“Garmin Forerunner 255: The Ultimate Running Companion”

The Garmin Forerunner 255 is one of the most well-rounded GPS running watches in the market, packed with features for runners, triathletes, and fitness enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for accurate GPS tracking, advanced training metrics, or smartwatch functionalities, the Forerunner 255 is an excellent choice.

Garmin Forerunner 255 Key Features

1. Design & Build

• Available in two sizes: Forerunner 255 (46mm) and Forerunner 255S (41mm).
• Lightweight design (49g for 255, 39g for 255S).
• Always-on, sunlight-readable display with Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
• 5 ATM water resistance, making it swim-proof.

2. Battery Life

• Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode.
• Up to 30 hours in GPS mode.
• Battery life varies with features like music and multi-band GPS enabled.

3. GPS & Navigation

• Multi-band GNSS for superior GPS accuracy.
• Turn-by-turn navigation with breadcrumb tracking.
• Pre-loaded sport modes, including running, cycling, swimming, and triathlon.

4. Health & Fitness Tracking

• Heart rate monitoring with Garmin Elevate 4.0 sensor.
• Sleep tracking with sleep stages and insights.
• VO2 Max and race predictor for performance tracking.
• Training Readiness Score, giving insight into your body’s ability to train.
• Recovery insights, helping to prevent overtraining.

5. Sports & Workout Features

• Over 30 sports modes, including strength training and HIIT.
• Running Power (without additional accessories on the wrist).
• HRV Status for monitoring overall stress and recovery.
• Garmin Coach for adaptive training plans.

6. Smartwatch Features

• Music support (on 255 Music version) with offline storage for Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music.
• Smart notifications for calls, texts, and app alerts.
• Garmin Pay for contactless payments.
• Third-party app support via the Garmin Connect IQ store.
  

  Garmin Forerunner 255 Price

  As of February 2025, the Garmin Forerunner 255 GPS running smartwatch is available at various prices depending on the retailer and specific model:

  • Amazon.com: Priced at $229.99 with free delivery.

  • Heart Rate Monitors USA: New units are offered at $227.97, while certified refurbished models are available for $179.99.

  • eBay: The Forerunner 255 Music model in Whitestone color is listed at $249.99.

  Please note that prices can vary based on the retailer, model variant, and ongoing promotions. It’s advisable to check multiple sources to find the most current and competitive pricing.

  Garmin Forerunner 255 Pros And Cons

  Pros

  1. Accurate GPS & multi-band GNSS
  2. Excellent battery life
  3. Advanced health and fitness tracking
  4. Lightweight and comfortable design
  5. Music storage & Garmin Pay (select models)

  Cons

  1. No touchscreen
  2. Limited smartwatch capabilities compared to Apple Watch

Forerunner 255 vs. Forerunner 245: What’s New?

The Forerunner 255 improves upon the Forerunner 245 with the following updates:

• Dual-band GPS for better tracking in dense areas.
• Training Readiness Score to optimize workouts.
• HRV Status for better recovery tracking.
• Triathlon mode for multisport athletes.
• Improved battery life (14 days vs. 7 days in smartwatch mode).

Who Should Buy the Garmin Forerunner 255?

• Runners & Triathletes: Great for those who need accurate GPS, advanced training metrics, and multi-sport modes.
• Fitness Enthusiasts: Ideal for people who want heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress management.
• Smartwatch Users: With notifications, Garmin Pay, and music storage, it serves as a great all-around watch.

Final Verdict

The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a fantastic mid-range GPS watch that delivers premium features at a reasonable price. If you’re serious about fitness and want a watch that balances performance tracking, smartwatch functionality, and affordability, this is one of the best choices in 2024.