Garmin Forerunner 55 In-Depth Review: 15 New Things to Know

[@Graham_Rule]

I like the idea of being able to tell it when you are paused. I'm so slow that sometimes my watch thinks I must have just given up and had a sit down. :)

[@scriptKiddieOG]

😂😂

[@lifeofsadr6942]

🤣🤣🤣

[@CB19087]

😂

[@rodbrown8306]

This video was very good, I'm now in the process of purchasing a 55.

[@jordyberrios7328]

Just bought and used my new 55 and it’s great, gives me everything I need. This video helped a lot!

[@Tylerz102]

Does it estimate calories burned per day?

[@jordyberrios7328]

@@Tylerz102 yes it does

[@SaSa-fs8sb]

Hi, YT says this comment was 6 months ago. Do you still like your forerunner 55, does it work well ?

[@jordyberrios7328]

@@SaSa-fs8sbyeah it works well, I’m happy with it

[@dwellnamibia]

This looks like a great running watch on a budget - appreciate the addition of Pace Pro.

[@shino475]

Definitely on a budget LOL

[@TheGodzilla2201]

I just git the garmin fore runner 55 2 days ago. I use mainly for step tracking only. It was cheaper than a apple watch.

[@BleakVision]

Now all they need to do is to throw an altimeter and Lactate Threshold onto the Forerunner 255 and the 6XX series is all but a distant memory...

[@freediverhd]

Vo2Max 60!!! What a beast

[@ted363636]

Damn, my Fenix 5 Plus looks inferior to this. Then again it's 3 years old and Garmin needs to encourage us to upgrade.

[@peteronfilm]

Regardless of the age of this watch I'm very tempted to get it. I have a Forerunner 735xt but I run exclusively so I've never needed the other workout types. My other option is of course is the Coros Pace 2 and I'm struggling to decide. I think the most important criteria is the accuracy of my live pace

[@MJ-kh8qy]

Which one did u get? :)

[@peteronfilm]

@@MJ-kh8qy The 255 Music

[@johnny110291]

I recently bought this and decided to keep it after a few days. There are the only 2 reasons why I almost returned it right out of the box. - The pixelated/low quality screen. - Screen is not bright enough in a relatively dimmed environment. ( it looks great in direct sunlight) not a huge deal though. I figured these 2 things above don’t really affect how well the watch performs. If you can get passed these 2 things, you’ll see how great of a watch FF55 is. The stats, software and Garmin connect app work exceptionally, which is really what I’m paying for and what I need. Not the most fancy high quality looking watch, but it has all a runner needs in my honest opinion.

[@zeniktorres4320]

Thanks. Seems quite satisfactory for running without anything fancy.

[@yenk82]

I've bought it five days ago for 139 euro on Amazon, this is my first sport watch so I don't have any experience to compare it to something else, the screen looks just a bit better than an average calculator (bad resolution, colors and brightness) but good enough to provide info while training. I'm a beginner but it looks precise to me, I'm absolutely surprised on how good the Garmin Connect app is, it's a wonderful service

[@repcabecinha]

Thanks DC ... Useful review as always! 👍🏾

[@mattlauch9202]

I've got a Fenix 3 and it's been great since I got it in 2015. I'm anticipating it giving in soon as it's slowing down. I'd like to see something like this 55 with a larger face, there are too many with small screens and thick bezel face.

[@colinwolff4930]

so a forerunner 245?

[@flighted2513]

Why go from a fenix 3 to something like this? Hold out for the fenix 7, bezels will probably shrink again. The fenix 6 series don't have huge bezels like the 5 and 3.

[@mattlauch9202]

@@flighted2513 with the prices I can't justify spending it. Garmin seem to be creeping up in price, partially why I haven't upgraded to date.

[@baydenparkinson3711]

@@mattlauch9202 Something like a 745 or the next version?

[@joetan8604]

Thanks DC for yet another good preview ... I like your subtle comment “then she stole my watch” in the track run segment!

[@takyiyakvsi]

Incredible work! So much detail. Thanks Ray!

[@michaelfibich9504]

I have had a 945 for a couple years and have pretty much just kept the default settings. This video has inspired me to look into what my watch can do. Thanks for the content!

[@slavplaysgames]

total clown .. you paid so much for a watch why ? sounds like you should get the 45 or the one in the video ....

[@2klatte]

Wow...if only this came out sooner. Now I feel like my Fenix 6 purchase last year was money thrown away.

[@christinam935]

Aww.. maybe you can sell it to buy this? Plus this might become cheaper in time too

[@tequilaburp]

Finish Time is the feature I wanted to see years ago in the lowest tier. Finally!

[@AlexJacobsOfficial]

thanks for doing this bro

[@Tchown22]

This video is pretty good! Lots of details! I still have my Garmin Forerunner 15 Large, it still runs/works pretty well! But one day in the future, it may stop working, and I'll be looking for a new watch. This Garmin Forerunner 55 seems like an amazing one to get! It's not too expensive either.

[@rolandrohde]

I would love a new Vivoactive watch. And some more health features instead of more and more sports features. ECG, Temperature, Blood Pressure, maybe Blood Sugar...but all that with the true always on Display Garmin offers on the Forerunner and Vivoactive

[@rolandrohde]

@La Paz Don't ask me. All I know is that Apple and Huawei are said to be working on it...🤷‍♂️

[@likemarksee]

Track mode: yes please, thanks Coros. No interest in the other features and 99% users won’t use them.

[@abhamar]

Hello - would you still recommend the FR 55 in 2023 for a beginner/intermediate runner? My priorities are price, durability, GPS accuracy and run tracking.

[@elia.8993]

I ordered a Garmin Forerunner 45 right when I realized this came in. I now have to return the 45 and order the 55 since it is what I need and the 45 lacks some features I have in my forerunner 235 which the 55 has. 😶

[@christinam935]

What does the 55 have that the 235 doesn’t have? (Off the top of your head :D )

[@elia.8993]

@@christinam935 I am no interested in the 245 and paying extra for features I barely use. I guess people have a romance with the 245 which I dont. :)

[@christinam935]

@@elia.8993 hi, thanks for the reply. I’m sorry but I think I asked the wrong question. I meant to ask what does the 55 have that the 45 doesn’t have? The 55 sounds pretty much perfect for me too, except the little improvements of screen quality and size on the 245 are really attractive. I also heard the 55 is small? What do you think?

[@paulcelmare6926]

I think it's always worth to say / show all the activity apps that watches offer. And this is the only (? - correct me if I'm wrong) your review that says something about them.

[@danubecity]

Nice Zwift Integration...hope they are doing this with alle the watches from now on. Hope other plattforms are also supported.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, all their Forerunner watches support this (newer ones anyways, FR245/745/945/Fenix 6 series, etc...).

[@zwiftsquad9036]

The problem is that Zwift is not providing any support for the virtual run function. The calibration could be improved a lot, Garmin watches have a lot of potential. In fact, I posted on the Zwift forums in the Feature Requests section suggesting a revamp of the calibration system, I leave the link in case you are interested! forums.zwift.com/t/revamp-calibration-system-running/550441/2

[@jameshenry6098]

Mad I lost my 245 in my house now I got this 235 but still love it

[@steveallen1055]

Good video. Spoke quickly and understandable.

[@mcfarvo]

Thanks! I think I'll try this model as my first running watch. (I've been using Strava on my phone held by hand for all my runs this year including my first marathon race and it is annoying to lug it around by hand!)

[@christinam935]

This looks so perfect, except I’d love a bigger screen

[@christinam935]

Ended up getting the 245

[@aroundweroam]

@@christinam935 How is it working for you?

[@andytsen]

Definitely need a Coros Pace 2 vs Garmin Forerunner 55

[@AleZakko]

cool... this beat with lower hands 245 and so up.... I come from 45 and this is really an huge update!

[@TheKarenjh]

Another great one. Thanks, Ray.

[@pauldavies1706]

Such awesome to the point reviews. Really clear and informative. I've just upgradd form the FR45 and this has been really helpful in understanding the new features. Thank you so much!

[@beamishnz]

@Takko2sday - INGLÊS NA PRÁTICA I can answer some of these questions :) The bluetooth is pretty stable, I have mine synched with my iphone and set up to receive notifications and test messages but not tried emails. General notifications and txt messages work fine. Sadly you can plot a run course through Garmin connect but I'm pretty sure the F55 doesn't have any navigation smarts including return to start. You need the FR245 or higher for Navigation features. I've had this watch for over a year now and it is a defintle step up form the 45. More features, better display, longer battery life and so far pretty glitch free.

[@carlosmobellan9443]

Thanks DC, great video as always. Seems as if Garmin is now operating with a (large) core of features that will be present on all of their watches, which is very impressive from them. Do you think its a competition thing, trying to stave off market share being lopped off by Suunto, Polar and the Chinese makers like Huawei and Amazfit? Cheers.

[@dsrcvideos]

Great review! I’m looking at the 55 to replace my inaccurate Apple Watch 5. One thing I must have is to listen to podcasts but I can’t find a direct answer online. Eg. Playrun does not list the 55 as supported. Thank you for help.

[@Gomrath]

Great review buddy, thank you!

[@EricElsewhere]

my 235 is starting to die on me slowly, so I'm looking to replace it soon. I was looking at the Forerunner 55, Forerunner 245, or even the Instinct Solar as I mostly do running, a bit of cycling, and some sports climbing, but since the refresh cycle seems to be 2 years, it feels like a Forerunner 255 might be on the horizon too? what would you say is the better choice for somebody in my position? I value a good HR monitor and GPS tracking over anything else, so in your opinion should I buy FR-55, FR-245, Instinct Solar, or wait for a FR-255?

[@st3fonline899]

I'm interesting mee to about this.

[@stevenm2949]

What did you end up buying. I’m debating between the discounted 245 or the newer 55

[@EricElsewhere]

@@stevenm2949 I’m buying a 55 this week, to keep me entertained until I can check out the running functionality of the upcoming Apple Watch. it’s rumoured to be more geared towards it 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@stevenm2949]

@@EricElsewhere interesting, so you waited the year 😀. Think I will buy the FR 245 music. It’s only $30 more than the 55 (on amazon). Can’t go wrong IMO.

[@EricElsewhere]

@@stevenm2949 yeah, if the A watch is not what I hope it to be, I will go 245 music as well. I want podcasts for running

[@stevenm2949]

The FR 245 has been discounted and now costs a small bit more than the 55, assuming similar price, which would you choose?

[@eight10man]

That's a lot of features and full Connect IQ for that price point! No point going for a 245 anymore, I guess?

[@aslam7952]

245 has basic navigation, pulse ox, higher pixel screen, compass, training status load and effect, race an activity, trail run v02, course guidance, etc. If you okay with the inferior screen and don't need navigational features, the 55 will be a better buy, provided it's cheaper. Some places are offering healthy discounts on the 245.

[@evgeniitrapeznikov6356]

I’ve been using 45 for 1.5 years. And for 30miles/week they are amazing. But with those updates I will consider upgrade. Any dates for 955?

[@hbk4984]

hello, can you do a review on the coros pace 2, would appreciate that. Edit: just bought the coros pace 2 and its amazing watch, big bright screen, easy navigation, more and accurate sensors, better than garmin for the money.

[@markhill8590]

Hi do you still have the pace 2?

[@mlegrand]

Cool track shirt! 👌

[@stevenpriefer5039]

What running watch do you suggest if you want the training loads to take in account bike rides completed on the Edge 830?

[@HostilioMaciasPacheco]

Can we use the smaetwatch without the phone and sync afterwards with the training in the phone?

[@thestamsvideoproduction7427]

Great content as always!

[@khannaruns25]

Can we get a Forerunner 55 vs. Coros Pace 2 because of the similar price point. Thanks!

[@mattlauch9202]

I'm seriously considering the Coros Pace 2

[@sol029]

Love my pace 2.

[@jeffreyschulberg3879]

Bottom line it for me: is the 245 worth the extra $50 or should I save my $50 and go with the 55? (I’m upgrading from the Vivoactive 3 music.)

[@christinam935]

Such a hard question

[@kanutomizuto5061]

same here trying to decide if I should drop my 35 and go for the 245 or the 55

[@oskarekstrom8009]

@@kanutomizuto5061 Same

[@gertjandavies9818]

Some (new) features mentioned - like recovery time, breathing frequency, time estimations on the standard lengths, but other features too - are on the 245 for a while now, others are (really) new. I have the 245 for little under 2 years now, it becomes slower and maybe battery life becomes less and lesser. I'm doubting of getting the 55, but what i percieve as new features I think would be nice, but is it worth the 200 euro's, since my 245 still works good enough? I can't look into your wallets, and i don't know how much Garmin is putting energy in upgrading the 245 in the future, but if you can afford the extra 50 dollars, I think you're getting the better of the 2 with the 55, looking at product life cycle and feature updates. But those are my 2 cents.

[@ajitbabu241]

Thank you, DC!

[@Hellmiauz]

It arrives tomorrow. Let's see if i can run more.

[@ronniehopkins1457]

kinda want one, really made me realise how obsolete my fitbit is

[@mtblover]

I don't understand the massive bezel on most of these watches. You get this "appearing to be" a massive screen with a tiny little screen to fit everything into.....what's up with that?

[@asaamv]

Great review , does it have a vibration alerts for notifications? And does it have a reminder options ? Like alarm ?

[@azerbouf]

The best thing is the battery life: from 1 week to 2 weeks, thats really amazing! Waiting for 255 although I am pretty happy with my 245, =)

[@azerbouf]

@La Paz I never used vivoactive, but 245M is a great watch. I am using it for running and its smartwatch functionality almost 1.5 years.

[@christinam935]

I’m deciding between this FR55 and FR245. What do you recommend?

[@christinam935]

^I ended up getting the 245 non music and I’m really impressed with it!

[@bunchoG]

waiting for the 255...need offline music support heh

[@aslam7952]

Speaking about virtual runs, what happened to virtual cycles? Or HR broadcasting via Bluetooth?

[@vpnconsult]

Nice watch for my kids.

[@henrihelvetica5835]

I'm coming from 230 that has finally died (owned since 2016?), and I like everything about the 55 so far (thought i've been watching some others like the Instinct 2 -- and I'm now happy I never bought the 45). Something that bothers me, as seen at 8:40 , is how the content is cut off -- like the scree was meant to be larger. WHY Garmin?

[@carlitos4505]

I'm so sorry if this is a dumb question, I'm very new to running and running watches -- but if I were to have the watch on me when I run and leave my phone at home, will my running data still be collected?

[@sol029]

If it's a gps running watch yes. No need for the phone.

[@MadeUpLikeADoll]

Great review!!

[@jleejj42]

Thanks for the review! Where is your shirt from by the way? I was hoping it was your own merch but couldn't find it in your shop.

[@4tCa4mzUPqRZZo]

So if running is the only activity you do, is the garmin 55 better than the garmin 245(non music) in pretty much every way?

[@ghostpos]

This watch looks great.

[@ismaelrivera1999]

Great review. Does the forerunner 55 have the stress widget?

[@willsherman3527]

I've tried the 55 and the 245. I really like the 55. The Garmin 245 sounds better, but but you can't adjust the backlight :-( My eyes are not great I really need that adjustable backlight that's on the 55 :-) and the 55 has twice the battery life easily

[@NeilWoodSales]

Ray, this is very useful for my new 55. Thank you. BIG question - once I've finished a run, how do I save what I've done before I begin another run? I can't figure it out. Thank you

[@_Rafiki.]

It will probably the same button you use to start the activity.

[@fernandorpeixer]

Hello! Thank you so much for the review. I am looking forward to buy this watch for my father, so he can do his cyclings controlling his heart rate. Can you tell me if it is possible to configure the watch to trig an alarm when the heart rate gets to some predefined limit?

[@tsukmakun7572]

yes, it is possible...

[@tutorzone8636]

Is it possible to change the workout watch face. Mine is in miles and doesn't show the time of day. Would prefer it in KM and for it to tell me the time

[@alexxardas329]

How do you rate the brightness of the display image? Is it good enough? Is the image dull? Is the display readable in bright sun and at night? Can the backlight be dimmed at night?

[@tkenglander6226]

Just got this 55 watch a couple days ago, still trying to figure out if I can change the display brightness. It's not bright/visible enough yet, that's for sure! I don't want to have to squeeze a button every time I want to see what time it is; I hope I can figure out a setting that keeps it bright all the time, but so far, no luck .....

[@Thebas14]

@@tkenglander6226 you can fix this by going to system, back light, during activity or not during activity, gestures, on. This will light the watch up whenever you bring your hand up to see the time instead of clicking the button

[@tembaniphiri5485]

Looks like a good entry level watch!

[@noelbeacher8016]

Good review

[@jorgealakawa8717]

Very good video. Thank you

[@jared17ds]

Could you please explain the difference between virtual run vs treadmill run? And which will be more accurate to the correct pace the treadmill shows?

[@TheCranemeister]

Do you prefer watches like this that use elevation from gps or ones with a built in altimeter? The watches with altimeters seem to always be off. Thanks!

[@deshkanagrikhoon]

I have a Garmin Forerunner 245 ,and it gives horrible elevation data even when elevation correction is enabled.

[@msralmjs]

Would the track function work on a generic circular/square route? I don’t have access to a track but a fairly track-like oval-ish route in a local park.

[@barbarahoon9321]

Is this watch able to connect with Steava? Will it also show different colours showing different paces while running?

[@redcoatphilip]

Hi DC Rainmaker, I have this watch and love it. I want to get a Garmin for Runner 955 in a few months. I picked up a Garmin Forerunner 55 on Amazon sale today. I know with Garmin it takes time to build your profile and then all the benefits of Garmin eco system. Do you think the Garmin For runner 55 replace my Samsung watch. I know I will lose the Samsung eco-system features, but can the health and workout features beat the Samsung Galaxy S4 watch. I walk and swim mainly. Is the fitness features better on the Garmin than the Samsung watch?

[@TheFivekRacer]

Great video! I’m looking for a Garmin that connects with my cell phone using bluetooth so I can change the volume of music or advance songs from the watch. Will this model work for that?

[@yiorgos_chatz]

Would you suggest that over the coros pace 2 for road running?

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's tough, they've both got pros and cons. The Pace 2 has a baro altimeter, running power, and more sport modes (mainly triathlon benefiting), however, Garmin has a more complete app/platform that's a bit more polished - especially around 24x7 type metrics.

[@yiorgos_chatz]

@@Dcrainmaker Thank you!

[@asc5907]

Looks like a great watch with all the features. Can it send alert notiffications in case of immergency, without having the celular phone with me? I run trails, where i'm from there are venomous snakes. Currently I run with my cellular phone attached to my arm so that i can call someone in case of immergency. It would be great to go running without my phone if the watch can send immergency messages.

[@onionbulb27]

hi, your video is very useful. Happy that you are also in LA. I am looking for a long time a fonction to put all trails I did together on one map. can Garmin do this? (either handheld or Garmin 55/245 which has built-in GPS) The purpose of this is to have a record on all the mountains i went to and record the track of my trail/footprints. Thanks

[@siewfongleong8415]

Does this model have setting for the alarm to be at off when the heart beat reaches a certain level? If not, which model does? Thanks. Leong Siew Fong

[@detroit0man]

I´ve just bough it to my girlfriend, and there are a couple of things I don´t find, that are useful. 1) Where is the sleep widget.. i dont find it in the watch 2) It doesn´t read info from my Thikrider X7 Pro bike home trainer. My 1030 plus and fenix 6x both read from it... but not her FR55 :(

[@bajothesparky2445]

Does this watch have compass?Thanks great video

[@alphatrills]

please be honest is the sleep tracking any good ? I have seen 40$ Bands having a great accuracy for sleep tracking is this good for sleep tracking or just for running ?

[@xtplow4783]

Are you high? Garmin's sleep tracking is better than most of the competition out there..

[@lukabatinic7849]

Is it only me or someone else also thinks that garmin should include hike as default activity in some other watches? I know they did that in high end as fenix (not sure for fr 945) and i know that 45 and 55 don't have barometric altimeter but 245 has it. Also, for altitude they can use gps. I don't know, but I think it is shame that entry level watches don't have it. And also, do you think they will include it and can walk profile be substitution for hike and display altitude field? Thanks!

[@aska1979]

Do you know how can I add custom workout to the forerunner 55, I created the workout on the app but I can't pass the to the device, thank you.

[@Alex-Rainmaker]

I just got this watch. The backlight is a bit dim. And there is no way to adjust the brightness.

[@djendara7725]

Great review, one question. Works only with buttons, no touch screen?

[@AlexGreece45]

Yes. Only through the buttons.

[@Jay-sd9ye]

Your opinion, this forerunner 55 or vivoactive 4. I'm coming from garmin instinct. Reason I'm looking for new watch, my instinct doesn't track very well. The altitude is off big time, so my workouts say I have been running hills. It needs to be replaced.

[@IceManIndia]

When Compare to Garmin Forrunner 55 and Fitbit 5.. which one is better for yoga,Hiit and Strength training..

[@waynedoherty7758]

Does a Forerunner 55 mean updates for the 945/745 and now effectively over? I want to buy a new Garmin, but the 945LTE isn't coming to Australia any time soon, so is the 745 a safe purchase 8 months after release?

[@bk4109]

I find most of the watch faces on Garmin IQ to be useless. The FR55 screen resolution is just too low to display most of them well. Other than the stock watch faces, there are very few that you can add.

[@jaimetarne9436]

I didn't catch it, if you said, but does this track HR in the water?

[@stellamatutina1697]

Waiting for an answer to this question too.

[@ashishm5763]

can i use this watch for trail running and get accurate distance and elevation data ?

[@iamfranz13]

this has no altimeter i think

[@ashishm5763]

@@iamfranz13 yes but gps data gives elevation data . i have my doubts as in will the gps data give accurate stats even under dense tree cover.

[@adamsellick8116]

Just so I'm not making a mistake this will work with training peaks and strava?

[@_Rafiki.]

Yup

[@davidknapp8758]

Do you recommend this for a cycling watch if I have a Garmin 1030 computer, varia radar light, and tacx neo2t trainer? I was using a Samsung Galaxy watch but it quit working.

[@drakZes]

You didn't mention how it performs when lifting weights. Is here an option for that?

[@Drogos79]

what are hardware differences between this and 245? O2 sensor?

[@larryseibold4287]

I want a wrist display to show my heart rate (large) from my ECG strap (H10) in color representing of my target zone, with rapid accurate beat to beat updates (one to three seconds). Will this Forerunner 55 do that? If so, how long will it last continuously in that mode (display on, BT-LE HR, no optical HR)?

[@alexishamilton5764]

I’m so scared to use it in the pool does it definitely work