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Garmin Forerunner 255 — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Fitness TrackersGarmin Forerunner 255

Garmin Forerunner 255 — image 1

Garmin

Garmin Forerunner 255

Expert Review Analysis

The Garmin Forerunner 255 series is a lightweight multisport GPS smartwatch offering advanced training metrics, multi‑band GPS accuracy, and up to 30 hours of GPS battery life, with optional music storage and 5 ATM water resistance.

✓ Best for: Intermediate runners and multisport athletes who want advanced training insights, long GPS battery life, and optional music without the bulk of premium models; ideal for marathon training, triathlons, trail/ultra running, and cross‑training on smaller wrists.✗ Not ideal for: Athletes who require a Training Readiness score, built‑in maps, or a larger display for detailed data, and users who prioritize maximum GPS battery over weight savings.

Pros

✓Multi-band GPS provides highly accurate location tracking even in dense forests and urban canyons.
✓Up to 30 hours of GPS battery life supports long ultramarathon and multi‑day training sessions.
✓Extremely lightweight design (39‑49 g) allows comfortable all‑day and sleep wear.

Price History

Current

$237.97

Average

$271.81

Lowest

$199.99

Highest

$349.99

Good Deal — 12% below average

Price trend (90d):-2.2%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#142Best#2Worst#169 -90

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Regulatory

EU SAR (Music Models) – Torso0.48 W/kg

EU SAR (Music Models) – Limb0.47 W/kg (standard) / 1.57 W/kg torso, 1.03 W/kg limb (255S)

Radio

Radio Frequency (Music) – Max Power2.4 GHz @ 18.64 dBm (standard) / 17.67 dBm (255S)

Materials

Lens MaterialCorning Gorilla Glass 3

Band MaterialSilicone

Dimensions & Weight

Height0.5 inches

Width1.8 inches

Depth1.8 inches

Weight0.10625 pounds

Research Sources

runningxpert.com

www8.garmin.com

dcrainmaker.com

recoveryforathletes.com

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User Reviews

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4.7

(1,483 reviews)

$237.97$349.9932% off

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010-02641-00Slate Gray46 MM 1 year limited warranty

Fitness Trackers

✓Comprehensive training metrics including HRV, Training Load, VO2Max, and race‑predictor tools.

✓Onboard music storage up to 4 GB lets users run without carrying a phone.

✓5 ATM water resistance makes it suitable for swimming and open‑water activities.

Cons

✗Absence of a Training Readiness score limits advanced recovery planning.
✗VO2Max values may temporarily drop when switching from an older Garmin watch.
✗Enabling multi‑band GPS accelerates battery drain compared with standard GPS mode.
✗The smaller 255S 1.1‑inch display can feel cramped for data‑heavy screens.
✗Occasional heart‑rate inaccuracies during high‑intensity interval workouts have been reported.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓DC Rainmaker highlights the watch as a full multisport triathlon device with Elevate V4 sensor upgrades.
✓Reviewers praise the multi‑band GPS accuracy in challenging terrain and urban environments.
✓Professional tests note the 30‑hour GPS battery life as exceptional for a watch in this price range.
✓Experts commend the comprehensive training load and recovery metrics matching higher‑end models.
✓Reviewers appreciate the lightweight 39‑49 g build that feels “crazy light” compared to bulkier competitors.

Criticized by Experts

✗Professionals point out the lack of a Training Readiness score found on the FR955 and Fenix lines.
✗Reviewers mention an initial dip in VO2Max readings when first using the new device.
✗Multi‑band GPS, while accurate, reduces overall battery life faster than standard GPS.
✗The 255S’s 1.1‑inch display is considered too small for detailed data during workouts.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Users love the “forget you’re wearing it” lightweight comfort for all‑day wear.
✓Everyday reviewers find the GPS and heart‑rate tracking reliable for runs, swims, and trails.
✓Long battery life up to 30 hours GPS is praised for ultramarathon and multi‑day use.
✓Music models are appreciated for offline playback without a phone.
✓Daily suggested workouts and race‑predictor tools are seen as helpful training aids.

Users Complain About

✗Users report frustration with VO2Max recalibration dropping after switching watches.
✗The 255S’s smaller screen is described as cramped for viewing multiple data fields.
✗Some users experience occasional heart‑rate inaccuracies during high‑intensity intervals.
✗Battery drains faster when all sensors (Pulse Ox, HRV, etc.) are enabled continuously.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers consider the Forerunner 255 a well‑rounded multisport watch that brings many premium features—such as multi‑band GPS, Elevate V4 sensor upgrades, and robust training load analytics—to a lighter, more affordable package, though they note the missing Training Readiness score and a temporary VO2Max dip on first use.

What Users Say

Everyday users consistently praise the watch’s feather‑light feel, reliable GPS/HR tracking, long battery life for ultra events, and the convenience of onboard music, while recurring frustrations center on VO2Max recalibration, the cramped 255S display, occasional HR glitches, and faster battery drain when all sensors are active.

Common Complaints

Users commonly report an initial drop in VO2Max readings after switching watches, the 255S’s small 1.1‑inch screen feeling cramped, occasional heart‑rate inaccuracies during intense intervals, and accelerated battery drain when all sensors are enabled.

What People Are Saying

“forget you're wearing it”
User review

How It Compares

vs. Garmin Forerunner 245

Advantages

✓Forerunner 255 provides multi‑band GPS and barometer for superior location and elevation data.
✓Longer GPS battery life (up to 30 h vs ~24 h) supports longer sessions.
✓Music storage option adds phone‑free running capability.

Disadvantages

✗255 is priced higher than the 245, which may deter budget‑focused buyers.
✗Both watches lack built‑in maps, but the 255 still costs more.

Choose the 255 for advanced GPS and music features; stick with the 245 if you need a lower‑cost basic runner.

vs. Garmin Forerunner 955

Advantages

✓Forerunner 255 is lighter (39‑49 g vs 53 g) and more affordable while still offering most core training metrics.
✓Battery life is sufficient for most users, and the watch remains comfortable for all‑day wear.

Disadvantages

✗The 955 includes Training Readiness, built‑in maps, and a longer GPS battery (up to 42 h).
✗Larger display on the 955 provides easier data viewing.

Pick the 255 for a lightweight, cost‑effective option; upgrade to the 955 if you need Training Readiness, maps, and a bigger screen.

Rating Trend

Rating4.7/ 5Reviews1,483+1,181 reviews