Specifications
Screen Size33 millimetersTouch ScreenNoOperating System CompatibilityAndroid, Apple iOSOperating SystemGarminApp CompatibleYesBuilt-in Storage4 gigabytes
Key Specs
Screen Size33 millimetersTouch ScreenNoOperating System CompatibilityAndroid, Apple iOSOperating SystemGarminApp CompatibleYesBuilt-in Storage4 gigabytesGlobal PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GalileoMetrics MeasuredActivity vs. inactivity, Altitude changes, Cadence, Calories burned, Cycling speed, Distance swam, Distance traveled, Duration of exercise, Resting heart rate, Hours slept, Laps swam, Pace, Route, Duration of sleep stages, Running/Walking speed, Steps taken, Skin temperatureProtective QualitiesWater resistantMaximum Depth of Water Resistance164 feetBand MaterialSiliconeSeriesForerunner 255
General
Product NameForerunner 255 GPS Smartwatch 46 mm Fiber-reinforced polymerBrandGarminProduct TypeSmartwatch, Activity trackerForm FactorWristwatchModel FamilyGarmin Forerunner 255Model Number010-02641-01SeriesForerunner 255Year of Release2022ColorTidal BlueColor CategoryBlue
Design
Case Size46mmCase ShapeCircularBand ColorTidal BlueClasp TypeBuckleRotating BezelNo
Display
Display ScreenYesScreen Size33 millimetersTouch ScreenNoScreen Resolution260 x 260Display TypeMIP LCDColor DisplayYesClock DisplayYesBacklit DisplayYesAdjustable BrightnessYesCustomizable Watch FacesYesScreen MaterialCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Compatibility
Operating System CompatibilityAndroid, Apple iOSOperating SystemGarminApp CompatibleYesVoice Assistant Built-inNot Applicable
Connectivity
Data Plan RequiredNoInternal CarrierNot ApplicableWireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-FiWireless StandardN
Features
Built-in Storage4 gigabytesGPS EnabledYesGlobal PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GalileoMobile NotificationsYesAlert TypeAudible, Vibration, VisualMobile Payment Service SupportedGarmin PayMusic PlayerNoSilent AlarmYesBuilt-In MicrophoneNoVoice ActivatedNo
Activity
Metrics MeasuredActivity vs. inactivity, Altitude changes, Cadence, Calories burned, Cycling speed, Distance swam, Distance traveled, Duration of exercise, Resting heart rate, Hours slept, Laps swam, Pace, Route, Duration of sleep stages, Running/Walking speed, Steps taken, Skin temperatureMulti-Sport TrackingYesSensorsAccelerometer, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Gyro sensor, Optical heart rate (PPG) sensor, Pulse oximeter (Sp02) sensor, Temperature sensorMedical Incident NotificationContact text, Email
Performance
Protective QualitiesWater resistantMaximum Depth of Water Resistance164 feetMinimum Operating Temperature-4 degrees fahrenheitMaximum Operating Temperature140 degrees fahrenheit
Dimensions
Product Height1.8 inchesProduct Width1.8 inchesProduct Depth0.5 inchesProduct Weight1.7 ouncesMinimum Wrist Size130 millimetersMaximum Wrist Size205 millimetersBand SizeAdjustable
Power
RechargeableYesBattery Strength IndicatorYesCharging Interface(s)OtherBattery TypeLithium-ion
Material
Band MaterialSiliconeCase MaterialPolymer
Camera
Integrated CameraNo
Warranty
Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts1 year limitedManufacturer's Warranty - Labor1 year limited
Other
UPC753759279844
Run at a higher level with the Forerunner 255 smartwatch. These running smartwatches help you train and recover smarter with training status, running power, multi-band GPS and daily suggested workouts that adapt to your performance and goals. Plus, other new features — such as race widget — help you plan your race-day strategy, and morning report with HRV status reveals your overall health alongside the day ahead. And with Garmin Pay contactless payments with a supported card, it’s never been easier to buy that post-workout coffee — no matter how you work out — with more than 30 activity profiles, including triathlon, cycling, swimming and more. With Forerunner 255, you can get a continuous picture of your health, from training and recovery to sleep quality and overall wellness — and with up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode.
Compatibility
Compatible with iPhone and Android devices
Battery life
Forerunner 255 provides up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode for a full picture of your health — from sleep to training
Morning report
Morning report summarizes your sleep, HRV status and daily workout suggestion in one place as soon as you wake up (This device is intended to give an estimate of your activity and metrics)
Race widget
Get ready for your next race with training tips, personalized daily suggested workouts and completion time predictions based on course details, weather and performance
Suggested workouts
View your entire week of daily suggested workouts, which adapt after every run to match your performance and recovery
HRV Status
HRV status tracks your heart rate variability while you sleep, giving you greater insight into your overall wellness, recovery and training performance (This device is intended to give an estimate of your activity and metrics)
Garmin coach
Get free adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach for a 5K, 10K and half-marathon, or create your own custom workouts in the Garmin Connect smartphone app
Training status
Quickly access your kid’s emergency contact information with the ICE (in case of emergency) widget
Running power
When using a Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro monitor (sold separately), get a continuous measurement on your wrist of how much power you’re applying to the road as you run, so you can manage your effort
Running dynamics
When using a Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro monitor (sold separately), get advanced running dynamics, including ground contact time balance, stride length, vertical ratio and more
Built-in sports apps
Switch up your workout routine with activity profiles for running, triathlon, cycling, open-water swimming and more
Mulit-band satellite
Multi-band satellite tracking on GPS, GLONASS and Galileo networks gives you superior accuracy for how far and how fast you’ve run — even in challenging environments
Safety and tracking
Safety and tracking features make it easy to share your location with chosen contacts if you feel unsafe, an incident is detected or for loved ones to track your runs (Requires setup and your smartphone to be in an area with network coverage where data connectivity is available)
Smart notifications
Receive emails, texts and alerts right on your watch when paired with your Apple or Android smartphone; you can even respond to texts if you have an Android phone
Garmin pay
With a supported bank, leave your cash and cards at home; Garmin Pay contactless payments let you pay for purchases on the go
Garmin Connect
See your health and fitness information, connect and compete with friends, sign up for challenges to earn badges and more — all in one free, zero-subscription app
Connect IQ
Customize with free watch faces, apps and more from our Connect IQ Store
What's Included
Forerunner 255 Basic, Tidal Blue
Charging/Data Cable
Documentation
Manuals & Guides
User Manual
Search
Q: QuestionWill it measure/track VO2 max?(3 answers)
A: AnswerYesAnswered by Dalto
Asked by Anonymous
Q: QuestionDoes it measure meters? Looking to use this for open water swimming.(0 answers)
Asked by Dee
Asked by Ontherun
Q: QuestionCan you text or at least get text notifications on the watch?(1 answer)
A: AnswerYeah, you can read what they send youAnswered by Anonymous
Q: QuestionDoes this version track elevation gain?(3 answers)
A: AnswerYesAnswered by user860503
Q: QuestionDoes the watch measure distance walked(2 answers)
A: AnswerYes it absolutely canAnswered by JamesonM
Garmin - Forerunner 255 GPS Smartwatch 46 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Tidal Blue
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Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars with 205 reviews
4.8Rating by feature
- 4.8Battery Life
Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 4.8Durability
Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 4.8Comfort
Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
4 expert reviews
Customers are saying
Customers enjoy the Forerunner 255 GPS Smartwatch for its long battery life, accurate workout tracking, and affordable price. Runners appreciate its detailed running metrics, while many users find the display easy to read and the watch durable. However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the watch band.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
You get your bang for your buck
I have had this watch for almost a month now. I used to have an apple watch and once the battery stopped holding a full charge I knew it was time to go. I will start with my dislikes on this watch. 1: the watch is not a touch screen, and while this prevents the watch from automatically starting workouts (which I encountered occasionally with my apple watch), I still find it a bit inconvenient. 2: the watch will not track your V02 max unless you start a run on the watch. I use a few different fitness apps and record my runs on them mostly, so after my fourth run I realized even if I sync my workouts on garmin connect, I don’t get a reading unless I start the run on my watch also. 3: garmin connect does not sync with fitness apps. I have used fitbod for years now, and also recently started using strava instead of MapMyRun. It doesn’t matter if I log weight training or runs on the aforementioned apps, I always have to go into garmin connect and log the workouts individually once complete. Here are the things I like about the watch. 1: the battery life! Once your watch is fully charged, it lasts two weeks (14 days) before needing a recharge. Unlike my apple watch where I would sacrifice sleep tracking to charge the watch overnight, I can wear my forerunner during the day and night. The only time I take it off is when I shower. It also does not take long to charge, I’ve charged it once in the time I’ve had it and it only took a bit over an hour. 2: it tracks heart rate, steps, sleep score, stress, naps, HRV status, V02 max, and more. It also gives you a recap once you wake up of your sleep and previous day’s accomplishments. 3: it’s comfortable to wear, and easy to adjust. It does not bother me while I sleep. Overall, I am happy with my purchase and glad that I switched over to garmin. Yes they are pricey, but you get your money’s worth utilizing all its features!
This review is from Garmin - Forerunner 255 GPS Smartwatch 46 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Slate Gray
Posted by Drew
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Garmen 255
Excellent watch for the price. I use it for running, biking work outs. The only down side is that it seems to get disconnected at least once a week or so and I have to keep re pairing it. I did not have this problem with the 235. Good watch though and much improved.
This review is from Garmin - Forerunner 255 GPS Smartwatch 46 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Slate Gray
Posted by LSco
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best running watch I’ve owned
I run cross country and distance track and have used an Apple Watch for years but after switching to this garmin it is the best thing that could ever happen to me. The gps and heart rate monitors are much more accurate and the garmin just has many other quality of life features that are great for runners. The battery life on my Apple Watch only lasted about a day where as this lasts about 2 weeks.
This review is from Garmin - Forerunner 255 GPS Smartwatch 46 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Slate Gray
Posted by NGodfrey