Garmin Forerunner 55 vs 245 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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Garmin Forerunner 55 & Garmin Forerunner 245 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Garmin Forerunner 245 rather than the Garmin Forerunner 55. 

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Why Do I Recommend The Garmin Forerunner 245? 

  • The Garmin Forerunner 245 features advanced training metrics like Training Load, Training Status, and Running Dynamics (with accessories), providing deeper insights into performance and recovery compared to the Forerunner 55’s basic training features.
  • Garmin Forerunner 245 includes onboard music storage and playback to listen to music without a phone, while the Forerunner 55 lacks music storage.
  • It has a higher-resolution 240×240 pixel display for delivering sharper visuals and better readability than the Forerunner 55’s lower 208×208 resolution screen.
  • The Garmin Forerunner 245 features breadcrumb navigation and a “Back to Start” feature for improved outdoor tracking, while the Forerunner 55 lacks these navigation tools.
  • Garmin Forerunner 245 has a Pulse Oximeter (SpO2 sensor) for monitoring blood oxygen levels, while the Forerunner 55  does not support SpO2 monitoring.
  • Forerunner 245 supports external sensors for Running Power, Cycling Dynamics, and advanced swim tracking for more sports versatility than the Forerunner 55’s limited sensor support.
  • The Garmin Forerunner 245 includes Wi-Fi connectivity and third-party app support via Garmin Connect IQ for more customization & smart features, while the Forerunner 55 lacks Wi-Fi & app support.
  • It provides a Recovery Advisor for helping athletes manage rest and avoid overtraining, while the Forerunner 55 does not include recovery recommendations.

Maybe the Garmin Forerunner 55 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Garmin 245. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureGarmin Forerunner 245Garmin Forerunner 55
Display Resolution240 x 240 pixels208 x 208 pixels
Screen Size1.2 inches1.04 inches
Weight38.5g37g
Battery Life (GPS Mode)Up to 24 hoursUp to 20 hours
Music StorageYesNo
Pulse Oximeter (SpO2 Monitoring)YesNo
Running Power Support (with accessory)YesNo
Advanced Training FeaturesTraining Load, Training Status, Running DynamicsLimited
Recovery AdvisorYesNo
Cycling MetricsAdvanced metricsBasic tracking
Swimming MetricsAdvanced metricsBasic tracking
Navigation FeaturesBreadcrumb navigation, Back to StartBasic GPS tracking
LiveTrack & Incident DetectionYesYes
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-FiBluetooth only
Third-Party App SupportYesNo
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What Common Both Can Do?

  • Design & Build: Both watches have a lightweight, round case with five-button navigation and do not include a touchscreen. Their MIP displays ensure readability even in bright sunlight.
  • GPS Support: Both devices support GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, ensuring accurate location tracking.
  • Water Resistance: With 5 ATM water resistance, both watches are safe for swimming and daily wear.
  • Health & Fitness Tracking: Both devices offer heart rate monitoring, VO2 max estimation, sleep tracking, step counting, calorie tracking, and respiration rate tracking.
  • Smart Features: Both support smartphone notifications, LiveTrack, and incident detection, keeping users connected and safe.
  • Battery Performance: Both watches offer good battery life in GPS mode, making them reliable for endurance activities.
  • Garmin Coach Support: Both support Garmin Coach, which provides personalized training plans.
  • Customizability: Both allow custom watch faces through Garmin Connect IQ.
  • Women’s Health & Hydration Tracking: Both support tracking menstrual cycles, pregnancy health, and hydration for overall wellness.
  • Running & Activity Tracking: Both include pace, speed, interval training, and multi-sport activity tracking, making them great choices for fitness enthusiasts.

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Common Features

FeatureGarmin 245Garmin Forerunner 55
Display TypeMIP (Memory-in-Pixel), Always-onMIP (Memory-in-Pixel), Always-on
TouchscreenNoNo
GPS SupportYesYes
Water Resistance5 ATM5 ATM
Heart Rate MonitoringYesYes
VO2 Max EstimationYesYes
Sleep Tracking Yes Yes
Step Counting Yes Yes
Calorie TrackingYesYes
Smartphone NotificationsYesYes
LiveTrack Feature Yes Yes
Incident Detection Yes Yes
Bluetooth ConnectivityYesYes
Garmin Coach SupportYesYes
Customizable Watch Faces Yes Yes
Activity & Sports Tracking Yes Yes
Body Battery Energy MonitoringYesYes
Women’s Health TrackingYesYes
Hydration Tracking Yes Yes
Respiration Rate Tracking Yes Yes
Pace & Speed Tracking Yes Yes
Interval Training Support Yes Yes
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FAQ

Does the Garmin Forerunner 55 have music storage like the Forerunner 245?
No, the Garmin Forerunner 55 does not support onboard music storage. The Forerunner 245 has a Music Edition that allows users to store and play music without a phone. If listening to music without carrying a phone is important, the Forerunner 245 Music Edition is the better choice.

Which watch has better battery life, the Forerunner 55 or Forerunner 245?
The Garmin Forerunner 55 has a longer battery life in smartwatch mode, lasting up to 14 days compared to the Forerunner 245’s 7 days. However, in GPS mode, the Forerunner 245 lasts up to 24 hours, slightly longer than the Forerunner 55’s 20 hours.

Do both watches have GPS tracking?
Yes, both the Garmin Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 245 support GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for accurate location tracking. This ensures precise run and workout tracking, even in challenging environments like urban areas and trails.

Is the Garmin Forerunner 245 better for serious runners than the Forerunner 55?
Yes, the Forerunner 245 offers more advanced running dynamics, VO2 max analysis, training load, and race predictions. It also supports external sensors for running power and has a Recovery Advisor, making it a better option for serious runners who want detailed insights into their training progress.

Can both watches track swimming and cycling activities?
Yes, both watches can track swimming and cycling activities, but the Forerunner 245 provides more advanced metrics. It offers better swim tracking features like stroke count and SWOLF score, as well as more detailed cycling analytics.

Does the Forerunner 55 support SpO2 monitoring like the Forerunner 245?
No, the Forerunner 55 does not have a pulse oximeter for SpO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring. The Forerunner 245 includes this feature, allowing users to check their blood oxygen levels during workouts and sleep.

Are both watches compatible with Garmin Coach?
Yes, both the Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 245 support Garmin Coach, which provides adaptive training plans for different running goals. This feature is beneficial for beginners and experienced runners looking for structured workouts.

Which watch is better for navigation?
The Forerunner 245 is better for navigation as it includes breadcrumb navigation and a “Back to Start” feature. The Forerunner 55 provides only basic GPS tracking without these advanced navigation tools.

Do both watches support LiveTrack and incident detection?
Yes, both the Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 245 support Garmin LiveTrack, which allows others to follow your location in real-time. They also have incident detection, which can notify emergency contacts if an accident or fall is detected during a workout.

Can I customize watch faces and apps on both watches?
Yes, both watches allow customization through Garmin Connect IQ. Users can download and install watch faces, widgets, and apps, but the Forerunner 245 offers more extensive third-party app support.

Do both watches have a touchscreen?
No, neither the Forerunner 55 nor the Forerunner 245 has a touchscreen. They both use button-based navigation, which is more reliable during workouts and in wet conditions.

Which watch is more affordable?
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is the more budget-friendly option. It offers many of the essential features found in the Forerunner 245 but at a lower price, making it a great choice for casual runners or those looking for a reliable GPS watch without advanced training metrics.

Is the Forerunner 245 worth the extra cost over the Forerunner 55?
If you need advanced training tools, music storage, breadcrumb navigation, and SpO2 monitoring, the Forerunner 245 is worth the extra cost. However, if you only need a basic GPS running watch with solid performance, the Forerunner 55 provides great value.

Can both watches be used for daily wear and general fitness tracking?
Yes, both the Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 245 can be worn daily. They track steps, calories, sleep, stress levels, and heart rate throughout the day, making them useful for general fitness tracking beyond running.

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