Should I buy the Garmin Forerunner 55 or Amazfit Active?

Choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 55 and the Amazfit Active comes down to whether you want a dedicated sports watch or a budget-friendly everyday smartwatch.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is the better choice if you are focused on running, training, and detailed health metrics. It offers advanced fitness features like VO2 max tracking, reliable water resistance, fall detection, and irregular heart rate warnings. Its design is function-first, prioritizing readability during workouts and dependable tracking over flashy smart features.

The Amazfit Active line (including newer variants like the $169 Active Max) is ideal if you want a more traditional smartwatch experience on a budget. It generally offers a sleeker design, vibrant touchscreen display, and solid everyday activity tracking, making it a great alternative if you want a stylish wearable for daily use and casual workouts rather than strict race training.