 35. Additionally, the Forerunner 45 has a longer battery life and more advanced activity-tracking features. It also includes a built-in heart rate monitor, while the Forerunner 35 requires an external heart rate strap to track this metric. However, the Forerunner 35 is typically less expensive and may be a good choice for those on a budget or those who only need basic tracking features. Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45 will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Similarities Between Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45
There are several similarities between the Garmin Forerunner 35 and 45 models. Here are a few:
- GPS Tracking: Both watches have built-in GPS tracking, allowing you to accurately track your runs and other outdoor activities.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches use wrist-based heart rate monitoring technology to track your heart rate during workouts and throughout the day.
- Smart Notifications: Both watches can receive notifications from your smartphone, including incoming calls, texts, and social media alerts.
- Waterproof Rating: Both watches have a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
- Fitness Tracking: Both watches track your steps, calories burned, and distance traveled, as well as provide reminders to move when you’ve been sitting for too long.
Overall, both the Forerunner 35 and 45 offer similar features and capabilities, making them great options for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for an affordable, reliable GPS watch.
Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45: Pros and Cons
Garmin Forerunner 35 Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Accurate GPS tracking
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring
- Long battery life of up to nine days in watch mode
Garmin Forerunner 35 Cons:
- Limited features compared to more advanced Garmin models
- Basic display and user interface
- No music storage or playback capabilities
- Not swim-proof
Garmin Forerunner 45 Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Advanced features such as training plans and race predictions
- Accurate GPS tracking
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring
- Music storage and playback capabilities
- Swim-proof design
Garmin Forerunner 45 Cons:
- Smaller display compared to some other Garmin models
- Battery life of up to seven days in smartwatch mode
- Limited customization options for watch faces and data fields
- No onboard map functionality
The above pros and cons are based on general user feedback and reviews and may vary depending on individual user preferences and experiences.
Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45: Price and Value for Money
When it comes to price, the Garmin Forerunner 35 and 45 are both affordable options for runners looking for a GPS watch. The Forerunner 35 is generally the cheaper of the two, with prices ranging from $99 to $149 depending on where you purchase it from. On the other hand, the Forerunner 45 has a slightly higher price tag, with prices ranging from $149 to $199.
In terms of value for money, both watches offer a great set of features for their respective prices. The Forerunner 35 is a great entry-level watch that offers basic fitness tracking and GPS features, making it a great choice for beginner runners or those on a budget. The Forerunner 45, on the other hand, offers more advanced features like advanced workout tracking and longer battery life, making it a great choice for more serious runners.
Ultimately, when considering price and value for money, it’s important to consider your own needs and preferences as a runner and determine which watch best fits your budget and requirements.
Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45: which is better?
Determining which watch is better, the Garmin Forerunner 35 or 45, depends on individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize longer battery life, better connectivity features, and newer health monitoring capabilities, the Garmin Forerunner 45 may be the better choice for you.
However, if you are looking for a more affordable option that still offers reliable GPS tracking, basic activity tracking, and smart notifications, the Garmin Forerunner 35 is a solid choice.
Ultimately, it’s important to consider your personal requirements, budget, and what features are most important to you when deciding which watch is the better fit.
FAQs: Garmin Forerunner 35 vs 45
What is the difference between Garmin 35 and 45?
Here are the key differences between Garmin Forerunner 35 and 45:
- Display: The Garmin Forerunner 45 has a larger and higher resolution display than the Forerunner 35. It also has a color display compared to the monochrome display on the Forerunner 35.
- Battery Life: The Garmin Forerunner 45 has a longer battery life compared to the Forerunner 35. The Forerunner 45 can last up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode, while the Forerunner 35 can last up to 9 days in watch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode.
- Design and Build Quality: The Garmin Forerunner 45 has a more modern and stylish design compared to the Forerunner 35. It also has a more durable build quality, making it suitable for more rugged activities.
- Features: The Garmin Forerunner 45 has additional features compared to the Forerunner 35, such as a stress tracker, incident detection, and the ability to track different types of workouts. The Forerunner 45 also has improved GPS accuracy and the ability to connect to the Garmin Coach training program.
By comparing these four key areas, it becomes clear that the Garmin Forerunner 45 is a more advanced and feature-rich device compared to the Forerunner 35. However, the Forerunner 35 is still a solid option for those who want a basic GPS running watch.
Is Garmin Forerunner 35 still good?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 35 is still a good option for those looking for a basic GPS running watch. While it may not have all the advanced features of newer models, it still offers accurate tracking for pace, distance, and heart rate. It also has a long battery life and is relatively affordable compared to other GPS watches on the market. However, if you’re looking for more advanced features like music storage, contactless payments, or advanced training metrics, you may want to consider a newer model.
Is Garmin Forerunner 45 worth it?
The Garmin Forerunner 45 is definitely worth it for those who want a reliable and accurate GPS watch for tracking their fitness and health data. It offers many advanced features, such as heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and multiple sports profiles, making it a great choice for runners, cyclists, swimmers, and more. Additionally, its long battery life and comfortable design make it perfect for daily wear. While it may not have all the advanced features found in more expensive models, it still offers great value for its price range. Ultimately, whether or not the Garmin Forerunner 45 is worth it depends on your individual needs and budget.
Is Garmin Forerunner 45 better than 35?
Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 45 is considered an upgrade from the Forerunner 35 due to its additional features and improved design. The Forerunner 45 has more advanced running metrics, longer battery life, better connectivity options, and improved fitness tracking features. However, the Forerunner 35 may still be a suitable option for those who prefer a simpler device with basic features and a lower price point. Ultimately, the choice between the two devices depends on individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
After comparing the Garmin Forerunner 35 and 45, it is clear that both watches have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Forerunner 35 is a more affordable option with basic features, making it a great choice for beginner runners. On the other hand, the Forerunner 45 offers more advanced features such as training plans, on-watch workouts, and music controls, making it a better fit for experienced runners or those looking to take their training to the next level.
Ultimately, the decision between the two watches comes down to personal preference and individual needs. If you’re looking for a basic watch to track your runs without breaking the bank, the Forerunner 35 is a great option. But if you’re willing to invest more for advanced features and a better overall experience, the Forerunner 45 is the way to go.
