I am still using my square faced FR920XT. Regarding 'Music on the go', I carry a midsized ghetto blaster with 8 AA batteries on my left shoulder. This also provides temporary audio entertainment to the pathetic souls I happen to pass on my regular running route, who are not 'plugged in' (poor buggers, how do they do it?). As a 'Garmin Pay' alternative, I carry my pink porcelain piggy bank in a small backpack, with the key smartly hidden under the insole of my right running shoe. This way, the money is relatively secure and I can purchase just about anything I see during my regular 10km outings. For emergency purposes, a waterproof megaphone is slung over my right shoulder. A little bouncy I have to admit, but worth the trouble especially when running in unfamiliar terrain, not covered by the paper map stuffed in the front of my shorts. So, I am holding off from upgrading for the time being, but thanks for your interesting review.

Very helpful. I will be getting the 945 for my husband. Thank you.

This is an insightful video, thank you for this. I'm a very fitness and outdoor oriented person (hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, x-country skiing, cycling, etc...) and am probably going to pick this up. One of the main selling features is that I don't need a phone. I will be getting rid of my cell phone soon and cutting that cord, so I can just sync it to a tablet when I get back from whatever it is I'm doing. The music is another huge feature as i often workout with music or podcasts, something I can't believe a lot of other manufacturers don't provide. The mapping portion seems excellent. I'm a cartographer by trade, so Garmin's implementation of the GLONASS and GALILEO satellites is of huge benefit under tree cover. Just like their other products, I'm sure there would be a way to create custom maps with satellite imagery within base camp or through 3rd party software for more detail. This truly looks like an incredible watch. As far as including Apple Music goes, I would think integrating with Apple Music wouldn't be an easy process and there may be some technical and security limitations preventing the developers from doing so due to Apple's very controlled ecosystem.

Good and well balanced review

Thanks for the video, it's useful to hewr. Audio very good BTW. I thought maybe you were a little too critical on the implementation of Garmin pay when you hadn't used it and it was actually the bank support you were unhappy with (and rightly so). But still +1

I actually "downgraded" from a fenix 5 plus. In the end though, the 945 has more than the fenix and in a lighter package. Plus the battery is better. The new feature I use the most is the mapping and navigation. Great for trail running. Oh and the heart and spo2 sensor are very accurate.

Would you suggest this one or the Fenix 5 plus for trail running and mountaineering? I go in both in summer and winter, at about 2-3000m and temp range from -15 to 35°C. I can eventually stay multiple days (usually max 3) with a tent, hopefully without power bank. Would it be resistant enough (to scratches as well)? Remark: navigation is THE reason I need one... It happened often that cold wind brought to zero the battery of my phone in few minutes and it happened also that I got lost in the mountains... Stats are super nice, but secondary to navigation with topography

Kevin Amazon music is now available on Garmin watches. DC Rainmaker has posted a video on how to setup. Maybe this is the start for other music services.

It this is the right watch for a swimmer? The HR, under water, only works with HR straps? In other topic, can I see the messages from whatsapp and reply to them?

I wish I had a cool accent. Nice review btw.

For an advanced, high mileage runner who uses the pool during summer and warm seasons, would this be a good watch?

Hey Kevin! tahnks a lot for the video! I'm trying to get to know what are the built-in activity profiles that this 945 comes along with. Will you please be so kind of telling me what are the activity profiles that you can select from the ones that comes already with the watch? Thanks!

What do you think of the battery life. In no way I can get 2 weeks with all the monitors on off?

Am using the galaxy watch 46mm it not bad at all

Obviously they aren't going to get Apple Music. Apple is their biggest competitor.