Garmin Forerunner 55

Review Score
85%
🏅 Highly Rated
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Garmin Forerunner 55: Review

“A reliable running watch with essential features for everyday training.”

Overview


The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a running watch designed to cater to both novice and intermediate runners. This watch is known for its balance of essential features and affordability, making it a popular choice among those entering the GPS watch market.

Key Features:

  • Heart Rate Monitor: Provides wrist-based heart rate tracking for accurate health monitoring.
  • GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO: Offers precise location tracking for various activities.
  • Battery Life: Up to 20 hours in GPS mode and two weeks in smartwatch mode.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize accurate GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring for daily training. Its lightweight design offers comfort, making it suitable for long runs and everyday wear.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 85%. This puts it in the highest rated 30% of comparable running watches. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the cheapest 20% of running watches.

Verdict

The consensus on the Garmin Forerunner 55


The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a solid choice for runners seeking a straightforward and reliable GPS watch. It excels in providing accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring, making it suitable for those who want to track their runs without the complexity of more advanced models. The watch's lightweight design and comfortable strap make it easy to wear for extended periods, while its user-friendly interface ensures a smooth experience for both new and experienced users. However, it lacks some of the advanced health metrics and extended battery life found in higher-end models. Despite these limitations, the Forerunner 55 offers great value for its price, especially for those already familiar with the Garmin ecosystem. Its simplicity and essential features make it a practical choice for city runs and easy trails. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a dependable and affordable option for runners who prioritize essential tracking features over advanced functionalities.

Updates to Garmin Forerunner 55


The Garmin Forerunner 55 introduces several updates over its predecessor, the Garmin Forerunner 35. It features enhanced battery life, offering up to 20 hours in GPS mode and two weeks in smartwatch mode. The addition of new running metrics, such as PacePro strategies and race predictions, provides runners with more tools to optimize their training. The Forerunner 55 also includes women's health tracking, a significant addition to the Garmin health suite. These updates make the Forerunner 55 a more comprehensive and user-friendly option for runners.

Comparable Watches




The Coros Pace 3 is a good alternative for those seeking a watch with slightly better battery life at a similar price point. While the Forerunner 55 offers a more user-friendly interface and seamless integration with the Garmin Connect app, the Coros Pace 3 provides extended battery performance, making it suitable for longer training sessions. However, the Forerunner 55 excels in GPS accuracy and heart rate monitoring, making it a reliable choice for runners focused on precise tracking.



The Polar Pacer is another option in the same price range, offering core running features and good value for money. It includes training load insights and access to Polar's running program, which may appeal to those who prefer the Polar platform. However, the Forerunner 55 provides a more comprehensive set of features, including women's health tracking and advanced running metrics, making it a more versatile choice for runners.

6 Garmin Forerunner 55 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Lightweight and comfortable design.
Accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring.
User-friendly interface with essential features.

3 Cons

Lacks advanced health metrics.
Shorter battery life compared to high-end models.
Limited navigation features.

In Depth


Battery life

The Garmin Forerunner 55 offers a commendable battery life, lasting up to 20 hours in GPS mode and two weeks in smartwatch mode. This makes it suitable for runners who engage in running activities without frequent charging. While it may not match the battery longevity of some high-end models, it provides ample power for most training sessions and daily use. The rechargeable battery ensures that users can rely on the watch for consistent performance during their workouts.

Screen quality and brightness

The Forerunner 55 features a color screen that is easy to read, even during quick glances while running. Its 25 mm (1.04 inch) display offers a clear and vibrant view of essential metrics, enhancing the overall user experience. The screen's brightness is adjustable, allowing runners to customize it according to their preferences and lighting conditions. This ensures that the watch remains visible in various environments, from bright sunlight to dimly lit areas.

Strap comfort

The strap of the Garmin Forerunner 55 is designed for comfort, making it suitable for long runs and daily wear. Its lightweight and flexible material ensures a secure fit without causing discomfort or irritation. The strap's adjustability allows it to accommodate different wrist sizes, providing a snug fit for all users. This focus on comfort makes the Forerunner 55 an excellent choice for runners who prioritize wearability during their training sessions.

Heart-rate monitor accuracy

The heart-rate monitor on the Forerunner 55 is wrist-based, providing accurate and reliable readings for most users. It tracks heart rate continuously, offering insights into workout intensity and overall health. While it may not match the precision of chest strap monitors, it delivers satisfactory performance for everyday training and fitness tracking. This feature is particularly beneficial for runners who want to monitor their heart rate without the need for additional equipment.

GPS accuracy

The Garmin Forerunner 55 excels in GPS accuracy, utilizing a combination of GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO systems to provide precise location tracking. This ensures that runners receive accurate distance and pace measurements, even in challenging environments. The watch's GPS capabilities make it a reliable tool for tracking outdoor activities, from city runs to easy trails. Its accuracy is a standout feature, offering confidence to runners who rely on precise data for their training.

Sleep tracking

The Forerunner 55 includes sleep tracking features that monitor sleep patterns and provide insights into sleep quality. This helps users understand their rest and recovery, contributing to overall health and performance. The watch tracks various sleep stages, offering a comprehensive view of sleep habits. This feature is valuable for runners who want to optimize their recovery and ensure they are well-rested for their training sessions.

Virtual coach and recovery

The Forerunner 55 offers virtual coaching features, including suggested daily workouts and recovery time estimates. These tools help runners plan their training and ensure they are not overexerting themselves. The watch uses historical workout data to provide personalized recommendations, making it a useful companion for those looking to improve their performance. This feature is particularly beneficial for runners who want guidance in their training regimen.

Who should buy the Garmin Forerunner 55?


The Garmin Forerunner 55 is ideal for runners who seek a straightforward and reliable GPS watch for daily training. It's perfect for those who value accurate GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring without the need for advanced features. Runners who appreciate a lightweight and comfortable design will find this watch suitable for long runs and everyday wear. Additionally, those familiar with the Garmin ecosystem will benefit from its seamless integration with the Garmin Connect app.

Who should not buy the Garmin Forerunner 55?


Runners who require advanced health metrics and extended battery life may find the Garmin Forerunner 55 lacking. Those who need navigation features for off-road adventures or long-distance runs might want to consider other models with more comprehensive capabilities. If battery life is a priority, especially for ultra-marathons or multi-day events, a watch with longer battery performance would be more suitable. Additionally, individuals looking for a more durable design for rugged use might prefer a higher-end model.

Garmin Forerunner 55: What's it good for?


The Garmin Forerunner 55 is well-suited for everyday running and training sessions, offering essential features for tracking distance, pace, and heart rate. It's an excellent choice for daily training and city runs, providing reliable performance without unnecessary complexity. The watch's lightweight design makes it comfortable for long runs, while its accurate GPS tracking ensures precise data collection. It's also suitable for runners who engage in activity detection and want to monitor their progress over time.

5 Garmin Forerunner 55 FAQs


How accurate is the GPS on the Garmin Forerunner 55?

The Garmin Forerunner 55 offers excellent GPS accuracy, utilizing GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO systems to provide precise location tracking. This ensures accurate distance and pace measurements for various activities.

What is the battery life of the Garmin Forerunner 55?

The Forerunner 55 has a battery life of up to 20 hours in GPS mode and two weeks in smartwatch mode, making it suitable for most training sessions and daily use.

Does the Garmin Forerunner 55 track heart rate?

Yes, the Forerunner 55 features a wrist-based heart rate monitor that provides accurate and reliable readings for most users, helping to track workout intensity and overall health.

Is the Garmin Forerunner 55 suitable for beginners?

The Forerunner 55 is ideal for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and essential features, making it easy to track runs and monitor progress without overwhelming complexity.

Can the Garmin Forerunner 55 be used for swimming?

Yes, the Forerunner 55 is water-resistant and includes swimming features, making it suitable for tracking swimming activities alongside running and other workouts.

Garmin Forerunner 55 alternatives



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Jun 2021
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Battery life
Battery life
336 hours
216 hours
240 hours
120 hours
120 hours
48 hours
Battery life – GPS mode
Battery life – GPS mode
20 hours
21 hours
Screen size
Screen size
25 mm
25 mm
30 mm
28 mm
20 mm
33 mm
Pixel density
Pixel density
294 ppi
459 ppi
390 ppi
212 ppi
261 ppi
Charging time
Charging time
1 hours
Connectivity Types
Connectivity Types
ANT+
ANT+NFCANT+NFCWi-FiANT+NFCANT+ANT+Wi-Fi
Sensors
Sensors
AccelerometerGalileoGPSHeart rate monitor
AccelerometerBlood oxygenation monitorGalileoGPSHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBlood oxygenation monitorHeart rate monitorAccelerometerGPS
Supported peripherals
Supported peripherals
Compatible heart monitorCompatible smart scales
Compatible heart monitorCompatible smart scalesCompatible heart monitorCompatible smart scalesCompatible heart monitorCompatible heart monitorCompatible smart scales
Screen features
Screen features
Damage resistant glassDamage resistant glass
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Garmin Forerunner 55: what the experts say (3 reviews)

Garmin Forerunner 55: 7 Expert video reviews

Garmin Forerunner 55: 1 Manufacturer video

Garmin Forerunner 55 characteristics and specifications

AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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Tom Green
December 18, 2024 at 9:55 AM
Gunnersbury parkrun #230 (my #3️⃣4️⃣)
📊 Stats by geerly 👟 🕒 Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%