Forerunner 55 Easy to Use Lightweight GPS Running Smartwatch, Running and Training Guidance, Safety and Tracking Features included

I've had the Garmin Forerunner 55 for a little over 2 months at the time of writing this review. I purchased to replace a higher end smart device from a few years back (Huawei GT 2 PRO) which had compatibility issues with IOS and poor GPS tracking. I wanted something lightweight, comfortable and easy to use while running. Whether you're running on the road or hitting the trails, the watch provides reliable and precise tracking of your distance, pace, and route. This is essential for tracking your progress and analysing your runs. It includes a heart rate monitor, allowing you to keep an eye on your heart rate during your workouts. impressive battery stating up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode - I've not scientifically tested but I've been getting a good week and a half or so with regular 6-10k runs in. Sleep tracking also feels accurate when reviewing the data in the app vs how I feel that day. Its nice to be able to keep a track of hours slept/recovery. The Garmin connect app is also the best I've used with lots of insightful data from step tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, body battery & setting running plans. You can also sign up to challenges and earn badges which adds a nice competitiveness if you have friends/family on the same platform. My personal favourite feature is having a physical start stop button - its a simple one but being able to hit start/stop when getting to a road junction and it working every time vs my old touch screen watch is really nice. Also helps with accuracy of running times. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent GPS running watch for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable device to track their runs. With its accurate GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, customizable display, and extensive training features, it provides all the essential tools to help you reach your running goals. While it may lack some advanced smartwatch features, its impressive battery life and user-friendly interface make it a solid choice for runners of all levels.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent fitness watch, especially for active users who want reliable tracking and easy smartphone connectivity. It delivers accurate GPS performance, great battery life, and a range of features that make it a solid choice for sports enthusiasts. My son, who is passionate about swimming and sports, loves using this watch to track his activity. It provides detailed insights into workouts, heart rate, and performance metrics, helping him stay on top of his training. The lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear all day, and the interface is intuitive, making it easy to access stats and notifications. Syncing with his iPhone works seamlessly, allowing him to review progress, set goals, and stay motivated. For anyone looking for a well-rounded GPS watch that balances performance, ease of use, and smart features, the Forerunner 55 is a fantastic option. It’s durable, dependable, and a great tool for anyone serious about staying active.

Bought a returned / secondhand Forerunner 55 for £112 from reseller FairTech. Would happily buy from the reseller, again. I'm not a runner, I only intended to use the watch as not much more than a smart pedometer, really. However, as the watch is so lightweight I've just kept it on, so now have access to all sorts of data - average resting HR, sleep analysis, VO2 Max etc. - on the Garmin Connect app. The onboard GPS also appears to be far more consistent than the Polar + Google Maps apps I've used to record my walks before, too. The watch itself has several watch faces onboard, more online, some free. The data + layout for each activity you want to use it for can be customised independently. The interface is very simple to use, if not necessarily intuitive at first, and you can do most of what you want to do within a few key presses. I haven't got any more Garmin kit, but can see if I had the BP monitor, scales etc. it would all appear to be seamlessly integrated into the app. I guess that's pretty much a given, these days, but here's confirmation, for what it's worth.

Bought this watch for walking rather than running. It works very well as a walking watch and the battery and coverage is excellent. Used it for three days walking in the Lake District on one battery charge and no lose of GPS signal. The temperature gauge is a bit low compared to the actual temperature but I didn't buy it as a thermometer. Can't give it five stars as the only elevation information given is after the walk has finished via the Garmin Connect app but there is no live information regarding height gained.

Packs a real punch, I’ve left my daily Omega Speedmaster in the safe since I got this! I love that it tracks my running and walking. Also very useful to see how good my sleep is and daily steps. It really is fantastic. It’s pretty basic in terms of the large world of sports watches but don’t let that put you off. I got this for an absolute steal and I’m really pleased with it. It’s also comfy, doesn’t intrude at all. I would highly recommend it.

what can I say. Well definitely cheeper and better then a samsung. I have been using a samsung for meany years and not got on well with them. Started to use this Garmin which is their chipist one but its fantasic and work perfectly with Strava.

Once you learn the functions, this is a great watch for the price! Its primary function is cardio, with built-in running, cycling etc, but you can create your own gym and other sports workouts in the app, too. Syncing activates via the app is easy, and for custom ones (I am currently doing couch to 5k) the repeat function is a welcome time saver. I don't normally wear a watch, but it's light without feeling fragile, so can even wear it at night to track sleeping.

I am really pleased with this purchase. Very reasonably priced for the type of device. I really like Garmin and the Garmin app from previously owning a vivoactive 3 which gave up after a good few years of use. The forerunner 55 suits my needs better than the vivoactive in that it is button operated rather than touch screen. I often lost activities with the vivoactive dueSee to a coat or running jacket operating the screen. The forerunner 55 is a much more definite function operation which I really like. I've used the watch for hiking and running so far and it's been brilliant regarding information, GPS tracking, linking to Strava, etc. The battery life between charges seems very good so far. I also really like the fact you need to push a button to illuminated the watch rather than it light up on movement as the vivoactive did. The watch still lights up when lifting to view during an activity which is perfect for me. I have also started using Garmin coach for a running aim and this is a brilliant motivator as well as stopping me overtraining which I have done in the past. Thoroughly recommend Garmin and this device for ease of use, practicality, toughness, training options and how it looks.