Is the Forerunner 255 worth it over the 245?

Yes for most runners. The 255 adds multi-band GPS on the Music model, HRV status, morning report, triathlon mode and a barometric altimeter, which the 245 lacks. The 245 is cheaper if you only need basic pace and distance.

How long does the battery last?

Garmin rates it at up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode. With daily GPS runs and always-on heart rate, most owners get about a week between charges.

No. It shows a breadcrumb course line and turn prompts but no street maps. For full-color maps you need the Forerunner 965 or a Fenix model.

Can I store music on it?

Only on the Forerunner 255 Music model, which holds about 500 songs and supports Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer offline playlists. The standard 255 has no music storage.

The watch, a charging/data cable and documentation. No extra strap or screen protector is included.

Does it work with iPhone and Android?

Yes. The Garmin Connect app runs on both, and notifications, Garmin Pay and syncing work on either platform.

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Tech · bikesupplypro.com

A runner's watch that tracks the miles without the bulk

Name: GARMIN FORERUNNER 255
Brand: GARMIN
Price: 146.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (606 reviews)

GARMIN FORERUNNER 255

The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a GPS running watch for runners and triathletes chasing pace and recovery.

Deal score 5.7 · Good deal

$146.00$275.00 usual price

You save $129.00 at bikesupplypro.com

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Why it's a great deal

Google Shopping says it usually sells for $275.00
Rated 4.6 out of 5 by 606 buyers

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$146.00Observed at 7:23 AM
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From greatoutdoorspro.shop

Get an overview of your sleep, HRV status and daily workout with morning report
Up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode
Built-in triathlon feature and 30+ activity profiles
Daily suggested workouts, course details and more on the race widget
Full suite of advanced metrics and training tools
Garmin Pay contactless payments

Specs

With GPS: Yes
Tracking Type: Sleep Tracker, Swim, Stress Level, Recovery Time, Blood Oxygen Saturation
Water Resistant: Yes
For Swimming: Yes
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Color: Slate Gray
Size: Small
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Watch Style: Yes
Max Battery Life: Up to 14 days

Ask our shopping agent

About the GARMIN FORERUNNER 255

The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a GPS running watch with a 46mm case, a full set of training metrics, and multi-band GPS on the Music edition. It stands out for its 14-day smartwatch battery, 30-hour GPS runtime, triathlon mode, and 30+ activity profiles. It sits in the mid-range of Garmin's running line, above the Forerunner 55 and below the 965.

Best forRunners training for a first marathon or halfTriathletes who want one watch for swim, bike and runBuyers who want long battery life without a touchscreenGarmin Pay users who want contactless payments on runs

Pros

14 days in smartwatch mode, 30 hours in GPS mode
Multi-band GPS on the 255 Music for accurate tracks in cities and trees
Morning report with sleep, HRV status and daily workout
Built-in triathlon mode and 30+ activity profiles
Daily suggested workouts and race widget with course details
Garmin Pay contactless payments

More deals like this

More from Garmin

All Travel Tech Clothes Shoes Jewelry Home Beauty Outdoors Toys

This hour's deals

−47%

Tech · bikesupplypro.com

A runner's watch that tracks the miles without the bulk

GARMIN FORERUNNER 255

The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a GPS running watch for runners and triathletes chasing pace and recovery.

Deal score 5.7 · Good deal

$146.00$275.00 usual price

You save $129.00 at bikesupplypro.com

Checking it's still available…

Why it's a great deal

Google Shopping says it usually sells for $275.00
Rated 4.6 out of 5 by 606 buyers

Visit bikesupplypro.com

Every store we checked

bikesupplypro.comNew
In stock
$146.00Observed at 7:23 AM
Visit store
eBayNew
Availability unknown
$159.86Observed at 7:23 AM
Visit store
GPS NationRefurbished
Availability unknown
$229.99Observed at 7:23 AM
Visit store

Price history and every store's price →

From greatoutdoorspro.shop

Get an overview of your sleep, HRV status and daily workout with morning report
Up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode
Built-in triathlon feature and 30+ activity profiles
Daily suggested workouts, course details and more on the race widget
Full suite of advanced metrics and training tools
Garmin Pay contactless payments

Specs

With GPS: Yes
Tracking Type: Sleep Tracker, Swim, Stress Level, Recovery Time, Blood Oxygen Saturation
Water Resistant: Yes
For Swimming: Yes
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Color: Slate Gray
Size: Small
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Watch Style: Yes
Max Battery Life: Up to 14 days

Ask our shopping agent

About the GARMIN FORERUNNER 255

Pros

14 days in smartwatch mode, 30 hours in GPS mode
Multi-band GPS on the 255 Music for accurate tracks in cities and trees
Morning report with sleep, HRV status and daily workout
Built-in triathlon mode and 30+ activity profiles
Daily suggested workouts and race widget with course details
Garmin Pay contactless payments

More deals like this

What reviewers say

Owners rate it highly, at 4.7 out of 5 from 3,200 ratings, and most praise the battery, GPS accuracy and training features for the money. Common complaints are the dull screen and the lack of maps.

Pros

Battery lasts well over a week with daily runs
Accurate GPS and pace even on wooded or urban routes
Training metrics and daily suggested workouts are useful, not gimmicky
Light enough to wear overnight for sleep and HRV tracking

Cons

Screen looks washed out in sunlight and low light
No onboard maps, so course following is a breadcrumb line
Music model costs more and storage is limited
Buttons take getting used to after a touchscreen watch

Questions and answers

Is the Forerunner 255 worth it over the 245?: Yes for most runners. The 255 adds multi-band GPS on the Music model, HRV status, morning report, triathlon mode and a barometric altimeter, which the 245 lacks. The 245 is cheaper if you only need basic pace and distance.
How long does the battery last?: Garmin rates it at up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode. With daily GPS runs and always-on heart rate, most owners get about a week between charges.
Does it have maps?: No. It shows a breadcrumb course line and turn prompts but no street maps. For full-color maps you need the Forerunner 965 or a Fenix model.
Can I store music on it?: Only on the Forerunner 255 Music model, which holds about 500 songs and supports Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer offline playlists. The standard 255 has no music storage.
What is in the box?: The watch, a charging/data cable and documentation. No extra strap or screen protector is included.
Does it work with iPhone and Android?: Yes. The Garmin Connect app runs on both, and notifications, Garmin Pay and syncing work on either platform.