Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe Garmin vívoactive 4 emphasizes general fitness and everyday smartwatch features, while Garmin lists the Forerunner 745 with training status and multisport-watch features. The vívoactive 4 has a larger, higher-resolution display and longer advertised battery life in smartwatch and GPS modes without music; both list music storage, Garmin Pay, and up to 6 hours of GPS use with music.
Choose between them based on the features and specifications that matter to you, not assumed differences in accuracy or real-world performance. Garmin’s battery figures are “up to” estimates, and current prices and availability should be checked with sellers.
Garmin vívoactive 4 vs Forerunner 745: at a glance
| Specification | Garmin vívoactive 4 | Garmin Forerunner 745 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer positioning | General fitness and smartwatch features | Training status and multisport-watch features |
| Display | 1.3 in (33.0 mm), 260 × 260 color | 1.2 in (30.4 mm), 240 × 240; sunlight-visible transflective memory-in-pixel |
| Dimensions | 45.1 × 45.1 × 12.8 mm | 43.8 × 43.8 × 13.3 mm |
| Weight | 50.5 g | 47 g |
| Battery, smartwatch mode | Up to 8 days | Up to 7 days |
| Battery, GPS without music | Up to 18 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| Battery, GPS with music | Up to 6 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Music storage and Garmin Pay | Both listed | Both listed |
| Band compatibility | 22 mm quick-release | 22 mm QuickFit compatible |
These are Garmin-published specifications, not independent test results. Garmin specifies a 5 ATM water rating for the Forerunner 745; the vívoactive 4 water-rating field was not available in the source material used for this comparison, so no direct comparison is made.
Which watch should you choose?
Choose the vívoactive 4 for general fitness and everyday features
Garmin presents the vívoactive 4 as a general fitness smartwatch. It may suit shoppers looking for that emphasis alongside features such as music storage and Garmin Pay. Its listed display is larger and higher resolution than the Forerunner 745’s, and its advertised maximum battery figures are longer in smartwatch mode and GPS mode without music.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match#1 Best Overall
- swim, bike, run — do it all with a smartwatch that uses multiple satellite systems to accurately track your workouts
- switch up your workout routine whenever you like with preloaded activity profiles for running, triathlon, multisport, cycling, pool swimming, track running and more
- receive on-device run and cycling daily workout suggestions based on your current training load and vo2 max
- get training guidance by syncing structured indoor or outdoor workouts to your device from garmin connect or other apps (when paired with a compatible smartphone), including trainingpeaks and trainerroad
- analyze more data to help you reach your race potential, including advanced running, cycling and swimming dynamics
Choose the Forerunner 745 for its listed training features
Garmin lists training status and multisport-watch features for the Forerunner 745. Those features may make it the more relevant option for shoppers who prioritize a training-oriented feature set. The manufacturer specifications establish that positioning, but do not by themselves demonstrate comparative accuracy, coaching quality, or performance in real-world use.
Display, size, and bands
The vívoactive 4 has a 1.3-inch, 260 × 260 color display; the Forerunner 745 has a 1.2-inch, 240 × 240 sunlight-visible transflective memory-in-pixel display. On paper, the vívoactive 4’s display is larger and has higher resolution. The published specifications do not establish which display a particular wearer will find easier to read.
Rank #2
- swim, bike, run — do it all with a smartwatch that uses multiple satellite systems to accurately track your workouts
- o Make it through your longest races with up to 1 week of battery life in smartwatch mode, 6 hours in GPS mode with music and 21 hours in UltraTrac mode
- receive on-device run and cycling daily workout suggestions based on your current training load and vo2 max
- get training guidance by syncing structured indoor or outdoor workouts to your device from garmin connect or other apps (when paired with a compatible smartphone), including trainingpeaks and trainerroad
- analyze more data to help you reach your race potential, including advanced running, cycling and swimming dynamics
Garmin lists the Forerunner 745 as lighter and slightly smaller across its face, but thicker. The vívoactive 4 uses a 22 mm quick-release band, while the Forerunner 745 is listed as compatible with 22 mm QuickFit bands. These band systems should not be assumed to be interchangeable; verify the fit of any replacement band for the exact watch.
Battery life and shared features
Garmin advertises up to 8 days of smartwatch battery life and up to 18 hours of GPS activity without music for the vívoactive 4. For the Forerunner 745, Garmin lists up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 16 hours in GPS mode without music. With GPS and music, both are listed at up to 6 hours.
Rank #3
- Swim, bike, run — do it all with a smartwatch that uses multiple satellite systems to accurately track your workouts
- Switch up your workout routine whenever you like with preloaded activity profiles for running, triathlon, multisport, cycling, pool swimming, track running and more
- Receive on-device run and cycling daily workout suggestions based on your current training load and VO2 max
- Get training guidance by syncing structured indoor or outdoor workouts to your device from Garmin Connect or other apps (when paired with a compatible smartphone), including TrainingPeaks and TrainerRoad
- Analyze more data to help you reach your race potential, including advanced running, cycling and swimming dynamics.Bring music for every mile by syncing with music streaming services (premium subscription required) such as Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify and more to easily store and play up to 500 songs from your wrist.
Actual battery life varies with settings and use; the figures above are manufacturer maximums, not guaranteed results. Both product pages list music storage and Garmin Pay, so those shared features do not distinguish the watches in this comparison.
How to decide
- Decide whether general fitness and everyday smartwatch features or a training-oriented feature set is your priority.
- Compare the published display, size, and weight specifications with your preferences.
- Match Garmin’s advertised battery estimates to your expected use, remembering that they are “up to” figures.
- Check current price, availability, and band compatibility with the seller before purchasing.
FAQ
Which has the longer advertised battery life?
Garmin lists the vívoactive 4 at up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and up to 18 hours in GPS mode without music. The Forerunner 745 is listed at up to 7 days and up to 16 hours, respectively. Both are listed at up to 6 hours with GPS and music.
Rank #4
- Swim, bike, run — do it all with a smartwatch that uses multiple satellite systems to accurately track your workouts
- o Make it through your longest races with up to 1 week of battery life in smartwatch mode, 6 hours in GPS mode with music and 21 hours in UltraTrac mode
- Receive on-device run and cycling daily workout suggestions based on your current training load and VO2 max
- Get training guidance by syncing structured indoor or outdoor workouts to your device from Garmin Connect or other apps (when paired with a compatible smartphone), including TrainingPeaks and TrainerRoad
- Analyze more data to help you reach your race potential, including advanced running, cycling and swimming dynamics
Which watch has the larger display?
The vívoactive 4 has a 1.3-inch, 260 × 260 display. The Forerunner 745 has a 1.2-inch, 240 × 240 display.
Do both watches support music storage and Garmin Pay?
Yes. Garmin lists music storage and Garmin Pay for both models.
Best Value
- Easy-to-use running smartwatch with built-in GPS for pace/distance and wrist-based heart rate; brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display with traditional button controls; lightweight design in 43 mm size
- Up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode
- Reach your goals with personalized daily suggested workouts that adapt based on performance and recovery; use Garmin Coach and race adaptive training plans to get workout suggestions for specific events
- 25+ built-in activity profiles include running, cycling, HIIT, strength and more
- As soon as you wake up, get your morning report with an overview of your sleep, recovery and training outlook alongside weather and HRV status (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
Are their 22 mm bands interchangeable?
Garmin lists 22 mm quick-release bands for the vívoactive 4 and 22 mm QuickFit compatibility for the Forerunner 745. Confirm that a specific replacement band fits the exact watch before buying.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Garmin vívoactive 4 product comparison
- Garmin Forerunner 745 product comparison
- Garmin Forerunner 745 Owner’s Manual
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
