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Garmin Forerunner 15 vs 220 : Which one is better for you

Are you looking for an in-depth comparison and difference between Garmin forerunner 15 vs 220 model?

Well, this write up is our new guide where we will show you the differences of this two garmin forerunner 15 vs 220 model and show you exactly which one you should pick. Let’s get to it.

Quick Summary

If you do not want to read the whole comparison and need a quick verdict, here it is

Personally I would pick the 15 model as it is more powerful and packed with features. Although it’s lacking minor features here and there, considering the price point, it’s a great choice for anyone like me.

Features like Battery level indicator & better route tracking can really make a difference & the reasons I would recommend 15 model over the 220 as of now.

Check The 15 model below:

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00JQF6HHU” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQF6HHU?tag=cityryde04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ img-sizes=”500:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZTwHKCs9L._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” specs=”GPS Running Watch;~~~Tracks Distance/Pace/Calories~~~Heart Rate Monitor Optional~~~Reminds You When Its Time to Move~~~Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery; Save, Plan, Share Your Activities Online; Display Size : 0.98 x 0.94 inch (25 x 24 mm)~~~Display Size : 0.98” x 0.94” (25 x 24 mm)” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Garmin Forerunner 15[/amalinkspro]

Garmin Forerunner 15 VS 220: What’s the Difference?

Garmin’s Forerunner line of watches started in 2001, earlier than when they registered the name Forerunner. This is how Garmin is confident aboutits products. Fast forward to 2013 and 2015, Forerunners 15 and 220 were introduced.

These include development with its already superior capability.

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FGG6DS7?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=cityryde04-20&linkId=0d2a6d130abc38fe26b2e79ba578f0f4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl” new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ img-sizes=”0:0″ imgs=”%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07FGG6DS7%3Fth%3D1%26linkCode%3Dli3%26tag%3Dcityryde04-20%26linkId%3D84628d2cff7616f71e67e5ec82f32ce4%26language%3Den_US%26ref_%3Das_li_ss_il%22%20target%3D%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20src%3D%22%2F%2Fws-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fwidgets%2Fq%3F_encoding%3DUTF8%26ASIN%3DB07FGG6DS7%26Format%3D_SL250_%26ID%3DAsinImage%26MarketPlace%3DUS%26ServiceVersion%3D20070822%26WS%3D1%26tag%3Dcityryde04-20%26language%3Den_US%22%20%3E%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fir-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fe%2Fir%3Ft%3Dcityryde04-20%26language%3Den_US%26l%3Dli3%26o%3D1%26a%3DB07FGG6DS7%22%20width%3D%221%22%20height%3D%221%22%20border%3D%220%22%20alt%3D%22%22%20style%3D%22border%3Anone%20!important%3B%20margin%3A0px%20!important%3B%22%20%2F%3E” link-imgs=”false” specs=”GPS running watch with high-resolution color display.~~~Tracks distance, pace and heart rate.~~~Identifies personal records.~~~Automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, live tracking, social media sharing.~~~Compatible with free training plans from Garmin Connect.” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”GET IT ON AMAZON NOW” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Garmin Forerunner 220 – Black/Red (Renewed)[/amalinkspro]

At A Glance

Forerunner® 15

1. Easy-to-use GPS Running Watch with Heart Rate

2. Tracks distance, pace, heart rate, and calories

3. Activity tracking counts steps and calories and reminds you when it’s time to move

4. Compatible with foot pod for recording distance indoors

5. Up to 8 hours of battery life with GPS on or 5 weeks in watch/activity tracking mode

6. Save, plan and share your activities at Garmin Connect

Forerunner® 220

1. Colorful Running Companion with Connected Features

2. GPS running watch with high-resolution color display

3. Tracks distance, pace, and heart rate

4. Identifies personal records

5. Connected features: automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, live tracking, social media sharing

6. Compatible with free training plans from Garmin Connect

Monitoring and Coaching

Forerunner® 15

Motivates you with the auto lap function that alerts you when you complete each mile. A friendly beep and screen flash for you.

Forerunner® 220

Acts like a personal coach on hand by providing constant feedback and recording all your stats so you can focus on your run.

Wearable all-day

Forerunner® 15

The rechargeable battery can last up to 5 weeks for watch mode and 8 hours for activity tracking.

Forerunner® 220

Its colorful display makes it easy to interpret your data at a glance. The simple button operations and the sturdy wristband is comfortable to wear all day for any wrist size.

Training Features

Forerunner® 15

GPS is showcased in Forerunner® 15 to accurately record your time, pace, and distance. Use indoors as you run on a treadmill or outdoors in the forest trails.

Forerunner® 220

Set up alerts for heart rate, pace, activity intervals so you can stay in the desired range. Vibration and audible alerts can be customized. View post-activity summary in just one push of a button.

Get Connected

Forerunner® 15

Connect with your Mac® or PC to upload your activities to the free online fitness community, Garmin Connect. See the map, details on each mile, and summary of your activities that you can share with your friends.

Forerunner® 220

Automatically uploads data to Garmin Connect even when you can’t get to a computer. Pair your watch with your smartphone and download the Garmin Connect mobile app.

Specifications

Forerunner® 15Forerunner® 220
Physical DimensionsBlack/Green, Teal/White & Violet/White: 1.58 x 2.05 x 0.62 inches (40.1 x 52.2 x 15.7mm)Black/Blue & Red/Black: 1.79 x 2.25 x 0.62 inches (45.5 x 57.2 x 15.7 mm)1.8 x 1.8 x 0.5 inch (45 x 45 x 12.5 mm)
Display SizeBlack/Green, Teal/White & Violet/White: 0.81 x 0.77 inch (21 x 20 mm); Black/Blue & Red/Black: 0.98 x 0.94 inch (25 x 24 mm)1.0 inch (25.4 mm) diameter
Display Resolution55 x 32 pixels180 x 15 ATM80 pixels
WeightSmall: 36 g (1.3 oz)
Large: 43 g (1.5 oz)
1.4 oz (40.7 g)
BatteryRechargeable lithium-ionRechargeable lithium-ion
Battery Life5 weeks in watch mode
8 hours in training mode
6 weeks in watch mode
10 hours in training mode
Water Rating5 ATM5 ATM
Color DisplayNoYes

Maps and Memory

Forerunner® 15Forerunner® 220
Locations7 activities200 hours of activity data

Sensors

Forerunner® 15Forerunner® 220
GPSYesYes
Accelerator meterNoYes

Activity Tracking Features

Forerunner® 15Forerunner® 220
Calories BurnedYesYes

Training, Planning and Analysis Features

Forerunner® 15Forerunner® 220
Customization Data PagesYesYes
Auto PauseYesYes
Auto LapYesYes
Interval TrainingNoYes
Advanced WorkoutsNoYes
Auto-ScrollNoYes
Personal Records (running, cycling, swimming)NoYes

What’s In the Box

Watch Version Only

Forerunner® 15

Large size is colored blue/black and red/black. Small is teal/white, violet/white and black/green.

Forerunner 15Charging/data cableManual

Forerunner® 220

Forerunner 220 GPS watch

Charging/data cradle Manuals

Bundle

Forerunner® 15

Heart Rate VersionLarge size is colored blue/black and red/black. Small is teal/white, violet/white and black/green.

Forerunner 15Heart rate monitorCharging/data cableManual

Forerunner® 220

Forerunner 220 GPS watch Premium (soft strap) heart rate monitor

Charging/data cradle Manuals

Read also: Garmin Forerunner 235 Review

Forerunners can work better with accessories and apps. Some are compatible with both while others may not work;

Forerunner® 15 goes well with:

  • Adapters
  • Bands
  • Cases, Covers & Clips
  • Cables & Chargers
  • Heart Rate Monitors
  • Cycling Accessories
  • Sensors

Forerunner® 220 can be paired with;

  • Apps
  • Adapters
  • Bands
  • Cases, Covers & Clips
  • Cables & Chargers
  • Heart Rate Monitors
  • Cycling Accessories
  • Sensors

Which Is Better,  Forerunner® 15 or 220?

Garmin Forerunner® 15 is better than Forerunner® 220 for:

1) Route tracker

2) Battery level indicator

Garmin Forerunner® 220 is better than Forerunner® 15 for a lot more things than 15. Forerunner® 220 is dustproof and water-resistant. Its battery life is 2 hours longer when used with GPS. Comfortable to use as it is sweat resistant.

Forerunner® 220 provides an activity report. Its battery life when used as a watch is 7 days longer than Forerunner® 220 It has vibrating alerts, it can sync wirelessly, and its colorful resolution is better at 180 x 180p pixel vs 15’s 55 x 32 pixel.

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B00JQF6HHU” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQF6HHU?tag=cityryde04-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”5″ img-sizes=”500:500″ imgs=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZTwHKCs9L._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”400″]Garmin Forerunner 15 Large, Black/Blue[/amalinkspro]

Read also: Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Race

Read also: Best Virtual Race for Your New Year Resolution

Conclusion

Garmin Forerunner® 220 and 15 are both powerful fitness and life tracking watches. Forerunner® 15’s lack of Bluetooth to sync with a smartphone can be a reason why 220 will be picked over it. But personally I would still go with 15 as I feel it’s more powerful and balanced model.

Eitherway, Forerunner® 220 and 15 are just 2 of the watches from the large selection of dedicated GPS watches Garmin has. You can choose from any of them and they will sure work according to their purpose.

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