Forerunner 945 vs Forerunner 945 LTE: which one to choose?

The Forerunner 945 is a high-end multisport watch designed for all sports, especially triathlon, running, outdoor and mountain sports. The Fenix 6 is the equivalent model (same functions) but more chic, designed to be worn on a daily basis in addition to sport and available in many versions (solar or not, 3 case sizes, titanium versions, various straps, etc.).

Forerunner 945: the premium watch with colour mapping

The Forerunner 945 is the most comprehensive sports watch on the market in 2020. It offers full colour mapping of Europe including bike paths, ski slopes and resorts and over 41,000 golf courses worldwide. It has a built-in mp3 player, Garmin Pay, comprehensive tools for sports training and GPS navigation. Its battery life is excellent.

This is a multi-sport watch, suitable for triathlon. This model is ideal for experienced athletes, competitors, professionals and fans of statistics and advanced tools.

Forerunner 945 LTE: with LTE / 4G connectivity

Released in June 2021, the Forerunner 945 LTE is not a replacement for the Forerunner 945, but a complement to it. It inherits all the features and battery life of the Forerunner 945 but with new training features, a more compact size and LTE connectivity.

The watch can therefore connect to the 4G cellular network and benefit from connectivity without using a smartphone. This is useful for being followed by your friends on the Internet, corresponding with them or contacting emergency services without having to carry your phone.

The main differences between Forerunner 945 and 945 LTE

The main differences between the Forerunner 945 and 945 LTE are the different body sizes, LTE connectivity on the new model and new features:

Features	945	945 LTE

Price	550 €	650 €
Weight	50 g	49 g
Case diameter (mm)	47	44,4
Thickness (mm)	13,7	13,9
Screen size	30.4 mm	30.4 mm
Color screen	•	•
Battery life in GPS mode	36 h	35 h
Barometric altimeter	•	•
Pulse oximeter	•	•
True multi-sport (Triathlon, etc.)	•	•
Advanced training tools	•	•
MP3 player	•	•
Garmin Pay	•	•
Mapping	•	•
Round trip course generator	•	•
ClimbPro	•	•
Fall Detection and Assistance	•	•
Assistance Plus (Garmin IERCC)	X	•
LTE / 4G connectivity	X	•
Mountain bike dynamics	X	•
Spectator messaging (audio + text)	X	•

Design and main technical features

One of the major differences between the two models is the design: the new Forerunner 945 LTE is smaller (but slightly thicker) and better suited to slim to medium sized wrists. The watch, more comfortable, is better adapted to the practice of certain activities such as triathlon, climbing and trail running. The display remains identical (size and definition).

Features	945	945 LTE

Case diameter (mm)	47	44,4
Thickness (mm)	13,7	13,9
Weight	50 g	49 g
Display size (mm)	30,4	30,4
Display resolution (px)	240 x 240	240 x 240
Number of fields per screen	6	6
Touch screen	X	X
Color screen	•	•
Bezel	Reinforced polymer	Reinforced polymer
Glass	DX corning Gorilla	DX corning Gorilla
Waterproofing	5 ATM	5 ATM
Strap size	22 mm	22 mm
Interchangeable strap without tools	•	•
Wristband material	Silicone	Silicone

Autonomy

The autonomy remains more or less the same between the two models except in Ultra mode where we lose 10 hours on the new model. Note the high consumption of LTE. For an outing with LiveTrack activated, we will barely last 7 hours and much less if we listen to music!

Model	945	945 LTE
Watch mode	14 days	14 days
GPS mode	36 h	35 h
GPS mode with music	10 h	12 h
GPS with music and LTE	-	7 h
UltraTrac Mode	60 h	50 h
Rechargeable during activity	•	•

The sensors

Both watches offer exactly the same sensors. The Forerunner 945 LTE has the latest generation optical heart rate monitor (4^th generation)).

For accurate heart rate and associated physiological measurements (VO2max, recovery, calories burned, etc.), it will be better to use a chest cardio belt. Both models are compatible with the new all-in-one Garmin HRM-Pro, a belt that offers the functions of the HRM-Tri triathlete belt and embeds the sensors for measuring 6 running dynamics.

For triathletes, Garmin offers the Forerunner 945 and Forerunner 945 LTE in a triathlon pack consisting of a quick-fit kit, 2 chest belts (HRM-Tri and HRM-Swim for the Forerunner 945 and HRM-Pro and HRM-Swim for the Forerunner 945 LTE) and an additional black wristband.

Features	945	945 LTE
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo	•	•
Wrist HR works underwater	•	•
New optical sensor	X	•
Wrist HR works underwater	•	•
Accelerometer	•	•
Compass	•	•
Barometric altimeter	•	•
Gyroscope	•	•
Thermometer	•	•
Pulse oximeter	•	•
HRM-Dual	•	•
HRM-Run	•	•
HRM-Swim, HRM-Tri	•	•
HRM Pro	•	•
Footpod	•	•
Cadence & bike speed sensor	•	•
Bike power sensor (Vector, etc.)	•	•
Temperature sensor	•	•

GPS navigation

Both watches offer full-featured GPS navigation, a round trip route builder (roads and bike paths), access to popular routes (Garmin community data), ClimbPro and more. There are no differences between the two watches.

Features	945	945 LTE
GPS speed and distance	•	•
Route recorder	•	•
Point-to-point navigation	•	•
GPS track on the watch	•	•
GPS coordinates	•	•
See & rally	•	•
Return to start	•	•
Distance to destination	•	•
Around me\" mode	•	•
Altitude profile	•	•
Future altitude profile	•	•
Climb planner (ClimbPro)	•	•
Onboard mapping	•	•
Round trip route generator	•	•
Trendline (popular routes)	•	•
BaseCamp compatible	•	•
Projected waypoint	•	•
XERO positions (shooting aid)	•	•

Functions for training and performance analysis

Both watches offer almost the same functions for training, analysis and tracking, running dynamics and physiological measurements. The new Forerunner 945 LTE also offers mountain bike dynamics and some improvements to existing functions, including interval work (see below).

New sports profiles have been added to the 2 watches: ultra deep, swim-run, electric bike and electric mountain bike.

Functions for training

Among the new features of the Forerunner 945 LTE, Garmin has improved the interval work function to make life easier for the user. The feature now offers automatic categorisation of the type of work done (without the need to load a split program) and a new, convenient display on the watch.

Automatic categorisation identifies warm-up, work and recovery times from the laps (circuits or laps) recorded by the user. This work is done in Garmin Connect and is therefore available after the ride. Garmin displays, for each lap, the work and recovery times identified from the pace and heart rate.

The watch also offers a new "Open repeats" option which allows you to extract and display directly on the watch, for the different laps, the duration and pace for each work time (recovery times are not displayed).

Features	945	945 LTE
Customize data pages and activity profiles	•	•
Split training	•	•
Advanced workouts	•	•
Daily workout suggestions	•	•
PacePro	•	•
Downloadable workout programs	•	•
Race time predictor	•	•
Final time	•	•
Recovery time	•	•
Audio instructions	•	•
Auto Lap	•	•
Manual Lap	•	•
Configurable Lap Alerts	•	•
Virtual Partner	•	•
Virtual Racer	•	•
Strava functions	•	•
Automatic and manual multi-sport	•	•

Running and mountain biking dynamics

The Forerunner 945 LTE offers 2 mountain bike dynamics (like on the Edge bike GPS meters): it evaluates the difficulty of the track and the smoothness of the descents (how the braking is used for example). The idea is to help the mountain biker to improve his technique.

Features	945	945 LTE
Ground contact time	•	•
Ground contact time balance	•	•
Pace	•	•
Stride length	•	•
Vertical oscillation	•	•
Vertical ratio	•	•
Mountain bike dynamics (difficulty, consistency)	X	•

Physiological measurements

The Forerunner 945 LTE, like the new Garmin watches released in 2021, benefits from an improved Firstbeat algorithm that assesses recovery time (the recommended rest time before resuming training). The calculation is approximate when the watch is first used and improves with each training session, as the watch needs a certain amount of data for a more accurate assessment. The calculation is based in particular on the Training Effect calculated for the activities performed. To reduce this time, the algorithm now takes into account additional data, including stress levels, sleep quality, daily activity and training intensity.

Characteristics	945	945 LTE
VO2max	•	•
Prediction of race duration (5, 10, 21, 42 km)	•	•
Final time	•	•
Training Effect aerobic	•	•
Training Effect anaerobic	•	•
Recovery time	•	•
Improved recovery time	X	•
Training load	•	•
Training status	•	•
Training load target	•	•
Stress test	•	•
Primary benefit (Training Effect labels)	•	•
Lactic threshold	•	•
Breathing Rate 24/7	•	•
Blood oxygenation (SpO2)	•	•
Breathing rate during activity	•	•
Heat and temperature acclimation	•	•

The use of heart rate

Both watches benefit from an optical cardio on the wrist that works under water. The Forerunner 945 LTE has a new (4th generation) optical heart rate monitor.

Characteristics	945	945 LTE
Latest generation optical monitor	X	•
FC zones	•	•
Automatic HRmax	•	•
Heart rate alarms	•	•
Calories by heart rate	•	•
Percentage of max HR	•	•
Percentage of reserve HR	•	•
Records HR during swimming	•	•

Sports functions

Below we summarise the functions available on the two watches. They are identical except that the Forerunner 945 LTE has some of the improvements mentioned above, new functions for golf (pinpointer and handicap scoring) and a new heart rate monitor on the wrist.

Both watches are true multi-sport watches, designed for triathlon, offering colour mapping, Europe's bike trails, numerous ski slopes and resorts around the world, full golf functions and 41,000 preloaded courses.

Function	945	945 LTE
Sports profiles	35+	35+
Running
Profiles	Running, treadmill, indoor and outdoor running, virtual running, trail running, track running	Running, treadmill, indoor and outdoor running, virtual running, trail running, track running
Distance, time, pace on GPS	•	•
Running training	•	•
Track running	•	•
Running dynamics (stride length, etc)	•	•
PacePro	•	•
Race time predictor (5, 10, 21, 42 km)	•	•
Final race time	•	•
Speed and cadence sensor support	•	•
Stryd power sensor support	•	•
Lactic threshold	•	•
Bike & Mountain Bike
Profiles	Bike, indoor bike, MTB	Cycling, Indoor Cycling, Mountain Biking
Comparison to previous activities	•	•
Race against an activity	•	•
ClimbPro	•	•
Time/distance alarm	•	•
Cadence sensor compatibility	•	•
Varia compatible (vision, radar, lights)	•	•
Power sensor compatible	•	•
Vector compatible	•	•
Advanced Vector support	•	•
FTP	•	•
Round trip generator	•	•
Road and bike maps	•	•
Mountain bike dynamics	X	•
Swimming
Profiles	Swimming pool, open water	Pool, open water
Swimming metrics	•	•
Swim type detection	•	•
Swimming efficiency (SWOLF)	•	•
Recording of exercises	•	•
Swimming workouts	•	•
Open water swimming metrics	•	•
HR measurement and tracking	•	•
Outdoor
Profiles	Hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, stand-up paddle, rowing, kayaking	Hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, stand-up paddle, rowing, kayaking
Point to point navigation	•	•
Real time breadcrumb trail	•	•
Back to the start	•	•
Distance to destination	•	•
"Around me" mode	•	•
Area calculation	•	•
Altitude profile	•	•
Future altitude profile	•	•
Vertical speed	•	•
Total ascent/descent	•	•
Climb planner (ClimbPro)	•	•
GPS coordinates	•	•
See & rally	•	•
Projected waypoints	•	•
Onboard topographic maps	•	•
Barometric trend indicator	•	•
Sunrise/sunset times	•	•
Moon/sun information	•	•
Fishing & hunting calendar	•	•
XERO position (archery, rifle sight)	•	•

Connectivity

The advantage of the Forerunner 945 LTE is that it has LTE connectivity, allowing it to connect to the 4G network without the need for a smartphone nearby. This requires a subscription fee of €7.99 per month (or €6.99 for a one-year commitment).

However, the functions that benefit from this connectivity are limited. You can use the LiveTrack function to be followed on the Internet by your friends and Group LiveTrack to find out the position of other athletes in the group, receive audio or text messages of encouragement (Spectator Messaging) or contact assistance, but you cannot listen to streaming music. The watch also does not allow you to make phone calls or receive traditional notifications (SMS, calls, social networks) from a personal smartphone (the Garmin subscription is independent of that of a traditional smartphone).

Function	945	945 LTE
Smart notifications	•	•
Call answer/reject with SMS (Android only)	•	•
Calendar	•	•
Sunrise/sunset times	•	•
Moon/sun information	•	•
Hunting calendar & fishing	•	•
Weather	•	•
Smartphone music control	•	•
Onboard mp3 player	•	•
Music storage capacity	~1000	~1000
Garmin Pay function	•	•
Find my phone function	•	•
Find my watch function	•	•
VIRB camera remote control	•	•
LTE / 4G connectivity	X	•
Viewer messaging (audio + text)	X	•

Activity and health monitoring

Function	945	945 LTE
Number of steps	•	•
Step targets based on previous activities	•	•
Calories burned	•	•
Intensive minutes	•	•
Stages climbed	•	•
Detailed sleep analysis	•	•
Physical age	•	•
Body Battery Monitor	•	•
Stress level measurement	•	•
Daily effort monitoring	•	•
Breathing frequency 24/7	•	•
Women's Health Tracking	•	•
Hydration monitoring	•	•

Assistance and safety functions

Forerunner 945 LTE has access to Assistance Plus, a feature that provides 24/7 access to Garmin's renowned International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC). In the event of distress, the centre can call for help. The watch can communicate a text message from a predefined list and sends the user's name and GPS coordinates.

Function	945	945 LTE
LiveTrack	•	•
Group LiveTrack	•	•
Incident Detection	•	•
Incident Support	•	•
Support Plus (Garmin IERCC)	X	•
Real-time event sharing (Android only)	•	•
LTE / 4G connectivity	X	•

Our opinion: Garmin Forerunner 945 or 945 LTE: which one to choose?

Between Forerunner 945 and Forerunner 945 LTE, our preference is clearly for the Forerunner 945 LTE, which is better equipped in terms of components, offers a little more complete functions and above all LTE connectivity!

For people who practice a sport without being accompanied, Assistance Plus allows them to leave with peace of mind. In the event of an incident, the watch can be used to contact the Garmin assistance centre, which can organise the dispatch of help almost anywhere as long as the telephone network is available! We also like the possibility of communicating with friends and being able to be followed on the Internet without having to carry your phone with you!

More compact, this model is also better suited to small to medium wrists and more comfortable for certain sports (less risk of snagging the watch on a backpack or jacket sleeve!).

If you don't need these features, you might as well save €100 and stick with the Forerunner 945. The Forerunner 945 has all the same sports features, except for the few improvements described above. It's bulkier, but despite the same screen size as the Forerunner 945 LTE, it's very suitable for medium to large wrists.

In order to help you make your choice, we offer you the following summary table.

Features	945	945 LTE
Price	550 €	650 €
The pluses	Price (cheaper)	LTE connectivity More compact and better adapted to small and medium wrists New optical monitor Some improved functions More complete triathlon pack (HRM-Pro and HRM-Tri belts)

Purchase Forerunner 945 and Forerunner 945 LTE

The Forerunner 945 LTE is available in two colours (black and white) and is priced at €649, €100 more than the original price of the Forerunner 945, which is now priced at €549 instead of €600. The Forerunner 945 is also available as a triathlon pack, which includes an HRM-Pro belt, HRM-Swim belt and a yellow wristband, all for €799. The Forerunner 945 is also available in a triathlon pack, which includes an HRM-Tri belt, HRM-Swim belt and a blue wristband, all for €699.

The LTE subscription is offered at €6.99 per month for a one-year commitment or €7.99 per month for a subscription without commitment.

You can find these watches on the Internet (see below) or in specialist shops. Sport Passion and its partners offer you discount coupons.