A Garmin Forerunner complete history and features overview

As the name implies, Garmin Forerunner watches target runners and triathletes of all ability levels. The more expensive models have increasingly specialist features such as maps, music, contactless payments, touchscreens and solar charging.

Current Models

Forerunner 245/245 Music

Released on April 30, 2019, the Forerunner 245 and 245 Music are mid-range running watches. While both models share the same features, the 245 Music can store and play up to 500 songs directly on the watch or stream music through services like Spotify or Deezer via Bluetooth earphones. Both watches include Garmin Elevate with a 3rd-generation optical heart rate monitor, offering Pulse Ox, stress detection, Body Battery energy tracking, and earlier optical heart rate metrics. Additional features include a detailed activity summary screen, an improved race predictor, and updated training status insights.

Forerunner 945

Also released on April 30, 2019, the Forerunner 945 is a feature-rich, triathlon-focused watch. It supports music storage for up to 1,000 songs and integrates music streaming services like Spotify and Deezer with Bluetooth earphones. The 945 retains all the capabilities of its predecessor, the Forerunner 935 while adding features from the 245. Key upgrades include heat and altitude acclimation, training load balance, mapping with Trendline popularity routing, respiration rate tracking, Around Me mode, ClimbPro elevation plotting, cartography with topographical maps, XERO location support, and preloaded golf course maps (41,000 courses).

Forerunner 955/955 Solar

Released on April 30, 2022, the Forerunner 955 builds on the 945 with additional features like a touch screen. The 955 Solar includes a solar charging ring embedded in the display to extend battery life. Both models charge via Garmin’s proprietary charging port and a USB-A connector.

Forerunner 265/265S and 965

Announced in March 2023, the Forerunner 265/265S and 965 introduce AMOLED displays in the Forerunner series. Both models maintain features similar to those of their predecessors while enhancing display quality.

Garmin Forerunner 965

Forerunner 165 and 55

Released on March 20, 2024, the Forerunner 165 completed Garmin’s AMOLED lineup, replacing the Forerunner 55, which is effectively discontinued.

Replacement models are expected in 2025, and the following table shows the release dates of all the models to date.

Current Forerunner Features in More Details