UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For information on current models, check out our GPS for runners page.
The Garmin Forerunner 405CX 
Quick links
More Garmin Forerunner 405CX reviews
Garmin Forerunner 405CX resources
How much does it cost?
Another new thing — the 405CX comes with two additional form-fitting bands to accommodate large or small wrists. Like the Forerunner 405, the 405CX brings features not found on the earlier Forerunner 205 and 305 models:
- For one thing, the style has changed, with a sleeker and more watch-like appearance.
- A wireless connection, using ANT+Sport technology, sends data to your computer. No more cables!
- The touch-sensitive bezel minimizes the need for buttons on the unit.
- The map screen found on previous Forerunners is gone (it was pretty rudimentary anyway, showing only waypoints and tracks). But hey, who are we kidding? The Forerunner 405 is a runner’s training partner, not a navigation device.
More Forerunner 405CX reviews
- Consumer-authored Garmin Forerunner 405CX reviews
are being posted at Amazon
- A first impresions Forerunner 405CX review from RaceDayNutrition.com
- Robert Wright has posted a Garmin Forerunner 405Cx review
- EatRunDoYoga gives five reasons to love the Forerunner 405CX
- TJBFS.com has posted a two-part (part 1) review of the Forerunner 405CX (part 2)
- Fat Athlete has posted their own Garmin Forerunner 405CX review
- Tom Royal reviews this popular sports watch
- Rundurance reviews the Forerunner 405CX
- Run Freddie Run also reviews this popular model
- Tales of an Endless Runner has posted their own Forerunner 405CX review
- Tech 2 gives a 7 out of 10 rating in their review of the Garmin 405CX
- MakeUseOf reviews the 405CX
- Heart Rate Monitor Advisor has posted a detailed review of the 405CX sportswatch
I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some…
Other Forerunner 405CX resources
- A PDF version of the Forerunner 405CX owners manual
- See how the Forerunner 405CX compares to other Forerunner models
- There is an official Forerunner 405CX forum at Garmin.com
- Creating courses for your Forerunner
- How to transfer race plans and workouts to your Forerunner
- Want to see how the Forerunner 405 stacks up against other models? Check out this Garmin fitness GPS comparison tool
- The official Forerunner 405CX
web page
- Our GPS for runners buyers guide
- A video demo showing how to change the Forerunner 405CX wrist bands:
Compare prices on the Forerunner 405CX at these merchants:
- Check the current Garmin Forerunner 405CX
- Get the Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS-Enabled Sports Watch with USB ANT Stick & Heart Rate Monitor
at TigerGPS, where you get free shipping on orders above $250
- Check out the deal on a Garmin Forerunner 405CX Heart Rate Monitor
at REI.com, where satisfaction is guaranteed and members get 10% back on eligible purchases
- Get the Garmin Forerunner 405CX for an amazing price on eBay
- Buy the Forerunner 405CX
About Rich Owings
I run and bike and was wondering if the runners 405 models can be used when one bikes? Wouldn’t it still measure your distances and locations?
Yes. I have the original 405 and it doesn’t matter how you get there, it will track you very accurately as long as it can receive from many satellites. If you’re running or biking along buildings that block the satellites, then there can be a slight problem.
Yes, they even have a bike mount. I think it’s a fine solution if you just want to track your data, but it’s not a good choice if you want a GPS to navigate by.
I miss the mapping ability. True, many runners may not need it, but in our running club we are experiencing many who are trying new things, adventure racing, orienteering, etc, yet still run 20-30 races per year, a one-sized fits all GPS watch would be nice!
I have a MS Band 2. It’s one of few out there that has GPS built into it. You don’t need to bring your phone on a run or bike ride. It tracks heart rate. It seems to be very accurate with regard to calorie burn. The MS Health dashboard (browser app) has everything you need with summaries and details of all of your activities. Being able to see all of the stats laid out in front of you and your numbers over time can be very motivating. I’m always trying to beat my fastest time or greatest distance.
The only things I’d like to see if they ever came out with a Band 3 is the ability to store music on it and Bluetooth to some fitness headphones. Further, I’d like it to be fully water-resistant and incorporate swimming workouts/activities. Also, I’ve found through almost five months of wearing it, the band holds up well, but the contacts you connect the charger to are prone to corrosion from your sweat. Even if you wipe the thing down or clean it really well where the charging contacts are, it still develops corrosion under the seal by the contacts. This results in the contacts not always matching up with the charger. This became