OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Garmin Forerunner 55 Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Screen size:1.04 inchBattery life:14 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Garmin Forerunner 55 Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 18 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

7.1

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 65% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Technical score

30%

8.2

Review score ( 6 · 12)

Review score 30% · 8.2 · based on 18 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 30 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–²Better than 65% of smartwatches
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components

24%

5.2

Health

21%

9.0

Fitness

16%

6.9

Battery

14%

7.0

Smart features

12%

5.0

Connectivity

9%

6.6

Display & Design

4%

4.2

Hardware

â–²Better than 60% of smartwatches
8.2

Review score

Review score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Grades by review (18)
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
2

8.5%

8.0

androidcentral.com

8.5%

5.9

mountaineerjourney.com

≈ estimated
1

8.5%

9.0

wareable.com

Video reviews 3

4.3%

8.0

Matt LeGrand

4.3%

8.0

Chase the Summit

2.1%

8.0

Gary Jahman Tech & Life

estimated from the review
6 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 78% of smartwatches
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Forerunner 55

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components:

24%

5.2

Health

21%

9.0

Fitness

16%

6.9

Battery

14%

7.0

Smart features

12%

5.0

Connectivity

9%

6.6

Display & Design

4%

4.2

Hardware

6.6
Review score
Review score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Grades by review (18)
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
2

8.5%

8.0

androidcentral.com

8.5%

5.9

mountaineerjourney.com

≈ estimated
1

8.5%

9.0

wareable.com

Video reviews 3

4.3%

8.0

Matt LeGrand

4.3%

8.0

Chase the Summit

2.1%

8.0

Gary Jahman Tech & Life

estimated from the review
6 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Score components:

60%

7.1

Overall score

40%

9.6

Price

7.8
Brand name
Garmin
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
â–² Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
Barometer
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 49.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
?
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
14 days
Battery life
14 days
â–² Better than 77% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 14 days which is longer than that of 76.9% of smartwatches and equal to that of 9.2% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
20 h
Battery life in training mode
20 h
â–² Better than 51% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode which is longer than 50.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 3.6% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
40 h
Battery life with GPS on
40 h
â–² Better than 86% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 40 h with GPS on which is longer than 85.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.2% of smartwatches.
Battery power
158 mAh
Battery power
158 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 158 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 95.1% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.2% of smartwatches.
Charge time
120 min
Charge time
120 min
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 120 min which is faster than 13.1% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 44.2% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
Operating system
Garmin OS
â–² Better than 71% of models
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS which is more advanced than the operating system in 71.1% of smartwatches and the same as that in 7.7% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
Software update frequency
occasional
â–² Better than 58% of models
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 57.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 36.2% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 67.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
1
SIM cards
1
â–² Better than 2% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This smartwatch uses 1 for cellular connectivity which is more advanced than that of 2% of smartwatches and the same as that of 98% of smartwatches.
eSIM
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
â–² Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
â–² Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
no
Compass
no
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
This smartwatch does not include a compass. 52.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.04 inch
Screen size
1.04 inch
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.04 inch which is smaller than the screens of 96.7% of smartwatches and equal to those of 0.3% of smartwatches.
Some sources mention multiple/uncertain size variants.
Display type
MIP LCD
Display type
MIP LCD
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This smartwatch uses a MIP LCD display type which is less advanced than that of 60% of smartwatches and the same as that of 5% of smartwatches.
Resolution
208x 208
Resolution
208x 208
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 208x208 which is lower than that of 89.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
283 ppi
Pixel density
283 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 283 ppi which is lower than that of 65.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.7% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0.032 GB
Internal storage
0.032 GB
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 0.032 GB for internal storage which is smaller than that of 70.9% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.1% of smartwatches.
32 MB internal memory for activity data.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Forerunner 55 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
  • 20 h longer GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    40 h
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts longer with GPS on than the average smartwatch (40 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    40 h vs 20 h
  • 7 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    14 days
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 14 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    14 days vs 7 days
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
  • 63.4% more popular
    Garmin Forerunner 55 has a higher popularity than the average smartwatch (10 vs 6.1).
    10 vs 6.12
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    Perspiration monitoring
    yes
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 14.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
    Perspiration tracking may be estimated from activity data in companion apps.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • 20 h longer GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    40 h
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts longer with GPS on than the average smartwatch (40 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    40 h vs 20 h
  • 7 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    14 days
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 14 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    14 days vs 7 days
  • Supports ANT+
    ANT+ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 11.7% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • 50 m deeper water resistance
    Waterproof depth rating
    100 m
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <1 m – >50 m
    This smartwatch has a deeper waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (100 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    100 m vs 50 m
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    chemically strengthened glass
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This smartwatch uses chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    chemically strengthened glass vs mineral glass
  • 8 g lighter weight
    Weight
    37.0 g
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (37 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    37.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    occasional
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    occasional vs ended
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No compass
    Compass
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 52.6% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    MIP LCD
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • 62 fewer exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    18
    Category Benchmark
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (18 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    18 vs 80
  • No voice feedback
    Voice feedback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 142 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    158 mAh days
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (158 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    158 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • No compass
    Compass
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 52.6% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.0
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    MIP LCD
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • No ambient light sensor
    Ambient light sensor
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 60.7% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 0.36 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.04 inch
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    Some sources mention multiple/uncertain size variants.
    1.04 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • Lower resolution
    Display type
    208 x 208
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 208x208, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    208x208 vs 352x430
  • No touchscreen
    Touch screen
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.3% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • 43 ppi lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    283 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
    This smartwatch has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (283 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    283 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 4 mm wider band
    Width of band
    26.0 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <20 mm – >22 mm
    This smartwatch has a wider band width than the average smartwatch (26 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    26.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No camera remote
    Camera remote control
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.6% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 3.97 GB less storage
    Internal storage
    0.032 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
    This smartwatch offers less internal storage than the average smartwatch (0 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    32 MB internal memory for activity data.
    0.032 GB vs 4 GB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Athlé Expliqué
≈ estimated
04/12/2025
Review · running use, GPS and how it compares with rivals
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 55 is a sound budget choice for road running, but it is weak for trail, music and altitude accuracy.
8.0
Matt LeGrand
≈ estimated
02/06/2021
Hands-on review · GPS accuracy, battery and activity tests
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 55 is a good choice for runners who want accurate GPS, though some features are restricted.
8.0
Chase the Summit
≈ estimated
02/06/2021
Hands-on review · GPS accuracy, activity profiles, battery
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 55 is a capable budget watch and a good entry point into Garmin, though it lacks some features.
8.0
Gary Jahman Tech & Life
≈ estimated
09/11/2025
Short review · a few weeks of running
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 55 is a simple, accurate running watch for beginners, though it feels basic next to a smartwatch.
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What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 12

Accurate GPS, great battery and helpful training guidance win praise, but the dull screen and lack of maps let it down.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
wareable.com
≈ estimated
27/02/2026
Hands-on review · Entry-level running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 55 suits casual runners who want pacing help in a small, light watch, though heart rate is most accurate with a chest strap.
8.0
androidcentral.com
✓ explicit
27/02/2026
Full review · Beginner GPS watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 55 suits first-time GPS watch buyers and casual runners who want running guidance and long battery life, though it lacks an altimeter and blood oxygen sensor.
5.9
mountaineerjourney.com
✓ explicit
19/01/2026
Long-term test · Running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 55 tracks heart rate and distance well for everyday running and hiking, but offers only basic route tracking and no real navigation.
dcrainmaker.com
02/06/2021
Not graded yet
techradar.com
21/06/2022
Not graded yet
pocket-lint.com
19/08/2021
Not graded yet
outdoorgearlab.com
29/04/2022
Not graded yet
t3.com
13/01/2022
Not graded yet
expertreviews.co.uk
13/07/2023
Not graded yet
runningshoesguru.com
18/07/2021
Not graded yet
runningmagazine.ca
29/06/2021
Not graded yet
sportive.com
13/03/2023
Not graded yet
treelinereview.com
26/08/2024
Not graded yet
7.6
horloge-du-coureur.fr
✓ explicit
26/03/2026
Hands-on test · Training watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a light running watch with reliable heart rate and structured training plans, but it has no maps and only basic route tracking.
montre-cardio-gps.fr
20/09/2021
Not graded yet
runmag.fr
02/06/2021
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sport-passion.fr
05/05/2023
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journaldutrail.com
01/06/2021
Not graded yet
nakan.ch
28/10/2021
Not graded yet
lesnumeriques.com
29/01/2022
Not graded yet
smarthealth.live
06/01/2022
Not graded yet
sport-passion.fr
05/06/2021
Not graded yet
9.0
istintosportivo.com
≈ estimated
10/09/2026
Full review · Daily tracking
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a light running watch for amateur and intermediate runners, with a sunlight-readable screen and accurate GPS tracks, but it lacks a barometric altimeter.
techprincess.it
24/06/2021
Not graded yet
personalrunningcoach.it
30/11/2021
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corroergosum.it
10/06/2021
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runlovers.it
23/10/2021
Not graded yet
9.0
hrdlpn.nl
≈ estimated
29/01/2026
Hands-on test · Running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a light, reliable runner's watch with PacePro and daily workout suggestions, but it lacks the extras of the Garmin 965.
hardloopzone.nl
29/06/2022
Not graded yet
futurumshop.nl
15/01/2024
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Garmin Forerunner 55

  • Exceptional value for its price point as an entry-level running watch
  • Long battery life, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode
  • Lightweight and comfortable 37g design, suitable for 24/7 wear
  • Accurate GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring for its class
  • Helpful training features like daily suggested workouts and PacePro
  • User-friendly five-button interface that is easy to use with sweaty hands or gloves

What we don't like about Garmin Forerunner 55

  • Lower-resolution 208 x 208 pixel display compared to premium models
  • Lacks advanced navigation features like breadcrumb maps or turn-by-turn guidance
  • Missing some standard activity profiles such as a dedicated strength training mode
  • Sleep tracking data can only be viewed in the app, not on a watch widget
  • No touchscreen, which may feel dated to some users
  • Does not support open-water swimming or a multisport triathlon mode

Verdict

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a lightweight 37g GPS running smartwatch featuring a 1.04-inch always-on transflective display and 5 ATM water resistance. Key characteristics include built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, and advanced training tools like PacePro, daily suggested workouts, and recovery advisor. It offers impressive battery life of up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode or 20 hours in continuous GPS mode. Main pros are its ease of use via a five-button interface, accurate tracking metrics, and inclusion of wellness features like Body Battery and stress tracking at a budget-friendly price. However, notable cons include its relatively small, low-resolution screen, lack of a touchscreen, and the absence of advanced navigation features such as breadcrumb mapping or a built-in altimeter.

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