Garmin is renowned for making high-quality devices for people of all fitness levels and all fitness interests. However, this means that they have released an inordinate number of devices to choose from, with a wide range of superb features on offer. Most recently, the Forerunner 955 has come to market, but it’s left us wondering whether it’s as good or better than the Garmin Fenix 6. Potentially you want to compare the 955 to the Garmin Fenix 7 but if you already own the Fenix 6, is it worth upgrading? Find out what our research showed!
Which Watch Has the Better Design?
At first glance, these watches’ main design seems similar, offering dust, water, and sweat resistance, replaceable bands, and exactly the same screen resolution. However, the Fenix 6 is water-resistant up to 100 meters and the Forerunner 955 up to 50 meters.
Both watches are protected by damage-resistant glass, meaning that any knocks or bumps you have shouldn’t cause anything more than general wear and tear to your device. The Forerunner 955 does come with Gorilla Glass DX, which is scratch resistant and anti-glare.
One big difference between the devices is their weight. The Fenix 6 is 80g in total, but the Forerunner 955 is just 52g. This is quite a palpable difference, with many consumers preferring a lighter option whenever possible.
The final massive difference between these devices is the fact that the Forerunner 955 comes with a touchscreen. Garmin has cleverly kept the five buttons on the Forerunner 955, too, allowing you to turn off the touchscreen during workouts to avoid any mishaps when it comes to tracking your activity. As touchscreens have become an expected feature, we think that many people will prefer this over the Fenix 6.
What Features Come As Standard – Garmin Forerunner 955 Vs Garmin Fenix 6?
Both watches come with a wide range of sensors, including:
- GPS
- Heart rate
- Sp02
- Barometer
- Compass
- Accelerometer
- Temperature
- Gyroscope
However, the Fenix 6 also comes with a cadence sensor which is great for any cycling fans who want to know how fast they pedal and how many pedal revolutions they complete each minute. The Fenix 6 also has a 3D compass that works to give you readings even when you tilt it.
Both watches track activity, sleep, and steps and offer a wide range of sports to choose from. The Forerunner 955 just beats the Fenix 6 as it comes with the latest firmware as standard, offering more sports options than ever before. It won’t be long until the Fenix 6 and other Garmin devices can download the firmware update, too, putting both watches back on equal footing.
When it comes to monitoring your health and wellbeing, both devices work to track your sleep and offer you sleep reports to help you understand where you may be struggling. The Forerunner 955 also tracks your weight and water intake to keep you on track daily and over time.
Both watches are compatible with Android and iOS and have Bluetooth, WiFi, and ANT+. They also offer contactless payments via Garmin Pay, helping you get what you need, even when you don’t have your phone or wallet.
Which Has the Best Battery – Garmin Forerunner 955 Vs Garmin Fenix 6?
If you love the simplicity of a battery that doesn’t need constant charging, then Garmin should be high on your list. This brand works hard to produce watches with excellent batteries so that you can plug in when it suits you.
That being said, there are differences between the Garmin Fenix 6 and the Forerunner 955. The Fenix 6 comes with a battery that can last, in Smartwatch Mode, for up to 14 days. The Forerunner just beats this by offering a battery that will work for up to 15 days.
Both devices’ battery life drops when you factor in GPS or music playback. With GPS in use, you can expect just 36 hours of battery from the Fenix 6 and up to 42 from the Forerunner 955.
This number is reduced to 8 hours for the Fenix 6 and 8.5 hours for the Forerunner 955 when used in GPS and music playback mode. Again, the differences may seem small, but if the battery is a big factor for you, the Forerunner 955 just beats the Fenix 6.
The Verdict – Garmin Forerunner 955 Vs Garmin Fenix 6
Now you know the main differences between these devices, it’s time to choose the one that best suits your needs. The Garmin Fenix 6 is better than the Forerunner 955 as it can track your phone, offers trackback mode, has a cadence sensor, and offers up to 100 meters of water resistance.
However, this does not mean that the Forerunner 955 should be avoided. It has a better battery life, touchscreen, calorie & water intake, and a 32Gb memory for storing your music. It also weighs less on your wrist and is comfier to wear.
Ultimately, both of these smartwatches have a lot to offer, but choosing the right one for you depends on what you need and value in a smartwatch – either way, you will end up with a Garmin device that’s sturdy, reliable, and feature-packed.
Have you seen the Garmin Forerunner 255? Check it out here.
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Last Updated on January 11, 2023
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