Garmin Forerunner 55 Smartwatch: A Comprehensive Review

Garmin Forerunner 55 Smartwatch: A Comprehensive Review

In the ever-evolving world of smartwatches and fitness trackers, Garmin has carved out a strong reputation for delivering reliable, data-rich devices tailored for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. One of its most approachable models is the Garmin Forerunner 55, an entry-level running watch that brings essential features from its higher-end siblings without the steep price tag. Despite being labeled as "entry-level," the Forerunner 55 punches well above its weight, offering robust GPS tracking, a wealth of training tools, and deep integration with Garmin's expansive health and fitness ecosystem.

In this article, we’ll explore the Garmin Forerunner 55 in depth — examining its design, performance, features, pros and cons, and where it stands in the competitive smartwatch market.

Overview and Target Audience

Released in June 2021, the Garmin Forerunner 55 replaced the Forerunner 45, bringing several improvements and new features while maintaining affordability. It is primarily targeted at beginner to intermediate runners or those looking for a simple, effective way to track their workouts and health metrics.

The Forerunner 55 appeals to users who want:

• A dedicated GPS running watch
• Accurate fitness and health tracking
• Long battery life
• A lightweight, minimalist design
• An easy-to-use interface without overwhelming features

This model is ideal for casual runners, fitness enthusiasts, and even seasoned athletes who want a reliable backup watch or a secondary device for training.

Design and Build Quality

The Garmin Forerunner 55 maintains the circular watch face design that defines the Forerunner line. It comes in a compact, lightweight form factor, weighing just 37 grams. The case is made of fiber-reinforced polymer, with a 1.04-inch display protected by chemically strengthened glass.

While the design is utilitarian rather than fashionable, it’s practical — comfortable to wear during long runs or workouts and even sleep. The silicone strap is soft, sweat-resistant, and adjustable for various wrist sizes.

The watch lacks a touchscreen, instead relying on five physical buttons — two on the right and three on the left. This may feel old-school to some, but for athletes, physical buttons are easier to operate mid-run, especially when sweaty or wearing gloves.

The display offers 208 x 208 resolution, and while it doesn’t match AMOLED smartwatches in vibrancy or sharpness, it’s perfectly readable in sunlight and dim lighting alike.

Key Features

1. Built-in GPS

The Forerunner 55 includes built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite tracking. It locks onto satellites quickly and provides accurate route tracking — whether you’re running, walking, or cycling.

2. Heart Rate Monitoring

It comes with 24/7 wrist-based heart rate monitoring via Garmin’s Elevate sensor. It measures resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and during activity for exertion zones.

3. Fitness Tracking

Garmin’s fitness tracking suite is comprehensive. The watch tracks:

• Steps
• Calories burned
• Distance
• Sleep (with stages)
• Stress levels
• Body battery (energy monitoring)
• Women’s health tracking (menstrual cycle and pregnancy)

4. Sports Modes

Though marketed as a running watch, the Forerunner 55 includes a variety of sports profiles:

• Running (indoor/outdoor)
• Walking
• Cycling
• Swimming (pool)
• HIIT
• Pilates
• Yoga
• Treadmill and track running

It also includes customizable workouts and automatic rep counting for strength training.

5. PacePro and Virtual Run

Two standout features for runners are:

• PacePro: A tool that provides pace guidance based on elevation and course difficulty.
• Virtual Run: Syncs with third-party apps like Zwift, turning your treadmill sessions into virtual runs.

6. Training and Recovery Tools

Despite its affordability, the Forerunner 55 provides advanced tools like:

• Suggested daily workouts tailored to your fitness level
• Estimated race finish times
• Recovery time recommendations post-workout
• VO2 Max estimation

7. Smartwatch Capabilities

While it's not a full-blown smartwatch like an Apple Watch, it offers several essential smart features:

• Smartphone notifications (calls, texts, app alerts)
• Music controls
• Calendar and weather widgets
• Safety features like incident detection and live tracking (requires smartphone)

Performance and Usability

GPS and Tracking Accuracy

The Forerunner 55 delivers consistently accurate GPS tracking, even in moderately dense urban areas or light forest cover. It records routes reliably and provides post-run metrics through the Garmin Connect app, which is among the best platforms for reviewing and analyzing fitness data.

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the Forerunner 55's strongest selling points:

• Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days
• GPS mode: Up to 20 hours

This is particularly impressive given the price and feature set. It allows users to go days or even weeks without charging, which is ideal for travelers or marathon trainers.

Interface and Controls

The button-only interface may take some getting used to for touchscreen users, but it becomes second nature quickly. The menu system is intuitive, and navigating between metrics, workouts, and settings is straightforward.

Garmin Connect remains a powerful app for syncing and managing data. It provides in-depth insights, historical trends, and integration with third-party platforms like Strava, MyFitnessPal, and Apple Health.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable: Excellent value for under $200
• Lightweight and comfortable: Easy to wear 24/7
• Strong battery life
• Accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring
• Beginner-friendly interface and guidance
• Access to advanced metrics (VO2 Max, PacePro)
• Works with Garmin Connect ecosystem

Cons:

• No touchscreen: Might not appeal to smartwatch users
• Basic design: Not a fashion statement
• No onboard music storage
• Limited smartwatch functionality
• No altimeter: Can’t track elevation gain/loss
• No contactless payments or third-party apps

Comparison with Competitors

In its price range, the Garmin Forerunner 55 competes with watches like the Coros Pace 2, Polar Pacer, and Amazfit GTR series.

• Coros Pace 2 offers better battery life and more advanced features for serious athletes but lacks Garmin's refined software ecosystem.
• Polar Pacer has a more vibrant screen and offers detailed training insights but suffers from a less intuitive app.
• Amazfit GTR series leans toward lifestyle features and fashion but lacks the accuracy and depth of training tools Garmin provides.

When it comes to long-term reliability, ecosystem support, and community engagement, Garmin usually leads the pack — especially for runners.

Who Should Buy the Garmin Forerunner 55?

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is best suited for:

• Beginner to intermediate runners who want structured guidance and progress tracking.
• Fitness enthusiasts looking for a lightweight, low-maintenance watch with strong fitness tracking features.
• Casual users who want long battery life and essential smartwatch features without the complexity of high-end devices.

It is not the best fit for those who prioritize style, need full smartwatch capabilities (like LTE, third-party apps, or contactless payments), or want advanced multi-sport features like triathlon modes.

Conclusion

The Garmin Forerunner 55 stands out as an incredibly capable entry-level GPS smartwatch. It captures Garmin’s fitness-first philosophy and distills it into an affordable, user-friendly device. For anyone looking to get serious about running, improve their fitness, or simply track their health with reliable data, the Forerunner 55 is one of the best choices in its class.

While it lacks the bells and whistles of premium smartwatches, it more than makes up for it with robust training tools, excellent battery life, and seamless integration with Garmin Connect. It’s a solid investment — not just for runners, but for anyone aiming to lead a more active and informed lifestyle.