Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

By GaugeBuy Editorial Team November 3, 2026 6 min read

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.

You might be looking for garmin forerunner 245 music alternatives if you want similar running capabilities but different specs. The original model offers up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and stores music directly on the device. It tracks GPS data and provides training status insights. These features make it practical for runners who prioritize endurance and onboard audio without needing a phone nearby.

However, you may prefer a different size, display type, or brand. Some buyers want a lighter AMOLED screen or LTE connectivity for calls without a phone. Others might seek a titanium case for extra durability. We selected these 6 picks because their specifications overlap with the Forerunner 245 Music. They share core traits like GPS tracking and music storage. This guide compares their weights, dimensions, and battery claims to help you find the right fit.

How Alternatives Compare to the 245

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm uses an AMOLED display, offering sharper visuals than the 245’s screen. It weighs 1.38 ounces, slightly more than the 245’s 1.28 ounces. This model targets runners who want a lightweight build with clear data visibility. It keeps music storage and GPS tracking but drops the larger case size. You get essential training metrics in a compact package. If you prefer a brighter screen and do not need extended GPS battery life, this is a practical upgrade. It suits those who value display clarity over the original’s specific battery endurance.

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music

This version of the Forerunner 165 Music adds Wi-Fi connectivity alongside GPS, a feature absent in the original 245. It shares the same 1.38-ounce weight and compact dimensions. The AMOLED screen provides vibrant colors for better readability during workouts. You gain faster syncs for updates and music transfers. It retains music storage and running-focused tracking. The trade-off is a potentially shorter GPS battery life compared to the 245’s six hours with music. This pick fits runners who prioritize screen quality and quick data syncing over raw GPS endurance. It is ideal for those wanting modern display tech in a small form factor.

Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm

The Forerunner 255 Music 46mm features a larger 1.8-inch case, making it bulkier than the 245’s 1.7-inch width. It weighs 1.7 ounces, significantly heavier than the 245. This model offers a 14-day battery life in smartwatch mode, double the original’s capacity. It includes music storage and advanced training features. You get more screen real estate for data but sacrifice portability. The black color option adds a sleek look. This watch suits runners who prioritize long battery life and a larger display over a lightweight fit. It is a robust choice for those who do not mind a heavier device for extended endurance.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE differs significantly with its titanium build and LTE connectivity. It weighs 2.13 ounces, much heavier than the 245. This watch offers rugged durability and cellular independence, features the Garmin lacks. It includes heart rate monitoring and a larger 47mm display for clear data visibility. You lose the specific running dynamics of the 245 but gain a more durable, connected experience. This pick fits runners who need LTE for calls without a phone and value a titanium case. It is ideal for those prioritizing durability and connectivity over specialized running metrics.

Garmin Forerunner 170 Music 43mm

The Forerunner 170 Music 43mm features an AMOLED display and a 10-day battery life, improving on the 245’s specs. It weighs 1.4 ounces, slightly heavier than the original. This model keeps GPS tracking and music storage in a compact 43mm package. You get a brighter screen and longer smartwatch battery life. The teal green with citron color offers a distinct look. It drops the larger case size for a more comfortable fit. This watch suits runners who want a bright display and extended battery without bulk. It is a solid alternative for those valuing screen quality and endurance in a lightweight design.

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm

This Forerunner 165 Music 43mm model emphasizes its AMOLED display and 11-day battery life. It weighs 1.38 ounces, slightly more than the 245. The berry color provides a unique aesthetic. It retains music storage and running-focused tracking features. You gain a vibrant screen and improved battery endurance compared to the original. The model offers recovery insights for better training management. It sacrifices LTE and larger size for a compact, efficient design. This pick fits runners who prioritize screen quality and battery life over the original’s specific features. It is ideal for those wanting modern display tech in a small, lightweight package.

#	Product	Best for
1	Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Best overall	Runners needing music storage and long battery life
2	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm Best premium	Runners wanting lightweight AMOLED GPS watch
3	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music Best budget	compact AMOLED running smartwatches
4	Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm Best black	Runners wanting music and 14-day battery
5	Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE Best titanium	runners needing rugged titanium durability
6	Garmin Forerunner 170 Music 43mm Also great	Runners wanting AMOLED display and 10-day battery
7	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm Best amoled	runners wanting AMOLED display and 11-day battery

1Best overall

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

Best for: Runners needing music storage and long battery life

Battery Life: up to 7 days in smartwatch mode
Connectivity: GPS
Features: Music
Activity: Running
Dimensions: 1.7 × 1.7 × 0.5 inches
Weight: 1.28 ounces

Check price on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a GPS running smartwatch designed for serious training. It offers up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 6 hours in GPS mode with music. The device provides advanced running dynamics and syncs with Spotify for offline playback. Weighing 1.28 ounces, it is a lightweight option for runners who need reliable tracking and music storage without frequent charging.

Pros

Up to 7 days battery life in smartwatch mode
6 hours GPS mode with music playback
Syncs with Spotify for stored music
Advanced running dynamics tracking
Incident detection safety feature

Cons

Smaller 42mm case compared to 43mm and 46mm alternatives on this list
Lighter 1.28 oz build may feel less substantial than titanium options
GPS-only connectivity without LTE for standalone calls

Good fit if

You want built-in music storage for phone-free runs
You prioritize long battery life over daily charging
You need incident detection for safety while training

Skip if

You require LTE connectivity for standalone calls
You prefer a larger 46mm display size
You want a titanium case material

Verdict: Garmin Forerunner 245 Music GPS Running Watch suits runners who value extended battery life and onboard music storage. It is a practical choice for those who do not need LTE connectivity or a larger display.

2Best premium

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm

Best for: Runners wanting lightweight AMOLED GPS watch

Case Size: 43mm
Battery Life: Up to 11 days
Display Type: AMOLED
Connectivity: GPS
Features: Music
Activity: Running, Training

Check price on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a 43mm running smartwatch with a bright AMOLED display. It offers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. You get built-in GPS, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, and music storage for phone-free listening. It includes adaptive training plans and safety features like incident detection. This model suits runners who want a lightweight device with essential metrics.

Pros

Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display
Up to 11 days battery life in smartwatch mode
Built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate
Download songs from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer
Lightweight 1.38 ounce design

Cons

43mm case size is smaller than the 46mm Forerunner 255 Music
19 hours GPS battery life is less than some premium models
Standard strap size limits customization compared to larger variants

Good fit if

You want a lightweight watch for daily runs
You prefer a smaller 43mm case for comfort
You need offline music storage for workouts

Skip if

You require LTE connectivity for calls without a phone
You prefer a larger display for easier reading
You need advanced training metrics found in the 255 series

Verdict: Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm fits runners who prioritize a lightweight build and clear AMOLED screen over larger case sizes or extended GPS battery life. It delivers essential training data and music storage in a compact package.

3Best budget

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music

Best for: compact AMOLED running smartwatches

Case Size: 43 mm
Battery Life: Up to 11 days
Display Type: AMOLED
Connectivity: GPS, Wi-Fi
Features: Music
Activity: Running

Check price on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a 43 mm running smartwatch with an AMOLED display and built-in GPS. It offers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. You get music storage for phone-free listening and adaptive training plans. This lightweight device suits runners who want a bright screen and long battery life without the bulk of larger models.

Pros

Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display
Up to 11 days battery in smartwatch mode
Built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate
Download songs for phone-free listening
Lightweight 43 mm design at 1.38 ounces

Cons

Smaller 43 mm case size compared to 46 mm competitors
Heavier at 1.38 ounces than some lighter alternatives
Shorter GPS battery life of 19 hours

Good fit if

You prefer a compact 43 mm watch face
You want an AMOLED display for better visibility
You need up to 11 days of battery life

Skip if

You need LTE connectivity for standalone calls
You prefer a larger 46 mm or bigger case
You require multi-band GPS for maximum accuracy

Verdict: The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm fits runners who prioritize a bright AMOLED screen and extended battery life in a compact, lightweight package. It is a solid choice for those who want music storage and adaptive training without a bulkier build.

4Best black

Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm

Best for: Runners wanting music and 14-day battery

Case Size: 46mm
Battery Life: Up to 14 days
Display Type: Always-on, full-color
Connectivity: GPS
Features: Music
Activity: Running, Training

Check price on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is a GPS running smartwatch featuring a 46mm case and an always-on, full-color display. It offers up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode. You can download up to 500 songs for phone-free listening. The watch tracks HRV status and provides adaptive training plans. This black model suits runners who want detailed health insights and music storage.

Pros

Up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode
30 hours of GPS mode battery life
Stores up to 500 songs for offline listening
Always-on, full-color display readable in sunlight
Tracks HRV status for recovery insights

Cons

46mm case size is larger than the 41mm alternative
Weight of 1.7 ounces is heavier than smaller variants

Good fit if

You want music storage on your wrist
You prefer a larger 46mm display for readability
You need long battery life for extended training

Skip if

You prefer a smaller 41mm case size
You need LTE connectivity for calls without a phone
You want a lighter watch under 1.5 ounces

Verdict: Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm Black fits runners who prioritize music storage and long battery life over a compact fit.

5Best titanium

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE

Best for: runners needing rugged titanium durability

Case Size: 47mm
Connectivity: LTE, GPS
Case Material: Titanium
Features: Heart Rate Monitor
Activity: Running
Tracking Features: Heart Rate Monitoring

Check price on Amazon

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a 47mm titanium casing for durability. It connects via LTE and GPS for independent tracking. The device includes a heart rate monitor for running metrics. It weighs 2.13 ounces. This watch suits runners who want a rugged build and cellular connectivity. It fits users who prefer a larger display and robust materials over smaller, lighter bands.

Pros

Titanium case material for durability
47mm case size for readability
LTE and GPS connectivity
Heart rate monitoring for running

Cons

Heavier at 2.13 ounces compared to standard models
Larger 47mm size may not fit smaller wrists

Good fit if

You want a titanium build for durability
You need LTE connectivity for calls without a phone
You prefer a larger 47mm display

Skip if

You need a lightweight watch under 2 ounces
You prefer a smaller case size under 45mm
You want a watch without cellular capabilities

Verdict: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE is a robust option for runners who prioritize durability and cellular independence. It fits buyers who value a titanium build and a larger display for clear data visibility during workouts.

6Also great

Garmin Forerunner 170 Music 43mm

Best for: Runners wanting AMOLED display and 10-day battery

Case Size: 43mm
Battery Life: Up to 10 days
Display Type: AMOLED
Connectivity: GPS
Features: Music
Activity: Running, Training

Check price on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 170 Music is a lightweight running smartwatch with a 43mm case and an AMOLED display. It offers up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. The watch includes built-in GPS, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, and music storage. It suits runners who want a bright screen and long battery life without the bulk of larger models.

Pros

43mm case size fits smaller wrists comfortably
Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display for clear visibility
Up to 10 days battery life in smartwatch mode
Built-in GPS for accurate pace and distance tracking
Supports downloaded songs from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer

Cons

43mm case is smaller than the 46mm Forerunner 255 Music
1.4 ounces weight is slightly heavier than the Forerunner 165 Music
Battery life is lower than the 15-day life of the Forerunner 255 Music

Good fit if

You prefer a compact 43mm watch face
You want an AMOLED display for better readability
You need up to 10 days of battery life

Skip if

You need a larger 46mm display
You require LTE connectivity for calls without a phone
You want the lightest possible watch under 1.2 ounces

Verdict: Garmin Forerunner 170 Music 43mm fits runners who value a bright AMOLED screen and long battery life in a compact 43mm package. It is ideal for those who want music storage and GPS tracking without a bulky build.

7Best amoled

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm

Best for: runners wanting AMOLED display and 11-day battery

Case Size: 43 mm
Battery Life: Up to 11 days
Display Type: AMOLED
Connectivity: GPS
Features: Music, Recovery Insights
Activity: Running, Training

Check price on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a running smartwatch featuring a 43 mm case and a bright AMOLED display. It offers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. The device includes built-in GPS, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, and music storage for phone-free listening. It provides personalized daily workouts and recovery insights. This watch suits runners who want a colorful screen and long battery life without the bulk of a larger model.

Pros

Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display
Up to 11 days battery life in smartwatch mode
Up to 19 hours GPS battery life
Download songs from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer
Personalized daily suggested workouts based on recovery

Cons

43 mm case size is smaller than the 46 mm Forerunner 255 Music
19 hours GPS battery life is less than the 245 Music
1.38 ounces weight may feel light to some users

Good fit if

You prefer a smaller 43 mm watch face
You want an AMOLED display for better visibility
You need up to 11 days of battery life

Skip if

You require LTE connectivity for calls without a phone
You prefer a larger 46 mm case size
You need titanium casing for extreme durability

Verdict: Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm fits runners who prioritize a vibrant AMOLED screen and extended battery life over the larger size or LTE features found in other models.

Specifications side by side

Spec	Garmin Forerunner 245 Music	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music	Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm	Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE	Garmin Forerunner 170 Music 43mm	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm
Case Size	–	43mm	43 mm	46mm	47mm	43mm	43 mm
Battery Life	up to 7 days in smartwatch mode	Up to 11 days	Up to 11 days	Up to 14 days	–	Up to 10 days	Up to 11 days
Display Type	–	AMOLED	AMOLED	Always-on, full-color	–	AMOLED	AMOLED
Connectivity	GPS	GPS	GPS, Wi-Fi	GPS	LTE, GPS	GPS	GPS
Case Material	–	–	–	–	Titanium	–	–
Features	Music	Music	Music	Music	Heart Rate Monitor	Music	Music, Recovery Insights
Activity	Running	Running, Training	Running	Running, Training	Running	Running, Training	Running, Training
Color	Aqua	Turquoise	Turquoise	Black	Titanium White	Teal Green with Citron	Berry
Size	One Size	43mm	Adjustable	46 MM	47Mm	43mm	Adjustable
Tracking Features	–	–	–	–	Heart Rate Monitoring	–	–
Tracked Metrics	–	–	–	–	Heart Rate	–	–
Dimensions	1.7 × 1.7 × 0.5 inches	1.69 × 1.69 × 0.46 inches	1.69 × 1.69 × 0.46 inches	1.8 × 1.8 × 0.5 inches	–	1.68 × 1.68 × 0.47 inches	1.69 × 0.46 × 1.69 inches
Weight	1.28 ounces	1.38 ounces	1.38 ounces	1.7 ounces	2.13 ounces	1.4 ounces	1.38 ounces
Model	010-02120-22	010-02863-32	165	010-02641-20	–	010-03920-12	165

Frequently asked questions

Which alternative has the longest battery life?

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm is designed for runners who prioritize long battery life. It supports up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. This makes it a practical choice for those who do not want to charge their device frequently during training blocks.

Does any option offer LTE connectivity?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE includes LTE connectivity. This feature allows for cellular independence, letting you stay connected without your phone nearby. It is a robust option for runners who value durability and the ability to make calls or stream data directly from their wrist.

Which watch uses a titanium case?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE features a titanium case. This material provides rugged durability for runners who need a tough build. The 47mm size also offers a larger display for clear data visibility during workouts, making it distinct from the smaller Garmin models.

Is there a lightweight AMOLED option?

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm features a bright AMOLED screen. It weighs 1.38 ounces, which is slightly heavier than the 245 but still lightweight. This model fits runners who prioritize a compact fit and clear visuals over extended GPS battery life or a larger case size.

What is the weight of the Forerunner 255?

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm weighs 1.7 ounces. This is heavier than the 245’s 1.28 ounces due to its larger 46mm case. It is ideal for runners who prioritize music storage and long battery life over a compact fit on the wrist.

Which model includes Wi-Fi?

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music (position 3) includes Wi-Fi connectivity alongside GPS. This allows for quicker data synchronization and updates. It is a solid choice for runners who want music storage and adaptive training insights in a compact package without relying solely on Bluetooth.

Are there black color options?

Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm is available in black. This color option suits runners who prioritize music storage and long battery life over a compact fit. The black finish complements the 46mm case, offering a sleek look for daily wear and intense training sessions.

Filed next to this one

Smartwatches