Garmin Forerunner 55 Review: Two runners rate Garmin's new affordable running watch

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is the natural running watch successor to the Forerunner 45, taking the core features from Garmin's entry level watch while adding new features for runners. That includes daily suggested workouts, a recovery advisor, Garmin's PacePro pacing strategies and an improved race predictor.
Testers Mike and Nick have been putting the Forerunner 55 through its paces and are now ready to tell you whether it's worth upgrading from the 45 and whether this is one of the best affordable running watches to buy.
JUMP TO IT:
00:03​​​​ - Intro
00:41 - Design and running features
03:47 - The Run Test
12:48 - Verdict
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[@nolleengonzales]

Thanks for the review! Just bought FR55 last week. I've been enjoying it so far. User friendly indeed. Happy that it's good for beginners since it's my first Garmin.

[@nicholashernandez4367]

I just got it, I'll be trying it out on a run.

[@ErnestissesErnestoFerreira]

Great video! I run in tracks, I am willing to buy it 🚀
Just a question: do you seen any problem in the lack of O2 sensor?
Comparing with forerunner 245
Maybe the VO2 precision???
Can you compare this usage?

[@SuperTreybo]

I just got the forerunner 45 back in JULY because it was on sale at best buy. Do u think i should have got the 55 instead? or is the garmin 45 still good in 2021? Im a distance runner, run 3-4 times week 35-40 miles week and do alot long runs 13-17 milers is 45 still good?

[@Detroit_Q]

I have had the 45 for about 2 years and will be upgrading to the 55. With that said the 45 has done everything I have needed it to do. I just really wanted the race pace pro that the 45 never got however I did not want to drop another $100 for the 245. I will the 45 has done the job and I will be passing it to my cousin since he is just getting into running.

[@Stefanosinf]

FR935 didn't get the track mode either. :(

[@Stefanosinf]

Since it doesn't have a dedicated altimeter does it get altitude from GPS? Thanks!

[@OhWanya]

Yes but it’s not as accurate since it’s reported altitude from places. If there is no report from gps or glonass it’s gonna be undefined : null

[@chefchef9648]

Hey there hope you’re well.
Do you know if there is a heart rate chest/arm strap that has built in gps.
So you could run or cycle without a phone or watch.

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

No there isn't a all-in-one heart rate strap. Lots can record heart rate for an activity without a phone, however no GPS exists in a unit.

[@Aspiringpsychologist]

Can we record the data in Garmin Forerunner 55 without carrying a smartphone?

[@andreiion6543]

yes

[@bongobob7079]

erm erm erm erm