Garmin Forerunner 955 vs 965 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right running watch depends on how deeply you track your training and how much technology you want on your wrist. The Garmin Forerunner 965 and Forerunner 955 are both high-end watches made for serious athletes but cater to slightly different needs. The Forerunner 965 offers a premium AMOLED display and a more polished design, while the Forerunner 955 focuses on advanced performance metrics with a lighter price tag. This comparison highlights their differences in features, display, and performance to help you decide which one best fits your training goals.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | 1.4-inch AMOLED color touchscreen | 1.3-inch MIP color touchscreen |
| Resolution | 454 × 454 pixels | 260 × 260 pixels |
| Material | Titanium bezel, Corning Gorilla Glass DX | Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, Corning Gorilla Glass DX |
| Case Size | 47 mm | 46.5 mm |
| Weight | 53 g | 52 g |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 23 days | Up to 15 days |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) | Up to 31 hours | Up to 42 hours |
| Display Brightness | Higher brightness for outdoor visibility | Standard brightness suitable for daylight |
| Processor | Newer and faster processing engine | Previous generation processor |
| RAM & Storage | 32 GB internal storage | 32 GB internal storage |
| Multiband GNSS | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Training Readiness | Available | Available |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction: The Forerunner 965 uses a titanium bezel and premium materials that give it a sleek, high-end look, while the 955 maintains a durable polymer body aimed at lightweight performance. The 965 feels more refined for all-day wear, while the 955 keeps a sportier aesthetic ideal for rugged training sessions.
Display Quality: The Forerunner 965’s AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors and deep contrast, making maps and metrics easier to read during outdoor runs or cycling. The 955’s transflective MIP display consumes less power and remains visible in direct sunlight but lacks the visual clarity of the 965.
Performance and Processing: The 965 comes with a newer chipset that ensures smoother menu transitions and faster map rendering. The 955 still performs well but can occasionally lag when handling detailed mapping or heavy sensor loads during multi-sport tracking.
Battery Life: The 955 provides longer GPS tracking hours, which benefits endurance athletes. The 965, on the other hand, improves smartwatch battery life, lasting several more days between charges, even with the AMOLED display.
Navigation and Mapping: Both models support full-color maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and multiband GPS for high accuracy. However, the 965 displays maps more vividly and loads them faster due to improved processing and screen quality.
Health and Fitness Tracking: The two watches share identical core sensors for heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and training readiness. The 965 refines the user interface, showing recovery and load data with better clarity and smoother visuals, while the 955 retains the same underlying accuracy.
Connectivity and Smart Features: Each model includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+, and music support. The 965 integrates more polished widget animations and better app responsiveness, while the 955 focuses on practicality with slightly faster data syncing due to lower graphical load.
Durability and Comfort: The 955’s lightweight polymer design offers excellent comfort during long training sessions. The 965 feels marginally heavier but more premium on the wrist, with a durable titanium frame that resists scratches better over time.
Training Tools and Metrics: Both include advanced metrics like Training Readiness, HRV Status, and Race Predictor. The 965 uses updated display layouts that make data easier to analyze mid-run, while the 955 retains a more traditional Garmin interface.
Software and Updates: The 965 runs the latest Garmin UI and is more likely to receive extended feature updates thanks to its newer hardware. The 955 continues to receive software improvements but may eventually lag behind in visual and performance upgrades.
FAQ
Is the Garmin Forerunner 965 worth upgrading from the 955?
It depends on your priorities. If you value a sharper, more colorful display and a premium feel, the 965 is worth it. If your main goal is performance tracking, the 955 still provides excellent value.
Do both watches have touchscreens?
Yes, both feature responsive touchscreens, but the 965’s AMOLED display offers smoother scrolling and improved touch sensitivity.
Which watch lasts longer on GPS tracking?
The Forerunner 955 lasts slightly longer during GPS tracking sessions, making it better for ultra-endurance events.
Are both watches suitable for triathletes?
Yes, both are designed for multi-sport use and support triathlon mode with seamless transition tracking between swimming, cycling, and running.
Does the Forerunner 965 have better navigation?
Both offer the same navigation features, but the 965 displays maps more vividly and renders them faster due to improved hardware.
Can I use both watches with Spotify or music storage?
Yes, both support music downloads and offline playback from popular services like Spotify and Amazon Music.
Do they track sleep and recovery metrics?
Yes, both include advanced sleep tracking, HRV-based recovery analysis, and morning reports summarizing your rest quality.
Are the watches waterproof for swimming?
Yes, both have a 5 ATM water resistance rating, suitable for pool or open-water swimming.
Which model is better for everyday wear?
The Forerunner 965 is more visually appealing with its AMOLED display and titanium bezel, making it better suited for both workouts and daily use.