Garmin Forerunner 55 vs Garmin Forerunner 70
Garmin Forerunner 55 (2021, listed at $199) and Garmin Forerunner 70 (2026, listed at $249) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · table prices are list prices; each card shows Amazon's current price when available
Garmin Forerunner 55
Beginner-friendly running GPS — coach-style plans, 14-day battery, refreshingly simple UI.
Garmin Forerunner 70
Garmin's entry-level AMOLED runner: built-in GPS, adaptive Garmin Coach plans with run/walk options and about 13 days per charge, with no music or maps.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin Forerunner 55 wins on battery life (14 days vs 13 days), weight (37 g vs 40 g) and price ($199 vs $249); Garmin Forerunner 70 wins on tracked features (4 vs 1).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin Forerunner 55 leads 3 to 1, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 55 | Garmin Forerunner 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 14 days | 13 days |
| Weight | 37 g | 40 g |
| List price | $199 | $249 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 1 | 4 |
| Case size | 42 mm | 43 mm |
| Display | MIP | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running | running |
| Released | 2021 | 2026 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (1)
- built-in GPS
Only Garmin Forerunner 55 (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Garmin Forerunner 70 (3)
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 55 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $50 less.
- You want fewer charges: about 14 days per charge vs 13 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 37 g vs 40 g.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 70 only works with Android.
- You want a display that stays readable in direct sun and sips power.
Skip it if…
- • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 70 if…
- You need blood-oxygen (SpO₂), AMOLED display and swim tracking, which the Garmin Forerunner 55 does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 55 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2026 vs 2021).
- You want a bright AMOLED screen.
Skip it if…
- • You want to pay from your wrist — it has no contactless payments.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 55 or the Garmin Forerunner 70?
The Garmin Forerunner 55 has the longer rated battery life: about 14 days per charge against 13 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Garmin Forerunner 55 or the Garmin Forerunner 70?
The Garmin Forerunner 55 has the lower list price: $199 against $249 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin Forerunner 55 and Garmin Forerunner 70 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Garmin Forerunner 55 or the Garmin Forerunner 70?
Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 5ATM. 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Only the Garmin Forerunner 70 has a dedicated swim-tracking mode in our data.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quiz