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Garmin Forerunner 245 and Garmin Forerunner 55 are two top fitness smartwatches for advanced tracking, durability, and long-lasting performance. The Garmin Forerunner 245 is the more advanced option with additional training tools and hardware. The Forerunner 55 remains a popular entry-level running watch known for simplicity and long battery life. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
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Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Garmin Forerunner 245 features a responsive processor that improves syncing speed and app performance.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 uses an older processor with slower interface transitions.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 245 |
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Display:- Garmin Forerunner 245 has a 1.2-inch transflective MIP display that improves visibility in bright sunlight.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 uses a 1.04 inch display.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 245 |
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Connectivity:- Garmin Forerunner 245 supports Bluetooth and ANT+ that enable pairing with heart rate monitors and other sensors.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 supports Bluetooth but lacks ANT+ for external accessories.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 245 |
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Display Resolution:- Garmin Forerunner 245 includes a 240 x 240 resolution screen that displays sharper workout data and maps.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 has a 208 x 208 resolution suited for basic metrics.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 245 |
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GPS Support:- Garmin Forerunner 245 supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo that provide more accurate tracking in different environments.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 supports GPS only.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 245 |
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Battery Life:- Garmin Forerunner 245 features a battery that lasts up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 matches 14 days in smartwatch mode but only reaches 20 hours in GPS mode.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 55 |
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Fitness Features:- Garmin Forerunner 245 supports VO2 Max, Training Status, Training Load, and advanced running dynamics to guide performance.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 includes daily suggested workouts and basic run tracking.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 245 |
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Durability:- Garmin Forerunner 245 includes Corning Gorilla Glass 3 that helps resist scratches during outdoor activity.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 uses chemically strengthened glass that provides standard scratch protection.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 245 |
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Sport Mode:- Garmin Forerunner 245 includes 24/7 heart rate monitoring that also tracks stress levels and recovery time.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 includes heart rate tracking without advanced recovery insights.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 245 |
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Sport Mode:- Garmin Forerunner 245 supports multiple sport modes such as cycling, pool swimming, and strength training.
- Garmin Forerunner 55 includes fewer sport profiles with a primary focus on running.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 245 |
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 245 | Garmin Forerunner 55 |
|---|
| Display | 1.2″ Transflective MIP | 1.04″ Transflective MIP |
| Resolution | 240 x 240 pixels | 208 x 208 pixels |
| Display Brightness | Higher brightness with more detail | Lower brightness, basic readability |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch) | Up to 7 days | Up to 14 days |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) | Up to 24 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS only |
| Sport Modes | Advanced metrics + multiple profiles | Basic profiles, running focused |
| Weight | 38.5g | 37g |
| Music Storage | No (music edition available separately) | No |
| Advanced Training | VO2 Max, Training Status, etc. | Daily Suggested Workouts |
| Incident Detection | Yes | Yes |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Garmin Forerunner 245 if you:- Want advanced running metrics like VO2 Max and Training Load
- Need compatibility with external accessories via ANT+
- Prefer a sharper and larger display with Gorilla Glass protection
- Like to track multiple sport types beyond running
- Are okay with slightly shorter battery life in exchange for better training tools
Check Garmin Forerunner 245 Best Price Buy the Garmin Forerunner 55 if you:- Want a more affordable and beginner-friendly running watch
- Prefer a longer battery life in smartwatch mode
- Are mainly focused on running and walking
- Do not need advanced performance analytics or third-party sensor support
- Like a lighter and simpler design with all core features for daily use
Check Forerunner 55 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Always-On Display | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Display Size | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Resolution | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Display Brightness | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Battery Life | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Sport Modes | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Health & Fitness | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Connectivity | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Durability | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Design | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
What They Have in Common
- Built-in GPS: Both watches include built-in GPS, allowing runners to track distance and pace without carrying a phone.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Each model has wrist-based heart rate monitoring, helping users track their effort levels and optimize training intensity.
- Water Resistance: Both are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and shower use without worry.
- Training & Recovery Tools: Each watch supports features like VO2 max estimation and training status, which help users gauge fitness progress and avoid overtraining.
- Smart Notifications: Both models display call, text, and app notifications when paired with a smartphone, keeping users connected on the go.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does the Garmin Forerunner 245 have built-in music storage?
The standard Garmin Forerunner 245 does not include built-in music storage, but there is a separate Forerunner 245 Music edition that supports offline music playback.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 55 suitable for beginner runners?
Yes, the Forerunner 55 is designed with beginner runners in mind and includes features like Daily Suggested Workouts and easy-to-use training tools.
Can both watches track swimming?
Yes, both the Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 55 are water-resistant up to 5 ATM and can track pool swimming sessions.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 245 support advanced running metrics?
Yes, the Forerunner 245 supports advanced running dynamics such as ground contact time, cadence, vertical oscillation, and VO2 Max when paired with compatible accessories.
Do either of the watches support music playback via Bluetooth?
Only the Forerunner 245 Music edition supports Bluetooth music playback. The standard 245 and Forerunner 55 do not have music playback features.
Can I use Garmin Pay on the Forerunner 245 or 55?
No, neither the Forerunner 245 nor the Forerunner 55 supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments.
Is there a difference in battery life between the two models?
Yes, the Forerunner 55 offers longer battery life, with up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, compared to 7 days on the Forerunner 245.
Can both models receive smartphone notifications?
Yes, both watches can receive call, text, and app notifications when paired with a compatible smartphone.
Do the watches support external sensors?
The Forerunner 245 supports Bluetooth and ANT+ sensors, while the Forerunner 55 only supports Bluetooth and lacks ANT+ compatibility.
Is the display on the Forerunner 245 sharper than the 55?
Yes, the Forerunner 245 has a higher resolution display at 240 x 240 pixels compared to the Forerunner 55’s 208 x 208 pixels, resulting in sharper visuals.