Garmin Forerunner

The Forerunner series consists of models (listed in chronological order by release date):

All models of the Forerunner series except the 101 include a way to upload training data to a personal computer and training software.

Garmin registered the name "Forerunner" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in August 2001 but released the first watches—the 101, 201, and 301—in 2003.^[3] In 2006, the 205 and 305 launched. These models are smaller than the first generation and feature a more sensitive SiRFstarIII GPS receiver chip. In late 2007, the Forerunner 50 was introduced. Instead of GPS, this model was paired with a foot pod to measure displacement. The Forerunner 50 came with a USB stick that allowed training data to be transferred wirelessly to a computer.^[4] This feature has since become a staple of Garmin's more full-featured sport watches.

The Forerunner 405 was introduced in 2008 and was significantly smaller than its predecessors, marginally out-sizing a typical wristwatch. The 405 also featured improved satellite acquisition and connection. In 2009, Garmin introduced three new models: the Forerunner 60 (an evolution of the Forerunner 50), the Forerunner 405CX (405 chassis), and the Forerunner 310XT (an evolution of the 305 chassis).^[5] New features in these models included increased battery life and vibration alerts on the 310XT, and advanced calorie consumption modeling across all models. The new calorie consumption modeling in these devices was the result of Garmin's first collaboration with Finnish physiological analytics firm Firstbeat.^[6][7] The 310XT was also the first watch of the Forerunner series to be waterproof, allowing its use for swimming and all legs of a triathlon, fueled by an extended battery life. In 2010, a firmware update added vastly improved open-water swimming metrics.^[8]

In 2010, the Forerunner 110, 210 and 410 were introduced. The releases included the addition of a touch-sensitive bezel on the 410, presumably, allowing for easier scrolling and selection of functions. It was touted as providing "unmatched reliability in sweaty, rainy conditions."^[9] The Forerunner 610 was released in the spring of 2011 and featured a touch-sensitive screen as well as vibration alerts.^[10] In 2012, the Forerunner 910XT was introduced, an updated version of the 310XT. It was originally supposed to be released in Q4 of 2011, but was eventually released in Q1 of 2012. New features introduced in this model included the Sifter IV chipset, a barometric altimeter, and improved swimming metrics using an accelerometer in the watch. This allowed it to automatically count pool lengths and to recognize swimming styles.^[11] A further addition to the series was the Forerunner 10, a simple watch offering just GPS tracking of activities and run metrics like distance, pace and calories burned.

At the end of 2013 the Forerunner 220 and 620 were introduced, with colour screens, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE; allowing connections to some smartphones), and, for the 620 only, a touchscreen, Wi-Fi (allowing automatic activity download) and enhanced "running dynamics" given by an updated heart rate monitor. These watches also abandoned syncing via the ANT+ protocol in favour of wired (USB) and Wi-Fi (620 only) data transfers. They were also waterproof but did not include any kind of swimming mode.^[12][13]

In 2014, the Forerunner 15 and 920XT were introduced. The 15 was the updated version of the 10, adding activity tracking, increased battery life, footpad and heart rate monitor capability. The 920XT was the successor of the 910XT, featuring all the capabilities of it (except ANT+ scale and fitness equipment capability) and adding features found in the 620 such as a colour screen, Wi-Fi data transfers and running dynamics. Additionally, battery life over the 910XT was improved, daily activity tracking, GLONASS support and a swim drill mode. The 920XT is the first Garmin watch extensible with custom apps built using the Garmin Connect IQ software development kit.^[14][15] In May 2015, the Forerunner 225 was the first Garmin watch with an integrated optical heart rate monitor.^[16] In May 2016, the Forerunner 735XT was a triathlon-focused Garmin watch with an integrated optical heart rate monitor.^[17]

In April 2017, Garmin announced the Forerunner 935, describing it as a running and triathlon watch, with features similar to the Fenix 5. The watch included 24/7 wrist-based heart rate monitoring and advanced training features.^[18] On March 12, 2018, Garmin released the Forerunner 645 and 645 Music, which were marketed as a high-end running watches. The models added Garmin Pay, a NFC-enabled touchless pay system, and the 645 Music was Garmin's first watch with onboard music storage (4 GB).^[19] The Forerunner 45 and 45S were released on April 30, 2019, as entry-level running watches. The 45S has a smaller bezel (39mm) than the 45 (42mm); there are no other differences. The device includes a 3rd generation optical heart rate monitor, which includes stress detection and Body Battery energy, along with earlier-generation OHR metrics. Bluetooth-connected features include audio prompts, LiveTrack, and smart notifications. Activity profiles include outdoor running, treadmill, walk, bike, and cardio, with the ability to configure more through Garmin Connect. The Forerunner 45 has built-in incident detection and assistance, which notifies a predesignated contact if a crash or fall is detected and provides a live tracking link for the watch's location.^[20] The Forerunner 245 and 245 Music, released on April 30, 2019, are midrange running watches. The 245 has all of the same capabilities as the 245 Music; however, the 245 Music allows you to store and play up to 500 songs directly on the watch or stream music from services such as Spotify or Deezer via wireless Bluetooth earphones. The 245 has Garmin Elevate with a 3rd generation optical heart rate monitor which features Pulse Ox, stress detection, Body Battery, along with earlier-generation OHR metrics. Also, a new feature included a detailed Activity summary screen, improved Race Predictor, and Training Status.^[21] The Forerunner 945, released on April 30, 2019, is a triathlon-focused, feature-rich watch. The 945 allows the ability to store and play up to 1000 songs directly on the watch or stream music through services such as Spotify or Deezer, via wireless Bluetooth earphones. The 945 includes all of the capabilities of its 935 predecessor and all of the features of the Forerunner 245. Other new features of the 945 are heat and altitude acclimation, training load balance, mapping with Trendline popularity routing, respiration rate, Around me mode, Climber future elevation plot, cartography support and topographical maps, XERO location, and preloaded with 41,000 golf courses.^[22]

The Forerunner 955, released April 30, 2022, improves upon the Forerunner 945 and includes a touch screen. The Forerunner 955 Solar has a solar charging ring in the display to extend battery life. Both 955 models charge via Garmin's proprietary charging port and a USB-A connector.^[23] In March 2023, Garmin announced the Forerunner 265, 265S and Forerunner 965. Both models are very similar to their predecessors, but included AMOLED displays for the first time.^[24] Garmin released the Garmin Forerunner 158 which is only available in China.^[25] In May 2025, Garmin announced the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970. These watches include a built-in speaker and microphone for phone calls, as well as an LED flash-light. They are equipped with the Garmin Elevate V5 optical heart rate sensor.^[26] In May 2026, Garmin released Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170, with a 1.2 inch AMOLED display and touchscreen.^[27]

Key: Current Model

• Garmin Fenix