If you’re looking for an affordable yet feature-packed GPS running watch, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is one of the best options available. Designed for beginner and intermediate runners, this lightweight smartwatch comes with built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, running metrics, and excellent battery life—all without breaking the bank.
In this blog, we’ll explore the design, key features, fitness tracking capabilities, battery life, pros & cons, and whether the Forerunner 55 is worth your money.
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
The Garmin Forerunner 55 may not be the most stylish smartwatch out there, but it prioritizes comfort, durability, and functionality—making it a perfect choice for runners.
Lightweight and Comfortable
- Weighing just 37g, it’s super light, so you barely feel it on your wrist during long runs.
- The silicone strap is flexible and comfortable for all-day wear.
Display and Buttons
- Features a 1.04-inch color display (not touchscreen, but clear and easy to read in sunlight).
- 5 physical buttons make navigation simple, especially during workouts—no touchscreen fumbling!
- Display resolution: 208 x 208 pixels, providing decent visibility.
Durability
- Water-resistant up to 5 ATM, meaning it’s safe for swimming and showering.
- The sturdy plastic casing makes it shock-resistant and built to last.
- Easy-to-use running watch monitors heart rate (this is not a medical device) at the wrist and uses GPS to track how far,…
- Battery life: up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode; up to 20 hours in GPS mode
- Plan your race day strategy with the PacePro feature (not compatible with on-device courses), which offers GPS-based pac…
Key Features of the Garmin Forerunner 55
The Forerunner 55 may be a budget GPS watch, but it still comes packed with essential running and fitness features.
1. Built-in GPS for Accurate Tracking
- Supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for precise distance, speed, and route tracking.
- No need to carry your phone for GPS tracking!
2. Heart Rate Monitoring
- Uses Garmin Elevate™ wrist-based heart rate sensor.
- Tracks real-time heart rate, resting heart rate, and alerts for abnormal heart rates.
3. Running-Focused Features
- PacePro™: Guides you to maintain an optimal pace during races or training runs.
- Predicted Race Time: Estimates how long you’ll take to complete a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon.
- Daily Suggested Workouts: Personalized training suggestions based on your fitness level.
4. Advanced Fitness Tracking
- VO2 Max Estimation: Measures cardio fitness levels and helps track progress.
- Cadence Alerts: Notifies you to maintain an efficient running cadence (ideal is ~180 steps per minute).
- Recovery Time Advisor: Tells you how long to rest before your next intense workout.
5. Sports Modes
- Not just for running! Supports cycling, swimming, yoga, Pilates, HIIT, and more.
- Automatic step tracking and calorie burn estimation.
6. Women’s Health Tracking
- Tracks menstrual cycles and pregnancy with health insights and reminders.
7. Smartwatch Features
- Smart notifications for calls, texts, and app alerts (only viewing, no replies).
- Music controls (but no onboard music storage).
- Garmin Connect App compatibility for syncing workouts and tracking progress.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the best things about the Forerunner 55 is its incredible battery life.
- Up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode (heart rate tracking + notifications).
- Up to 20 hours in GPS mode (perfect for marathon runners).
- Fast charging: Takes about 2 hours for a full charge.
Compared to Apple Watches and other smartwatches that barely last a day, the Forerunner 55 easily lasts over a week with regular use.
How Does It Compare to Other Budget Running Watches?
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 55 | Coros Pace 2 | Fitbit Charge 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in GPS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Pace Guidance | ✅ Yes (PacePro) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| VO2 Max Tracking | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Water Resistance | ✅ 5 ATM | ✅ 5 ATM | ✅ 5 ATM |
| Battery Life (GPS mode) | 20 hours | 30 hours | 7 hours |
| Music Storage | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Price | 💲199 | 💲249 | 💲149 |
The Garmin Forerunner 55 offers more running-focused features than the Fitbit Charge 5, while being more affordable than the Coros Pace 2.
Pros and Cons of the Garmin Forerunner 55
✅ Pros
✔️ Affordable price ($199) for a GPS running watch.
✔️ Lightweight and comfortable for long runs.
✔️ Accurate GPS tracking (no phone needed).
✔️ Excellent battery life (up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode).
✔️ Advanced running features (PacePro, VO2 Max, Race Predictor).
✔️ Simple button navigation (great for sweaty hands).
✔️ Water-resistant (5 ATM), suitable for swimming.
❌ Cons
❌ No touchscreen (buttons only).
❌ No built-in music storage (you need your phone for music).
❌ Limited smartwatch features (no contactless payments or app store).
❌ Basic design (not as stylish as other smartwatches).
Who Should Buy the Garmin Forerunner 55?
✅ Buy it if:
✔️ You’re a beginner or intermediate runner who wants accurate GPS and training tools.
✔️ You need a lightweight, long-lasting watch for running and workouts.
✔️ You want basic smartwatch features without the extra cost of high-end watches.
✔️ You want a simple, easy-to-use fitness watch.
🚫 Skip it if:
❌ You need built-in music storage (Garmin Forerunner 245 Music or Vivoactive 4 are better options).
❌ You want a stylish, premium-looking smartwatch (Apple Watch or Garmin Venu 3S is better).
❌ You need contactless payments or third-party apps.
Final Verdict: Is the Garmin Forerunner 55 Worth It?
For $199, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is one of the best budget running watches on the market. It offers accurate GPS, heart rate monitoring, running metrics, and long battery life—all in a lightweight and affordable package.
If you’re a runner looking for an entry-level GPS watch with great performance, the Forerunner 55 is a fantastic choice. However, if you want built-in music, touchscreen, or smartwatch features, you may need to consider higher-end options. Click here to go to Amazon.com
⭐ Rating: 9/10 – Excellent for beginner and budget-conscious runners! ⭐
FAQs About Garmin Forerunner 55
1. Does the Forerunner 55 have built-in music storage?
No, it can control music from your phone, but it doesn’t store music on the watch.
2. Can I wear it while swimming?
Yes! It has 5 ATM water resistance, so it’s safe for swimming and showering.
3. Does it have SpO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring?
No, the Forerunner 55 does not track blood oxygen levels.
4. How accurate is the GPS?
The GPS is highly accurate, thanks to GLONASS and Galileo satellite support.
5. Can I make calls or reply to messages?
No, you can receive notifications but cannot reply to messages or make calls.
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