The best Garmin watch models of 2023: Expert tested and reviewed

Garmin Forerunner 745 features: Battery life: Up to 24 hours | Heart rate monitoring: Yes | Performance metric suite: Analyzes pace, heart rate, and heart rate variability (HRV), and asses performance ability compared to average fitness level stats

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

Also: The best sports watches

The Forerunner 745 has 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 sleekest 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 into the upper-middle range of smartwatches, it offers the greatest array of triathlon-focused features in the slightest form of any Garmin watch. On top of its other Garmin features, its heavy focus on bicycling, running, and swimming are why we chose the Forerunner 745 as the “best for triathletes.”