Mission Triathlon · 05/03/2023
Hands-on review · four weeks of training and daily use
Garmin Forerunner 255 is clearly worth it as a triathlon watch at its mid-range price, though a longer test is still to come.
Likes- Strong triathlon and multisport profiles
- Good value compared with pricier multisport watches
- Useful training status and recovery insights
- Solid, lightweight build
Dislikes- Open-water performance not yet tested
- Many features not yet explored in depth
DNA - DailyNerdAlert · 09/07/2022
Hands-on review · feature overview and training impressions
Garmin Forerunner 255 is a very good all-round package, but weak navigation without maps and missing power training are big drawbacks.
Likes- Dual-band GPS for accurate tracking
- Triathlon and multisport modes now included
- Race widget helps plan events and goals
- HRV status gives extra insight into recovery
Dislikes- Navigation is weak: no map and few turn hints
- Power-based training not available on the watch
- Expensive, and there is no cheaper version with the same features
Sport Technik · 26/06/2022
Hands-on test · weeks of daily wear and sport tests
Garmin Forerunner 255 is excellent value for ambitious athletes who can live without a touchscreen, solar charging and topographic maps.
Likes- Very good value for the feature set
- Heart rate accuracy close to a chest strap
- Accurate multiband GPS in forest and track tests
- Big upgrade over the predecessor in sport features
Dislikes- No touchscreen, solar charging or topographic maps
- Multiband GPS noticeably cuts battery life
- Peak heart rate was not picked up reliably
DNA - DailyNerdAlert · 25/06/2022
Hands-on test · navigation on a forest trail
Garmin Forerunner 255 handles dense forest navigation well, but it has no maps and sometimes misses turn alerts.
Likes- Solid navigation even in dense forest
- Position errors mostly within 10 to 20 metres
- Route planning and transfer via Garmin Connect
Dislikes- No map, so alternative routes cannot be checked on the watch
- Turn alerts occasionally missing on synced routes
DNA - DailyNerdAlert · 18/06/2022
Feature walkthrough · race widget and training plan
Garmin Forerunner 255's race planner is a strong feature, but it leaves out cycling data.
Likes- Finds upcoming events and adds them to a calendar
- Builds a training plan from a race goal
- Shows route and weather for the event
- Easy to set up custom events and routes
Dislikes- No cycling data in the widget
- Cannot add a photo to a custom event
Explore Insubria · 03/03/2025
Hands-on test · GPX route navigation and off-course alerts
Garmin Forerunner 255 works very well as a backup for following routes, though a phone with outdoor apps stays the first choice.
Likes- Clear direction arrow pointing back to the route
- Off-course warning on screen and in headphones
- Useful backup when the phone battery runs out
Dislikes- Phone with outdoor apps remains the preferred choice
- Off-course alert only triggers after roughly 80 metres
Personal Running Coach · 22/08/2022
Long-term test · two months of daily use
Garmin Forerunner 255 is recommended for runners, though battery life, missing maps and the high price count against it.
Likes- Light, comfortable build for everyday wear
- Stable fit on the wrist gives accurate heart rate data
- Sturdy build with no scratches after two months
- Good upgrade over the previous model
Dislikes- Battery lasts about five to six days, not quite a full week
- No maps, only breadcrumb navigation
- Buttons have a stiff, cheap-feeling click
- Expensive at launch compared with the previous model
Riccardo Brotto · 07/07/2022
Hands-on review · sensors, battery and smart features
Garmin Forerunner 255 offers the best sensor quality and value in its price range and is recommended to nearly everyone, though it has no maps.
Likes- Sensor quality and data accuracy for the price
- Good battery life for long training sessions
- Smart features including Garmin Pay and notifications
- Light, comfortable build for all-day wear
Dislikes- No maps, a real limitation for some users
- Price has risen compared with the previous model
- The non-music version needs a phone for music listening
