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Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit

Curated from 106 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: January 19, 2025

Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit

Brand: Garmin

Price: $229

Snoop Score:

6.8

Sentiment

8.0

Popularity

8.9

Technical

5.0

Buy on Amazon for $229 See All GPS Units Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit is a premium GPS watch designed for runners and triathletes, offering advanced metrics and features to enhance performance. Users praise its reliability and accuracy, with many stating that "Garmin outperforms Apple by a mile" especially in running metrics and battery life. While some feedback highlights concerns about screen size and GPS accuracy in challenging environments, the overall sentiment suggests that this device is highly recommended for serious athletes looking for a dependable training companion.

Not for you? Check out our other rated GPS Units

Garmin currently is the leading company that does devices that do mapping, texting, and emergency services all in one.
Positive Feedback

It's a bit of a pain as the screen is too small.
Negative Feedback

6.8

Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit

Buy on Amazon for $229

Marathon & Road Running

9 / 10

Trail & Ultra Running

4 / 10

Triathlon & Multisport

8 / 10

Everyday Fitness & Wellness

8 / 10

See how this compares to all GPS Units

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Garmin devices are reliable for navigation

“Garmin currently is the leading company that does devices that do mapping, texting, and emergency services all in one.”➕

“I still vastly prefer a handheld GPS, I've seen phones conk out or have app/connectivity issues to many times in the slightest bit of adverse weather to trust them.”➕

“I carry a garmin because phones are too fragile for my liking.”➕

“It’s pretty awesome and well worth it.”➕

Great battery life

“I love the long battery time and the health tracking.”➕

Accurate GPS

“So glad the fenix 7 pro stuck with MIP.”➕

Good value for money

“the best!”➕

Better performance than Apple Watch for running

“Garmin outperforms Apple by a mile.”➕

Garmin handheld GPS units are reliable for outdoor use

“They're relatively inexpensive, easy to use, lightweight and accurate.”➕

Dedicated GPS units provide reliability without cell coverage

“Garmin doesn't need cell coverage”➕

“GPS units are far cheaper. That said, a dedicated GPS unit has a number of benefits over a GPS app on a phone”➕

GPS units can be preloaded with maps for offline use

“Plenty of map apps can download offline maps to use when you're in areas with bad/no reception”➕

Handheld GPS devices are sturdy and waterproof

“The handheld GPSs are quite sturdy and waterproof. The majority of phones are not.”➕

Lifetime map updates are beneficial

“Now that Google maps can download maps and work without any mobile data, it pretty much killed the main reason to hold onto an old GPS.”➕

“The old GPS has the issues: Map stitching issues, often when I miss a turn the 255w has to go through 'recalculating' but doesn't know the next turn until it is too late for me to act on it.”➕

Older GPS devices can be more accurate

“Often older GPS devices are more accurate as they were single goal devices and didn’t have to share space and battery power with all other uses.”➕

Garmin has improved reliability in newer models

“They used to be horribly unreliable, but I think it's unjustified nowadays.”➕

“This ranged ftom poor battery life, frustrating touch screens and poor ant+ reception.”➕

Garmin has a variety of models to choose from

“whichever one you choose you will be fine.”➕

Excellent battery life compared to Apple Watch

“Battery life alone for me is more than enough”➕

“If you care about your runs/workouts/data/battery, you will go with the Garmin.”➕

“What I love is the battery life and not having to charge daily anymore.”➕

Garmin devices provide superior features for running and workouts

“Use the Garmin for long runs and long bike rides that used to drain my AW battery.”➕

Garmin support is responsive and helpful

“And Garmin support is awesome. Had issues with my Venu 3 and they fully replaced it.”➕

Garmin offers better running metrics than Apple Watch

“The only thing I’ve found more accurate on Apple Watch vs forerunner is the pulse ox saturation.”➕

“In terms of running metrics its certainly better. But for me, more importantly than super detailed metrics I barely ever pay attention to, I don’t have to charge my watch very often.”➕

Garmin is recommended for serious runners

“I would absolutely take Garmin over an AW. I have for years, despite owning the rest of the ecosystem.”➕

“The general consensus is if you want a running watch that can do other things, but a Garmin.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Screen size is too small for navigation

“It's a bit of a pain as the screen is too small.”➕

Navigation requires taking hands off the bars

“I love it. Does it have limitations? Yes - you need to take your hand off the bars and tilt your wrist to ensure adherence to the route.”➕

GPS accuracy is poor in difficult environments

“GPS accuracy Phone vs Garmin Forerunner 55 I just received a Frontrunner 55. I really like it except for the GPS accuracy.”➕

“I too have a FR55. About 5/10k of my run route is covered by oak trees and the watch will get lost I believe as my pace time always shoots up by a minute or more during this section.”➕

Small screen size and usability issues

“A watch is a much smaller screen and more finnicky to use than a stand alone unit or an app on your phone.”➕

“I have a Garmin instinct watch. It's pretty much useless without your phone.”➕

Foretrex may not be the best Garmin GPS device

“I was under the impression the Foretrex is nearly considered a needed piece of equipment when used in conjunction with traditional map+compass for doing land nav.”➕

Garmin units have a history of reliability issues

“This. My Garmin shat on me during a 200 mile race and deleted it forever... I bought a wahoo bolt and never looked back.”➕

“The Bolt came out and just worked.”➕

Garmin is not beneficial for casual runners not wearing it daily

“not if you aren't wearing it 24/7. Would probably suggest just sticking with your apple as you will not really get any major benefit from the garmin eco system with just running and not wearing 24/7”➕

Apple Watch offers better smartwatch functionality

“both can track runs and are worn by serious runners depending on how they approach wearables.”➕

GPS accuracy is declining in older devices

“GPS is becoming more unreliable and inaccurate.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch	$449	8.4	Details	Buy
Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Multisport GPS Watch	$559	7.1	Details	Buy
COROS APEX 2 Outdoor GPS Watch	$349	6.9	Details	Buy
Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit	$229	6.8	Details	Buy
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch	$178	6.7	Details	Buy
Garmin 010-02626-10 Instinct 2 Outdoor Watch	$198	6.6	Details	Buy
COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch	$229	6.4	Details	Buy
Garmin Forerunner 165 Running Smartwatch	$249	6.3	Details	Buy
Garmin fenix 6 Pro GPS Watch	$479	6.0	Details	Buy
Garmin Enduro™ 2 Ultraperformance Watch	$667	6.0	Details	Buy
Garmin tactix 7 Pro Ballistics Edition GPS Watch	$1419	5.9	Details	Buy
Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Running Smartwatch	$374	3.9	Details	Buy
Garmin 010-12520-00 Running Dynamics Pod	$59	3.2	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Forerunner 55 has an older GPS chipset

“Forerunner 55 has a previous generation GPS chipset that isn't so good.”➕

Discussion on different GPS functionalities for hiking

“What are you looking to get out of your GPS? Tracking your hikes? Seeing your location on a map? Do you want something that is also satellite messaging enabled?”➕

Garmin units have lifetime map updates

“Even if it gets downed there will be huge interest in reviving it by anyone capable of launching more.”➕

“I had two Garmin Nuvis before smartphones were popular, both came with *1 year* of updates.”➕

“I have 3 and all of them have free lifetime upgrades. Maybe they changed that at some point?”➕

“They started changing to lifetime updates for most products a while after the mobile version of Google Maps introduced turn-by-turn directions and ate their lunch.”➕

Preference for newer models like the 67i

“If you want an all encompassing GPS then yeah the 67i will do everything you want and is probably the best “complete” unit.”➕

Bluetooth connectivity allows for easier route plotting.

“the phone connectivity actually is a big plus because you can create a route on your phone and directly send it to your gps via bluetooth, no signal required.”➕

The eTrex 20 is popular for its simplicity and battery life.

“Uses AA batteries so easy to carry along a couple extra or pick up at a gas station if needed”➕

“A pair of AA Lithium batteries usually last me a good 32 hours of recording.”➕

Older GPS devices can still be useful

“Are very old GPS still usable? I have a nuvi 750 from more than a decade ago.”➕

“Sure, if you can update it’s map data”➕

“Then use google….. your GPS will be out of date and will need to be updated.”➕

Standalone units operate in a wider temperature range

“Some of the hardware is also kind of specialized, which adds cost, even if it seems low tech on the surface.”➕

Mention of other brands with good GPS accuracy

“A watch that is often mentioned as having good GPS accuracy, plus a barometric altimeter, is the Suunto Ambit 3 Peak.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Old Garmin GPS units still have utility

“Uses less power than a smartphone.”➕

Handheld GPS units preferred for remote and rugged areas

“I carry a physical GPS unit still.”➕

Fenix used for battery conservation and better performance in rain

“I tried fenix 6 with prepared map. It was great, I saved a lot of battery on my phone and it is better in rain.”➕

Using Fenix as a backup for phone failures

“Nothing a stand-alone unit can really do better than your phone, unless you want to be able to message with it, and soon phones should be able to use satellite messaging as well.”➕

“It’s a nice backup feature.”➕

Phone apps can effectively replace dedicated GPS units for navigation.

“Apps on your phone will get that job done.”➕

“I bikepack with my cellphone and apps and a backup paper map.”➕

Users are switching from Apple Watch to Garmin for specific use cases

“I might consider a Garmin when my AW is getting older or if I get more serious about running or start running longer distances.”➕

There is a debate between dedicated running watches and smartwatches

“for serious runners I’d recommend a dedicated running watch, but Apple is starting to bridge the gap.”➕

Discussion on using smartphones versus dedicated GPS for running

“Won't get more accurate than the combination of GPS, GLONASS, cell tower signal, accelerometer, WiFi and barometer.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Fenix or Epix recommended for better navigation

“I think the fenix is an ideal choice if you don’t bike often and would want a sports watch anyway.”➕

Smartphones are seen as adequate for recreational navigation

“Smart phones do this adequately and arguably better because they can have different apps that look at the data differently.”➕

Comparison between Garmin and Apple Watch capabilities

“Garmin can't hold a candle to Apple Watch for certain things.”➕

Smartphones provide adequate GPS functionality for general use

“The GPS functionality on phones is fairly good and will work in most locations so long as you’ve preloaded the maps for locations that have no cell phone coverage.”➕

Users prefer smartphones for navigation due to their versatility.

“I use an old android smartphone with Locus Maps which I mount to my handle bars when touring.”➕

User loyalty can shift based on past experiences

“experience with a product is really significant in next purchases.”➕

Standalone GPS units have higher costs due to hardware

“A Lot of the stand alone units price is for replicated features.”➕

Comparison of standalone units with phone apps

“Why are gps units still expensive even though cell phone apps such as google,apple maps and waze have taken over the market?”➕

“Would you really say it is 200$ worth.”➕

Comparison of Garmin Instinct and Forerunner for running

“the Instinct is apparently more of an outdoors/hiker's watch.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Garmin watches have limitations for navigation

“If you are anything like me then if you want the watch you'll probably find a reason to buy it 😉”➕

Phone GPS is more accurate than Forerunner 55

“Not much you can do about it without getting a watch that supports it.”➕

Consider Garmin GPS for privacy reasons

“I'm actually thinking about buying one for privacy reasons.”➕

Discussion on the longevity and reliability of older Garmin models.

“It uses 2 AA batteries and lasts 3 days always on.”➕

Challenges with using phones for navigation, like overheating

“I've got a motorcycle specific TOMTOM that I switch between bikes.”➕

Users have mixed experiences with Garmin versus Wahoo

“while looking at all the reviews I couldn't help but notice all the "hate" around Garmin units, but looking at the arguments, I couldn't help myself but to think that most people spreading "hate" around Garmin were complaining about their products being too complicated.”➕

Discussion on GPS accuracy variations

“I'm just wondering if they'll be so inaccurate that there will be no point in me buying one at all?”➕

“when coverage is good the gps watches are quite accurate.”➕

Good experiences with GPSMAP for trail running

“most trails are obvious enough that the GPS navigation isn't necessary.”➕