Are you in search of the perfect running and fitness smartwatch? Or perhaps you’re contemplating an upgrade from the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music to the Forerunner 255 Music model? Look no further.
In this comprehensive comparison between the Garmin Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 255, we’ve got you covered. We’ll delve into the key features, performance, and overall suitability of each watch, so you can make an informed decision on whether the Garmin Forerunner 245 or Forerunner 255 is the ideal companion for your fitness journey. Whether it’s the Garmin Forerunner 245 vs 255, we’ll explore every aspect to help you choose the best smartwatch for your needs.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table of Garmin Forerunner 245 Music vs Garmin Forerunner 255
Specs. & Features
Watch Type
Display Size
Display Resolution
Display Type
Screen Material
Input type
Weight
Best Use
Phone Connection
Accessory Connection
Supports NFC
Garmin Pay Contactless Payments
Smarthone Compatibility
Navigation
Sensors
Notifications
Controlling a Smart Bike Trainer (Smart Trainer Control)
Water Resistance
Charging Time
Battery Life
Supported Workouts
On-screen Workout Animations & Muscle Maps
Steps Tracking
Sleep Tracking
Sleep Score & Insights
Floors Climbed
Alarm Clock
Calories Tracking
Distance Tracking
Speed/Pace
Stress Tracking
Also on the Garmin Connect
Swim Tracking
Underwater heart rate tracking
Support Interval Training
Training Programs/Plans
Race Widget and Calendar
HRV Status
(Heart Rate Variability)
Safety Tracking
Find my phone/watch
Music control and streaming
Internal Storage
Companion App
Daily Health Snapshot
Respiration Rate (24X7)
Relaxation Reminders
Bike Lap and Lap Maximum Power (with power sensor)
Pros
Cons
Price
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
Running/Sport Smartwatch
1.2 inches (30.4 mm) diameter
240 x 240 pixels (color display)
Sunlight-visible, Transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3
5 buttons, (No touch-screen)
38.5 g (1.36 oz)
Running, Cycling, Swimming, Gym workout, Outdoor Recreation
Connectivity and Sensors
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi
X
X
iOS (iPhone), Android
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
1. Optical Heart Rate Monitor (Elevate V3)
2. Accelerometer
3. Compass
4. Ambient light
5. Thermometer (tempe™ sensor required)
6. Pulse Oximeter (Sp02 - blood oxygen saturation)
1. Email alert
2. Incoming calls
3. Event reminder
4. SMS alert
5. Weather
6. Third-party apps (e.g. WhatsApp notifications)
7. Text response/reject phone call with text (Android only)
X
Features
5 ATM (50 Meters/164 Feet)
About 1.5 to 2 hours
* 7 days in Smartwatch mode
* 24 hours in GPS mode without music
* 6 hours in GPS mode and music on
Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor and Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Virtual Running, Cycling, Strength, Pool Swimming, Cardio and Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Rowing, Yoga, Skiing, Snowboarding, Pilates, and Breathwork
X
X
X
Only with 3rd party accessories such as Stryd.
X
X
X
4GB
Music: Up to 500 songs
Activities: 200 hours
Garmin Connect
X
X
X
X
Pros and Cons
► Best low-budget mid-level running watch.
► Almost all the tracked running metrics as in the FR 255.
► The display quality is similar to the FR 255.
► Although it contains fewer features than the FR 255, there are many advanced features compared to other mid-level running watches, such as:
* Accurate GPS and heart rate sensors.
* Pulse Oximeter sensor that tracks your blood oxygen saturation.
* Music control and streaming.
* Comprehensive health and activity tracking.
* Safety tracking includes incident detection, which sends your location to emergency contacts (requires pairing with your smartphone).
► Lack of barometer and gyroscope sensors.
► Not track Floors Climbed.
► No native running power.
► Fewer sports profiles and widgets than the FR 255.
Garmin Forerunner 255 Music (1.3" Display)
Running/Triathlon/Sport Smartwatch
1.3 inches (33 mm) diameter
* The 255S model display size is 1.1 inches
260 x 260 pixels (color display)
Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3
5 buttons, (No touch-screen)
49 g (1.7 oz)
* The 255S model weight is 39 g (1.4 oz)
Running (Trail & Road), Cycling, Swimming, Gym workout, Triathlon, Outdoor Recreation
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi
iOS (iPhone), Android
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo,
Multi-band GPS
1. Optical Heart Rate Monitor (Elevate V4 - More accurate)
2. Accelerometer
3. Compass
4. Ambient light
5. Thermometer (tempe™ sensor required)
6. Pulse Oximeter (Sp02 - blood oxygen saturation)
8. Barometric altimeter
9. Gyroscope
10. Satiq technology
1. Email alert
2. Incoming calls
3. Event reminder
4. SMS alert
5. Weather
6. Third-party apps (e.g. WhatsApp notifications)
7. Text response/reject phone call with text (Android only)
5 ATM (50 Meters/164 Feet)
1-2 hours
* 12 - 14 days in Smartwatch mode
* 30 hours in GPS mode without music
* 6.5 hours in GPS mode and music on
+ Battery saver (customizable low-power watch)
Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor and Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Virtual Running, Cycling, Strength, Pool Swimming, Cardio and Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Rowing, Yoga, Skiing, Snowboarding, Pilates, and Breathwork,
Floor Climbing, Ultra Running, Indoor Rowing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Open Water Swimming, XC Classic Skiing, Triathlon/Multisport, Stand Up Paddleboarding, HIIT, Pilates
Including Trail Run
With compatible accessory
Include swimming efficiency measurement (SWOLF)
Improved interval (includes open repeats, intervals data page, rest screen, and auto-detection)
4GB
Music: Up to 500 songs
Activities: 200 hours
Garmin Connect
► Full triathlon support
► Race calendar, race event widgets & course details.
► Garmin Pay.
► Improved sleep monitoring and sleep score.
► Increased battery life and power saver feature.
► New cycling features.
► Native running power (with compatible sensor).
► Heart Rate Variability tracking (HRV) status tracking.
► Multi-band GPS support provides more accurate location tracking.
► Great value for a relatively low price.
► More expensive than the FR 245.
► No phone call or voice assistant support.
► No offline maps.
► Screen display is relatively basic compared to other smartwatches.
…
Key Features Exclusive to Forerunner 255
While the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music and Forerunner 255 Music share many remarkable features, the Forerunner 255 introduces some exciting enhancements that may sway your decision. Here are the key features that set the Forerunner 255 apart:
1. Advanced Running Dynamics
The Forerunner 255 provides advanced running dynamics metrics, including ground contact time balance, stride length, vertical oscillation, and more. These metrics offer deeper insights into your running technique, helping you refine your form and improve performance.
2. Floors Climbed: Track Your Vertical Progress
The Forerunner 255 introduces the Floors Climbed feature, allowing you to monitor and track the number of floors you climb throughout the day. Whether you’re conquering stairs or tackling hilly terrains, the Forerunner 255 keeps count of your vertical progress, providing you with a comprehensive view of your daily activity.
3. Enhanced Heart Rate Monitoring: Introducing the Optical Elevate V4 Sensor
The Forerunner 255 introduces an upgraded heart rate monitoring experience with the new Optical Elevate V4 sensor. This advanced optical technology provides accurate and reliable heart rate data during workouts and throughout the day. With the Optical Elevate V4 sensor, you can trust in the precision of your heart rate measurements, enabling you to optimize your training intensity, monitor your overall health, and track your progress more effectively.
4. Restful Nights, Insightful Mornings: Sleep Score & Insights
The Forerunner 255 introduces a valuable feature that enhances your understanding of your sleep patterns – Sleep Score & Insights. With this innovative addition, the watch provides a comprehensive analysis of your sleep quality, duration, and patterns, giving you actionable insights to improve your sleep habits. The Sleep Score & Insights feature uses advanced algorithms to evaluate your sleep data and generate a score that represents the overall quality of your sleep. It also provides detailed insights into factors affecting your sleep, such as sleep stages, disruptions, and respiration. By tracking and analyzing your sleep with Forerunner 255’s Sleep Score & Insights, you can make informed decisions to optimize your sleep routine and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated each morning.
5. Convenience at Your Wrist: Garmin Pay
The Forerunner 255 introduces another notable feature that enhances your convenience and freedom during workouts – Garmin Pay. This new addition allows you to make contactless payments directly from your watch, eliminating the need to carry cash or cards while you’re on the move. With Garmin Pay, you can quickly and securely make purchases at supported stores, making post-workout shopping or grabbing a refreshing beverage a breeze. Simply add your preferred payment cards to your Garmin Pay wallet, and you’re ready to make seamless transactions with just a tap of your wrist. Stay focused on your fitness journey without worrying about your wallet – Garmin Pay has you covered.
6. Elevated Performance: Barometric Altimeter and Gyroscope
The Forerunner 255 introduces an exciting addition in the form of a barometric altimeter, setting it apart from its predecessor, the Forerunner 245, in the Garmin Forerunner 245 vs 255 comparisons. Unlike the Forerunner 245, which relied on GPS altimeter estimation for elevation statistics, the Forerunner 255 offers a barometric altimeter. This feature provides real-time elevation readings and significantly improves the accuracy of elevation data. Whether you’re exploring challenging terrains or conquering mountainous trails, the barometric altimeter ensures precise and reliable elevation information. Moreover, for road runners, any minor elevation discrepancies can be easily corrected in post-analysis using platforms like Strava, allowing you to fine-tune your elevation data for a more accurate representation of your runs.
Additionally, the Forerunner 255 incorporates advanced sensor technology with a Gyroscope. The Gyroscope enhances the watch’s motion-sensing capabilities, providing improved accuracy in tracking your movements, direction changes, and overall spatial orientation. With the combination of the barometric altimeter and Gyroscope, the Forerunner 255 offers enhanced performance and precise tracking capabilities for your fitness activities.
7. HRV (Heart Rate Variability) Status
The Forerunner 255 introduces the HRV (Heart Rate Variability) status feature, which measures the variation in the time interval between heartbeats. Monitoring HRV can provide insights into your stress levels, overall fitness, and readiness for intense workouts. With the Forerunner 255, you can conveniently track your HRV status and make informed decisions about your training and recovery routines.
These exclusive features make the Forerunner 255 an enticing option for those seeking advanced metrics, enhanced performance tools, and added safety features. Evaluate your specific needs and preferences to determine if these additions align with your fitness goals.
Forerunner 245 vs 255 Music – Comparison Insights
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a significant step up from the popular Forerunner 245, providing enhanced capabilities and features. When comparing the Garmin Forerunner 245 vs 255, it becomes clear that the Forerunner 255 has evolved from an intermediate-level running watch to a comprehensive triathlon watch with full multi-sport support. It offers an array of advanced functions and performance metrics, catering to the needs of not only runners but also triathletes and multi-sport enthusiasts.
The Forerunner 255 is a better fitness-tracking smartwatch. It tracks triathlon, includes multisport profiles missing in the FR 245, has longer battery life, and has the latest generation sensors.
If you are a beginner or an average runner looking for an affordable watch, then the Forerunner 245 is the best Garmin running watch. However, if you are looking for the next level of running, triathlon, and multi-sport smartwatch, the FR 255 model is highly recommended.
Conclusion:
Both the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 245 are exceptional running watches. If price is not a concern for you, the Forerunner 255 emerges as the clear choice with its advanced features and enhanced performance. With its barometric altimeter, Gyroscope, and additional functionalities, it offers an elevated experience for fitness enthusiasts.
On the other hand, if you are on a budget and seeking a reliable running watch, the Forerunner 245 remains an excellent option. Despite its age, the Forerunner 245 continues to be one of the top running watches available, delivering reliable tracking and essential features for your fitness journey.
Ultimately, the decision between the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 245 depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Both watches offer impressive capabilities to help you achieve your fitness goals and track your progress effectively.
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music or 255 FAQ:
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is one of the best running watches and provides excellent value for money. It is not only a new version of the Forerunner 245 but also a better fitness-tracking smartwatch with more multisport profiles, comprehensive triathlon support, longer battery life, and the latest generation of sensors. FR 255 has better health tracking and insights, more accurate GPS, and Garmin Pay (contactless payments). These features make the FR 255 a great choice for a running & multisport smartwatch.
Garmin Forerunner 255 is a great fitness tracker also for cyclists. It includes all of the standard cycling features, such as speed, cadence, and distance. The FR 255 smartwatch comes with new cycling features, like Controlling a Smart Bike Trainer, Bike Lap, and Lap Maximum Power (with power sensor). This watch does not have advanced cycling dynamics (such as L/R balance), but you can pair this watch with a bike computer.
The available cycling profiles are Biking, Indoor Biking, Mountain Biking, eBiking, and eMountain Biking.
Wi‑Fi connection is available only on the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music smartwatch. The FR 245 Music Wi-Fi connectivity lets you sync your activities to your Garmin Connect account as soon as you finish recording an activity. It enables downloading music and software updates via Wi-Fi. Also, it allows you to sync audio content from third-party providers, such as Spotify Premium, Deezer, and Amazon Music.
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is now a multi-sport and triathlon smartwatch. With the new triathlon mode and features that support swim and bike activities, the FR 255 is an excellent watch for triathletes.
The difference between Garmin Forerunner 255 and 255S are the sizes, weight, battery life, and available colors.
All the other features, including price, are the same.
Garmin Forerunner 255 watch is larger than the 255S.
► The Forerunner 255S display size is 1.1 inches (28 mm), the case size is 41 mm, and it weighs 1.4 oz (39 g).
The 255 display size is 1.3 inches (33mm), the case size is 45.6 mm, and it weighs 1.7 oz (49 g).
► The FR 255 has more battery life, lasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode.
The 255S lasts up to 12 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours in GPS mode.