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 start
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 over 220 as of now.
Check The 15 model below -
- GPS Running Watch;
- Tracks Distance/Pace/Calories
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.
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
Physical Dimensions
Forerunner® 15
Black/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)
Forerunner® 220
1.8 x 1.8 x 0.5 inch (45 x 45 x 12.5 mm)
Display Size
Forerunner® 15
Black/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)
Forerunner® 220
1.0 inch (25.4 mm) diameter
Display Resolution
Forerunner® 15
55 x 32 pixels
Forerunner® 220
180 x 180 pixels
Weight
Forerunner® 15
Small: 36 g (1.3 oz) Large: 43 g (1.5 oz) |
Forerunner® 220
1.4 oz (40.7 g)
Battery
Forerunner® 15
Rechargeable lithium-ion
Forerunner® 220
Rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery Life
Forerunner® 15
5 weeks in watch mode 8 hours in training mode |
Forerunner® 220
Up to 6 weeks in watch mode Up to 10 hours in training mode |
Water Rating
Forerunner® 15
5 ATM
Forerunner® 220
5 ATM
Color Display
Forerunner® 15
No
Forerunner® 220
Yes
Maps and Memory
Locations
Forerunner® 15
7 activities
Forerunner® 220
200 hours of activity data
Sensors
GPS
Forerunner® 15
Yes
Forerunner® 220
Yes
Accelerator meter
Forerunner® 15
No
Forerunner® 220
Yes
Activity Tracking Features
Calories Burned
Forerunner® 15
Yes
Forerunner® 220
Yes
Training, Planning and Analysis Features
Customization Data Pages
Forerunner® 15
Yes
Forerunner® 220
Yes
Auto Pause
Forerunner® 15
Yes
Forerunner® 220
Yes
Auto Lap
Forerunner® 15
Yes
Forerunner® 220
Yes
Interval Training
Forerunner® 15
No
Forerunner® 220
Yes
Advanced Workouts
Forerunner® 15
No
Forerunner® 220
Yes
Auto-Scroll
Forerunner® 15
No
Forerunner® 220
Yes
Personal Records (running, cycling, swimming)
Forerunner® 15
No
Forerunner® 220
Yes
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 15
Charging/data cable
Manual
Forerunner® 220
Forerunner 220 GPS watch Charging/data cradle Manuals |
Bundle
Forerunner® 15
Heart Rate Version
Large size is colored blue/black and red/black. Small is teal/white, violet/white and black/green.
Forerunner 15
Heart rate monitor
Charging/data cable
Manual
Forerunner® 220
Forerunner 220 GPS watch Premium (soft strap) heart rate monitor Charging/data cradle Manuals |
Forerunners can work better with accessories and apps. Some are compatible with both while others may not work;
Forerunner® 15 goes well with;
Forerunner® 220 can be paired with;
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.
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.
Last update on 2021-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
**As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases ** Read the full disclosure here.