Ready to upgrade your training and explore new horizons? The world of high-end GPS running watches can be a labyrinth, especially when comparing two titans from the same lineage. If you’re caught between the latest innovations and a proven performer, you’re in the right place.
The Garmin Forerunner 955 represents the cutting edge, packed with advanced features designed to push your limits. But does it definitively outshine its predecessor, the highly capable Garmin Forerunner 945? We’re diving deep to help you decide.
This comparison will dissect the key differences and similarities between these two exceptional devices. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge tech, battery life, or specific training metrics, we’ll help you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 955 | Garmin Forerunner 945 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.2″ | 1.2″ |
| Display Type | Sunlight-Visible, Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) | Sunlight-Visible, Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Physical Buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 52g (Standard), 53g (Solar) | 50g |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| Multi-Band GPS | Yes | No |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Yes (Wrist-based) | Yes (Wrist-based) |
| Pulse Oximeter | Yes | Yes |
| Barometric Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Contactless Payments | Yes (Garmin Pay) | Yes (Garmin Pay) |
| Training Status | Yes | Yes |
| Running Power | Yes (Wrist-based) | Yes (Requires compatible accessory) |
| Recovery Time Advisor | Yes | Yes |
| Solar Charging | Yes (Optional on Solar model) | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Garmin 955: Features a 1.2-inch transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. This design is excellent for sunlight readability and battery efficiency, though it can appear less vibrant indoors compared to AMOLED screens.
- 945: Also uses a 1.2-inch transflective MIP display with a 240 x 240 pixel resolution. Similar to the 955, it offers great outdoor visibility and battery life but lacks the punch of newer screen technologies.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Garmin 955: Offers impressive battery life, up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 42 hours in GPS mode. With solar charging (on the Solar model), these figures can be extended further, making it ideal for long adventures.
- 945: Provides good battery life, lasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 36 hours in GPS mode. While still capable, it falls slightly short of the 955’s extended capabilities, especially when considering solar options.
- Winner: garmin 955
Processor and Performance
- Garmin 955: Boasts a significantly faster processor, leading to quicker menu navigation, faster map loading, and more responsive performance overall. This enhances the user experience, especially during activities where quick access to data is crucial.
- 945: Has a capable processor that handles its features well, but it can feel slightly slower when navigating menus or loading maps compared to the newer 955. It’s not a dealbreaker, but the difference is noticeable.
- Winner: garmin 955
Navigation Features
- Garmin 955: Includes multi-band GPS for enhanced accuracy, preloaded TopoActive maps, and features like PacePro and ClimbPro for strategic training. The improved GPS chipset significantly reduces signal interference in challenging environments.
- 945: Offers multi-band GPS support and preloaded maps, along with features like PacePro and ClimbPro. While robust, the GPS accuracy may not be as refined as the 955’s more advanced chipset in complex terrain.
- Winner: garmin 955
Training and Health Metrics
- Garmin 955: Introduces advanced training metrics such as real-time stamina, training readiness, and recovery time advisor. It also includes improved heart rate monitoring and a broader range of sport profiles.
- 945: Provides comprehensive training and health metrics including VO2 Max, training status, and advanced running dynamics. It’s a very capable device for serious athletes, though it lacks some of the newer, more nuanced insights of the 955.
- Winner: garmin 955
User Interface and Controls
- Garmin 955: Features a touch screen combined with traditional button controls, offering flexibility in how you interact with the watch. This dual approach makes it easier to use in various conditions, especially with gloves on or when wet.
- 945: Relies solely on button controls, which are reliable and responsive but can be less intuitive for quick menu browsing or map interaction compared to a touchscreen. It’s a classic Garmin interface that many users are accustomed to.
- Winner: garmin 955
Connectivity and Smart Features
- Garmin 955: Supports advanced smart notifications, contactless payments (Garmin Pay), and music storage. It also includes Wi-Fi for faster data transfers and software updates.
- 945: Offers smart notifications, Garmin Pay, and music playback. While it has Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, it lacks the Wi-Fi capability of the 955, meaning data transfers are slower.
- Winner: garmin 955
Design and Durability
- Garmin 955: Features a lightweight design with a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel and a Corning Gorilla Glass DX lens. It maintains a durable and comfortable build suitable for demanding activities.
- 945: Has a similar durable construction with a polymer bezel and Corning Gorilla Glass. It’s built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures, offering a robust and reliable feel.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Innovation | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
| GPS Accuracy | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
| User Interface | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
| Value for Money | Garmin Forerunner 945 |
| Advanced Training Features | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
| Durability | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Display: Both watches feature a 1.2-inch sunlight-visible, transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display, ensuring excellent readability in various lighting conditions.
- Water Resistance: They both boast a 5 ATM water rating, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
- Advanced Metrics: Both devices offer a comprehensive suite of advanced running and training metrics, including training status, recovery time advisor, and VO2 Max estimation.
- Music and Payments: Users can store music directly on both watches and make contactless payments with Garmin Pay, adding convenience to workouts.
- Heart Rate and Pulse Oximetry: A wrist-based heart rate monitor and a Pulse Oximeter are included on both models for continuous physiological tracking.
- Navigation Features: Both are equipped with built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support for accurate tracking of outdoor activities, along with a barometric altimeter and compass for navigation.
Garmin 955 vs 945 Buying Guide
Who is the Forerunner 955 for?
The Forerunner 955 is designed for the serious athlete who demands the latest in performance tracking and training insights. It’s ideal for triathletes, marathoners, and ultra-runners who want advanced metrics like running power, training readiness, and multi-band GPS for superior accuracy in challenging environments. If you’re looking for a watch that actively guides your training and recovery, the 955 is your top pick. (See Also: Clarity Skin Care Vs Dermalogica )
Who is the Forerunner 945 for?
The Forerunner 945 remains an excellent choice for dedicated runners and triathletes who still require robust performance features. While it lacks some of the newest innovations of the 955, it offers comprehensive training metrics, detailed mapping, and long battery life. If you’re seeking a reliable, feature-rich GPS watch without needing the absolute bleeding edge, the 945 presents significant value, especially at a potentially lower price point.
Key Differentiating Features
The most significant upgrades in the 955 include its multi-band GPS for enhanced accuracy, the introduction of training readiness and morning report features for smarter recovery and workout planning, and on-wrist running power without needing a separate sensor. The 955 also boasts a more responsive touchscreen interface and a slightly larger display. These advancements are geared towards providing more actionable data for optimizing performance.
Value Proposition and Future-Proofing
While the 955 is the newer, more advanced model, the 945 still offers substantial value. If budget is a primary concern, the 945 provides a highly capable experience that will serve most athletes well for years to come. However, if you’re aiming for the most cutting-edge technology and the most comprehensive training ecosystem, the 955 represents a more future-proof investment, likely to receive software updates and new features for a longer period. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Nintendo Lite )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy garmin 955 If…
- You want the latest and greatest in Garmin’s Forerunner lineup.
- You desire multi-band GPS for even more precise positioning in challenging environments.
- You’re interested in wrist-based running power and advanced training features like HRV Status and Training Readiness.
- You prefer the convenience of a touchscreen alongside physical buttons.
Buy 945 If…
- You’re looking for a highly capable triathlon watch at a potentially lower price point.
- You don’t necessarily need the absolute latest features like touchscreen or multi-band GPS.
- You are already invested in the Garmin ecosystem and want a familiar experience.
- You prioritize battery life and don’t need solar charging capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main advantages of the Forerunner 955 over the 945?
The Forerunner 955 introduces several key advantages, including significantly improved GPS accuracy thanks to multi-band GNSS support, which is crucial in complex environments like dense forests or urban canyons. It also features a new Training Readiness score, providing a daily assessment of your body’s recovery status to help you decide whether to push hard or take it easy. The Morning Report offers a consolidated overview of your sleep, recovery, and upcoming training, streamlining your daily planning.
Is the touchscreen on the 955 a significant improvement?
Yes, the touchscreen on the Forerunner 955 is a notable improvement. It’s more responsive and intuitive, allowing for easier navigation through menus and activities, especially when your hands are sweaty or you’re wearing gloves. While the 945 relies solely on button controls, the 955 offers the flexibility of both touchscreen and button operation, catering to different preferences and situations. This dual control system enhances the overall user experience.
Which watch is better for running power?
The Forerunner 955 offers on-wrist running power measurement directly from the watch itself, without the need for an external accessory like a HRM-Pro strap or a power meter foot pod. This is a significant advantage for runners who want to track their effort in real-time and use power as a training metric. The Forerunner 945 can display running power, but it requires a compatible accessory to provide that data, making the 955 a more integrated and convenient solution for power-based training. (See Also: Wingstop Tenders Vs Boneless Wings )
How does the battery life compare between the two models?
Both watches offer impressive battery life, but the Forerunner 955 generally edges out the 945 in most scenarios. In smartwatch mode, the 955 can last up to 15 days, compared to the 945’s 14 days. In GPS mode, the 955 offers up to 42 hours (or 49 hours in battery saver mode), while the 945 provides up to 36 hours (or 48 hours in GPS mode with music). The 955’s solar-charging variant further extends its endurance significantly in sunny conditions.
Is the Forerunner 945 still a good buy in 2024?
Absolutely. The Forerunner 945 remains a highly capable and feature-rich GPS watch that is still an excellent choice for many athletes. It offers comprehensive training metrics, advanced performance analytics, detailed mapping, and a robust build quality. Given that it’s an older model, you might find it at a more attractive price point, offering fantastic value for its extensive feature set. Unless you specifically need the absolute latest advancements like training readiness and on-wrist power, the 945 is still a very strong contender.
Final Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 955 represents a substantial leap forward, offering enhanced GPS accuracy, revolutionary training readiness insights, and on-wrist running power. While the Forerunner 945 remains a formidable and capable device, the 955’s advanced features provide a more holistic and actionable approach to training and recovery, making it the superior choice for serious athletes aiming for peak performance. The 955 is the clear evolution and the better investment for those who want the latest technology.
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 955