This time we would like to compare the Garmin Forerunner 945 vs 955 and share the key differences between them. Both smart watches are the top running watches of the Garmin Forerunner Series and are packed with tons of features. So, you might be wondering that the upgrades on the new Forerunner 955 are convicing enough to pick it up or not. Indeed, the main question is what are the differences between the Forerunner 945 and the 955?
Generally speaking, the Forerunner 955 has essential and major updates compared to the Forerunner 945. So, that the new 955 is way better than the 945 and we will explain why. First, you can check the table we have put together for you to help you better understand side-by-side comparison of Forerunner 945 vs 955. You can see the highlighted items in bold on the Forerunner 955 which is not included in the 945.
| Comparison of# | Forerunner 945 | Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Latest Price Tag | Rates on Amazon | Rates on Amazon 955 / 955 Solar |
| Lens Material | Corning® Gorilla® Glass DX | Corning® Gorilla® Glass DX Power Glass Solar Charging Lens |
| QuickFit™ watch band compatible | yes (22 mm compatible) | yes (22 mm compatible) |
| Physical size | 47 x 47 x 13.7 mm Fits wrists with a circumference of 130-220 mm | 46.5 x 46.5 x 14.4 (mm) Fits wrists with a circumference of 130-220 mm |
| Display resolution | 240 x 240 pixels | 260 x 260 pixels |
| Battery life | Smartwatch Mode: Up to 2 weeks GPS mode with music: Up to 10 hours GPS mode without music: Up to 36 hours | Smartwatch mode: Up to 15 days/20 days with solar* GPS-only mode without music: Up to 42 hours/49 hours with solar* All-Systems GNSS mode plus Multi-Band with music: Up to 8.5 hours All Systems GNSS mode plus Multi-Band without music: Up to 20 hours/22 hours with solar* Ultratrac mode: Up to 80 hours/110 hours with solar* |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth®, ANT+®, Wi-Fi® | Bluetooth®, ANT+®, Wi-Fi® |
| Music storage | Up to 1000 songs | Up to 2000 songs |
| Memory | Up to 200 hours of activity | 32 GB |
| Highlighted Sensors & Features | Barometric Altimeter Heart Rate Monitor GPS & GLONASS & GALILEO Accelerometer Gyroscope Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Compass Thermometer | Multi-Frequency Positioning Barometric Altimeter Heart Rate Monitor GPS & GLONASS & GALILEO Accelerometer Gyroscope Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Compass Thermometer HRV Status Touch Screen |
In case, you need a long story short answer for which one to pick Forerunner 945 or 955; We would recommend the Forerunner 955, if you can afford it. The upgrades and the new features on the Forerunner 955 that we will explain in detail later on this section are very nice to have. But, since it is a high-end & top notch product, the Forerunner 955 is more expensive than the Forerunner 945. If you are looking for just a premium running watch, then you can find the Forerunner 945 on SALE.
Now, let’s talk about the upgrades and key differences between the Frorerunner 945 and the 955:
Forerunner 945 vs 955: Updates and Key Differences
Here we have listed the updates and key differences betweeen the Forerunner 945 and the 955:
- The Forerunner 955 comes with also a Solar model with power glass solar charging lens which provides an extended battery-life compared to the standard model of the 955. On the other hand, the Forerunner 945 does not have any solar option.
- But, the Forerunner 945 has LTE model in addition to its standard model. The 945 LTE is integrated to cellular technology and more compact, but more expensive than its standard model. Anyway, the Forerunner 955 does not have LTE model option.
- The Forerunner 955 is slightly thicker than the Forerunner 945. This was an necessary change to include all upgrades, new sensors and features on the 955.
- When it comes to the screen resolution, the new Forerunner 955 has 260 x 260 pixels. On the other hand, the Forerunner 945 has 240 x 240 pixels.
- More importantly, the Forerunner 955 has a touch screen as well as the 5-buttons that comes with the Forerunner 945. The touchscreen may not be as responsive as you might expect, especially in bad weather conditions. Also, it could be hard to control the full functionality while running. Therefore, the 5-buttons are still included. Yet, the addition of touch screen helps the Forerunner 955 to compete with its contenders.
- Both Forerunner 955 and the 955 Solar has a better battery-life compared to the Forerunner 945. You can check out the battery-life comparison section, since there is a lot to talk about.
- The old version Forerunner 945 has a capacity of storing songs up to 1000. This has been increased to the 2000 songs in the new Forerunner 955.
- Considering the activity tracking, the Forerunner 945 has 200-hours of data recording. On the other hand, the Forerunner 955 has 32 GB memory to track and record data which is way better than what Forerunner 945 can offer.
- One more point, a new sensor has been incorporated into the Forerunner 955, which is used for multi-frequency positioning. Therefore, the accuracy of GPS positioning has been improved in the Forerunner 955 compared to the Forerunner 945. In a nutshell, the Forerunner 955 will give more consistent track logs and great accuracy when you are using it in challenging environments.
- Finally, the Forerunner 955 has HRV feature which provides a stress score based on your heart rate variability (HRV) in last three-minutes. On the other hand, the Forerunner 945 lacks this feature.
Design
The Garmin Forerunner 955 has had some improvements on its design. The watch is now more compact as it comes in a smaller case of 46.5 millimeters in diameter (Forerunner 955) as opposed to 47 millimeters (Forerunner 945). But, the Forerunner 955 is slightly haevier compared to the Forerunner 945, since it is thicker.
You also get some new colors to choose from like white, black, and triathlon pack, and yellow.
New Features
The Forerunner 955 also has some new innovative features. For your sport profiles, the Garmin has been doing some additions with stuff like swim run, ultra-deep, electric mountain bike etc.
You also get a 4th generation optical heart rate sensor and access to the 24/7 Garmin Global Emergency Response.
Also, the Forerunner 955 has additional features compared to the Forerunner 945; like improved recovery time, relaxation reminders, two new features for golf, handicap scoring, and pin pointer and improved internal work.
Battery Life Compared for 955 vs 945
The Forerunner 955 has a longer battery life than the Forerunner 945. The table below summarizes the battery-life expectancy of Forerunner 945 vs 955:
| Comparison of# | Forerunner 945 | Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Smartwatch Mode: Up to 2 weeks GPS mode with music: Up to 10 hours GPS mode without music: Up to 36 hours | Smartwatch mode: Up to 15 days/20 days with solar* GPS-only mode without music: Up to 42 hours/49 hours with solar* All-Systems GNSS mode plus Multi-Band with music: Up to 8.5 hours All Systems GNSS mode plus Multi-Band without music: Up to 20 hours/22 hours with solar* Ultra-trac mode: Up to 80 hours/110 hours with solar* |
Forerunner 945 and 955: Similarities
The common features and sensors on both Forerunner 945 and 955 are as follows:
- Glonass, GPS, Galileo
- Heart rate monitor
- Blood saturation monitor
- Gyroscope
- Accelerometer and thermometer
- Garmin Play
- MP3 Player
- Advanced Training Tools
- Round Trip Course generator
- Fall Detection and assistance
- Climb Pro and Mapping
- Water Resistance up to 5 ATM
Bottom-line for Garmin Forerunner 945 vs 955
Our verdict for Garmin Forerunner 945 vs 955: The Garmin Forerunner 955 is better than the Forerunner 945. The updates and changes on the Forerunner 955 are great . However, it is more expensive than the Forerunner 945.
So here is the question: Is the Garmin Forerunner 955 worth it? If you cannot afford the 955 version, don’t worry the standard Forerunner 945 is still the best running watch out there.
If you have enough budged, we definitely recommend Garmin Forerunner 955 since it has tons of new features, upgrades and sensors.
Here is the list of our articles that you may want to read about Garmin Smart Watches:
- Compare Forerunner 45 vs 55
- Compare Forerunner 245 vs 255
- Comparison for Instinct vs Fenix 7
- Differences between Venu 2 vs Vivoactive 4
- Guide for Apple Watch 7 vs Garmin Fenix 7
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 955 support and how to use video:
Introduction to Garmin Forerunner 955 and its user manual: https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-9D99A9D4-467A-4F1A-A0EA-023184FEA3DD/EN-US/Forerunner_955_OM_shared_EN-US.pdf