Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar

Review Score
82%
🏅 Highly Rated
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Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar: Review

“A solar-powered watch for serious athletes.”

Overview


The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is a high-performance running watch designed to cater to the needs of serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts. This watch is part of the Garmin Forerunner family, known for its advanced features and robust design.

Key Features:

  • Solar Charging: Extends battery life by harnessing solar energy.
  • Multi-Band GPS: Provides precise location tracking even in challenging environments.
  • Touchscreen Interface: Offers intuitive navigation and ease of use.

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is an ideal choice for athletes who prioritize long battery life and accurate GPS tracking for their training sessions. Its solar charging capability offers extended usage, making it suitable for long-distance runners and outdoor enthusiasts.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 84%. This puts it in the highest rated 40% of comparable running watches. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 30% of running watches.

Verdict

The consensus on the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar


The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is a feature-rich running watch that excels in providing comprehensive health, fitness, and performance tracking. Its solar charging capability significantly extends battery life, making it a reliable choice for long-distance runners and outdoor enthusiasts. The watch's multi-band GPS ensures accurate location tracking, even in challenging environments, while the touchscreen interface offers intuitive navigation. The Forerunner 955 Solar also includes advanced features like HRV status (Heart Rate Variability status), training readiness, and VO2 max estimation (a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense exercise), providing valuable insights for athletes looking to optimize their training. Additionally, the watch supports music playback and has ample storage for maps and apps, enhancing its functionality as a smartwatch. While the watch is on the pricier side, its extensive features and performance justify the investment for serious athletes. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is a top-tier choice for those seeking a high-performance running watch with advanced tracking capabilities.

Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar: Base model


The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is a special version of the Garmin Forerunner 955, featuring solar charging capabilities that extend battery life. This addition makes it particularly suitable for long-distance runners and outdoor enthusiasts who require extended usage. While both models share similar features, such as advanced health and fitness tracking, the solar version offers the added benefit of harnessing solar energy for prolonged performance. This makes the Forerunner 955 Solar a more versatile choice for athletes who need a reliable watch for extended activities.

Comparable Watches




The Polar Vantage V3 is a good alternative for athletes seeking a watch with advanced heart rate monitoring and wellness tracking. While the Forerunner 955 Solar excels in GPS accuracy and solar charging, the Vantage V3 offers features like dual-frequency GPS and Polar Elixir technology for comprehensive wellness insights. Both watches cater to serious athletes, but the choice may depend on specific feature preferences and brand loyalty.

The Garmin Fenix 7 is another high-end option for athletes looking for a robust sports watch. It shares many features with the Forerunner 955 Solar, such as multi-band GPS and advanced health tracking. However, the Fenix 7 is known for its rugged design and additional outdoor features, making it suitable for extreme sports and adventures. The Forerunner 955 Solar, with its solar charging, may appeal more to those prioritizing battery life.

The Coros Vertix 2 is a strong contender for athletes who need a watch with exceptional battery life and durability. While the Forerunner 955 Solar offers solar charging and advanced fitness tracking, the Vertix 2 is renowned for its extended battery life and robust build, making it ideal for extreme conditions. Athletes who prioritize battery longevity and ruggedness might prefer the Vertix 2.

8 Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Solar charging extends battery life significantly.
Multi-band GPS provides accurate location tracking.
Touchscreen interface enhances user experience.
Advanced health and fitness tracking features.
Ample storage for maps, music, and apps.

3 Cons

Higher price point may not be suitable for casual users.
Size and weight might be less appealing to some users.
Solar charging benefits are limited in low-light conditions.

In Depth


Battery life

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar boasts impressive battery life, especially with its solar charging feature. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 15 days, and with solar exposure, it extends up to 20 days. For GPS activities, the battery life is up to 42 hours, or 49 hours with sufficient sunlight. This makes it an excellent choice for long-distance runners and outdoor enthusiasts who need a watch that can keep up with their extended activities. The solar power feature is a significant advantage, ensuring the watch remains operational even during prolonged use.

Screen quality and brightness

The Forerunner 955 Solar features a 1.3-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels, offering clear and bright visuals. The touchscreen interface enhances user experience by providing easy navigation through menus and settings. This is particularly useful for non-sport scenarios where quick access to features is needed. The screen's brightness ensures visibility in various lighting conditions, making it suitable for outdoor activities.

Heart-rate monitor accuracy

The Forerunner 955 Solar is equipped with Garmin's fourth-generation elevate heart rate sensor, which provides accurate heart rate tracking across various activities. This sensor is designed to offer precise readings, even during intense workouts, making it a reliable tool for monitoring cardiovascular performance. The watch also includes features like HRV status and VO2 max estimation, which utilize heart rate data to provide insights into fitness levels and training readiness.

GPS accuracy

The multi-band GPS system in the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar ensures high accuracy in location tracking. This feature is particularly beneficial for runners and athletes who train in challenging environments where GPS signals may be weak or obstructed. The watch's GPS capabilities allow for precise distance and route tracking, enhancing the overall training experience. This makes it a valuable tool for athletes who require reliable navigation and performance data.

Sleep tracking

The Forerunner 955 Solar offers advanced sleep tracking features, providing insights into sleep quality and patterns. It tracks various sleep stages and offers a detailed analysis of sleep history, helping users understand their recovery needs. This feature is particularly useful for athletes who need to optimize their rest and recovery to enhance performance. The watch's sleep tracking capabilities contribute to a comprehensive understanding of overall health and wellness.

Virtual coach and recovery

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar includes a virtual coach feature that provides personalized training guidance based on various metrics like HRV status, training load, and recovery time. This feature helps athletes optimize their training by offering insights into readiness and fatigue levels. The watch also includes recovery tracking, which analyzes sleep and recovery data to suggest appropriate rest periods. These features make it an excellent tool for athletes looking to improve their performance and prevent overtraining.

Who should buy the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar?


The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is ideal for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts who require advanced tracking features and long battery life. Its solar charging capability makes it suitable for long-distance runners and outdoor adventurers who need a reliable watch for extended activities. The watch's comprehensive health and fitness tracking features, including HRV status and VO2 max estimation, provide valuable insights for those looking to optimize their training. Additionally, its multi-band GPS ensures accurate location tracking, making it a great choice for athletes who train in challenging environments.

Who should not buy the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar?


The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar may not be the best choice for casual users or those who do not require advanced tracking features. Its extensive capabilities and higher price point might be unnecessary for individuals who only need basic fitness tracking. Additionally, those who prefer a more compact and lightweight watch might find the Forerunner 955 Solar's size and weight less appealing. Users who are not engaged in long-distance or outdoor activities may not fully benefit from the solar charging feature. For those seeking a simpler and more affordable option, the Garmin Forerunner 245 or the Garmin Forerunner 35 could be more suitable alternatives.

Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar: What's it good for?


The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is well-suited for running and triathlon training, offering precise tracking and performance insights. Its solar charging capability makes it ideal for long-distance running and outdoor adventures, ensuring extended battery life. The watch's advanced features, such as HRV status and VO2 max estimation, provide valuable data for athletes looking to optimize their training. With its multi-band GPS, the Forerunner 955 Solar is perfect for athletes who train in challenging environments, offering reliable navigation and performance tracking.

5 Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar FAQs


How does the solar charging feature work on the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar?

The solar charging feature on the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar extends battery life by harnessing solar energy through a transparent solar panel on the watch face. This allows the watch to last longer during outdoor activities, especially in sunny conditions.

What is the battery life of the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar in GPS mode?

In GPS mode, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar can last up to 42 hours, and with sufficient solar exposure, it can extend up to 49 hours. This makes it suitable for long-distance running and outdoor adventures.

Does the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar have music playback capabilities?

Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar supports music playback and can store up to 2,000 songs. It allows users to download tracks from popular music services like Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music for offline listening.

How accurate is the GPS on the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar?

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar features a multi-band GPS system that provides high accuracy in location tracking, even in challenging environments. This ensures precise distance and route tracking for athletes.

What health and fitness features does the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar offer?

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar includes advanced health and fitness features such as HRV status, VO2 max estimation, training readiness, and sleep tracking. These features provide valuable insights for optimizing training and recovery.

Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar alternatives

bestDealShow prices
priceBand
Price band
released
Released
Jun 2022
Oct 2022Oct 2022Oct 2022Aug 2024
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Expert Review Score












Battery life
Battery life
480 hours
288 hours
288 hours
288 hours
2160 hours
288 hours
Battery life – GPS mode
Battery life – GPS mode
49 hours
28 hours
28 hours
28 hours
320 hours
28 hours
Screen size
Screen size
33 mm
30 mm
30 mm
30 mm
36 mm
30 mm
Weight
Weight
53 g
87 g
88 g
94 g
63 g
95 g
Height
Height
47 mm
46 mm
46 mm
46 mm
51 mm
46 mm
Resolution
Resolution
260 x 260 px
240 x 240 px
240 x 240 px
240 x 240 px
280 x 280 px
240 x 240 px
Waterproof depth
Waterproof depth
50 m
100 m
100 m
100 m
100 m
100 m
Pixel density
Pixel density
282 ppi
283 ppi
283 ppi
283 ppi
282 ppi
283 ppi
Internal storage
Internal storage
32 GB
32 GB
32 GB
32 GB
32 GB
Health tracking features
Health tracking features
BMI trackingCalorie burn trackingCalorie intake trackingPeriod notificationsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingWeight tracking
BMI trackingCalorie burn trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingBMI trackingCalorie burn trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingBMI trackingCalorie burn trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingBMI trackingCalorie burn trackingCalorie intake trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingWeight trackingBMI trackingCalorie burn trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake tracking
Sensors
Sensors
AccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitor
AccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorCadence sensorCompassGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorCadence sensorCompassGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorCadence sensorCompassGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassFast GPS lockGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitorMonitors perspirationAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorCadence sensorCompassGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitor
Alerts
Alerts
Inactivity alertsIrregular heart rate warningsSilent alarmVibrating alerts
Inactivity alertsSilent alarmVibrating alertsVoice feedbackInactivity alertsSilent alarmVibrating alertsVoice feedbackInactivity alertsIrregular heart rate warningsSilent alarmVibrating alertsVoice feedbackInactivity alertsIrregular heart rate warningsSilent alarmThunderstorm warningsVibrating alertsVoice feedbackInactivity alertsSilent alarmThunderstorm warningsVibrating alertsVoice feedback
Screen features
Screen features
Always-on displayDamage resistant glassTouch screen
Always-on displaySapphire glassAlways-on displaySapphire glassAlways-on displaySapphire glassAlways-on displaySapphire glassTouch screenAlways-on displaySapphire glass
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Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar: 2 Expert video reviews

Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+131)
BrandGarmin (+87)
FeaturesAchievements (+90)Auto pause (+88)Calendar sync (+61)Call control (+81)Fall detection (+45)has fast/slow heart rate notifications (+83)has HRV tracking (+74)measures resting heart rate (+87)measures VO2 max (+82)Multi-sport mode (+82)Music playback (+76)Phone locator (+81)Shows readiness level (+58)Social network integration (+54)Sunrise/sunset time (+74)Uploadable maps (+56)Widgets (+79)
Activity Tracking FeaturesActivity detection (+99)Activity tagging (+98)Coaching (+73)Distance tracking (+112)Elevation tracking (+103)Goal setting (+80)Live tracking (+55)Pace measurement (+111)Route uploads (+72)Steps tracking (+112)Swim stroke counter (+90)Swim stroke recognition (+47)Trackback mode (+71)
Health tracking featuresBMI tracking (+54)Calorie burn tracking (+97)Calorie intake tracking (+34)Period notifications (+58)Sleep tracking (+94)Temperature tracking (+60)Water intake tracking (+51)Weight tracking (+45)
Connectivity TypesANT+ (+82)Automatic syncing (+52)Cloud syncing (+54)NFC (+58)Wi-Fi (+60)Wireless syncing (+64)
SensorsAccelerometer (+110)Barometer (+91)Blood oxygenation monitor (+74)Body temperature sensor (+70)Compass (+98)Galileo (+62)GPS (+110)Gyroscope (+80)Heart rate monitor (+104)
WaterproofingsIP67 (+88)Sweat resistant (+94)
AlertsInactivity alerts (+81)Irregular heart rate warnings (+42)Silent alarm (+80)Vibrating alerts (+84)
Supported peripheralsCompatible heart monitor (+90)Compatible smart scales (+64)
Screen featuresAlways-on display (+81)Damage resistant glass (+38)Touch screen (+42)
Battery featuresBattery level indicator (+63)Rechargeable battery (+113)Solar power (+24)
ColorwaysBlack, White
Specificationsvs Average
Model
955 Solar
Released
Jun 2022
System
Internal storage
32 GB
Measurements
Volume
31 cm³
Strap width
22 mm
Width
47 mm
Height
47 mm
Thickness
14 mm
Weight
53 g
Waterproofing
Waterproof depth
50 m
Screen
Pixel density
282 ppi
Resolution
260 x 260 px
Screen size
33 mm
Battery
Battery life – GPS mode
49 hours
Battery life
480 hours
Temperature
Min. temperature
-20 °C
Max. temperature
60 °C

Evolution of the ​Garmin Forerunner product family

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%