Garmin Forerunner 220 vs 230 – Comparison of 2023
Are you torn between the Garmin Forerunner 220 and 230? Can’t decide which one is the perfect fit for you? Well, we’re here to help you make that choice.
Garmin watches have gone through upgrades with every new version of their Forerunners.
But some things are consistent in Garmin watches, such as simple and stylish design, ease of use, and a wide range of features to aid in workouts and runs.
This article on Garmin 220 and 230 will break down the specific features and specifications of each watch in detail.
You’ll find out the key differences between them, and you can pick the one that’s most suitable for your lifestyle.
Difference Between Garmin Forerunner 230 and 220 Running Watch
Although you’ll be a gainer with either of these watches, as a runner, you want a perfect fit for you.
So, read on to know the key differences that’ll determine which is the one for you.
Garmin Connect IQ
This has to be the major difference between Garmin 220 and 230. Meaning, this is the official app store for Garmin watches.
You can access a range of apps that are mostly free for various kinds of training, workouts, smart home options, and other necessary features.
Not only apps, you can download watch faces, widgets, and data display options for your watch to customize it according to your desire.
Suggested Comparison: Vivoactive 3 or Forerunner 235
Smart Notifications
Garmin 230 offers you the option to connect your smartphone with your watch to get important notifications in calls, texts, and emails from your phone. With Garmin 220, you won’t get this feature.
Battery Life
The battery life of Garmin 220 is longer than Garmin 230. While you get a little over 30 days on the 230, the 220 can last up to 45 days in normal watch mode.
However, Garmin 230 has a longer life in training mode with 16 hours compared to the 10 hours in the 220.
Step Counter
Garmin 230 can count the steps you take every day while this option is not available on the 220.
Garmin Forerunner 220
The Garmin Forerunner 220 is a great reasonably priced GPS watch with which you can sync your workouts with your smartphone. This is especially helpful for runners in tracking their runs and other activities.
It looks like an actual sports watch with a 1.75 inches diameter face and two buttons on the right side for Run and Back.
On the left side of the watch, you’ll see one button for the backlight and two more to control different features.
Moreover, it’s light on the wrist and comfortable for long runs. According to Garmin, the battery will last you up to 10 hours if the GPS is on.
And if you only want to use the watch mode, you can use it for 6 weeks before you need to recharge it.
You connect the watch using the Garmin Connect mobile app that’s available for iOS and Android, and you will get all of your data like map view of your run, calories burned, elevation, average pace, and much other interesting information.
Another cool thing about this watch is the love track. As you train or run, your family or friends can see your progress in real-time.
Its internal accelerometer can track cadence, speed, and distance both indoors and outdoors.
So, even if you’re running on your treadmill, you’ll find out your data without the need of a footpad.
With audio and vibration alerts, you’ll be informed of your heart rate, pace, and walk intervals.
The Garmin 220 will become your personal couch encouraging and motivating you by giving you continuous feedback on your workouts and keeping a record of all your stats.
PROS
CONS
Latest Comparison: Garmin Forerunner 35 vs Vivoactive HR
Garmin Forerunner 230
This Garmin Forerunner 230 is an upgrade to its previous version of Forerunner 220.
Although very similar in functionality, the 230 do have some improved features from the 220.
It is a great watch that you can use while running in the park or at your gym.
Runners training for marathons and for daily activities find this watch very useful as it offers many features that a runner needs to know regularly and during runs.
Any athlete knows how important it is to have the accuracy of data, and the 230 is precise and accurate in its distance, time, speed, and pace.
These basic functions in the watch are useful for cycling and swimming as well.
The Move bar will get your bottoms off your desk or sofa if you’ve been sitting for too long.
It’ll keep notifying you until you get up and move about – an excellent feature to make sure you’re not becoming sedentary.
You’ll also get the usual sports watch perks with the 230 like step goals, distance walked, calories burned, and sleep monitoring.
Pair it up with your phone, and you’ll get all the email, text, and call notifications on your watch.
With a battery life of 5 weeks on watch mode and 16 hours in training mode, you can run without worrying about running out of charge.
The Garmin Connect app shows data such as heart rate, VO2 score, and you can set up workout and training plans to keep you on track.
Although you’ll need a chest strap for getting a read on your heart rate – it’ll give you a much more consistent, accurate result that a wrist-based one.
PROS
CONS
Related Comparison: Garmin Vivoactive 3 and Forerunner 645 Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Which watch is better for different types of sports?
Although their features are optimized for running, the 230 will be able to offer more options for other sports with the Connect IQ app store.
What is the number one difference between the Forerunner 220 and 230?
Number one difference between them is the availability of the Connect IQ app store in the 230 that’s not found in the 220.
Which is better in terms of battery life?
The battery of the Forerunner 220 lasts 45 days or 6 weeks in normal watch mode, which is longer than the 230 battery life that lasts 5 weeks.
However, when the GPS is on, the 230 will last 16 hours while the 220 will last 10 hours.
Which one is water-resistant?
Here, both of these watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters.
You can only track your timing with these watches when swimming.
How do the watches monitor heart rate?
Both the Forerunners 220 and 230 use a chest strap to monitor your heart rate.
Which watch is better for regular use?
If you want to use the watch in mostly normal watch mode, then Garmin 220 might be a better option as it has a longer battery life in normal mode.
Conclusion
The competition of Garmin 220 or 230 doesn’t have one clear winner as both have their own merits.
They are easy to use, lightweight, lasts more than a month, and is loved by athletes and non-athletes.