makes arguably the best on the market. Garmin's Forerunner heart rate monitors are a series of dedicated GPS running watches. Whether you are a beginner, experienced runner, or elite athlete, you will find your running watch among the heart rate monitors in .
In this article, you can learn more about the differences when I compare , , , , and .
See the guide for choosing a Garmin running watch below.
OVERVIEW
This article consists of the following sections. Click on a heading 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 a comprehensive overview of what all the GPS running watches in Garmin's FORERUNNER series can actually 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 a favorable price. Garmin Forerunner 55 and its many running-specific features make it possible to grow as a runner and athlete.
It is a GPS watch for you who strive to get more movement into everyday life, become more aware of your overall health, and make training a regular part of your daily routine.
Recommended for: Garmin Forerunner 55 is a budget-friendly GPS watch for beginners and more experienced athletes who want 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 and 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 tracking
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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 predictor
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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 of the more advanced training features 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 better runners 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 get started
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AMOLED touchscreen for sharp and colorful display
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Supports Garmin Pay (contactless payment)
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Low weight – comfortable for both training and everyday
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, it comes 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 number of new features have been added in the new watch, all of which contribute to improving the watch experience.
Recommended for: If you want a solid and good watch but do not want to invest in the top models with the newest features, then Garmin Forerunner 265 is a really good option. You get an incredible number 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 othersportsgrene lagt ind, og uret er således faktisk helt overordnet et rigtig godt bud på et træningsur, hvad end du vil bruge det til løb, cykling, svømning eller noget helt fjerde.
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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 touchscreen 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 – twice as much as Forerunner 165
DRAWBACKS OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 265:
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Lacks certain 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 lightweight and comfortable watch for your training – without missing Garmin's impressive training features – then the Forerunner 570 is an obvious choice. The watch has a new, bright screen, available in two sizes, and comes with a light aluminum frame, making it both robust and comfortable to run with. It helps you stay focused and achieve your training goals.
Recommended for: The dedicated runner chasing new personal records – or the triathlete who wants 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. You can just continue and get even faster.
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BENEFITS OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 570:
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Includes all features from Forerunner 265
Additionally, you get: -
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 calls via phone
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Enhanced Garmin Coach, now also supports triathlon training
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Evening Report aids in recovery and preparation
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Ability to create seamless multisport sessions
DRAWBACKS 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 certain advanced running features from Forerunner 970
GARMIN FORERUNNER 965
Garmin Forerunner 965 is the previous flagship in the Forerunner series. With a Forerunner 965, you get extremely advanced features and a more robust watch with a titanium frame and a stunning AMOLED screen.
Recommended for: The serious runner or triathlete who wants the best and doesn't compromise on function and performance.
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BENEFITS OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 965:
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Sharp and colorful AMOLED touchscreen
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Titanium frame (bezel) for a lightweight 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
DRAWBACKS 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 high functionality, performance, and training technology.
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BENEFITS OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 970:
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Has all the features of 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 functions only in Fenix series
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Available in one size – no option to choose different cases
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