OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Garmin Forerunner 255S review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£?Screen size:1.1 inchBattery life:12 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Garmin Forerunner 255S Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 10 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Garmin Forerunner 255S
8.1/10

Overall score

Score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 85% of models
Score components

35%

8.2

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.3

Reviews score

10%

8.6

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 85% of smartwatches
?

Value for money

Value for money
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.1

Overall score

30%

?

Price

Price not known yet
8.2

Technical score

Technical score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components

24%

8.5

Health

21%

10

Fitness

16%

7.1

Battery

14%

8.4

Smart features

12%

8.6

Connectivity

9%

7.4

Display & Design

4%

1.3

Hardware

â–²Better than 89%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

7.4

Popularity

Grades by review (10)
6 reviews + 4 videos, average 8.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 76%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Best prices
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Smartwatches model ranking

Ranked #109 of 777 models in Smartwatches (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Forerunner 255S

Technical score
Technical score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components:

24%

8.5

Health

21%

10

Fitness

16%

7.1

Battery

14%

8.4

Smart features

12%

8.6

Connectivity

9%

7.4

Display & Design

4%

1.3

Hardware

8.2
Reviews score
8.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

8.1

Overall score

30%

?

Price

8.6
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 30.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
?
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 49.5% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports HRV tracking. 54.9% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 28.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 67.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
12 days
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch lasts 12 days on a charge, which is longer than 68.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 4.3% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
26 h
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 26 h on a charge, which is longer than 63.6% of Smartwatches and the same as 2% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
26 h
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 26 h with GPS on, which is longer than 63.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.4% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
?
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS, which is more advanced than the system in 70.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 9.2% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 54% of smartwatches and equal to that of 40.2% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
?
Show more
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 56.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
yes
Garmin Forerunner 255S supports dual-frequency GPS. 85% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.1 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.1 inch screen, which is smaller than 94.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.3% of Smartwatches.
Display type
MIP LCD
This smartwatch uses MIP LCD, which is less advanced than the screen in 62.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 5.7% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
218x 218
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 218x218 which is lower than that of 89.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.3% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
?
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
4 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage, which is more than 39.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 25.5% of Smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Forerunner 255S vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • 5 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (12 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    12 days vs 7 days
  • 18.6% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 76% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    7.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (10)
    6 reviews + 4 videos, average 8.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.0
  • 11.4% better value for money
    Garmin Forerunner 255S has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.65 vs 7.8).
    8.65 vs 7.76
  • 14.7% higher sentiment score
    8.6 vs 7.5
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44.1% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 15.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Cadence tracking
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
  • 5 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (12 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    12 days vs 7 days
  • 6 h longer training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (26 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    26 h vs 20 h
  • 5 h longer GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer with GPS on than the average smartwatch (26 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    26 h vs 21 h
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 13% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Supports dual-frequency GPS
    Garmin Forerunner 255S supports dual-frequency GPS, while the average smartwatch does not. 15.1% of Smartwatches support dual-frequency GPS.
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • 4 mm slimmer strap
    This smartwatch has a slimmer strap than the average smartwatch (18 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    18 mm vs 22 mm
  • 4 mm shorter case
    This smartwatch has a shorter case than the average smartwatch (41 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45.0 mm tall.
    41 mm vs 45.0 mm
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    occasional vs ended
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (MIP LCD vs AMOLED).
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • No ambient light sensor
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 0.3 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.1 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.1 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 218x218, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    218x218 vs 360x360
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (MIP LCD vs AMOLED).
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • No ambient light sensor
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 0.3 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.1 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.1 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 218x218, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    218x218 vs 360x360
  • 0.7 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (12.4 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    12.4 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
AbbyBReviewing
≈ estimated
10/09/2024
Hands-on review · sensors, battery, display and durability
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 255S is still worth buying in 2024 for runners and outdoor athletes, though its buttons and memory-in-pixel display may not suit everyone.
8.6
AbbyBReviewing
✓ explicit
12/07/2022
Hands-on review · a few weeks of use
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 255S offers accurate GPS, reliable tracking and plenty of features, making it a clear recommendation.
9.0
Tech Doctor
≈ estimated
18/06/2022
Hands-on review · training features and daily use
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 255S is a comfortable, no-frills GPS running watch with strong value and a strong pick for budget runners.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

What reviewers agree on

Based on 6 · 5

Reviewers praise the accurate GPS, useful recovery and sleep insights and light build, but find the screen dull and menus clunky.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.4
220triathlon.com
✓ explicit
03/07/2025
Hands-on test · Triathlon watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 255S is a small, light triathlon watch with a full set of training features, but it has no built-in maps and no Training Readiness score.
9.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
18/07/2023
Hands-on review · Running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 255S is a small running watch that suits serious runners, but it lacks the AMOLED screen and Training Readiness of the newer Forerunner 265.
8.0
androidpolice.com
✓ explicit
23/12/2022
Hands-on test · Multisport training
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 255S Music suits committed multisport athletes, but its five physical buttons and deep settings take time to learn.
9.0
techpickstream.com
≈ estimated
19/01/2026
Long-term test · Running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 255S suits serious runners and triathletes who value accurate tracking over looks, though it has no Google Pay and no Google Assistant.
9.0
pcwelt.de
✓ explicit
29/07/2023
Test report · Running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 255S is a compact, precise running watch for runners who train on treadmills and trails, but it lacks the Forerunner 265's vivid AMOLED screen.
9.6
montre-running.com
✓ explicit
09/09/2023
Hands-on test · Running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 255S suits endurance athletes thanks to precise GPS and long battery life, though it has no AMOLED screen and a less intuitive interface.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Garmin Forerunner 255S

  • 12 days of battery life covers a long trip without a charger.
  • 26 h of battery life with GPS on covers a long race or a full day outside.
  • Dual-frequency GPS keeps the track steady near tall buildings and under trees.
  • Crash detection adds a safety net on runs and rides.
  • ANT+ support works with heart rate straps and bike sensors.
  • The 41 mm case suits slim wrists.

What we don't like about Garmin Forerunner 255S

  • The 1.1 inch screen is small for a watch that does this much.
  • Notifications cannot be answered from the watch.
  • There is no fall detection, only crash detection.
  • The charging cradle is proprietary, with no wireless charging.
  • Garmin Pay works only with Visa and Mastercard cards.

Verdict

With 12 days of battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 255S is a running and training watch for people who want plenty of data without a bulky case. It lasts 26 h with GPS on, enough for a long race or a full day on the trail. Its dual-frequency GPS keeps the track steady near tall buildings and under trees. It has crash detection and works with ANT+ heart rate straps and bike sensors. At 41 mm it suits slim wrists. The trade-off is the 1.1 inch screen, which is small next to larger watches. Notifications can be read but not answered from the watch, and there is no fall detection. It suits a runner who trains most days and wants recovery and sleep numbers on the wrist.

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