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A complete training session is greatly helped today with a GPS running watch. You can work out without having to strap additional wearables to your body and track a great range of metrics whether on a treadmill or out on the open road.
We are going to look at the Garmin Forerunner 620 vs 230. We will compare all of their specifications from appearance to tracking information. Once we have finished, we will review the features in a comparison chart and follow will with some pros and cons of the two Garmin GPS watches.
Let’s begin with the few things that the Garmin Forerunner 620 and the Garmin 230 have in common.
Garmin Forerunner 620 vs 230 – Similarities
Live Tracking
With the Garmin Forerunner 620 and the Garmin Forerunner 230, there is no need to worry that your information is lagging. Both have live tracking to keep you updated after every pace.
GPS
The Garmin Forerunner 620 and the Garmin Forerunner 230 have highly accurate GPS with the additional help of GLONASS or Global Navigation Satellite System.
Garmin Connect IQ
You can wirelessly connect the Garmin Forerunner 620 and the Garmin Forerunner 230 with the Garmin Connect IQ app. This app gives you access to thousands of apps and widgets. You can check the weather and even listen to music from Spotify. You will also be able to access training plans, health tips and customize your watch face with a photo from your smartphone.
Water Rating
The water rating for the Garmin Forerunner 620 and the Garmin Forerunner 230 is 5 ATM.
Side by Side comparison
Let’s recap the specifications in this side-by-side chart.
Garmin Forerunner 620 | Garmin Forerunner 230 | |
| Image |  |  |
| Screen Size | 1.80 x 1.80 x 0.50 inches | 1.80 x 1.80 x 0.50 inches |
| Weight | 1.5oz | 1.44oz |
| Color | Black and blue/White and orange | Black and white |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Screen | 180 x 180 pixels color display | 215 x 180-pixel color display |
| Tracking | distance, pace, time, heart rate, VO2 max, daily steps, calories, sleep | distance, pace, time, heart rate, VO2 max, daily steps, calories, sleep |
| HRM-Run | Cadence, ground contact and vertical oscillation | No |
| Activity Profiles | Ride/Race/run | None stated |
| Live Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Prompts | Not Stated | Yes |
| Smart Notifications | Not Stated | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours in training mode, up to 6 weeks in watch mode | 16 hours in training mode, up to 5 weeks in watch mode |
| Connect IQ App | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Not stated | 1-year limited |
| Price |
There are far more differences than there are similarities, so we will move onto those now.
Differences Between Garmin Forerunner 620 and Garmin Forerunner 230
Appearance
The size of the two GS watches is very similar but the design varies.
Garmin Forerunner 620
The face of the watch is 1.8 x 1.8 .0.5 inches. It weighs 1.5 ounces. There are two color options, black and blue or white and orange. Both the straps are made of rubber and are breathable.
Garmin Forerunner 230
The dimensions of the face are the same at 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.5 inches. It weighs slightly less at 1.44 ounces. The design of the straps is the same, but the only color option is black and white.
The Winner Is- The Garmin Forerunner 630
Also read – Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs Forerunner 235: Which GPS Smart Watch is Better?
Screen Type
Both are color displays but with a difference in resolution.
Garmin Forerunner 620
The screen has a 180 x 180-pixel display
Garmin Forerunner 230
You may notice that the resolution is a bit better at 215 x 180 pixels.
The Winner Is- The Garmin Forerunner 230
Also read – Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs Vivoactive 4: Which GPS Smart Watch is Better?
Tracking
There are tons of metrics that you can monitor with these GPS watches.
Garmin Forerunner 620
This watch will track your distance, pace, time, heart rate, VO2 max, daily steps, calories, and sleep. It comes with HRM-Run. This feature lets you see cadence (combined left and right steps per minute), ground contact (the milliseconds your foot spends on the floor), and vertical oscillation, the degree of bounce in each step.
Garmin Forerunner 230
You can track all of the above-mentioned but it doesn’t come with HRM-Run.
The Winner Is- The Garmin Forerunner 620
Read next – Polar M400 vs Polar A300: Which Fitness Tracker Watch is Better?
Battery Life
There are two modes with the Garmin GPS watches, each with different battery life.
Garmin Forerunner 620
In training mode, you will have up to 10 hours of battery life and up to 6 weeks in watch mode.
Garmin Forerunner 230
In training mode, you have longer at up to 16 hours whereas in watch mode, it is less at up to 5 weeks.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Notifications
A watch is a handier when you are able to receive notifications.
Garmin Forerunner 620
There is no product information on notifications.
Garmin Forerunner 230
There are smart notifications as well as audio prompts.
The Winner Is- The Garmin Forerunner 230
Also read – Garmin Forerunner 25 vs 35: Which GPS Running Watch is Better?
Pros and Cons
Before the final verdict, we have included some pros and cons of the Garmin GPS watches.
Garmin Forerunner 620
Pros:
- Nice size and comfortable fit
- It has absolutely all the metrics you could need
- Fast connection to satellites
Cons:
- It can be difficult to use.
Garmin Forerunner 230
Pros:
- You can answer calls while running
- It’s more user friendly
- Great value for money
Cons:
- The durability is questionable
The Final Verdict
There is no doubt that both the Garmin Forerunner 620 and the Garmin Forerunner 230 are packed with amazing tracking features that are good for first-time runners and the more experienced. And as soon as you connect it to the IQ app, the features just keep rolling in. They are both comfortable to wear and the quality of the screen is perfect.
Today’s winner is the Garmin Forerunner 230. It was a hard choice because for advanced runners, the Garmin Forerunner 620 did have activity profiles and HRM-Run, which offered more advanced insights, but it also made it slightly more difficult to use. The Garmin Forerunner 230, however, still had enough features for all types of running and levels. As it also costs significantly less, we felt that this was a great GPS watch for anyone wanting an in-depth understanding of their workout metrics.