Huge announcement from Garmin at CES 2018 is the launch of their newest device, Forerunner 645 Music. Music functionality used to be a shortcoming when it came to Garmin watches, but now this is no longer the case. The new Forerunner 645 Music is taking Garmin to the next level.  Let’s take a closer look at this new device.  I’m going to break down the remarkable features of Garmin Forerunner 645 and show you the pros and cons of this new watch.

Garmin Forerunner 645 Music: Release Date

Garmin Forerunner 645 Music was official introduced on January 8, 2018 on Garmin’s website and at CES 2018. A and was available for purchase some 5-8 weeks later and is available to order.

Garmin Forerunner 645 Music: Price

Garmin Forerunner 645 Music will be expected to run you about about $500.  It is available for purchase now on Amazon.

Garmin Forerunner 645 Music: Design

At first glance, the Garmin Forerunner 645 Music seems pretty similar to the Garmin Vivoactive 3 in terms of design. This wearable is a bit thicker but lighter than Vivoactive 3. It has the same optical HR sensor as the Fenix 5 and Vivoactive 3. Garmin Chroma Display™ is easy to read — even in direct sunlight — and housed under chemically strengthened glass. It comes with nice steel bezel around the outside of the case.

Designed for runners, Forerunner 645 Music features a reliable five-button interface that lets you mark laps with a quick press. It has no touchscreen, which is a bit inconvenient while running. However, it seems to be easier to access physical buttons and operate while on the move.

The strap is soft and interchangeable. Swapping bands is fast and doesn’t require tools, so you can easily add your own fashion flavor to your watch.

As for color, you have two options with Garmin Forerunner 645 Music which are a Black Colored Band and a Cerise Colored Band and and two options with Garmin Forerunner 645 including Black Colored Band and Sandstone Colored Band.

Garmin Forerunner 645 Music: Features

Garmin Forerunner 645 Music offers a wide range of interesting features such as Music Store, Contactless Payments, GPS, exercises and advanced running metrics tracking.

Garmin Forerunner 645 Music: Pros

Music Store

Garmin Forerunner 645 Music finally offers a music feature which is a addition to their line, and long anticipated. This is the first time a Garmin product has the capacity to add or upload music to the device itself. It provides enough storage for about 500 songs which can be easily transferred from your computer or downloaded from iHeartRadio or Deezer. You can create a number of playlists or folders, and switch between them on the watch. So, now you can listen to music using your earphones or flip the songs from the device without the need of a smartphone.

Garmin Contactless Payment

Do you want to make convenient payments with your watch when you are running, cycling or training? You should try the Garmin contactless payment solution. This feature was originally offered in the Garmin Vivoactive 3 at first, but you now experience it in the Garmin Forerunner 645 Music. This allows you the freedom to make purchases anywhere so that you can leave your wallet, cash and credit cards at home.

Advanced Running Features

Forerunner 645 Music can measure crucial running metrics such as cadence, vertical oscillation and vertical ratio so that you can analyze your performance. It can track your distance and pace when you go cycling or even swimming. Your training and recovery will be monitored so that you can prepare better for a running or cycling set. It uses a wrist-based heart rate monitor to automatically evaluate your recent exercise history and performance indicators.  It share these measurement to report how effective your training is and how your training is improving your ability to push the your limits and meet your specific goals..

GPS and VO2 Max

The built-in GPS provides you with the ability to track running, walking and cycling sessions. It’s heart rate sensor, GPS and GLONASS support your training and delivers an accurate distance measurement, eliminating the  need to take your phone along with you. You will also enjoy having the VO2 Max feature in the Forerunner 645, like other high-end Garmin watches, to monitor your estimated VO2 Max and let you know your overall training load.

Garmin Forerunner 645 Music: Cons

No Spotify and Pandora Music Integration

Spotify is something many people want but there are just a few wearables offering it at present and Garmin Forerunner 645 is not the exception.  It would also be beneficial for Garmin to make Pandora accessible as many people already have playlists set up in this app, unfortunately, it is not available in the Forerunner 645.

Battery Life

Garmin Forerunner 645 Music might last up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 12 hours if using the GPS mode. There are no upgrades in the battery life compared to Vivoactive 3, even in GPS mode the Vivoactive 3 has a longer battery life with up to 14 hours.

Garmin Forerunner 645 Music: Final Verdict

Music Support and Contactless Payment seem to be the outstanding features of the Garmin Forerunner 645 music. If you are a runner who wants to leave your phone at home when going outside for training, the Forerunner 645 would be a wise choice for you. This latest model also offers interchangeable bands to allow you to customize it’s look. Moreover, it is really small and light which is suitable for who has small wrists or those who find other Garmin’s products very sporty in appearance, rough and unattractive.

Garmin has made great strides in adding the music feature to their already excellent running watches.  If music motivates you to train more effectively and efficiently, the Garmin Forerunner 645 might be just perfect for you.