If you're not an Apple user, Garmin fitness watches are the no-brainer smartwatches to go for if you're looking for the most trusted brands (some Apple users might still want to consider some Garmins depending on their sport). The Garmin Forerunner 955 has been one of the best Garmin watches since its release and can track many activities. It's currently available for $349.95 (originally $499.99) for the rechargeable battery version and $399.99 (originally $599.99) for the solar version, both at the lowest prices they have ever been.
Our Senior Health Editor Beth Skwarecki says that Garmin's Forerunner line includes some of the best running watches on the market right now. She's partial to the 265. The 965 is the most full-featured watch in the Forerunner lineup, and the 955 is one generation older but still beloved by runners. Garmin watches tend to have a long lifespan, and some users even prefer the MIP screen in the 955 to the AMOLED in the newer 965.
The Garmin Forerunner 955 came out in 2022 as one of Garmin's flagship fitness watches. The 1.3-inch transflective touchscreen display is easily visible outdoors in sunlight (but it won't look as good indoors) and has gorilla glass, so the screen is scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Garmin also gave it touch controls, so it's great for swimming or rainy activities.
You'll get about two weeks of battery life with the Forerunner 955. If you live in a sunny environment, you should consider the solar battery one, especially since it's only $50 more right now. It'll give you about a week more of battery life depending on how much sun it gets.
The GPS works well and is accurate, according to CNET's review. You can see tracking for HRV (Heart Rate Variability), sleep, previous workouts, and stress, and it gives you a Training Readiness Score, which is based on 100. It tells you how well-recovered and ready you are for workouts.
The Forerunner 955 works with iOS and Android, although Apple users won't be able to use the quick replies feature on their phones. At this current price, the Forerunner 955 is a great deal and still a solid fitness watch to get in 2025.
