Garmin Forerunner 255

Overview

The Garmin Forerunner 255 occupies the sweet spot in Garmin’s lineup—delivering professional-grade features like dual-band GPS, music storage, and triathlon support at a mid-range price. While it lacks the AMOLED display of newer models, the traditional MIP screen enables incredible 14-day battery life. At current prices around $299, it’s arguably the best value in serious running watches.

The Battery Life Champion

The MIP display enables exceptional endurance:

• Smartwatch mode: 14 days typical
• GPS tracking: 30 hours continuous
• GPS + Music: 7 hours
• UltraTrac mode: 48 hours
• Always visible: No battery penalty

Two weeks between charges transforms daily use—no battery anxiety ever.

Dual-Band GPS at Mid-Range

Previously $700+ exclusive:

• L1 + L5 frequencies: Professional accuracy
• All GNSS systems: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
• Urban performance: Handles tall buildings
• Trail accuracy: Dense forest tracking
• Clean tracks: No Strava zigzags

This level of GPS accuracy at $299 is remarkable value.

Music Without Phone

255 Music model adds:

• 4GB storage: 500 songs
• Spotify offline: Download playlists
• Amazon Music: Sync with subscription
• Deezer support: Additional option
• WiFi syncing: Fast transfers
• Any Bluetooth headphones: Universal compatibility

Finally run without phone but with motivation.

Triathlon and Multisport

Full triathlon support:

• Multisport mode: One-button transitions
• Open water swim: GPS tracking
• Pool swim: Automatic lap counting
• Brick workouts: Combined sessions
• Race activity: All disciplines tracked
• Transition timing: T1 and T2

Complete triathlon watch for half the price of premium options.

Training Features Excellence

Morning Report

Daily briefing includes:

• Sleep quality summary
• Recovery status
• Training readiness
• Weather forecast
• Calendar overview
• HRV status update

Perfect way to start training day with context.

Race Widget and Predictor

Goal race preparation:

• Race predictor: Current fitness times
• Training tips: Specific to distance
• Course information: If available
• Weather tracking: Race day forecast
• Countdown: Days to event

Keeps you focused on race goals.

Daily Suggested Workouts

Adaptive training:

• Analyzes training history
• Considers recovery status
• Balances workout types
• Adjusts for missed sessions
• Includes rest days

Like having a coach create daily plans.

Real-World Performance

Marathon Training

Everything needed:

• Training status tracking
• Long run battery life
• Music for motivation
• Race predictor progress
• Recovery guidance
• Suggested workouts

Complete package for marathon success.

Trail Running

Surprisingly capable:

• Barometric altimeter for real elevation
• Breadcrumb navigation
• Storm alerts
• Sunrise/sunset times
• 30-hour GPS for ultras

Only missing maps for complete trail experience.

Track Workouts

Excellent for intervals:

• Track mode for accurate laps
• Customizable workouts
• Rest timers
• Lap alerts
• Auto-splits

Makes structured speedwork simple.

The MIP Display Reality

Traditional screen has trade-offs:

Advantages:

• Always visible without backlight
• Incredible battery life
• Perfect in bright sun
• No burn-in risk
• Proven durability

Disadvantages:

• Only 64 colors
• Not pretty indoors
• Needs backlight at night
• Photos look dated
• Maps wouldn’t work well

Function over form—perfect for pure runners.

Health and Recovery

HRV Status

Heart rate variability tracking:

• 7-day baseline establishment
• Overnight measurements
• Trend analysis
• Recovery insights
• Training impact

Valuable for preventing overtraining.

Training Status

Comprehensive overview:

• Productive: Fitness improving
• Maintaining: Holding steady
• Recovery: Taking needed rest
• Unproductive: Need change
• Overreaching: Too much load

Keeps training on track.

Body Battery

Energy management:

• 0-100 energy score
• Drain during activity
• Recharge during rest
• Sleep impact visible
• Stress effects shown

Helpful for workout timing.

Size Options

Forerunner 255 (46mm)

• Standard size for most
• 30-hour GPS battery
• 1.3 inch display
• 49g weight

Forerunner 255S (41mm)

• Smaller wrists
• 26-hour GPS battery
• 1.1 inch display
• 39g weight

Both have identical features, just size difference.

Music vs Standard Model

Price difference ~$50:

255 Music adds:

• 4GB music storage
• WiFi for syncing
• Streaming service support
• Slightly heavier

Worth it if:

• You hate carrying phone
• Music motivates you
• Long runs alone
• Gym workouts

Forerunner 255 vs Competition

vs Forerunner 265 ($449)

• 265 adds: AMOLED display, training readiness
• 255 advantages: Better battery, $150 cheaper
• Verdict: 255 unless display priority

vs COROS PACE 3 ($229)

• PACE 3 wins: Price, weight, battery
• 255 wins: Features, ecosystem, music option
• Verdict: 255 for features, PACE 3 for value

vs Forerunner 165 ($249)

• 255 wins: Dual-band GPS, battery, features, altimeter
• 165 wins: AMOLED display, newer, touchscreen
• Verdict: 255 for serious runners, 165 for display

vs Polar Pacer Pro ($299)

• 255 wins: Music, triathlon, ecosystem
• Polar wins: Running power native, lighter
• Verdict: 255 more complete package

Who Should Buy the FR255?

Perfect For:

• Serious runners wanting value
• Triathletes on budget
• Battery life priority
• Music during runs
• Trail runners (no maps needed)
• Upgrading from FR245

Skip If:

• AMOLED display important
• Need navigation maps
• Casual fitness only
• Smart features priority
• Budget under $250

Hidden Features Worth Knowing

• Track mode: Improves GPS on track
• Lap button: Works mid-activity
• Custom alerts: Pace, HR, time
• LiveTrack: Safety feature
• Gear tracking: Shoe mileage
• Connect IQ: Add features

Living with the 255

Daily Routine

• Check Morning Report
• Follow suggested workout
• Automatic activity tracking
• Stress and Body Battery monitoring
• Sleep analysis
• Charge every two weeks

Seamlessly integrated without being intrusive.

Garmin Connect Integration

• Automatic syncing
• Detailed analysis
• Social features
• Training plans
• Challenges
• Segments

The ecosystem adds tremendous value.

Common Complaints Addressed

“The display looks dated” True, but you stop noticing after a week. The always-on visibility and battery life compensate.

“No touchscreen is annoying” Five-button navigation becomes second nature. Better with sweaty/wet hands anyway.

“Missing advanced features” Has 90% of what expensive models offer. Missing 10% rarely matters for most runners.

Tips for New Owners

1. Customize data screens: Show your key metrics
2. Use Morning Report: Great daily habit
3. Try suggested workouts: Surprisingly good
4. Enable incident detection: Safety first
5. Download music overnight: WiFi can be slow
6. Join Garmin challenges: Motivation boost

Long-Term Reliability

Garmin reputation earned:

• 4-5 year typical lifespan
• Regular firmware updates
• Excellent support
• Strong resale value
• Proven platform

Confidence in multi-year investment.

Verdict

The Garmin Forerunner 255 is the thinking runner’s choice—delivering nearly every feature serious athletes need without the premium price. Yes, the MIP display looks dated compared to AMOLED alternatives, but the 14-day battery life and comprehensive feature set more than compensate. At current prices around $299, it’s exceptional value.

The inclusion of dual-band GPS, music storage, triathlon support, and advanced training metrics at this price point is remarkable. You’re getting features that cost $600+ just two years ago. The Morning Report and suggested workouts add genuine value to daily training, while the Race Widget keeps you focused on goals.

Bottom line: Unless you absolutely need an AMOLED display or navigation maps, the Forerunner 255 is the best running watch value available. It has the features to support everything from first 5K to Ironman training, with battery life that means you’ll never miss a workout due to charging. For serious runners who care more about performance than appearance, this is the smart choice that leaves money for race entries and new shoes.