Garmin · Smartwatch
Garmin Forerunner 255
The MIP-screen mid-tier Forerunner. Race Predictor, no Training Readiness.
$349Garmin →
Battery14 days
Water5 ATM
Weight49g
Sensors9
OSStandalone
The 255 was the budget pick before AMOLED arrived in the 265. 14-day battery, multi-band GNSS on every variant, and the same Race Predictor algorithm as the 955. The Music variant adds onboard storage; what you do not get at this tier is a Training Readiness score.
Strengths
- 14-day smartwatch battery
- Race Predictor for marathon prep
- Optional music storage
Tradeoffs
- MIP screen
- No Training Readiness score
- Discontinued — replaced by the 265
Full specs
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Common questions
- How much does the Garmin Forerunner 255 cost?
- The Garmin Forerunner 255 starts at $349, with larger sizes and premium finishes costing more.
- Does the Garmin Forerunner 255 require a subscription?
- No. The Garmin Forerunner 255 has no subscription — you pay for the hardware once and the Garmin app is included.
- How long does the Garmin Forerunner 255 battery last?
- About 14 days of typical use per charge. Heavy GPS use, an always-on display, and continuous sensing all pull that number down.
- Is the Garmin Forerunner 255 waterproof?
- The Garmin Forerunner 255 is rated 5 ATM (50m), which covers showering, swimming, and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating.
- Do you need a phone to use the Garmin Forerunner 255?
- No. The Garmin Forerunner 255 records, stores, and shows your data on the device itself — a phone is for syncing and review, not for tracking.
- Is the Garmin Forerunner 255 still worth buying?
- The Garmin Forerunner 255 came out in 2022 and Garmin has discontinued it, so new stock is limited and prices vary. Check it against the current smartwatch lineup before buying.