Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 955

By Linus T.
Updated June 2023

Garmin has recently launched the Forerunner 965, the latest addition to its Forerunner 900 series, which includes the previously released Forerunner 955 model.

Both smartwatches belong to the top-tier GPS running smartwatch category and offer a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features. If you are looking for an entry-level GPS running smartwatch, you may want to consider the Garmin Forerunner 55, while the Garmin Forerunner 265 may be a more suitable mid-range option.

To help you decide whether upgrading to the new models is worth it, we compared the Garmin Forerunner 965 and Garmin Forerunner 955 in our review.

Garmin Forerunner 965

All-new AMOLED display

Train brilliantly with a bright and beautiful AMOLED screen to view all your metrics in vivid colours and deep blacks

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Garmin Forerunner 955

Lead the pack

The lightweight smartwatch on your wrist to train your best and perform your best.

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#1 Price

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 

When it comes to pricing, there is a slight difference between the two models. The Garmin Forerunner 965 has a higher launch price than the Garmin Forerunner 955, with the latter retaining its original price.

The Garmin Forerunner 965 has a retail price of US$599.99, while the Garmin Forerunner 955 costs US$499.99.

It's worth noting that the Garmin Forerunner 955 is also available in a Solar version, which is priced at US$599.99. This version features built-in solar bits that allow you to extend battery life by harnessing the power of the sun. However, the Garmin Forerunner 965 does not have a Solar version.

Overall, if you're looking for a more affordable option, the Garmin Forerunner 955 may be the better choice, while those who want the latest features and don't mind spending more may prefer the Garmin Forerunner 965.

#2 Design & Specs

Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 955

At first glance, the Garmin Forerunner 965 and Garmin Forerunner 955 may seem almost identical. Both models have a round face with five buttons that control all features and settings on the watch. They also have a touchscreen for easy navigation through various stats and maps on the watch face, with the option to switch back to using the buttons as needed, especially when your fingers are sweaty.

However, upon activating the screen on both smartwatches, an apparent difference becomes clear. The Garmin Forerunner 965 features a brand-new AMOLED display, while the Forerunner 955 is equipped with a sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display. The AMOLED display offers more vivid colours and deeper blacks, providing a superior viewing experience compared to its predecessor. This upgrade provides users with a more immersive experience when viewing their stats, maps, and other information on the watch's face.

When it comes to build quality and materials used, the Garmin Forerunner 965 stands out with its premium titanium bezel finish that exudes a sense of luxury and durability. The bezel's titanium material not only looks great but also provides better resistance against scratches and impacts, making it an ideal choice for users who want a durable and long-lasting smartwatch. On the other hand, the Forerunner 955 has a fibre-reinforced polymer bezel that is more lightweight and affordable while still offering good protection against wear and tear.

Overall, while both smartwatches share many similarities in terms of design and features, the Forerunner 965 offers some notable upgrades in screen display and build quality that may be worth considering for users who prioritise these aspects.

#3 Health & Fitness

Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 955

There isn't much to compare between the Garmin Forerunner 955 and 965 when it comes to health & fitness features. They are both equipped with a range of advanced training tools to help users optimize their health and fitness. These watches offer a variety of features, including the Morning Report, Training Readiness, and Health Snapshot, which provide users with personalized insights into their training and recovery status each day.

The Morning Report summarises your sleep quality and recovery status and suggests workouts that would be best for you that day. The Training Readiness metric uses data from previous workouts, sleep quality, stress levels, and other factors to determine your readiness to train. The Health Snapshot tracks metrics such as heart rate variability, stress levels, and sleep quality to give you an overview of your physical and mental well-being.

In addition to these features, both watches also come equipped with advanced running tools such as Stamina and ClimbPro. These features help optimise your running performance by predicting how long you can run before you need to recharge and showing you the elevation profile of your course. By tracking your performance and providing personalised recommendations for improvement, both the Garmin Forerunner 965 & 955 offer a range of advanced features to help you take your training to the next level, whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting on your fitness journey.

#4 Smartwatch Functions

Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 955

When it comes to everyday smartwatch features, the Garmin Forerunner 965 and the Garmin Forerunner 955 offer similar capabilities.

Both models allow you to download music directly onto the watch, giving you the freedom to leave your phone behind and enjoy your favourite songs while on the go. Additionally, both models come with Garmin Pay integrated for seamless payments during checkout. Users can also expect Smart Notifications, Safety & Tracking features, and compatibility with the Garmin Connect app, as seen in previous models.

Overall, users who value these everyday smartwatch features will find both the Forerunner 965 and the Forerunner 955 to be excellent choices. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a casual user, these models offer a great set of features that make them versatile and convenient for everyday use.

#5 Battery & Power

Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 955

The Garmin Forerunner 965 offers an impressive battery life that surpasses the Forerunner 955 in several aspects. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 23 days, making it an excellent choice for users who don't want to worry about frequent charging. However, in GPS mode, the Forerunner 965 can only last up to 31 hours, while the Forerunner 955 can last up to 42 hours, making it more suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking or running. There isn't a clear winner when it comes to battery life and choosing between these two models ultimately depends on your personal needs and preferences.

For comparison purposes, the Forerunner 955 Solar offers more battery life than the Forerunner 955 due to its solar-powered battery. It can last up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and 49 hours in GPS mode, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritise long battery life.

It's essential to keep in mind that battery life can vary depending on usage and settings. Features such as music playback or heart rate monitoring may drain the battery faster than basic features like notifications and step tracking. While the Forerunner 965 offers an impressive battery life of up to 23 days in smartwatch mode, activating Display Always On Mode will reduce its battery life to seven days due to the AMOLED screen's high energy consumption.

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 

Final Thoughts

The Garmin Forerunner 965 and 955 are both feature-packed smartwatches that offer comprehensive health and fitness tracking tools. However, the Forerunner 965 has some notable upgrades that may be worth considering for users prioritizing screen quality and build.

While the Forerunner 955 is more affordable, the Forerunner 965 boasts a premium titanium bezel finish, an AMOLED display with vivid colours and deeper blacks, and a longer battery life of up to 23 days in smartwatch mode.

That said, if you're currently using a Forerunner 955, it may not make sense to invest in a new device just for a better screen and build quality.

Ultimately, the decision between these two models comes down to personal needs and preferences. If you're looking for an affordable option with all the essential features, the Forerunner 955 may be the better choice. However, if an immersive viewing experience is important to you, upgrading to the Forerunner 965 could be worth it.

If you like to read more on Garmin smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 965

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 255

Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Garmin Forerunner 245

Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 945

Explore the full collection for Garmin on Amazon.com or visit the Official Garmin Singapore Store.