Investing in a quality running watch is a pivotal decision for fitness enthusiasts, and Garmin offers an array of options catering to various needs.
In this comprehensive comparison, we dissect the Garmin Forerunner 55 and Garmin Forerunner 245, two budget-friendly yet feature-rich running watches.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced runner, choosing the right device can significantly impact your training routine.
Garmin Forerunner 55 vs Forerunner 245 Spec Comparison
When choosing a smartwatch, understanding the fundamental specifications is crucial. Both the Garmin Forerunner 245 and Garmin Forerunner 55 fall under the category of sports watches, offering features tailored for fitness enthusiasts.
In terms of activity and sports options, The Garmin Forerunner 245, despite being heavily promoted for runners, is a versatile companion for various sports and fitness activities.
It goes beyond running with dedicated profiles for cycling, swimming (pool and open water), track running, and even virtual runs. Strength training, cardio, elliptical workouts, stair climbing, yoga, and Pilates are also supported, making it a well-rounded choice for diverse fitness enthusiasts.
The watch tracks key metrics like distance, pace, and heart rate, while also offering advanced features like suggested workouts and training status evaluation.
In contrast, The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a GPS smartwatch primarily designed for runners, but it also supports various other sports like cycling, swimming, Pilates, HIIT, and even breathwork exercises. It tracks your performance metrics like distance, pace, and heart rate, helping you monitor and improve your fitness journey.
Both watches share a familiar watch-style design, with dimensions so closely aligned that users might find it challenging to discern any noticeable differences.
The sleek, round case and waterproof protection up to 50 meters ensure durability and versatility in various environments.
Find below a table that compares the key features of Garmin Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 245. This table will help you understand the differences between the two models and choose the one that suits your needs best.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 55 | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Price (as of last update) | $169 | $224 (Music edition: $259) |
| Release Date | June 2021 | April 2019 |
| Case Size | 42mm | 42mm |
| Display Size | 26.3mm | 30.4mm |
| Display Resolution | 203 x 203 pixels | 240 x 240 pixels |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 2 weeks | Up to 7 days |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) | Up to 20 hours | Up to 24 hours (Music mode: 6 hours) |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Pay | No | No |
| Pulse Ox (Blood Oxygen) | No | Yes |
| Music Playback | No | Yes (Music edition) |
| Maps | No | Yes |
| Advanced Performance Metrics | No | Yes (Training Status, Load, Effect) |
| Additional Sports Modes | Pilates, HIIT | Indoor Rowing, Indoor/Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running |
| Training Plans (Garmin Coach) | Yes | Yes |
| PacePro Feature | Yes | Yes |
| LiveTrack and Incident Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Smartwatch Features | Basic (Weather, Messages, Find my phone/watch) | Basic + Music control (Music edition) |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Fitness Tracking and Features
Delving into the sensors and tracking data capabilities of these smartwatches, the Forerunner 245 shines with an accelerometer, electromagnetic compass, and optical heart sensor. These sensors empower users with detailed insights into distance covered, time spent on activities, speed, heart rate, and stress levels.
The Forerunner 55, while equipped with an accelerometer and optical heart sensor, doesn’t specify additional sensors, leaving users curious about the extent of its tracking capabilities.
Both watches excel in core fitness tracking, offering a plethora of activities, including running, cycling, swimming, and yoga. They share common features like VO2 max estimation, recovery time analysis, and Body Battery monitoring.
However, the Forerunner 245 introduces a broader array of features, including music remote handling, camera remote control, find phone functionality, VO2 max estimation, HR zones, Move IQ, Garmin Connect compatibility, Find My Device, call rejection, Garmin Elevate, TrueUp, and Body Battery monitoring.
The Forerunner 55, while lacking some of these features, compensates with its own set, featuring music remote handling, idle alerts, Garmin Connect compatibility, and Body Battery monitoring.
For runners seeking comprehensive insights and additional sports modes, the Forerunner 245 stands out as the superior choice.
Smartwatch Features
Both watches fulfil basic smartwatch expectations, including weather updates, message notifications, and find my phone/watch functionalities.
The Forerunner 245, especially in its music edition, elevates the smartwatch experience by allowing music storage and playback from popular streaming services.
While the Forerunner 55 covers essential smartwatch features, the Forerunner 245, with its music capabilities, caters to users who desire a more immersive and phone-free running experience.
Notifications and GPS
Notifications play a significant role in the usability of smartwatches. The Forerunner 245 offers notifications for SMS, social apps, and incoming calls, ensuring users stay connected.
On the other hand, the Forerunner 55 expands notification support to include calendar events and emails, providing a more comprehensive communication experience. Additionally, the Forerunner 55 introduces a vibrating alert feature, enhancing user awareness without relying solely on visual cues.
Navigation, facilitated by GPS capabilities, is essential for outdoor activities. The Forerunner 245 stands out with its GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver, ensuring accurate positioning across various environments.
The Forerunner 55, while equipped with a GPS receiver, lacks the additional support for GLONASS and Galileo.
Connectivity
Wireless connectivity is a crucial aspect of modern smartwatches. Both the Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 55 offer Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility, allowing seamless connectivity with a range of devices and sensors.
This ensures users can easily sync and share their fitness data across platforms.
Garmin 55 vs 245 Display
The display is a pivotal component of the user interface. In this comparison, both watches employ a Memory-in-Pixel LCD with colour and transflective properties. However, nuances emerge in screen specifications.
The Forerunner 245 boasts a higher resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, coupled with a 1.2-inch screen. In contrast, the Forerunner 55 offers a slightly smaller 1.04-inch screen with a resolution of 208 x 208 pixels.
Additionally, screen protection varies, with the Forerunner 245 featuring Corning Gorilla Glass 3, known for its scratch-resistant properties. At the same time, the Forerunner 55 opts for chemically strengthened glass.
Input devices facilitate user interaction with the smartwatch. The Forerunner 55 employs touch buttons, providing an intuitive and responsive means of navigation. Unfortunately, the Forerunner 245’s input device is not specified, leaving users curious about the interaction method employed.
Forerunner 55 vs 245 Case and Band
The aesthetic appeal and comfort of a smartwatch are often influenced by its case and band design. Both the Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 55 feature a round case shape, contributing to a classic and timeless look.
The Forerunner 245 comes in a sleek black colour, while the Forerunner 55 offers additional options, including black, white, and aqua green.
In terms of the band, both watches provide versatility with a changeable band, allowing users to customize their look. The Forerunner 245 boasts a 20mm band width, catering to various wrist sizes within the range of 127-204mm.
Unfortunately, the specific bandwidth for the Forerunner 55 is not specified, leaving potential users in the dark regarding its compatibility with different wrist sizes. The clasp type for both watches is a reliable buckle, ensuring a secure fit during various activities.
The band material for both watches is silicone, known for its durability, flexibility, and comfort. The Forerunner 245 offers band colour options of grey and merlot.
At the same time, the Forerunner 55 extends its selection to include black, white, and aqua green, allowing users to express their style.
Garmin forerunner 245 vs 55 Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor in determining the practicality and convenience of a smartwatch. The Forerunner 55 takes the lead with an impressive 14-day battery life in Smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode.
The Forerunner 245’s battery life details reveal up to 24 hours in GPS mode and up to 7 days in Smartwatch mode. Both watches feature a rechargeable battery, ensuring users can easily power up for their next adventure.
Garmin Forerunner 245 vs 55 Price and Availability
Understanding the financial aspect is crucial when deciding between the Garmin Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 245.
The Forerunner 55, positioned as Garmin’s entry-level running watch, is priced at $169, (Price may vary) on the Amazon and Garmin Website providing an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
On the other hand, the Forerunner 245, available at $224 or $259 for the music edition, (Price may vary)on the Amazon and Garmin Website offers additional features at a slightly higher cost.
Considering the affordability and the fact that the Forerunner 245 has been succeeded by the Forerunner 255, the Forerunner 55 emerges as the winner in terms of value for money.
Software and Accessories
Included accessories and additional software contribute to the overall user experience. Both the Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 55 come with a charging/data cable, ensuring users have the essential tools to keep their smartwatches powered.
Preloaded software varies between the two models. The Forerunner 245 features calendar, weather, timer, and Fitness Age applications, enhancing its utility as an everyday companion. Unfortunately, specific preloaded software details for the Forerunner 55 are not provided, leaving users curious about its out-of-the-box capabilities.
For users who enjoy aquatic activities, the Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 55 offer a water resistance depth of up to 50 meters, ensuring they can withstand submersion and exposure to water during swimming sessions.
In terms of warranty, the Forerunner 55 provides users with peace of mind through a 1-year warranty. The warranty details for the Forerunner 245 are not specified.
Aslo read :- How to Reset Garmin Forerunner 245
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 55 cater to individuals with a passion for fitness, offering a range of features to enhance their training and overall well-being.
The Forerunner 245 excels in providing a comprehensive set of features, including advanced tracking capabilities, extensive connectivity options, and additional functionalities such as music and camera control.
On the other hand, the Forerunner 55 focuses on delivering a robust fitness experience with impressive battery life, touch buttons for intuitive navigation, and a variety of band colour options.
Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 55 depends on individual preferences, priorities, and the specific features that align with the user’s fitness goals and lifestyle.
Garmin Forerunner 245 Best Over All
Garmin Forerunner 55Â Best Values
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Best For Music Lover
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FAQs:-
Q. What is the Difference Between Garmin Forerunner 55 and 255?
Picking between the Forerunner 55 and 255 boils down to what you need and how much you want to spend. Here’s the gist:
Forerunner 55: This one’s perfect for runners on a budget. It tracks basic running stuff like pace, distance, and heart rate, and has built-in GPS. It also has some training tools and tracks your sleep and daily activity. Think of it as a starter watch for running.
Forerunner 255: This option is more versatile. It does everything the 55 does, but it also works for triathlons, cycling, and swimming. It has more advanced training features like recovery time and helps you plan climbs. Some versions even store music, so you can leave your phone at home. It’s a bigger watch with a longer battery life, but also costs more.
So, the 55 is a simpler, cheaper option for runners, while the 255 is a more feature-packed choice for serious athletes who are willing to spend more.
Q. Is the screen on the Forerunner 245 much better than the 55?
The Forerunner 245 has a slightly larger and higher resolution display compared to the 55. However, both are bright and easy to read even in sunlight, so the difference might not be significant for everyone.
Q. What are the Benefits of Garmin 245?
If you’re a runner or fitness enthusiast looking to up your game, the Garmin Forerunner 245 has plenty to offer. It goes beyond basic tracking, providing advanced features like VO2 Max analysis, training status insights, and pace guidance to help you train smarter and improve your performance. Built-in GPS and running dynamics help you analyze your form and run more efficiently. Plus, it’s not just for running! You can track other activities like cycling and swimming, and some versions even store music, so you can leave your phone at home. With smart features, safety functions, and a long battery life, the Forerunner 245 is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a comprehensive fitness companion.
