If you are active, then you know the importance of a fitness tracker. These watches do a lot more than just count your steps. Now you can get a Garmin Fenix 5 of a Garmin Forerunner 935 to track everything from your heart rate to the number or reps in the gym. Find out the best model for you right here.
Fitness trackers come in all shapes, sizes and abilities. For the common person that wants to know how many steps they take and how many calories they burn during the day, any tracker will do. If you want the ability to track almost every activity, heart rate, workout reps and more, you need a professional grade tracker.
Garmin produces several models with varying abilities. The top of the game at the moment for them is the Garmin Fenix 5. Competing for the top spot is the Garmin Forerunner 935. While both of these watches will track your every move, you may find that one is slightly better than the other.
If you want to know all of the details read my review and comparison below. If you are ready to get tracking, then head out and pick up the Garmin Fenix 5.
Table of Contents
The Differences
Even though Garmin makes both models, there are differences besides the model names. The list of differences include:
- The Fenix 5 has three different sub-models; the Forerunner 935 is the only model.
- The smaller, lighter, Forerunner 935 is made of plastic and silicone while the Fenix 5 is stainless steel and silicone.
- Though both are waterproof, the Fenix 5 is rated to 100 meters while the Forerunner is only rated to 50 meters (10ATM and 5ATM, respectively).
- Scratch-resistant glass is an option with the Fenix 5 watches (Sapphire Glass) where the Forerunner 935 doesn’t have the option.
- When looking at the faces, the Fenix is analog and the Forerunner is digital.
- You will get email, text and call notifications on the Fenix 5 that don’t appear in the notification list of the Forerunner 935.
The Similarities
The fitness trackers are similar in almost every other way. When looking for features you need, this list may help make your decision.
- Both models have a 1.2-inch screen with 240×240 resolution.
- The batteries in each model can last up to 14 days depending on the mode.
- The Fenix 5 and Forerunner 935 both use GPS tracking.
- You will have accelerometer and gyroscope sensors in each version.
- Navigation has Point of Interest (POI) and turns by turn navigation options on both the Fenix and Forerunner.
- You can change the 22mm bands with almost any other watch band that clips in.
- There are notifications from third-party apps on your cell phone.
- Each of the watches has Bluetooth connectivity abilities.
Specifications Chart
Let’s see these two models side by side. You will be able to quickly see what they offer or do not offer.
| Garmin Fenix 5 | Garmin Forerunner 935 | |
| Size | 47 x 47 x 15.5mm | 47 x 47 x 13.9mm |
| Weight | 85 grams | 49 grams |
| Build Material | Stainless Steel, Silicone | Plastic, Silicone |
| Battery | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Battery life | Up to 14 days | Up to 14 days |
| Recharge (Type/Time) | USB/3 hours | USB/3 hours |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Display | OLED | OLED |
| Color Options | 12 | 2 |
| Sapphire Glass | Optional | No |
| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Floors | Yes | Yes |
| Activity | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| VO2Max | No | No |
| Stress and Recovery | No | No |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Rep Count | No | No |
| Guided Breathing | No | No |
| Sensors | Heart rate monitor, 3-axis accelerometer, altimeter, vibration alert, gyroscope, GLONASS, GPS | Heart rate monitor, 3-axis accelerometer, altimeter, vibration alert, gyroscope, GPS |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Dimensions, Features and Options
The two models share a lot in common, but there are enough slight differences to make your decision matter. Below I will outline these in detail to help you make a more well-informed choice.
The Design Can Mean More Than You Think
When it comes to the look of the tracker watches, you may put functionality ahead of aesthetics. However, when it comes to proper tracking and proper fit, the style of the watch should match not only your needs and monitoring preferences but your style as well.
The Fenix 5 is Rugged and Sporty
The Fenix 5 offers one of the most fashionable and aesthetically pleasing looks of any sports tracker. The large face has been seen as cumbersome and bulky, even though it is smaller than the Fenix 3.
The silicone band is a standard watch size of 22mm and snap clips to the watch head. This means that if you aren’t happy with the black sports band that comes with it, you can switch it out for any watch band you find.
The bezel is stainless steel and glass face over an analog design. While you can choose from several colors, they all work the same. The bezel has five buttons around the outside that are used for menu selection and choice making within the menus.
The Forerunner 935 is Larger and Lighter
The Forerunner 935 also touts a sporty look, though many reviewers say it appears cheap. This is mostly due to the plastic that keeps it lightweight. The interface is digital, which does add to the appeal, though the overall look isn’t as rugged and outdoorsy as the Fenix 5.
The Forerunner has the same five buttons around the bezel as the Fenix and they have the same purpose. The wristband is also 22mm with the same clip style allowing you to change bands to any style you prefer that matches the size.
That isn’t to say that the Forerunner isn’t an attractive watch, but it does have a more flimsy appearance. It isn’t fragile by any means if you are looking for lightweight functional style the Forerunner is for you. If you want a more rugged style, then look at the Fenix 5.
It should be noted that there are three different Fenix modes, the Fenix 5, 5s and 5x. The only differences in these models are the sizes and glass finishes. The options are plain glass and sapphire glass. Sapphire glass option makes the face scratch resistant and very difficult to break.
Bottom Line: The Fenix 5 wins. While there is nothing wrong with the look of the Forerunner, and aesthetics are personal choices, the Fenix 5 gives you more choices.
The Batteries and Recharging Are Dependant on the Operation Modes
Battery life on these trackers is very important. More than the way it looks resting on your arm is how long it will remain functional between charging cycles. Each of the trackers has different modes which will play a large role in how long the battery will last.
In Smart Mode, the trackers run in their default state, using the heart rate monitor only when you check it in the menu. The GPS also only runs to check your physical location when you specifically check. All other features run as normal and reports will be sent to the mobile app as required.
In this mode, both the Fenix 5 and the Forerunner 935 have an expected battery life of up to 14 days.
UltraTrac Mode Gives You Battery Saving Options
There is another mode called UltraTrac which has two sub-modes: UltraTrac and UltraTrac HR. The UltraTrac HR mode is considered “always on” where GPS and heart rate are constantly monitored and updated as well as all other features and tracking.
This mode will provide the wearer up to 24 hours of battery life. This number will go down the more often you check the watch, illuminating the face and scrolling through the menus.
The UltraTrac mode (non-HR) is exactly the same as the UltraTrac HR mode with the only exception being that the heart rate monitor isn’t always monitoring. By eliminating the constant heart rate the battery life increases to 60 hours.
Bottom Line: This round is a tie. Both trackers have the capability of lasting up to 14 days.
Tracking and Monitoring are the Life Blood of These Devices
A fitness tracker that doesn’t track much is quite useless. Luckily for you, the Garmin devices are full-featured and robust.
The main monitoring is done like most other trackers, including steps, distance, heart rate and with GLONASS (and or) GPS, your location.
The Fenix 5 and Forerunner 935 will track a lot more than these basic functions, though. Pace and cadence are tracked, which is not only how fast you walk, but an algorithm that tells you your average speed, top speed, as well as the distance of your steps and how many steps you take.
The two models also share the ability to keep track of your movements with GPS, thermometers, altimeters, a compass, gyroscope and accelerometer. In fact, the two versions are nearly identical when it comes to fitness tracking and smartwatch abilities.
An Extra Satellite Never Hurts
The one difference here is that the Fenix 5 models also use the GLONASS satellite, which adds details to your GPS mapping. By using both satellites, the Fenix 5 has the ability to track your location as well as the course you are on and the terrain. The Forerunner 935 only uses GPS, so the terrain on the maps is lacking.
You will be able to keep track while you are participating in almost any sport. These include walking, jogging, running, swimming, hiking, cycling, and even golf. They both also help you monitor your activities when you are working out at the gym.
The Fenix and Forerunner models also have dedicated modes for specific activities like skiing, rowing, cross country and paddleboarding.
Make Use of Mobile and Third Party Apps
The Garmin fitness trackers sync with the Garmin Connect mobile app. This will allow you to do a whole lot more. You can download app, play and control music, and monitor sleeping habits.
The Garmin Connect IQ mobile app also has downloadable virtual racing modes, and live fitness reports for both aerobic and anaerobic workouts. It also allows you to customize the look of the watch face and has several other aesthetic based features, too.
These live reports will compare your previous workout with the current one and be able to tell you your ideal resting time between reps, the recovery time to expect and how you performed according to your fitness goals.
Wearable Sensors Can Also Be Used
There are also wearables for you as well. Both fitness bands have the ability to use the Garmin heart rate strap, which isn’t required, but if you want a more accurate heart rate than the built-in version, this is the go-to monitor.
The new running pod can also be used by clipping it on your waistband and connecting through Bluetooth. The running pod will track your cadence, real-time stride, contact time with the ground, your lactate threshold and other metrics.
Besides the Bluetooth connectivity, both devices will also pair with ANT+ sensors, each with the ability to connect with multiple devices at once.
Bottom Line: This round is a tie. When it comes to tracking and monitoring through sensors and activities, they are identical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here I will answer the more commonly asked questions about the two models. If you still have questions, feel free to ask in by using the comment section below.0
Q. If the heart rate monitor is on the watch, why do I need the HR chest strap?
A. Technically, you don’t. If you are just going for a walk, a light jog or a relaxing swim, the Elevate heart rate monitor built into the watches will do just fine.
Garmin has increased the accuracy of the heart rate monitors, but for serious trainers, professional athletes or those that need dead-on accuracy, the chest strap will be a better option. The good news is that Garmin gives you a choice to deactivate the heart rate monitor that is built in.
If you do use the chest strap, you will have the ability to use all of the heart rate micros, including the HRV test, HR Max and HR monitoring. With the heart rate turned off on the watch, the battery will also last you a lot longer.
It isn’t necessary, as mentioned, but if you are a serious runner or doing rapid movements, it is possible the heart rate monitor will miss and slip giving you uneven results. For those that need to closely monitor their exact heart rate, use the chest strap monitor. All others will be fine with the built-in version.
Q. I want to plot a course to a destination, how do I input the address?
A. The simple method is to pair the device with your smartphone and drop the address in with your GPS app. However, if you can’t do that for some reason, you can also use the manual method.
When the watch prompts you for an address numbers and letters will appear on the side of the display. You will use the up and down buttons on the side to select the letters and the selection button in the middle to choose.
It is a tedious process, so I do recommend using an app to preload the address(es) in. However, if you are bored one morning waiting for the microwave to ding when your quinoa is done, you can try the manual method.
Q. I am confused about the WiFi connectivity. Some models have it and some don’t?
A. You are correct. The Forerunner 935 has wireless connectivity. The Fenix 5 sapphire models also have wireless. The Fenix 5 that are not the sapphire versions do not have wireless and only use ANT+ and Bluetooth for connecting devices, including your mobile phone.
What I Like About the Garmin Fenix 5
- Three submodels to choose from for different sized wrists.
- Use of the GLONASS satellite for improved GPS.
- Extremely long battery life.
- Rugged, sporty look.
What I Like About the Garmin Forerunner 935
- Lightweight to not impede your performance.
- Wireless connectivity is consistent and strong.
- Screen backlight is bright for use in direct sunlight training.
In Conclusion
Garmin has once again raised the bar with the release of the Fenix 5 and Forerunner 935 fitness trackers. Both models offer superior battery life and great designs that will meet all of your needs. Deciding which one is for you will come down to a few personal decisions.
The Forerunner 935 is lightweight and less bulky than the Fenix 5. However, some still find it a tad too large for their wrists. If you select this model, you lose some details and accuracy in the GPS tracking, but it is made up for with the inclusion of ANT+ sensor syncing and a wireless connection that is stronger than the Fenix 5.
On the other hand, the Fenix 5 has three size models to choose from. If you feel the Fenix 5 is too large for your wrist, you can get all of the same abilities with the Fenix 5s, which is smaller in stature. With the Fenix 5, you also gain an extra 50 meters of waterproofing for more water-based activities.
The use of GLONASS and GPS satellites means your course and terrain are near spot on at a moments notice. You also have the option (recommended option) to upgrade to the Sapphire version for a stronger faceplate.
In the end, the choice is yours to make. When it comes to tracking, third-party apps and countless sensors both Bluetooth and ANT+ the two models are near identical. If I were laying down my money, though, I would get the Fenix 5.