Garmin Forerunner 55

Introduction

The Garmin Forerunner 55 has earned its reputation as one of the most popular entry-level GPS running watches, with over 4,800 Amazon reviews averaging 4.5 stars. But real user experiences tell a more nuanced story. While many runners praise it as "the perfect first step up from a Fitbit," others report frustrating issues with sleep tracking, battery degradation, and sync problems that emerge after months of use. This review digs deep into actual owner feedback from Reddit's r/Garmin and r/Forerunner55 communities, Amazon's critical reviews, and Garmin's own support forums to reveal what you're really buying for $167.

Design & Build Quality

The Forerunner 55's design philosophy is refreshingly simple: function over form. At just 37 grams with a 42mm case, users consistently report forgetting they're wearing it—a crucial factor for 24/7 fitness tracking. The reinforced plastic construction won't win any style awards, but it's proven durable for everyday running, gym work, and swimming.

However, durability concerns emerge with the five-button interface. Multiple Reddit users and Amazon reviewers report buttons becoming sticky or unresponsive after prolonged sweat exposure, with the "bottom right button" being particularly problematic. One user noted their button "stopped working entirely after a year of regular running," requiring warranty service. The silicone band, while comfortable initially, can develop odor issues and feels stiff to some users, though replacement bands are readily available and affordable.

Performance & Daily Use

GPS accuracy is where the Forerunner 55 truly shines. Side-by-side tests with premium models show deviations of less than 0.08 miles on 3-mile courses, with quick GPS lock times under a minute in open areas. Reddit users training for marathons consistently praise the reliable pace tracking, though a small subset reports the watch under-reporting distances by 1-3% compared to phone GPS apps.

The wrist-based heart rate monitor performs adequately for steady-state runs, typically within 1-2 BPM of chest strap monitors. However, interval training reveals its limitations—users report wild fluctuations during sprints, with one Amazon reviewer noting readings jumping from "0 to 248 BPM" during high-intensity workouts.

Daily activity tracking presents mixed results. Step counting is notably oversensitive to arm movements, with users reporting inflated counts from "brushing teeth, washing dishes, or animated conversations." Conversely, pushing a stroller or shopping cart can lead to undercounting due to stationary wrists.

Display & Interface

The memory-in-pixel (MIP) display divides opinion sharply. Outdoor runners love its exceptional sunlight visibility and always-on functionality, but the 208x208 resolution feels dated in 2025. Users with vision issues frequently complain about small text size, and those switching from Apple Watch or modern Fitbits find the color reproduction underwhelming.

The button-only interface is similarly polarizing. Sweaty-handed runners appreciate the tactile reliability—"you can't mess up your run with a sloppy swipe," as one user put it. But newcomers find the multi-function button layout counterintuitive, with data entry requiring patience and multiple button presses.

Battery & Charging

Battery life typically delivers on Garmin's promises—users report 7-10 days with moderate use including 4-5 GPS activities. The 20-hour GPS runtime comfortably handles marathons and ultra-distance events. However, battery degradation is a recurring complaint after 12-18 months. Multiple users describe rapid drain issues where batteries plummet from 60% to under 20% overnight, even when inactive. Forum posts suggest this affects a significant minority of units, with firmware updates occasionally triggering or fixing the problem unpredictably.

Software & Connectivity

The Garmin Connect ecosystem remains a major selling point, offering free training plans and daily workout suggestions that users genuinely find motivating. One Reddit user credited Garmin Coach with "getting me moving again after years of inactivity." The plans are somewhat generic but valuable at this price point where competitors charge subscriptions.

Bluetooth connectivity issues plague many users, particularly during initial setup and after firmware updates. Common complaints include failed syncs, dropped connections requiring complete re-pairing, and notification problems where the watch only displays missed calls rather than incoming ones. While usually fixable through troubleshooting, these issues frustrate less technical users.

Sleep Tracking Deep Dive

Sleep tracking is the Forerunner 55's most criticized feature. Users consistently report the watch showing "deep sleep" while they're reading in bed, missing wake periods entirely, or providing "no sleep data" despite proper wear. The Body Battery feature, which estimates energy levels, is equally unreliable—showing "full energy" after poor sleep. While Garmin provides troubleshooting steps, the consensus across forums is to treat sleep metrics as a "nice bonus" rather than reliable health data.

Pros & Cons Deep Dive

The Forerunner 55's strengths center on core running functionality. GPS accuracy rivals watches costing twice as much, and the included Garmin Coach plans provide genuine training value without subscription fees. The comfortable, lightweight design and readable outdoor display make it ideal for dedicated runners who prioritize function over features.

Weaknesses become apparent in the details. Beyond the well-documented sleep tracking failures, users face a lottery with battery longevity, button durability, and sync stability. The lack of modern features like music storage, mobile payments, or an altimeter increasingly feels limiting as competitors add these at similar prices.

Who Should Buy It

The Forerunner 55 is ideal for beginning runners taking training seriously for the first time, casual fitness enthusiasts upgrading from basic fitness bands, and budget-conscious athletes who value accurate GPS over smart features. It particularly suits those already invested in the Garmin ecosystem or those who prefer physical buttons and long battery life over touchscreens and OLED displays.

Skip the Forerunner 55 if you need reliable sleep tracking for health monitoring, want modern smartwatch features like music and payments, regularly perform multi-sport training requiring quick transitions, or have poor eyesight that struggles with small display text. Athletes needing elevation data for trail running or hiking should also look elsewhere.

Alternatives

• Garmin Forerunner 165 ($249): Represents the natural upgrade path, adding an AMOLED display, music storage option, and improved health metrics—though at 50% higher cost and reduced battery life.
• Garmin Forerunner 255 ($270-350): Adds multi-sport support, barometric altimeter, and navigation features, making it a strong choice for serious athletes.
• Coros Pace 2 ($149): A budget-friendly option with superior battery life (30 hours GPS), barometric altimeter, and lighter weight (29g), though the interface and ecosystem are less polished.
• Polar Vantage M2 ($200-300):Offers better sleep tracking and HRV monitoring compared to the Forerunner 55, but at a higher cost and with a less intuitive interface.
• Apple Watch SE | Amazfit Watches on Amazon : Great for those who prioritize smartwatch features like music, apps, and payments. However, these come with trade-offs in GPS accuracy and battery life.

Conclusion

At $167, the Forerunner 55 remains compelling for its core competency: accurate, no-nonsense GPS running tracking with motivational training features. Real-world usage reveals a watch that excels at getting runners out the door but stumbles on modern health monitoring and long-term reliability. If your priorities align with its strengths—GPS accuracy, battery life, and free training plans—it's still one of the best values available. However, the numerous documented issues with sleep tracking, battery degradation, and component durability mean buyers should purchase from retailers with strong return policies and consider the $80 jump to the Forerunner 165 for a more future-proof investment.

For current pricing and availability, check the Garmin Forerunner 55 on Amazon.