Best Garmin watch models of 2023: Expert tested and reviewed

garmin forerunner 745fMeal: battery life: up to 24 hours | Heart Rate Monitoring: yes | Performance Metric Suite: Analyzes pace, heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) and assesses performance potential in comparison to average fitness level statistics

Garmin designed the Forerunner 745 with triathlete workouts and competitions in mind. This watch has a remarkable lineup of features specifically tailored for this exercise style. And while it doesn’t support onboard map features, the Forerunner 745 uses multiple GPS protocols for higher accuracy and a greater spread of usable terrain.

Also: Best Sports Watches

The Forerunner 745 features an extensive list of measurement tools and systems, including intensity minutes, running dynamics, heart rate, cycling power, training status, training load, performance condition, race predictor, V02 max, recovery time and training effect. This watch is the lightest Garmin model with the most attractive form factor to include all these features. Additionally, the watch has Garmin Coach training features, a recovery meter that accounts for your body and previous workouts, and preloaded activity workouts specific to triathletes.

While the cost puts this Garmin in the upper-mid range of smartwatches, it offers the widest array of triathlon-focused features in a short form of any Garmin watch. It has a heavy focus on cycling, running and swimming, on top of its other Garmin features, which is why we picked the Forerunner 745 as “Best for Triathletes.”