If you were like me and wanted to see a review because this watch allows you to download music, READ ME! I'll start my review by speaking about the music compatibility and move onto the watch features.
Spotify - I've watched countless reviews on Youtube and read hundreds of comments because I wanted to get this watch for triathlon training. 1) Setting it up - I found that the set up was really easy and was impressed when I first got it. However, when I went to update my playlist a week later the watch wouldn't recognize Spotify, the Garmin App didnt detect Spotify in the store, and it was just a headache. Ended up connecting my watch to my computer and downloaded the software and attempted to make up workarounds to get Spotify back on. It would show on my device, but once used, it wouldnt connect. Finally, I gave up and thought about returning it or just running without music. About a week later, I decided to try connecting it again through the Garmin Shop and it worked! Since then, I haven't had any issues with using it (past month) and am easily able to update my playlist. 2) Pairing Headphones - I have a Samsung S10 phone and it came with the bluetooth headset, which is amazing. I saw alot of comments complaining about cutting in and out. I did notice that Garmin does provide a list of qualified headphones to use on the watch and mine wasn't on there. I would expect my expensive watch to be able to pair up with any headphone I have. Anyways, I have noticed cutting out when outdoors. If you are indoors, it seems the bluetooth picks up really well and won't be much of a problem. When I am running outside it is a bit funky. If you're the type of runner that wants to enjoy sprints and you pump those arms, this sucks. The moment my arm is lower than a 90 degree angle it will start cutting in and out really bad. However, i tend to keep my arms up while running distance and hold a water bottle, so the music doesnt cut out. It is a drawback and can be really annoying for most people, which is why I gave this watch a 4.
Garmin Watch - I've never had a Garmin watch but my favorite Youtubers have them all and I am a beginner to using them. However, it seems very simple to use and can used for the bare necessities. I know there are a ton of features that Garmin's can do but I haven't dug into the watch, it is a bit intimidating. But I have the exercises that I do on the watch, its response time is immediate. I have found the GPS to be very accurate within my biking and running - haven't had a chance to swim with everything going on. And I like that it is all digital so I can change the face of the watch.
Garmin Connect - the app is really nice. Again, alot of features that I do not understand but they have "?" near everything and will explain what that specific factor means. As a result, I have found myself understanding my sleep schedule better, Heart Rate, my performance while exercising and so many others.
Overall, if I could do this again, I'd probably buy a samsung active watch. Because of the compability, i'd be able to take phone calls, text, and etc. easier without the worry of bluetooth connection. But I did buy this watch and am happy with the performance it has provided so I dont really complain.
I hope this review was useful to somebody. Cheers from Nebraska.
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This Item  Garmin Forerunner 645 Music, GPS Running Watch With Pay Contactless Payments, Wrist-Based Heart Rate And Music, Black | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $299.00 | -25% $149.99 List: $199.99 | -10% $225.99 List: $249.99 | $449.99 | -38% $249.99 List: $399.99 | -8% $549.99 List: $599.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 10 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 31 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | wacky jacky | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| size | 1.2" | One Size | Adjustable | 41 MM | 46 MM | — |
| operating system | Garmin OS | Android Wear | Android | Garmin OS | [Proprietary OS version not specified] | GarminOS |
| display size | 1.2 inches | 1.04 inches | 1.2 inches | 1.2 inches | 1.3 inches | 1.4 inches |
| connectivity tech | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Wireless | Bluetooth, USB | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB |
| supported applications | Phone | GPS | GPS | GPS | GPS | GPS |
| input interface | buttons | buttons | touch screen, buttons | touch screen | touch screen | touch screen, buttons |
| wireless standard | bluetooth | bluetooth | bluetooth | bluetooth | bluetooth | bluetooth |
| water resistance | water resistant | water resistant | water resistant | water resistant | water resistant | water resistant |
| case material | Stainless Steel | — | Stainless Steel | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-Reinforced Polymer | Resin |
| wireless provider | du | du | unlocked | du | du | du |
| gps navigation | Built-in GPS | Built-in GPS | Built-in GPS | GPS Via Smartphone | ✓ | Built-in GPS |
Caution - Post Broken
I purchased the watch in 2018. It has been a great watch and never abused. Use it mostly for biking, running, hiking, and working out. Yesterday the watch just feel off my wrist. I thought the strap pin came off but the post where the pin goes into broke.Internet searches show this is a major problem and happens to many people.Garmin set up a website to rectify the situation. Currently, based on my serial number, they are offering a refurbished replacement for $130. I find it steep. I have owned dozens of watches and never heard of a post breaking off like this making the watch unwearable.I have had it nearly 5 years with only minor required reboots and upgrades. Maybe I am lucky for it to last this long but never expected it to break in this manner. Based on the design flaw, I do not recommend the watch. I am going to try the repairs listed online using superglue or jb weld.
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2020
Top reviews from other countries
- edgewyzeReviewed in Canada on January 13, 2023
REVISED REVIEW: USED TO help keep me motivated before it suddenly stopped working.
Okay so it's been a year and five months and I can no longer say that Garmin sports watches have never let me down. My Garmin Forerunner 645 has stopped functioning. I thought the battery had just died, but when I went to charge it I found it no longer charges. I am NOT IMPRESSED. A product that is this expensive should last longer than 17 months. I've included my previous review below for your perusal. The watch was great when it worked. Now it's just a crappy useless piece of plastic. ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW:edgewyzeREVISED REVIEW: USED TO help keep me motivated before it suddenly stopped working.
Reviewed in Canada on January 13, 2023
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I love Garmin sports watches. This is my third Garmin, and they have never let me down. It’s pretty sweet looking for a sports watch, and you can download a ton of different watch faces to customize it to your liking. I originally used it for running, then moved on to aerobics, and now I’m strength training. It works great for running-I love keeping a record of my routes via GPS. And it’s been extremely satisfying seeing my VO2 max improve as I do cardio. For strength training it’s less helpful, as I find it doesn’t really track reps accurately, so I just keep it in Cardio mode while lifting. I know this model is especially designed to listen to music, but I’ve never used it for that so can’t comment on its functionality. I bought it through an Amazon warehouse deal, so I didn’t have to fork out full price. These are quality watches, and quality doesn’t come cheap!
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