Several years after its June 2021 release, the Garmin Forerunner 55 remains one of the safest choices for taking up running. Its strengths: it is simple to use, and it comes with Garmin Connect — the benchmark software ecosystem — at an entry-level price.
This is the “play it safe” option for a beginner who wants a reliable GPS watch without having to think about it.
Specifications
- Screen: 1.04" transflective MIP (208 × 208 px, very readable in bright sunlight, easy on the battery)
- Battery life: up to 20 h in GPS mode, 2 weeks in watch mode
- GPS: single-frequency (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo)
- Heart rate: optical wrist-based sensor
- Weight: 37 g
- Water resistance: 5 ATM
- Garmin Coach: free 5K / 10K / half marathon plans
- Released: June 2021
Why it is still worth recommending
Garmin has kept the price low while retaining a software ecosystem (Garmin Connect) that beats its direct rivals on community features and tracking. The French running press has been consistent about it: RunMag calls it an excellent GPS watch for people starting out in running, and Sport-Passion describes it as simple to use and very affordable.
Its comfortable battery life and 37 g weight make it a watch you forget you are wearing. The free Garmin Coach guides you through your first 5K and 10K plans, with no subscription.
Its main limitation: the single-frequency GPS, which is less accurate than multi-band in a dense city (the track can drift between tall buildings), and a MIP screen that looks dated next to recent AMOLED panels. For running in open areas, neither limitation has any practical consequence.
On 12 May 2026 Garmin announced an entry-level model with an AMOLED screen, the Forerunner 70 — worth a look if the MIP screen is the one thing holding you back here.
Specifications taken from official Garmin datasheets, checked in July 2026. Subject to change.