Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Fenix 7: Which is Better?
By Linus T.
Updated May 2023
The Garmin Forerunner 955 & Garmin Fenix 7 are both full-feature, GPS smartwatches designed for athletes and adventurers at the very top of the game from Garmin.
In this review, we pit the Garmin Forerunner 955 against the Garmin Fenix 7 on price, design, features & performance to help you figure out which is better suited for you.
On our list
#1 Price
#2 Design & Display
#3 Health & Fitness Features
#4 Smartwatch Functions
#5 Battery & Power
Garmin Forerunner 955
Lead The Pack
The lightweight smartwatch on your wrist to train your best and perform your best.
Garmin Fenix 7
Rugged & Robust
The multi-sport GPS watch that blends cutting-edge design and performance.
#1 Price
Garmin Forerunner 955
The Garmin Forerunner 955 retails at US$599, while the Fenix 7 goes for US$699. Both smartwatches have a Solar version, which costs US$100 more, that lets you get an extended battery life with solar charging.
Additionally, the Garmin Fenix 7 also has a Sapphire Solar version that retails for US$899, which upgrades the regular lens material from Power Glass™ to Power Sapphire™.
For the sake of the review, we will be comparing the standard versions of each smartwatch.
#2 Design & Display
Garmin Fenix 7
The Garmin Forerunner 955 is designed with a lightweight and slim profile, weighing only 52 g. This makes it easy to wear during any kind of workout. In comparison, the Garmin Fenix 7 is a bit bulkier at 79 g and has a stainless steel frame, providing a more robust and rugged feel.
For most users, weight will be one of the main comparisons to decide on as it will affect your day-to-day comfort. The primary trade-off for the heavier Fenix 7 is that most find it to be a better-looking watch with its metal frame, giving it an air of class and sophistication when worn.
The Garmin Fenix 7 also stands out for its adventurous profile when it comes to its water rating. The Fenix 7 has a 10 ATM water rating, meaning it is able to withstand water pressure up to a depth of 100 metres. On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 955 only has a water rating of 5 ATM. So if you’re an avid diver and a deep sea kinda person, the Fenix 7 will be more suited for your lifestyle and activities.
Garmin Fenix 7
Rugged & Robust
The multi-sport GPS watch that blends cutting-edge design and performance.
#3 Health & Fitness Features
Garmin Forerunner 955
The Garmin Forerunner 955 and Fenix 7 are relatively on par with each other when it comes to their health and fitness tracking features. This is primarily because their internal specs are nearly identical and hence could provide for a similar feature set.
One subtle difference between the Garmin Forerunner 955 and Fenix 7 can be found in the heart rate readings. The optical heart rate sensor found in the watches will provide a more accurate reading when you are wearing a lighter watch during physical activities. This means that if accuracy is of the utmost importance to you, the Garmin Forerunner 955 might be the better choice when taking into consideration its lighter weight versus the Garmin Fenix 7.
Garmin Forerunner 955
Lead The Pack
The lightweight smartwatch on your wrist to train your best and perform your best.
#4 Smartwatch Functions
Garmin Fenix 7
When it comes to smartwatch features for everyday use, there isn't a huge difference between the Garmin Forerunner 955 and Fenix 7. Both smartwatches sport the convenient feature of downloading music directly into the watch, allowing you to leave your phone at home and still have tunes to enjoy while you're out exercising.
Furthermore, Garmin Pay is built into the smartwatches, making payments at checkout quicker and easier than ever. As is the case with most of Garmin's products, the Forerunner 955 and Fenix 7 also give you access to notifications on the go, safety & tracking features, and compatibility with the Garmin Connect app.
All of these features make the Forerunner 955 and Fenix 7 an excellent choice for anyone looking for a smartwatch that has all the latest features.
#5 Battery & Power
Garmin Forerunner 955
The Garmin Forerunner 955 is an ideal wearable for those who are looking for a device with reliable battery life. It has a battery life of up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS mode, meaning it can easily last through a weekend trip or a week-long vacation.
Meanwhile, the Garmin Fenix 7 takes battery life to a whole new level, boasting a length of up to 18 days in smartwatch mode and up to 57 hours in GPS mode. That's enough battery life to last through multiple days of travel and outdoor adventures without needing to be recharged.
Both watches are ideal for those who are looking for a reliable and durable device with an impressive battery life.
Compare Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Fenix 7
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a running watch with all the features to help you get the most out of your running experience, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is a great choice. It has a wide range of features that make it a great option for more serious runners.
But if you're looking for something that looks a bit more elevated and stylish, the Garmin Fenix 7 might be the better choice for you. Not only does it provide a more sophisticated look, but it also offers features that make it a great option for a more all-rounded athlete.
Whether you're a serious runner or an all-rounded athlete, both of these watches will have something to offer you.
If you like to read more on Garmin smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 945
Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin epix 2
Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Garmin Forerunner 245
Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Garmin Forerunner 745
Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Garmin Venu 2
Explore the full collection for Garmin on Amazon.com or visit the Official Garmin Singapore Store.