Garmin Forerunner 45 vs 55 - What are the differences?

After the Garmin Forerunner 45, its successor was released in 2021: The Garmin Forerunner 55. Let's take the two watches in comparison and take a closer look at the differences between the two sports watches from Garmin.

Comparison table

Comparison between Garmin Forerunner 45 and Garmin Forerunner 55

Visually, both watches make quite a similar impression at first. In fact, the two watches do not differ in size. Both the Forerunner 45 and the Forerunner 55 have a diameter of 26.3 millimeters in the display.

The dimension is 42 millimeters. The thickness is an insignificant 0.2 millimeters more on the Forerunner at 11.6 millimeters. The thickness of the Garmin Forerunner 45 is 11.4 millimeters.

The resolution and display are also identical on both watches. The differences are actually in the details.

Battery life

One big difference is the battery life. Here, the Garmin Forerunner can trump with up to 14 days. The Garmin Forerunner 45 has a battery life of up to 7 days. Thus, you get twice the battery here in the new version.

The battery life also differs when the GPS is turned on. In comparison, the Garmin Forerunner 55 performs better here with 20 hours. The Garmin Forerunner 45 manages up to 13 hours with GPS on.

Bracelets

A special feature of the Garmin Forerunner 55 is the 20 millimeter quick-release strap. This allows you to easily change the straps and greatly customize the look of the watch. As with most wristbands, there is a large selection of affordable interchangeable wristbands for the Garmin Forerunner 55*.

Fitness & Health Functions

When it comes to fitness and health features, the Garmin Forerrunner 45 brings the essentials. Most runners will definitely get their money's worth here and be satisfied.

However, the Forerunner 55 comes with even more running features. These include, for example, daily training suggestions, recovery advisor, cadence alerts, run time prediction and PacePro.

Unlike the Garmin Forerunner 45, the Garmin Forerunner can be fully connected to Garmin IQ. This brings you significantly more features for your fitness activities. The Forerunner 45 can only be connected to the IQ store to install additional watch faces.

Women's health is a topic that has increased in 2020. Here, the Forerunner 55 also offers advantages compared to the Garmin Forerunner 45. Because only the Garmin Forerunner 55 has these functions.

Which Garmin Forreunner is right for you?

In comparison, the newer Garmin Forerunner 55 brings significantly more features and an improved battery life. The wristbands are also an advantage. Thus, the Garmin Forerunner 55* is the recommendation.

However, the Garmin Forerunner 45* can also be quite sufficient. The watch offers all the necessary functions for runs. However, due to the age of the watch, you can save well on the price. Especially for beginners, the model is therefore also a good and inexpensive choice.