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When it comes to choosing a fitness watch, the options can be overwhelming. Two popular choices are the Garmin Forerunner 55 and the Garmin Forerunner 255S, but which one is the better pick for you?
In this article, we’ll compare the Garmin Forerunner 55 and the Garmin Forerunner 255S, examining their features, performance, and overall capabilities to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways:
- Comparing the Garmin Forerunner 55 and the Garmin Forerunner 255S can help you choose the best fitness watch for your needs.
- Features such as GPS capabilities, heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and battery life may influence your decision.
- The Garmin Forerunner 55 and the Garmin Forerunner 255S have similarities and differences that may make one a better fit for you.
- Consider your fitness goals and what features are most important to you when deciding between the two watches.
Garmin Forerunner 55 Review
If you’re looking for a reliable, feature-packed fitness watch, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is definitely worth considering. This sleek watch is designed with runners in mind, providing accurate tracking and helpful insights to help improve your performance.
One of the standout features of the Forerunner 55 is its GPS capabilities. The watch is able to track your route and distance accurately, as well as provide real-time pace and distance metrics to help you stay on track during your run. Additionally, the watch is equipped with a heart rate monitor, which allows you to track your heart rate throughout your workout and get a more accurate read on your overall fitness level.
Another great feature of the Forerunner 55 is its activity tracking functionality. The watch can track a variety of activities, including running, cycling, and swimming, and provides detailed summaries of your performance on each activity. It also has a built-in step tracker and can monitor your sleep patterns to provide a comprehensive overview of your daily activity level.
The Forerunner 55 boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 20 hours in GPS mode and up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode. And, with features like smart notifications, music controls, and Garmin Pay, the watch is packed with additional features to make your daily life easier and more convenient.
In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a fantastic fitness watch that offers accurate tracking, insightful data, and helpful features to enhance your workout routine. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out on your fitness journey, the Forerunner 55 is definitely worth considering.
Garmin Forerunner 255S Review
The Garmin Forerunner 255S is a top-of-the-line fitness watch that offers a range of features to help you achieve your fitness goals. This GPS watch is designed to help you take your training to the next level, thanks to its advanced features and customizable design. Here is a detailed breakdown of the key features of the Garmin Forerunner 255S:
Design
The Garmin Forerunner 255S has a sleek, lightweight design that is comfortable to wear during workouts, with a breathable wristband that provides a secure fit. The watch features a 1.2-inch display that is easy to read, even in bright sunlight. The display is customizable, and you can choose which metrics to display during your workouts. The watch is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, so you can wear it while swimming or showering.
Features
The Garmin Forerunner 255S offers a range of features to help you track your fitness progress, including GPS, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking. The watch also has a range of preloaded sports apps, including running, cycling, swimming, and more. You can also track your daily steps, calories burned, and sleep. The watch also has a built-in music player and the ability to store up to 500 songs, so you can listen to your favorite tunes during your workouts.
Battery life
The Garmin Forerunner 255S has a battery life of up to 8 hours in GPS mode and up to 7 days in smartwatch mode. This means you can go on long runs or hikes without worrying about the battery life running out.
Comparison with Forerunner 55
Compared to the Forerunner 55, the 255S offers more advanced features and customizable options. While the Forerunner 55 is more geared towards beginner and intermediate runners, the 255S is a better choice for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts. However, the Forerunner 55 is more budget-friendly and offers a longer battery life, making it a great entry-level option for those on a budget.
Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 255S is a fantastic fitness watch that offers a range of advanced features to help you achieve your fitness goals. With its customized design and advanced tracking capabilities, this watch is an excellent choice for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Garmin Forerunner 55 vs Forerunner 255S Comparison
Garmin Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 255S are both excellent fitness watches designed for athletes who want to track their progress effectively. In this section, we will compare the features, design, and performance of these two watches to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display
The Garmin Forerunner 55 has a 1.04-inch display with 208 x 208 pixels, making it slightly smaller than the Garmin Forerunner 255S, which has a 1.2-inch display with 240 x 240 pixels. The Forerunner 55 has a lightweight and comfortable design, while the 255S has a more premium feel with its stainless steel bezel and buttons.
Activity Tracking and Fitness Features
Both watches offer similar activity tracking features such as steps, distance, and calories burned. However, the Forerunner 255S includes a Pulse Oximeter sensor that measures blood oxygen saturation levels during the day and while you sleep. On the other hand, the Forerunner 55 has a Body Battery Energy Monitor that uses heart rate variability, stress, and other data to estimate your energy levels throughout the day.
Battery Life
The Forerunner 55 boasts a battery life of up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, while the Forerunner 255S has a battery life of up to 12 days in smartwatch mode. This makes the Forerunner 55 a better pick for those who want a longer battery life between charges.
Other Features
The Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 255S come with built-in GPS, music storage, and the ability to receive notifications from your smartphone. However, the Forerunner 255S offers more advanced features such as running dynamics, which includes cadence, ground contact time, and stride length. It also includes a VO2 max estimation, which predicts your overall fitness level based on how much oxygen your body consumes during exercise.
Overall, both the Garmin Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 255S are excellent fitness watches with their own unique features and strengths. If you are looking for a watch with a longer battery life and Body Battery Energy Monitor, the Forerunner 55 is the best choice. However, if you want more advanced running dynamics and VO2 max estimation, the Forerunner 255S is the better option.
Features to Consider
When it comes to fitness smartwatches, the Garmin Forerunner 55 and 255S offer impressive features for athletes. Here are the key features of both watches:
| Features | Garmin Forerunner 55 | Garmin Forerunner 255S |
|---|---|---|
| GPS Capabilities | GLONASS and GPS | GLONASS, GPS, and Galileo |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Wrist-based heart rate monitoring | Wrist-based heart rate monitoring and Pulse Ox sensor |
| Activity Tracking | Pace, distance, and intensity minutes tracking, 20+ preloaded sports apps | Step counting, distance, calories burned, intensity minutes tracking, 20+ preloaded sports apps |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, up to 20 hours in GPS mode | Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 8 hours in GPS mode with music |
| Additional Features | Body Battery™ energy monitor, music and smart notifications, LiveTrack, safety features | Music and smart notifications, LiveTrack, safety features, Connect IQ™ store, advanced training features |
As we can see, both watches offer features such as GPS capabilities, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking, but with slight differences in their functionalities. The Forerunner 255S offers an additional Pulse Ox sensor, while the Forerunner 55 boasts the Body Battery™ energy monitor, which is not present in the 255S. The battery life on the Forerunner 55 is longer in comparison to the 255S, except when using GPS mode with music.
If you value advanced training features and the ability to customize your watch, the Forerunner 255S might be the better choice for you with the added Connect IQ™ store. Alternatively, if you prioritize an energy monitor and a long battery life, the Forerunner 55 offers a better option. Ultimately, the decision on which watch to choose will come down to your individual fitness needs.
Conclusion
After comparing the Garmin Forerunner 55 and the Garmin Forerunner 255S, it is clear that both watches offer unique features and capabilities for fitness enthusiasts. While the Forerunner 55 is an excellent choice for beginners or those seeking a more affordable option, the Forerunner 255S is a more comprehensive choice, offering more functions and data analytics.
Ultimately, the best watch for you will depend on your individual fitness goals, preferences, and budget. We recommend considering which features are essential to your workouts, such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking, and choosing the watch that offers the most comprehensive coverage.
Whether you decide to go with the Garmin Forerunner 55 or the Garmin Forerunner 255S, both watches are excellent options that will keep you motivated and on track towards achieving your fitness goals.
Thank you for reading our comparison and analysis of the Garmin Forerunner 55 vs 255S. We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights and helped you make an informed decision on which watch is the best fitness companion for your lifestyle.
FAQ
Is the Garmin Forerunner 55 waterproof?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and showering.
Can I listen to music on the Garmin Forerunner 255S?
Unfortunately, the Garmin Forerunner 255S does not have built-in music storage or streaming capabilities.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 55 track sleep?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 55 can track your sleep patterns and provide insights on the quality and duration of your sleep.
What is the battery life of the Garmin Forerunner 255S?
The Garmin Forerunner 255S offers a battery life of up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 55 have a touchscreen display?
No, the Garmin Forerunner 55 features a sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, which is not touchscreen-enabled.
Can I connect the Garmin Forerunner 255S to my smartphone?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 255S supports smartphone notifications, allowing you to receive calls, messages, and other app alerts on your wrist.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 55 have built-in GPS?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 55 has built-in GPS, which enables accurate tracking of your outdoor activities without the need for a smartphone.
Can I pay using the Garmin Forerunner 255S?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 255S supports Garmin Pay, allowing you to make contactless payments with your watch on supported payment terminals.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 55 compatible with Strava?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 55 can sync your activities with Strava, allowing you to analyze and share your workouts with the Strava community.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 255S have a built-in heart rate monitor?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 255S features an optical heart rate monitor that continuously tracks your heart rate during activities and throughout the day.