Garmin offers a range of entry-level fitness trackers in its Forerunner series, each with its own set of features and improvements. Let’s compare the Garmin Forerunner 55, Forerunner 45, and Forerunner 35 to understand their differences and determine which one suits your needs.
Forerunner 55 @ Amazon
Forerunner 45 @ Amazon
Forerunner 35 @ Amazon
Design:
- Forerunner 35: The Forerunner 35 features a rectangular design with a square display. It has a slightly dated appearance and is relatively thick. It comes in one size and fits wrists from 140-200mm.
- Forerunner 45: The Forerunner 45 has a more modern rounded design and comes in two sizes: 45 and 45S. It offers a better fit for wrists ranging from 124-197mm.
- Forerunner 55: The Forerunner 55 shares a similar design to the Forerunner 45 and is designed to fit wrists from 129-203mm. Both the Forerunner 45 and 55 models offer 5ATM water resistance.
Display:
- Forerunner 35: The Forerunner 35 features a monochrome display, which is black and white and not as visually appealing as color displays.
- Forerunner 45 and 55: Both the Forerunner 45 and 55 models have a color display with higher resolution, offering better visibility and the ability to show more detailed information.
Features and Functions:
- Forerunner 35: The Forerunner 35 offers basic fitness tracking features, including GPS, heart rate monitoring, and accelerometer-based tracking. It provides essential stats but lacks advanced functionalities.
- Forerunner 45: The Forerunner 45 introduces additional features such as support for Garmin Coach and downloadable workouts. It also includes functions like Body Battery and the ability to customize watch faces with Garmin Connect IQ.
- Forerunner 55: The Forerunner 55 builds upon the features of the Forerunner 45 and offers a more comprehensive range of metrics, including advanced swimming metrics. It also provides recovery time information, making it a slightly more advanced option.
Battery Life:
- Forerunner 35: The Forerunner 35 offers a battery life of around 9 days with GPS workouts lasting approximately 13 hours.
- Forerunner 45: The Forerunner 45 provides a battery life of up to 7 days with GPS workouts lasting around 13 hours.
- Forerunner 55: The Forerunner 55 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 14 days, making it the most long-lasting option. However, extensive use of features may reduce battery life.
In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 35 is the oldest model and offers basic fitness tracking features. The Forerunner 45 improves upon the 35 with additional functionalities, a color display, and better design options. The Forerunner 55 further enhances the features of the 45, including advanced swimming metrics and recovery time information. Consider your preferences, budget, and desired features to choose the Garmin Forerunner model that suits you best.
