Garmin Forerunner 55 Review: A Closer Look at the Best Running Watch

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Welcome to the Garmin Forerunner 55 Review – where we unravel the excellence of the best running watch in the market. The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a robust sports watch that caters to fitness enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive set of features and specifications to enhance the overall workout and training experience.

In this detailed review, we will delve into its design, display, sensors, connectivity, battery life, and additional features, offering a comprehensive overview for those considering this smartwatch for their fitness needs.

Garmin Forerunner 55 Spec

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a GPS smartwatch designed specifically for runners, but it also offers features for other activities and general health tracking. Here’s a summary of its key specifications:

Feature Forerunner 55 Specifications
Product TypeSport watch
Supported OSiOS, Android
Wearing StyleWatch style
Dimensions42 mm (Width) x 42 mm (Height) x 11.6 mm (Depth)
Weight37 g
WaterproofYes
Display TypeMemory-in-Pixel LCD – color – transflective
Display Size1.04″
Display Resolution208 x 208 pixels
Screen ProtectionChemically strengthened glass
SensorsAccelerometer, Optical heart rate sensor
Tracking DataDistance, Time, Speed, Calories burned, Sleep activity, Heart rate, Stress level
Goal SettingYes
Additional FeaturesMusic remote handling, Idle alert, Garmin Connect compatible, Body Battery
NotificationsCalendar, Email, Social apps
Vibrating AlertYes
Navigation (GPS)GPS receiver
ConnectivityBluetooth, ANT+
Battery Life14 days (Smartwatch mode), Up to 20 hours (GPS mode)
Rechargeable BatteryYes

Garmin Forerunner 55 Pros and Cons

POSITIVES
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Up to 14 days Long battery life
  • Garmin Connect Compatibility
  • Comprehensive Fitness Tracking
  • PacePro, suggested workouts,
NEGATIVES
  • No Built-in Music Storage
  • No interchangeable bands
  • Limited Color Options

Garmin Forerunner 55 Review

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a standout in the world of sports watches, designed specifically for individuals passionate about fitness.

This review will thoroughly explore its design, performance, features, and overall suitability for individuals dedicated to their fitness journey.

Garmin Forerunner 55 Design

Garmin Forerunner 55 Review
(Image Credit to Garmin. com)

The Garmin Forerunner 55 boasts a round case shape with a width and height of 42 mm, giving it a sleek and stylish appearance.

The watch is relatively thin, with a depth of 11.6 mm, making it comfortable to wear during various activities. The lightweight design, weighing only 37 g, ensures that it won’t be a burden on your wrist, even during extended workouts.

The watch comes with a 5ATM(50m) waterproof feature, adding versatility to its usage. Whether you’re sweating it out in the gym or going for a swim, the Garmin Forerunner 55 can withstand water exposure, providing durability and reliability for users with an active lifestyle.

The available colour option, Monterra Grey, adds a touch of personalization to the overall aesthetic.

Forerunner 55 Display

The Forerunner 55 features a vibrant 1.04″ Memory-in-Pixel LCD screen with a transflective color display. The 208 x 208-pixel resolution ensures sharp and clear visuals, allowing users to easily read and navigate through the watch’s interface.

The use of chemically strengthened glass for screen protection adds an extra layer of durability, protecting the display from scratches and potential damage during intense workouts.

The touch buttons on the watch provide an intuitive input method, allowing users to interact with the device seamlessly.

The combination of the round case and interactive touch buttons contributes to an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly design.

Garmin Forerunner 55 Sensors

Garmin Forerunner 55 vs Forerunner 245 Spec

Equipped with advanced sensors, the Forerunner 55 ensures accurate and comprehensive tracking of various fitness metrics. The inclusion of an accelerometer allows for precise measurement of movement and intensity during workouts.

Additionally, the optical heart sensor provides real-time heart rate data, enabling users to monitor their cardiovascular activity and optimize their training intensity.

The Forerunner 55 goes beyond basic tracking, offering a range of data points that include distance, time, speed, calories burned, sleep activity, and stress level.

This wealth of information provides users with valuable insights into their overall health and fitness, supporting them in making informed decisions about their training routines and recovery.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Forerunner 55 supports both iOS and Android devices. This cross-compatibility ensures a wide range of users can seamlessly integrate the smartwatch into their daily lives, regardless of their preferred mobile platform.

The wireless interfaces, Bluetooth and ANT+, enable efficient data transfer and communication with other compatible devices and accessories.

The inclusion of a GPS receiver enhances the watch’s navigational capabilities. Whether you’re exploring new running routes or tracking your progress during outdoor activities, the Forerunner 55’s GPS functionality provides accurate location data, adding a layer of precision to your fitness tracking.

Health Tracking

Forerunner 55 vs 245

In addition to its focus on activity and sleep tracking, the Forerunner 55 incorporates a range of health monitoring features.

These features contribute to a holistic approach to well-being, allowing users to track various aspects of their health beyond physical activity.

The health tracking capabilities of the Forerunner 55 include:

Steps Monitoring

Garmin-Forerunner-745-vs-Forerunner-945-design-and-build

The watch monitors daily steps and provides users with notifications or vibrations upon reaching their recommended daily step goal.

This feature encourages users to stay active throughout the day, promoting a more active and health-conscious lifestyle.

Respiration Rate

The Forerunner 55 measures respiration rate, providing insights into the user’s breathing patterns.

Monitoring respiration rate can be valuable for assessing stress levels and overall respiratory health.

The watch offers users a comprehensive view of their respiratory metrics, contributing to a more holistic understanding of well-being.

Stress Levels

The watch includes stress tracking features, allowing users to assess their stress levels throughout the day.

Stress levels are influenced by factors such as physical activity, sleep quality, and other stressors.

By providing stress-related insights, the Forerunner 55 empowers users to make lifestyle adjustments to manage stress effectively.

Calories Burned

The Forerunner 55 calculates and displays the calories burned during activities. This metric is essential for users aiming to manage their weight or achieve specific fitness goals.

The watch provides real-time feedback on calorie expenditure, contributing to informed decision-making regarding diet and exercise.

Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy Tracking

The Forerunner 55 includes features for menstrual cycle tracking, allowing users to log and monitor menstrual cycles.

Additionally, the watch offers pregnancy tracking features, providing information and insights for users navigating pregnancy. These features cater to female users seeking comprehensive health-tracking tools.

Also See:- 5 Best Garmin Watches for Women in 2024 : Finding Your Perfect Fit

Body Battery

An exclusive feature of Garmin watches, the Body Battery has a numerical score ranging from 0 to 100. It takes into account factors such as Heart Rate Variability (HRV), stress levels, and activity to estimate the user’s energy reserves throughout the day.

Moments of rest or sleep contribute to “charging” the Body Battery. At the same time, periods of stress and activity result in “draining” the battery. This feature provides users with valuable insights into their overall energy levels, assisting in planning and optimizing daily activities.

The inclusion of these health-tracking features aligns with Garmin’s commitment to offering comprehensive wellness solutions. The Forerunner 55 extends its utility beyond fitness tracking, catering to users interested in holistic health monitoring.

The ability to track stress levels, respiration rate, and menstrual cycles adds depth to the watch’s functionality, making it a valuable tool for users prioritizing overall well-being.

Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Smartwatch

Garmin Forerunner 55 vs 245

The Forerunner 55 stands out with its built-in GPS functionality, a crucial feature for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. The inclusion of GPS enables the watch to provide accurate and real-time information on pace, distance, and time during outdoor activities, enhancing the overall tracking and performance analysis.

One notable improvement from its predecessor, the Forerunner 45, is the quick acquisition of GPS signals on the Forerunner 55. Users report that the watch consistently locks onto GPS signals in under five seconds, representing a significant enhancement in speed compared to the Forerunner 45.

In addition to basic GPS functionality, the Forerunner 55 incorporates innovative safety features related to GPS. The watch includes incident detection, a feature that allows users to send a message to selected contacts in case of a fall or emergency during an activity.

While this feature adds an extra layer of safety, it requires users to carry their connected smartphone during runs. For those who prefer a phone-free running experience, alternative Garmin models like the Forerunner 945 LTE might be more suitable.

Another noteworthy GPS-related feature is “LiveTrack,” allowing friends and family to view the user’s real-time location during athletic pursuits. This feature serves both practical and social purposes, offering a sense of security to loved ones while also enabling shared experiences during activities like Turkey Trots.

Overall, the Forerunner 55’s GPS capabilities contribute significantly to its appeal as a dedicated running watch. The combination of quick signal acquisition, reliable tracking, and safety features enhances the overall user experience, catering to the needs of runners who prioritize accuracy and functionality.

Garmin Forerunner 55 Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Forerunner 55 is its impressive battery life. With a 14-day battery life in smartwatch mode, users can enjoy extended usage without the need for frequent recharging.

For those engaging in longer activities that require GPS tracking, the watch offers up to 20 hours of battery life in GPS mode.

The rechargeable battery ensures convenience, allowing users to power up their device quickly for uninterrupted tracking and notifications.

Garmin Forerunner 55 Additional Features

The Forerunner 55 comes packed with additional features that enhance its functionality as a fitness companion. The watch supports goal setting, empowering users to define and achieve their fitness objectives.

Whether it’s reaching a certain distance, improving speed, or maintaining a specific heart rate zone, the Forerunner 55 provides the tools to set and track goals effectively.

Music remote handling is another noteworthy feature, allowing users to control their music playback directly from the watch. This convenience eliminates the need to reach for a smartphone during workouts, providing a seamless and hands-free experience.

The idle alert feature serves as a reminder to stay active, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle even during periods of inactivity.

Garmin Connect compatibility further extends the watch’s capabilities. Users can sync their data with the Garmin Connect app, gaining access to in-depth analytics, training plans, and a community of like-minded individuals.

This connectivity fosters a supportive and motivating environment for users striving to improve their fitness levels.

The inclusion of Body Battery adds a unique dimension to the Forerunner 55’s features. This innovative metric takes into account various physiological factors to provide users with insights into their energy levels throughout the day.

By understanding their Body Battery, users can make informed decisions about when to push themselves during workouts and when to prioritize rest and recovery.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 55 stands out as a versatile and feature-rich sports watch catering to the needs of fitness enthusiasts. Its well-designed, waterproof exterior ensures durability, while the vibrant display and touch buttons provide a user-friendly interface.

With advanced sensors for accurate fitness tracking, extensive connectivity options, impressive battery life, and additional features like goal setting and Body Battery, the Forerunner 55 proves to be a reliable companion for individuals looking to optimize their workouts and overall health.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone embarking on a fitness journey, the Forerunner 55 offers a comprehensive set of tools to support your goals.

Its seamless integration with both iOS and Android devices, along with the convenience of wireless connectivity and GPS, makes it a versatile choice for users with diverse preferences and requirements.

Invest in the Garmin Forerunner 55 for a smartwatch that not only keeps up with your active lifestyle but also provides the insights and motivation needed to achieve your fitness aspirations.

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Sunil Bhatt

Sunil Bhatt: Accomplished IT professional, passionate blogger, and tech enthusiast. Expertise in exploring gadgets, empowering readers with insights and informed decisions. Dedicated to staying at the forefront of technology and inspiring innovation.

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