Garmin Forerunner 955 vs 965: Which one should you buy?

When Garmin launched the Forerunner 955, we happily dubbed it the king of the road. Less than a year later, Garmin launched the Forerunner 965, a fitness tracker with even more on board, including a new modern face. Shoppers finally got the chance to strap on a fantastic running watch with a vibrant AMOLED display. However, that’s not to say the 955 isn’t still a great pick. Both Garmin devices have a lot of core features in common. If you find yourself debating which is right for you, read our Garmin Forerunner 955 vs 965 to find out what each one brings to the table.

Garmin Forerunner 955 vs 965: At a glance

  • Both devices offer fantastic fitness tracking with reliable sensors and the top Garmin training tools available.
  • The Garmin Forerunner 955 features a 64-color MIP display which the 955 updates to a full-color AMOLED display.
  • The Forerunner 955 is available in both a standard and a solar model. The Forerunner 965 is only available in a single, nonsolar model.
  • The older lineup boasts more impressive battery specs, especially compared to the 965 with its always-on display enabled.
  • The devices share the same accurate heart rate sensors and core fitness tracking experience.

Garmin Forerunner 955 vs 965: Specs

 Garmin Forerunner 955Garmin Forerunner 955 SolarGarmin Forerunner 965
Display1.3-inch MIP
260 x 260 resolution
1.3-inch MIP
260 x 260 resolution
1.4-inch AMOLED, optional always-on
454 x 454 resolution
Dimensions and weight46.5 x 46.5 x 14.4mm
52g w/o strap
46.5 x 46.5 x 14.4mm
53g w/o strap
46.5 x 46.5 x 14.4mm
53g w/o strap
Colors and materialsCorning Gorilla Glass DX display
Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel
Silicone strap
Black or Whitestone
Corning Gorilla Glass DX display
Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel
Silicone strap
Black or Whitestone
Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX display
Titanium bezel
Silicone strap
Black or Whitestone
BatteryUp to 15 days in smartwatch mode
Up to 42 hours in GPS mode without music
Up to 8.5 hours in all-systems GNSS mode with music
Up to 20 days with solar
Up to 49 hours with solar
Up to 8.5 hours in all-systems GNSS mode with music
Up to 23 days in smartwatch mode
Up to 31 hours in GPS mode without music
Up to 10.5 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode with music
SensorsGPS
GLONASS
GALILEO
Multi-Frequency Positioning
SatIQ Technology
Garmin Elevate
Barometric Altimeter
Compass
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Thermometer
Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor
GPS
GLONASS
GALILEO
Multi-Frequency Positioning
SatIQ Technology
Garmin Elevate
Barometric Altimeter
Compass
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Thermometer
Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor
GPS
GLONASS
GALILEO
Multi-Frequency Positioning
SatIQ Technology
Garmin Elevate
Barometric Altimeter
Compass
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Thermometer
Ambient Light Sensor
Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor
Durability5ATM5ATM5ATM
ConnectivityNFC
Bluetooth
ANT+
Wi-Fi
NFC
Bluetooth
ANT+
Wi-Fi
NFC
Bluetooth
ANT+
Wi-Fi
CompatibilityAndroid and iOSAndroid and iOSAndroid and iOS
Memory32GB
Up to 2,000 songs
32GB
Up to 2,000 songs
32GB
Up to 2,000 songs

Launched in June 2022, the Forerunner 955 elevated the lineup with an upgraded heart rate sensor, a bevy of new activity modes and smartwatch features, and a second model for solar-enhanced battery life. In fact, in our Forerunner 955 review, we called it the best GPS watch on the market. Despite our satisfaction, less than a year later, Garmin dropped the Forerunner 965, giving the already great lineup a colorful facelift.

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