Garmin Forerunner® 255, GPS Running Smartwatch, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Slate Gray
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AI Verdict
This 46mm or 41mm GPS running smartwatch with a 1.3-inch MIP display and 14-day battery is for dedicated runners and multisport athletes who prioritize data and battery life over a vibrant touchscreen
This watch is a strong fit for serious runners and multisport athletes due to its multi-band GPS accuracy, extensive training metrics like HRV status and VO2 Max, and a battery life of up to 30 hours in GPS mode. The MIP display ensures readability during outdoor activities, a key requirement for its target user.
If you need detailed on-watch maps or a brighter AMOLED display, look for Garmin models with 'Maps' in their feature list or an AMOLED screen specification.
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Pros
- Provides up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, allowing for extended tracking without daily charging.
- Features multi-band GPS for accurate location tracking during activities.
- Its always-on, full-color MIP display is easily readable even in direct sunlight.
- Offers comprehensive health metrics including HRV status, VO2 Max, and Body Battery for detailed recovery and training insights.
- Includes multisport tracking, making it suitable for triathlons and other varied activities.
- The Garmin Connect app provides extensive data analysis and custom workout creation.
Cons
- The MIP display lacks touchscreen functionality, relying solely on five physical buttons for navigation.
- Does not include offline maps, only offering breadcrumb navigation for routes.
- The 4 GB storage on the music version is limited, especially compared to higher-end models.
- Some users report that sleep tracking can be inconsistent.
- Lacks the 'Training Readiness Score' found in more expensive Garmin watches, despite tracking underlying metrics.
Dimension Scores
The 1.3-inch MIP display is always-on and exceptionally clear in direct sunlight, but it lacks the vibrancy and touch functionality of AMOLED screens.
It features accurate multi-band GPS and a responsive interface for syncing and switching between data screens.
With up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, its battery life significantly outperforms many competitors.
The Garmin Connect app is robust for data analysis and workout planning, and it supports Garmin Pay, but it has limited third-party app support and some reported syncing issues with iPhones.
Best For
- Runners training for races who need detailed performance metrics and daily suggested workouts.
- Triathletes and multisport athletes requiring dedicated tracking for swimming, cycling, and running.
- Users who prioritize long battery life and excellent outdoor screen visibility over a bright AMOLED display.
- Individuals who prefer physical buttons for navigating during sweaty or wet workouts.
Not Recommended For
- Users expecting a vibrant, high-resolution AMOLED touchscreen experience like a typical smartwatch.
- Those who need detailed street-level offline maps directly on their watch for navigation.
- Anyone heavily reliant on extensive third-party apps or sending text messages directly from their wrist.
Watch Out For
- Garmin Pay setup can be complicated for some users.
- Some iPhone users have reported occasional syncing issues, requiring a full watch reboot to resolve.
- The optical heart rate sensor, while generally accurate, has been reported by some users to give inaccurate readings, especially during intense activities or due to skin variables.
- The music version, which costs extra, only provides 4 GB of storage, which fills up quickly with music files.
Full Specifications
| GPS | GPS Enabled |
| ASIN | B09WTP57Z5 |
| Shape | Heart |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Department | mens |
| Item Weight | 1.7 Ounces |
| Screen Size | 1.3 Inches |
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
| Battery Capacity | 223 Milliamp Hours |
| Operating System | Garmin OS |
| Item model number | 010-02641-00 |
| Product Dimensions | 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.5 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, USB |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 4 GB |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
| Standing screen display size | 1.3 Inches |
| Wireless Communication Standard | Bluetooth |
What Buyers Say
Users coming from other smartwatches, especially Apple Watch, frequently highlight the Forerunner 255's superior battery life as a major advantage, often lasting over a week even with regular GPS use. The always-on MIP display is consistently praised for its readability in bright outdoor conditions, though some miss the vividness and touch capability of AMOLED screens. While the multi-band GPS is noted for its accuracy, a recurring point is the absence of detailed on-watch maps, with only basic breadcrumb navigation available. The watch's comprehensive fitness tracking and multisport features are highly valued by its target audience of runners and triathletes.
“Dude, this thing's battery just keeps going, I swear I only charge it while I shower twice a week and it's still got juice. My old Apple Watch needed charging every night, this is a game changer for my runs and actually getting sleep data.”
Common Praise
- Battery lasts over a week with regular GPS workouts, allowing for consistent sleep data collection.
- Multi-band GPS provides astonishingly accurate tracking.
- The MIP display is super clear in daylight and always-on without draining battery.
- Garmin Connect app is easy to use and provides all the data you could ask for.
- Comfortable and lightweight, making it easy to wear all day and night.
- Morning report summarizes sleep, HRV status, and daily workout suggestions effectively.
Common Complaints
- No touchscreen, requiring reliance on physical buttons for all interactions.
- Lacks detailed offline maps, only offering breadcrumb navigation.
- The music version's 4 GB storage is often considered insufficient for a large music library.
- Sleep tracking can be inaccurate for some users.
- Does not include the 'Training Readiness Score' feature found on higher-end Garmin models.
Ownership Tips
- The physical buttons are actually way better for controlling the watch when your hands are sweaty or wet during a workout.
- The MIP screen is genuinely fantastic for outdoor visibility, making it easy to read even in bright sun.
- You'll probably keep Pulse Ox off to save battery, as it tends to drain it significantly.
- The watch body is fiber-reinforced polymer plastic, which feels durable and contributes to its light weight.
- The Garmin Connect app is a data nerd's dream, providing tons of metrics and allowing custom workout creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Forerunner 255 have a touchscreen?
No, the Forerunner 255 uses a MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) display and relies on five physical buttons for all navigation and interaction.
Can I play music directly from the watch?
Yes, there is a 'Music' version of the Forerunner 255 that allows you to store and play music to Bluetooth headphones, but it has limited 4 GB storage.
How long does the battery last?
The Forerunner 255 offers up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode.
Does it have maps for navigation?
The watch provides breadcrumb navigation, which shows your route as a line, but it does not have detailed street-level maps.
Is it waterproof for swimming?
Yes, the Forerunner 255 is rated to withstand water pressure down to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming.
What is the 'Morning Report' feature?
The Morning Report summarizes your sleep, HRV status, and daily workout suggestion in one place when you wake up.
Buying Guide
When looking at a GPS running smartwatch like this, you're buying a dedicated training tool, not a general-purpose smartwatch. Focus on how well it tracks your activities, how long it lasts on a charge, and what kind of data it gives you to improve. Don't expect a mini-smartphone on your wrist; expect a sophisticated fitness coach.
Multi-band GPS
This means the watch connects to multiple satellite systems at once, like having multiple eyes on your location. It gives you much more accurate distance and pace tracking, especially in challenging environments like cities with tall buildings or dense forests, compared to single-band GPS.
MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) Display
Unlike your phone screen that needs a backlight to be seen, an MIP display reflects ambient light. This makes it incredibly easy to read in direct sunlight, like a traditional watch face, and it uses very little power, which is why the battery lasts so long. The trade-off is less vibrant colors and no touch functionality.
HRV Status
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures the tiny variations in time between your heartbeats. A higher HRV generally indicates better recovery and readiness to train, while a lower HRV can suggest stress or fatigue. The watch tracks this while you sleep to give you a clearer picture of your body's recovery.
Alternatives
If this doesn't quite fit, look for watches with AMOLED displays for a more vibrant screen, or models that explicitly list 'on-board maps' if detailed navigation is a must-have.
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