Garmin - Forerunner 55

My watch is a Forerunner 55. It has everything I need, and what's important is that I actually use every feature it offers. The big question is are you really going to use all those fancy unnecessary features or not?

Huawei fit 3 > Garmin 55. Been usung fit 3 for almost a year now and so far so good. may lil difference lang sa strava when it comes to distance, but very minimal lang. features are more updated than FR55.

I use a 55 and it's perfect for everything except for swimming

"Cheap" is a relative term that is going to have different conotations to different people. If you have a price range or specific figure in mind, it is probably best to share it, so folks can help you accordingly. That being said, if you're looking for an entry level device that can sync to NRC, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is where you would want to start looking. $150 USD seems to be the going rate. One thing that is important to note-NRC is very popular, especially among beginners, for its Guided Runs and Training Plans. Unfortunately, any device by Garmin (or COROS) is not going to support those features, as these devices only push data to NRC *after* the run. If you want to take advantage of Guided Runs and Training Plans, an Apple Watch (if you have an iPhone) or a watch that runs Wear OS (if you have an Android phone) are the *only* options for your wrist. I noticed you mentioned Apple Watch Series 6. A couple disclaimers about older used devices: * Nike has a history of dropping support for older technology. Recently, NRC discontinued the app for Apple Watch Series 3 and earlier (and by "discontinued," I don't mean you couldn't upgrade the app; it stopped functioning all together). Granted, Series 3 was six years old at this point, but the device you're considering is approaching five years old, so proceed with caution. * I would only consider an older Apple Watch if the battery has recently been replaced. The battery wears out after so many charge cycles, each time being able to hold less and less power. Once this "maximum capacity" is below 80%, Apple recommends a new battery. This is also the point where watchOS may start to limit resources for apps, which can really affect an app that is constantly using Location Services, like NRC. Note this is even when fully charged. Sure, you could always have the battery replaced yourself, but that is going to set you back about $99.

I use a forerunner 55, wanted to try out something basic to give it a go, can't find a reason to upgrade to be honest it does literally everything I need, other than hiking navigation. Although not sure about its waterproof capabilities for swimming

I've been using Forerunner 55 for 2 years now. Very pleased with it

Older Garmin watches work fine, I regularly see runners with the 2015 Forerunner 235 at races. And used models will be fine, albeit older watches may have reduced battery life simply due to age. That's the nature of rechargeable batteries I'm afraid, and it applies to all brands. I would recommend a Forerunner 45 as the minimum, or a 55, and if you can get a 245 in budget then even better Whichever watch you choose, go to [DC Rainmaker](https://www.dcrainmaker.com/) and search for his in-depth review of that model which typically includes a video. They will tell you all about the functions, how to use it, what it can do etc.

A fine budget watch, will do everything you need. [Here's an in-depth review with videos](https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2021/06/garmin-forerunner-55-depth-review.html)

I agree. The 55 is a great starter watch with all the features you could want for running

+1 for Forerunner 55 - does what you need, no extra bells and whistles, doesn't cost the earth.

Forerunner 55. I wanted a cheap entry watch and it's been perfect. Route tracking, heart rate monitoring, pace, distance, timekeeping. does everything i need.

Have fun! For me it was a great upgrade from a fitbit and I only have a very basic Garmin (Forerunner 55). The live pace accuracy was so much better, it improved me significantly as I could learn to pace myself better. Also the GPS was better. With Fitbit I often had these weird glitches where it didn't track the route at all.

I was happy with my 55 and when it came to getting a new watch, I got the 255 rather than the 165. The 255 does have a few more features that make it worth it. I didn't get the 165 for the same reason. I don't want a touch screen and the 55 series has a better battery life.

I've really liked all of my Garmin watches! Check out anything from the Forerunner line, like the Forerunner 55. And highly recommend getting a refurbished/used one to save money, if that's an issue for you. You can get the 55, 45, or 35 for a pretty good deal refurbished/used.

I use a Garmin Forerunner watch, and it displays heart rate while tracking activity. The reading is pretty visible to me even with slightly foggy goggles but ymmv. They have a lot of models with this capability, so maybe you can find one with a bigger screen. The default heart rate screen also has a colored Zone indicator, if that's easier to see & you're not looking for exact numbers https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=kbOXNev7NS4DQcc3IjAV49

Imo its garmin . The HUGE factor is the battery . Apple you are 100% charging it daily . Garmin 55 and its once a week. That alone is enough for me

My favorite is the running feature so I can accurately track my pace and mileage. It's been helpful to see the data all laid out (steps, cadence, how long I walked vs run). I have a heart condition so I have also been relying on the heart monitor and zone feature to keep myself in a safe place while running. Practically, I also like I can see what texts I get on it instead of always having my phone glued to my side.

I understand you said you're on a budget but you should invest on yourself! As others stated, I recommend a Garmin Forerunner 55 or any other second hand Garmin.

Seems like I am replacing my watch every 2-3 years. Battery is always the reason. Have gone with the base models of the garmin forerunner (35,45,55) then finally upgraded to the 200 series most recently.

Garmin forerunner 55. It's basic, functional, and the battery lasts a long time. It gives me just what I need - time, pace, distance, lap function, etc. I am not interested in endless data and analytics. I don't want a sleep score, stress score, etc. things like that would probably do more harm than good for me, as I can already be somewhat obsessive-compulsive about structuring my life around training, and that would give me more variables to be preoccupied with. I know if those numbers weren't optimal, it would bother me and have a negative psychological impact. I've run just fine on poor sleep or when stressed out because I don't overthink it.

I've been using the Forerunner 55 for about 3 years now, and honestly, it's been super reliable for both my runs and cycling stats. When I first bought it, I wasn't even that health conscious but just wearing it regularly kind of changed things. Tracking my performance each session made me pay attention to my sleep, stress, heart rate, and a bunch of other metrics I never really thought about before. It's amazing how seeing those stats day to day actually helped me improve my lifestyle and use the data wisely. Overall, I'd rate it a 5 out of 5 and definitely a perfect fitness watch for beginners!

Garmin Forerunner 55 is great! I used to have a Fitbit, but I switched a few months ago and am honestly much happier and very impressed with the Garmin. I find it has more reliable everyday data (like heart rate, respiration, body battery), you can set custom ranges for abnormal heart rate alerts, and I personally like the app more than Fitbit's. The Garmin is also a million times better for exercise. Garmin watches are generally more expensive than Fitbits, but I was able to get a discount through my health insurance so that helps. Hope you find something that works for you!

I love my 55! I don't feel like I need any more features than the ones it already offers!

I have a 55 and never really feel like I'm missing out on any features. Will upgrade only if/when it craps out.

From one "running gear Luddite" to another, Get the base garmin forerunner (believe the model number right now is 55). Garmin is really high quality and you really don't need most of the metrics the more advanced models provide. This way you won't be breaking the bank but you will be paying for quality

I switched from a Fitbit to a forerunner years ago and was immediately hooked on team garmin! I love the accuracy, stats and better connectivity. I recently upgraded from the forerunner 55 to 165 and there are some added features that are pretty cool. I would say the switch from 55 to 165 was a lot less noticeable than the switch from Fitbit to garmin. The only feature I feel like Fitbit did better than garmin is the sleep tracking sometimes.

>Its a Vivoactive by another name. ironically i've been looking at the FR series to upgrade my old vivoactive. lack of altimeter is deal breaker for me.

I have the cheapest of the Garmin forerunner lineup with the FR55. Yeah it doesn't do HRV. It doesn't give me a sleep score. But it does have body battery level and stress level, which is good enough for me. It doesn't do training readiness, but it tells me my recovery time. It's a great entry level choice if you don't want to shell out more than $200 USD

I wouldn't use either for tracking cycling and I actually have a Garmin watch (Forerunner 55). Get a dedicated Cycling GPS unit and wear a heart rate strap. I've occasionally used my Garmin watch for recording rides, but it kills the battery. It will only last for 2-3 hours whilst using the GPS function. I use a Garmin Edge GPS for recording my rides, which has a 12 hour battery life. Watch is good for running or even swimming, but not for cycling.

I just upgraded from a forerunner 55 to a forerunner 970 (bday present to myself). I've had an Apple Watch. My opinion is if you want barebones and dont mind running with your phone if you need music, a forerunner 55 is good enough. If you want good enough + music, forerunner 165 Music. There are a number of good comparisons online. I got a 970 because I wanted a fancy one. I love it but it does provide some redundant metrics to whoop that dampen the impact whoop has for me

My FR55 was a great watch and didn't have any issues with keeping time as an everyday watch and GPS wasn't spotty. The only time it failed on GPS was when running in downtown with lots of tall buildings and the signal bounced around but that was a race day, not daily training. I'm not sure going to another watch will do bc I haven't had the issues you do.

The 55 has all of the functions that you need.

garmin forerunner 55 is pretty decent and not too chunky!