makes arguably the market's best . Garmin's Forerunner heart rate monitors are a series of dedicated GPS running watches. Whether you're a beginner, seasoned fitness enthusiast, or elite runner, find your running watch among the heart rate monitors in .
In this article, you can learn about the differences as I compare , , , , and .
See guide to choosing Garmin running watch below.
OVERVIEW
This article consists of the following sections. Click on one of the headings to go to the desired section.
- COMPARISON OF GARMIN FORERUNNER SERIES - TABLE
- GARMIN FORERUNNER 165 / 165 MUSIC
COMPARISON OF GARMIN FORERUNNER SERIES
Here you get the big picture of what all the GPS running watches in Garmin's FORERUNNER series actually can do, when we compare Garmin Forerunner 55, Garmin Forerunner 255 Music, Garmin Forerunner 265, Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar, and Garmin Forerunner 965.
GARMIN FORERUNNER 55
Garmin Forerunner 55 is a really good GPS running watch at an advantageous price. Garmin Forerunner 55 and its many run-specific features make it possible to grow as a runner and fitness enthusiast.
It's a GPS watch for those striving to incorporate more movement into daily life, learn more about overall health, and make training a regular part of daily activities.
Recommended for: Garmin Forerunner 55 is a budget-friendly GPS watch for beginners, and more seasoned fitness enthusiasts seeking an overview of basic health and training data.
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ADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 55
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Long battery life
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Full access to Connect IQ Store (download apps, widgets, watch faces)
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Supports multiple activity profiles, including:
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Track Run
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Virtual Run
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Pool Swim
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Pilates
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HIIT
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Breathwork
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Advanced sleep monitoring
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Women's health tracking, incl. pregnancy tracking
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Enhanced running features, including:
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Suggested workouts (lite version)
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Recommended recovery time (lite version)
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Race estimator
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PacePro™ pacing strategies
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Interval mode
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Finish time estimator
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DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 55
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Lacks many advanced training functions and data
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Does not support Garmin Music, Garmin Pay, or built-in maps
GARMIN FORERUNNER 165
Garmin Forerunner 165 / 165 Music is a light, delicate, and user-friendly running watch. Forerunner 165 is a smaller watch with big gestures. You get some of the most useful features for those who strive to become a better runner and gain greater insight into your training and performance.
Garmin Forerunner 165 / 165 Music comes with great features like AMOLED touchscreen, Garmin Pay, Morning report, Sleep score & HRV status, and much more. All features from some of the larger watches but in a lighter and more user-friendly package.
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ADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 165
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Very user-friendly design – easy to start with
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AMOLED touchscreen for sharp and colorful display
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Supports Garmin Pay (contactless payment)
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Lightweight – comfortable for both training and everyday use
DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 165
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Does not support Multi-Band GPS
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Cannot connect to power meter
GARMIN FORERUNNER 265
Like Garmin Forerunner 165, available in two sizes (Garmin Forerunner 265 and Garmin Forerunner 265S). Garmin Forerunner 265 is the pure running watch in Garmin's watch series and the successor to Garmin Forerunner 255. A range of new features have been added to the new watch, all of which improve the watch experience.
Recommended for: If you want a solid and good watch but don't want to invest in top models with the newest features, then Garmin Forerunner 265 is a really good choice. You get a lot of features and basically a really good watch.
Garmin Forerunner 265 is known as the pure running watch in Garmin's watch series. The newer generations in the series also have many otherssportsgrene lagt ind, og uret er således faktisk et rigtig godt valg til træning, hvad end du vil bruge det til løb, cykling, svømning eller noget helt andet.
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BENEFITS OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 265:
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Includes all features from Garmin Forerunner 165
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AMOLED touch screen in two sizes:
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1.1” (265S)
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1.3” (265)
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Updated and modern design
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Supports Training Readiness
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Music playback on all models (not just selected)
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Wrist-based Running Dynamics and running power
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8 GB memory – double that of Forerunner 165
DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 265:
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Lacks some features found only in Forerunner 570, 970 and Fenix series
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Does not have built-in maps and does not offer full turn-by-turn navigation
Garmin Forerunner 570
Garmin Forerunner 570 is the newest GPS watch for running enthusiasts. If you want a light and comfortable watch for your training – without missing Garmin’s impressive training features – then Forerunner 570 is a great choice. The watch has a new, bright screen, available in two sizes with a lightweight aluminum frame, making it both robust and comfortable to run with. It helps you stay focused and reach your training goals.
Recommended for: The dedicated runner chasing new personal records – or the triathlete seeking a light, advanced watch for both training and competition.
Garmin Forerunner 570 is the second most advanced watch in the Forerunner series. It gives you everything you need – and more. With a built-in speaker and microphone, you can take calls directly from your wrist, so you don't have to interrupt your training when the phone rings. Just keep going and get faster.
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BENEFITS OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 570:
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Includes all features from Forerunner 265
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Enhanced build quality
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New and even more bright AMOLED screen
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Built-in microphone and speaker – option for phone calls
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Improved Garmin Coach, now also supports triathlon training
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Evening Report aids recovery and preparation
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Ability to create seamless multisport sessions
DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 570:
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Lacks built-in maps and true navigation
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Does not have flashlight and lacks some advanced running features from Forerunner 970
GARMIN FORERUNNER 965
Garmin Forerunner 965 is the former top model in the Forerunner series. With a Forerunner 965, you get extremely advanced features and a more robust watch with a titanium frame and a beautiful AMOLED screen.
Recommended for: The serious runner or triathlete who wants the best and won't compromise on function and performance.
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BENEFITS OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 965:
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Sharp and colorful AMOLED touch screen
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Titanium frame (bezel) for a light and exclusive look
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Wrist-based Running Dynamics – no need for extra equipment
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Supports acute/chronic load measurement
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Built-in maps and full turn-by-turn navigation
DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 965:
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Not as durable as Forerunner 970 and Fenix series
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Lacks built-in flashlight
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Does not support calls and messages directly from the wrist
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Does not have sapphire glass – less scratch-resistant
GARMIN FORERUNNER 970
Garmin Forerunner 970 builds on the extremely advanced Forerunner 965 and offers everything you need – and more – in a surprisingly light and elegant package. With an even brighter AMOLED screen, built-in flashlight, and the ability to take calls directly from the wrist, Forerunner 970 is made for those who want the best of the best.
Recommended for: The focused runner or triathlete who demands top functionality, performance, and training technology.
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BENEFITS OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 970:
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Has all the features from both Garmin Forerunner 965 and Forerunner 570
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Even brighter AMOLED touchscreen
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Sapphire glass for extra protection and scratch resistance
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Real-Time Stamina, Running Tolerance and Running Economy (requires purchase of HRM-Pro Plus or HRM-Fit)
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ECG monitoring directly from the wrist
DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 970:
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Lacks some features only found in Fenix series
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Available only in one size – no option to choose between different cases
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