Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Running Smartwatch

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88%
93%
GPS Accuracy
91%
Battery Life
88%
Build Quality
90%
Training Metrics
87%
Health Tracking Features
82%
User Interface
89%
Durability (Water Resistance)
85%
Comfort and Wearability
86%
Connectivity and App Integration
92%
Race Widget and Navigation
84%
Recovery Insights
90%
Price vs Performance
More

Overview

The Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Running Smartwatch is a high-performance watch designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. This Garmin smartwatch combines cutting-edge technology with durable design, offering athletes a variety of features that help monitor and improve performance. With a battery life of up to 15 days in smartwatch mode, it ensures long-lasting power for even the most rigorous training sessions. The watch is equipped with multi-GNSS support, allowing for precise tracking across challenging environments. Whether you’re running, cycling, or swimming, it provides the tools you need to enhance your training experience.

Features & Benefits

The Forerunner 955 is packed with features that make it a top choice for athletes. Its always-on, full-color touchscreen is easy to read in various conditions, and the dual input method (touchscreen + buttons) ensures convenient control. The watch tracks vital metrics like heart rate, VO2 max, and lactate threshold, giving you insights into your performance. The built-in maps and race widget provide real-time navigation and personalized training tips, making it an invaluable tool for triathletes. With water resistance and advanced health tracking, this smartwatch is suited for any type of athlete.

Best For

This Garmin smartwatch is ideal for triathletes, runners, and cyclists who need detailed, real-time data on their performance. If you’re an athlete seeking advanced metrics for tracking your health and recovery, the Forerunner 955 delivers accurate data on everything from sleep to training load. It's also perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventures and require a device that offers reliable navigation in remote areas. With its long battery life and water resistance, it's well-suited for athletes who spend long hours training and need a durable device to keep up with their rigorous schedule.

User Feedback

User feedback on the Garmin Forerunner 955 has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly for its precise GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring. Many athletes appreciate its long battery life, which holds up even during intense training sessions. However, some users have noted that the interface can be a bit complex at first, requiring some time to get used to. On the other hand, once familiarized, many find it intuitive. A few users also mentioned that while the watch is fantastic for performance tracking, it may be a bit bulky for everyday wear, especially for those with smaller wrists.

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Pros

  • Battery life of up to 15 days in smartwatch mode makes it ideal for long training sessions or travel without frequent recharging.
  • The multi-GNSS support ensures highly accurate GPS tracking, even in challenging environments.
  • The always-on, full-color display is easy to read in various lighting conditions, even while in motion.
  • Advanced training metrics, such as VO2 max and lactate threshold, help athletes monitor their performance over time.
  • Water-resistant design is perfect for swimmers and cyclists, making it versatile for a range of sports.
  • The race widget provides personalized tips and time predictions, helping users plan their training and race strategies.

Cons

  • The interface can be complex for some users, and it may take time to fully master all of its features.
  • Larger wrist sizes may find the watch uncomfortable for all-day wear due to its relatively bulky design.
  • Some users report that the device’s heart rate monitor can be inconsistent during high-intensity activities.
  • Advanced performance metrics may overwhelm casual users who are not interested in detailed data.
  • The price point may be high for those who only need basic fitness tracking features.
  • Occasionally, syncing with the companion app can take longer than expected, which can be frustrating during training sessions.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from various countries and languages, the Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Running Smartwatch has garnered high marks across multiple platforms. The scores reflect a balanced view, factoring in both the impressive strengths and the minor areas for improvement. Spam, bot-generated, and exaggerated reviews have been filtered out, ensuring only authentic and high-quality feedback contributed to the overall ratings.

GPS Accuracy
93%
Many users are impressed with the precise GPS tracking, especially for outdoor activities like running and cycling. The multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) ensures accurate performance even in challenging environments, which is a huge benefit for athletes who require reliable location data during their workouts.
A small number of users have reported occasional inconsistencies in tracking when transitioning between different types of terrain. While rare, these issues seem to be more pronounced in areas with poor satellite coverage, though the device usually recovers quickly.
Battery Life
91%
The long battery life is one of the standout features of this smartwatch, with many users highlighting the 15-day endurance in smartwatch mode. Athletes appreciate being able to rely on the watch for extended training sessions without worrying about charging mid-way through a workout or race.
A few users note that the battery life diminishes slightly during more intensive GPS use or while tracking multiple activities over extended periods. Some also mention that the battery life can be affected by the frequency of heart rate monitoring and constant GPS tracking.
Build Quality
88%
The Forerunner 955's build quality is solid, with a robust design that feels durable. Users report it holding up well against the wear and tear of intense workouts, including running, cycling, and swimming. The watch feels lightweight but sturdy, ideal for daily wear during training and competition.
While most users find the construction reliable, a few have expressed concerns about the material quality of the straps, which some feel could be more durable. Additionally, the watch might feel a bit bulky for those with smaller wrists, which affects comfort during long sessions.
Training Metrics
90%
The Garmin Forerunner 955 offers an impressive range of advanced training metrics, including heart rate, VO2 max, and lactate threshold. Users, especially triathletes and serious runners, appreciate the level of detail it provides to help them optimize their training and performance. The accuracy of these metrics is consistently praised in reviews.
Some users find the range of metrics a bit overwhelming, especially if they're new to advanced tracking features. A few have noted that it takes time to fully understand and utilize all the available data, which can be intimidating for beginners who just want basic performance insights.
Health Tracking Features
87%
Health tracking features like sleep, stress, and body battery monitoring are well-received, with users noting the ability to gain a comprehensive view of their wellness. The data is often seen as accurate, helping athletes to balance their training loads and recovery times more effectively.
Some users have reported that certain health metrics, like stress tracking, can be a bit inaccurate at times. Additionally, while the watch provides a lot of health insights, it doesn't always offer in-depth advice or recommendations on how to improve specific health areas.
User Interface
82%
18%
The user interface is generally appreciated for its clean design and easy-to-read display. The dual input method (touchscreen and buttons) allows for flexibility depending on the situation, making it easy to navigate the watch even during strenuous activities like cycling or swimming.
However, some users mention that the interface can feel unintuitive at times, particularly when navigating through the various settings. The learning curve can be steep for new users, especially those who aren't familiar with Garmin's ecosystem.
Durability (Water Resistance)
89%
The watch is water-resistant and performs well in aquatic environments, which is a key feature for swimmers and triathletes. Users have praised its ability to handle swimming workouts, even in saltwater, and it holds up well to outdoor conditions like rain or sweat.
A small number of users have mentioned that the water resistance is not perfect under extreme conditions. While it performs well for most activities, some have experienced occasional issues with water entering the watch during very intense swimming or long exposure to water.
Comfort and Wearability
85%
Comfort is a major plus for most users, especially those who wear the watch for long periods. The lightweight design ensures it doesn’t feel too heavy, even during extended exercise sessions. The breathable strap is also noted for being comfortable, even during intense workouts.
However, a few users with smaller wrists have found the watch to be bulky and slightly uncomfortable, especially during sleep tracking. The strap may also feel a bit stiff out of the box, requiring a few days of wear to soften up.
Connectivity and App Integration
86%
The seamless integration with the Garmin Connect app is a key benefit for users who want to track detailed workout and health data. Connectivity with other devices and apps is reliable, and syncing data between the watch and your phone is fast and efficient.
A small number of users have mentioned occasional syncing issues with the app, particularly when connecting to third-party apps or devices. Some also wish the app interface could be a bit more user-friendly for those unfamiliar with Garmin's ecosystem.
Race Widget and Navigation
92%
The race widget and course-specific time predictions are highly valued by users training for events. It provides personalized tips, making race day preparation easier. The built-in maps and navigation features are extremely helpful for navigating unfamiliar routes during both training and competition.
A few users have reported that the race widget could be more customizable. While it provides useful predictions, some wish it could offer more detailed advice on pacing and strategy, particularly for long-distance events.
Recovery Insights
84%
The recovery insights, based on training data and sleep patterns, offer valuable guidance for athletes looking to optimize their rest periods. Many users find it helpful to balance intense workouts with proper recovery time, reducing the risk of overtraining.
However, some users feel that the recovery insights are somewhat generic and don't provide enough actionable information. A few mentioned that the system could benefit from more tailored suggestions or deeper insights into specific recovery needs.
Price vs Performance
90%
For the features and performance offered, many users agree that the Garmin Forerunner 955 offers excellent value for money. The combination of advanced metrics, long battery life, and reliable GPS tracking makes it a solid investment for athletes looking to enhance their training.
Despite the strong performance, a few users feel the price may be a bit steep for those only looking for basic smartwatch functions. The premium price point may not be justified for casual users who don’t need the advanced features available on this device.

Suitable for:

The Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Running Smartwatch is an excellent choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who demand precise tracking and detailed performance metrics. Triathletes, runners, and cyclists will benefit greatly from its multi-GNSS support, advanced heart rate metrics, and recovery insights, which are designed to optimize training and performance. This smartwatch is ideal for those who need a device that can withstand intense training sessions, offer long battery life, and provide accurate navigation with built-in maps. For those with an active lifestyle, the watch’s waterproof design, versatile tracking capabilities, and health monitoring features make it a great fit for anyone focused on improving their athletic performance and overall wellness.

Not suitable for:

However, the Garmin Forerunner 955 may not be the best option for casual users who are primarily looking for basic smartwatch features like notifications and simple fitness tracking. The complexity of its advanced training metrics could be overwhelming for beginners or those who don’t plan to utilize the full range of performance data. Additionally, users with smaller wrists may find the watch’s size to be bulky and uncomfortable for all-day wear, especially during sleep tracking. While the device excels in functionality for serious athletes, those seeking a more straightforward, user-friendly smartwatch may prefer simpler models without the extensive performance tracking and features found on this device.

Specifications

  • Battery Life: Up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, depending on usage and settings.
  • GPS Support: Multi-GNSS support, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for precise location tracking.
  • Display: 1.3-inch always-on full-color touchscreen display with high visibility in all lighting conditions.
  • Water Resistance: Water-resistant, suitable for swimming, cycling, and running in various weather conditions.
  • Built-in Maps: Includes color maps for navigation and route planning, especially useful for outdoor activities.
  • Training Metrics: Advanced metrics including heart rate, VO2 max, lactate threshold, and more for comprehensive performance tracking.
  • Health Tracking: Tracks sleep, stress, and body battery to provide insights into overall health and recovery.
  • Recovery Insights: Personalized recovery insights based on your training load and sleep data to optimize rest and performance.
  • Race Widget: Offers a race widget that provides personalized tips and completion time predictions based on training data.
  • Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth and USB connectivity for syncing data and connecting to compatible devices.
  • Storage: 32GB of internal storage to store maps, workouts, and music for offline use.
  • Input Method: Dual input method with both touchscreen and physical button controls for ease of use.
  • Weight: Weighs 1.9 ounces, making it lightweight and comfortable for extended wear during sports and activities.
  • Dimensions: Measures 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.6 inches, providing a compact and ergonomic design.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with the Garmin Connect app and other third-party fitness apps for syncing and analysis.
  • Sensors: Includes sensors for heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and body composition metrics.
  • Battery Type: Powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer battery for long-lasting performance.
  • USB Charging: Charges via a USB connection for easy and convenient recharging.
  • Touchscreen Size: 1.3-inch touchscreen offers a clear and responsive interface for easy navigation and data viewing.

FAQ

The Garmin Forerunner 955 is a high-performance GPS smartwatch designed for athletes, offering features like advanced training metrics, built-in maps, multi-GNSS support for accurate GPS tracking, and up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. It also includes a color touchscreen, a race widget, and water resistance for swimming, cycling, and running.

The Forerunner 955 uses multi-GNSS support, which includes GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo systems. This combination offers highly accurate GPS tracking, even in challenging environments like dense urban areas or forests, making it ideal for runners, cyclists, and triathletes.

Yes, the Forerunner 955 is water-resistant and designed for swimming, cycling, and running. It can handle submersion in water and is suitable for tracking your performance in both open water and pool environments.

In smartwatch mode, the Forerunner 955 offers up to 15 days of battery life. This can vary depending on usage, such as GPS tracking during activities, but overall, the watch provides long-lasting power for extended training sessions or travel.

Yes, the Forerunner 955 tracks various health metrics, including heart rate, sleep, stress, and body battery. It also provides recovery insights based on your training load, sleep data, and other factors, helping athletes optimize their performance and rest periods.

Yes, the Forerunner 955 is compatible with Garmin's Connect app, as well as other third-party fitness apps. You can sync your data, track your progress, and share your results with various fitness platforms, ensuring smooth integration with your existing training routine.

Yes, you can customize the watch face, widgets, and data fields on the Forerunner 955 to suit your needs. Garmin offers a wide range of customizable options through the watch settings or the Garmin Connect app, allowing you to personalize the display and functionality.

To access the built-in maps on the Forerunner 955, simply navigate to the navigation menu and select the map feature. The watch provides color mapping for better navigation, which can be especially useful for outdoor activities like hiking, running, or cycling in unfamiliar areas.

While the Forerunner 955 is feature-rich, many users find it relatively straightforward to set up through the Garmin Connect app. However, due to its advanced features, it may take a little time to fully learn how to navigate and use all the functionalities, especially for beginners.

Some users have reported that the interface can be overwhelming at first, especially for those new to advanced smartwatches. Additionally, while the watch is designed for athletes, casual users may find its numerous training features and metrics unnecessary. Also, the price may be considered high for those who only need basic fitness tracking.