Since the Garmin announced the Forerunner 55 which is a new, entry-level, simple to use and dedicated running watch, we would like to compare Garmin Forerunner 45 vs 55 side by side.
Here is the table that we have put together to help you better understand the overall review for Garmin Forerunner 55:
| Review for | Garmin Forerunner 55 |
|---|---|
| Latest Price Tag | Rates on Amazon |
| Lens Material | Chemically strengthened glass |
| Material | Case Fiber Rainforced / Bezel Stainless Steel |
| QuickFit™ watch band compatible | yes (20 mm, Industry standard) |
| Physical size | 42 x 42 x 11.6 mm |
| Display Type | Transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
| Display resolution | 208 x 208 pixels |
| Battery life | Smartwatch Mode: Up to 14 days GPS mode: Up to 20 hours |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth®, ANT+® |
| On-Device Music Storage | No |
| Smart Phone Music Control | Yes |
| Make calls, send texts & Emails | No |
| Memory | Up to 200 hours of activity |
| Highlighted Sensors & Features | Heart Rate Monitor GPS & GLONASS & GALILEO Accelerometer |
Key Differences between Forerunner 45 and 55
Here is the complete list for the key differences between Garmin Forerunner 45 and 55:
The Forerunner 55 is kind of an updated or next step up from the very popular Garmin Forerunner 45 which has been around since 2019. There are three features that stand out for us with the new Garmin Forerunner 55 compared to the Garmin Forerunner 45.
The first, what we expect from a running watch to estimate the finish time during the race. So, you wouldn’t have to keep recalculation your pace. We are so excited to see that this new feature is now built into the Forerunner 55. On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 45 and 45S do not have it.
The second most noticeable upgrade on the Garmin Forerunner 55 is the improved battery life which is pretty much doubles that of the Garmin Forerunner 45. The Forerunner 55 has two weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode.
Also, we loved the addition of track run mode a dedicated built-in application for accurate workout data when doing those important track sessions as part of your marathon training.
There are many more additional features built into the Garmin Forerunner 55 compared to the Garmin Forerunner 45. The ones we mentioned are the ones that we found most interesting. Also, we found these reasons enough to consider buying the Forerunner 55 over the Forerunner 45.
The core features of both are the same, such as always on display that’s clear and easy to read in bright sunlight. When you are at your most tired during those runs with sweat in your eyes and for nighttime training there is also an excellent backlight and no fiddly touchscreen with just five intuitive easy to use push buttons.
You also get the same 5 ATM water resistance which means you don’t have to worry about jumping into the sea or pool with both Forerunner 45 and 55. After that long hot run, it won’t track any of your data from your swim.
Garmin offers smart watches with open water swimming profiles including our Garmin Instinct Solar with 100 meters water resistance. But, a swimming profile mode of Forerunner 55 is another thing to consider the Garmin Forerunner 55 instead of Forerunner 45.
One more key difference between the Forerunner 45 and the 55 is the case size options. The Garmin Forerunner 55 is only available as 42 millimeter. The Forerunner 45 has also 42 millimeter option. But, you have the option of the 45S which has the same display size but in a smaller case size of 39 millimeters and with a shorter strap length. This could be a much better choice for runners with smaller wrists when comparing the 45 and the 55.
So, if you’re looking for a small size, light and comfortable fully capable running watch at the lowest possible price, then the Forerunner 45S is still a fantastic GPS running watch with built-in heart rate monitor on the wrist and with a fantastic battery life for just 149 dollars or less.
You can check the latest deals & discounts on Amazon through the following links:
Bottom-line Garmin Forerunner 45 vs 55
Our verdict for Garmin Forerunner 45 vs 55 comparison is to go with Forerunner 55. There are two main reasons behind our final verdict. The first one is Forerunner 55 has a better battery-life compared to the Forerunner 45. The second, it can re-calculate and estimate finish time during a race.
If you already pick your running watch and looking for running shoes, we have prepared some articles which will help you to make an easy decision for Running Shoes Selection:
- Compare Brooks vs Asics – Complete List
- Best Brooks Running Shoes – Activity Specific
- Best Running Shoes for Men & Women – Selection Guide
References:
Garmin Forerunner 55 support and how to use video:
Introduction to Garmin Forerunner 55 and its user manual: https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-3A791586-B59F-4B37-B9C5-5A41F8C6BE0B/EN-US/Forerunner_55_OM_EN-US.pdf
FAQ for the Garmin Forerunner 55 Review:
What can Garmin Forerunner 55 do?
Here is the full list for what Garmin Forerunner 55 can do:
- Wrist based heart rate monitoring
- Built-in GPS tracks: Including distance, intervals, and pace
- Cadence alerts: Checking the target range
- Recovery advisor
- Accelerometer to provide speed and distance in door when no GPS available.
- Built-in sports trackers for swimming, hiking, etc.
- 5 ATM water resistance
- Can control smartphone music
- Cannot store music
- NO Garmin Pay
- No touch screen, but buttons
What is Garmin Forerunner 55 for?
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an entry level smart watch dedicated to running. It includes all necessary features (activity tracking features) which are expected from a running smart watch. Also, it can track hiking, swimming performance metrics as well as running.
How is the Garmin Forerunner 55’s accuracy?
The accuracy of a smart watch is related to the GPS receivers and the Forerunner 55 has +/- 3 meters (10 feet) of GPS accuracy.
Can you Answer call on Garmin Forerunner 55?
Unfortunately, it not possible to directly reply the notifications on your smart phone via Forerunner 55. Therefore, you cannot answer a call on Garmin Forerunner 55. But, it is compatible to smart phones, so you can see notifications on the screen.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 55 worth it?
Yes, the Forerunner 55 is one of the best entry level running watch, and worth buying. There are many extra additional features comes with the 55 compared to the older 45. If you already have Forerunner 45, the extra features may not be enough to upgrade the Forerunner 45 with the Forerunner 55. But, if you don’t have a smart watch for running, or you think your existing smart watch is very old, then we highly recommend considering buying Forerunner 55.
Does Garmin Forerunner 55 have maps?
The Garmin Forerunner does not have preloaded topographical, road or trail maps. It does not support this feature. But, the Garmin GPS map is included in all Forerunner series.
Does Garmin Forerunner 55 have music?
Not exactly, the Forerunner 55 does not store music! But, it can control the smart phone music.