Why We Like The Garmin Forerunner 255S
Positioned as a mid-tier smartwatch option from Garmin, the Forerunner 255S lets us dial in our running and training efforts with a low-profile device. Designed with the same feature set as the Forerunner 255, the 255S has a slightly smaller display and lighter design that stays out of the way during dynamic exercise. This watch provides all of the features we need to push further, with built-in race training features, pace management tools, and even settings to help regulate our caloric intake. It’s packed with adventure-ready features for a wide range of disciplines, with a multi-band GPS, submersible design, and cycling-focused features for mountain biking and road cycling.
Details
- Workhorse smartwatch lets us push our training to the next level
- PacePro feature provides grade-adjusted visuals for accurate pacing
- Bluetooth, Garmin Connect, and ANT+ connectivity
- Submersible rating of 5ATM for watersports
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers resilient durability
- Sleep score data lets you know when you’re at your best
- Smartwatch mode offers a 12-day battery life
- Please see size chart for complete list of technical features
- Item #GRMF03N
- Housing Material
- fiber-reinforced polymer
- Strap Material
- silicone
- Face Material
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Movement
- digital
- Altimeter
- barometric altimeter
- Barometer
- barometric altimeter
- Heart Rate Monitor
- wrist-based, constant
- Technical Features
- see size chart
- Wireless
- Bluetooth, ANT+, Garmin Connect
- Date Indicator
- yes
- Weekday Indicator
- yes
- Alarms
- alarm clock
- Battery Type
- lithium ion battery
- Battery Life
- [smartwatch mode] 12 days, [GPS-only GNSS mode] 26 hours, [all-systems GNSS] 20 hours, [all-systems GNSS plus Multi-Band] 13 hours
- Includes
- charger
- Claimed Weight
- 1.4oz (39g)
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
- Face Size
- [diameter] 1.1in (27.5mm)
- Submersible
- 5 ATM
- Activity
- running, training, travel, casual, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, road cycling, mountain biking, swimming
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 86 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 10, 2024
Upgrade from 45S
I bought this about a month ago to replace my 45S which had the classic watch band issues (it broke at the attachment point, which I repaired with super glue 2x, but then the opposite side began tearing at the buckle holes, so immanent failure there as well). It is definitely an upgrade. At first glance, the band itself seems more robust; thicker and the attachment points are the traditional bar instead of 2 screws. There are much more options for recording workouts, and it is much better at automatic recording activities. It counts my floors, which the 45 did not. It connects to GPS faster than the 45, and has a longer battery life. However, my ego is a little bruised because it is much more accurate and believable with the estimated fitness age! I am enjoying the added Garmin Coach features, beyond the basic race prep that the 45 offered. The sleep metrics and body battery are also more detailed and offer more suggestions. Overall, very pleased with the upgrade.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
September 27, 2024
More options for stuff like triathlons
Very happy with the purchase so far. I really like the more info on my running that it offers.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 30, 2024
Top value Garmin fitness watch
Very happy with this model. Super lightweight and low profile, but still great screen visibility and all of the features I'd expect a top training watch to have. No maps and no advanced cycling stats (e.g. normalized power, kJ work) is my only complaint.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 2, 2024
I love my Garmin, so much more than my Apple Watch
I bought my watch 2 weeks ago. So happy. I love the GPS map after a walk
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 31, 2024
Perfect for a busy mom!
I received this on Mother's Day after much research. I couldn't've been happier with it, even if I had not researched and had such high expectations! The female-centered aspects (the size, the cycle tracking, the pregnancy mode) are all so well thought through. This, coupled with the ability to get notifications and answer phone calls, have been so helpful in my day-to-day as a mom of small kiddos. I can receive texts while swimming or running with the bike. It reminds me to take it easy some days when I let the stress get to me or the girls keep me up late. And on top of this - it's really freakin' cute.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 28, 2024
Awesome
My son got this for me for Mothers Day!!!! I love it all though I am still learning about it!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 27, 2024
Love the features and integration
Brought this 3 weeks ago and love the features and integration with 3rd party apps for my triathlon training with TriDot and Garmin triathlon and run training.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 27, 2024
Great upgrade from old Forerunner 35
Expanded capabilities. Downloaded scenic watchmaker that adds lot of info on face. Very satisfied. Deal breaker for me over Samsung smartwatch was superior water resistance and longer lasting battery. Who wants something else to charge every night!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 7, 2024
Fantabulous!
I bought this a few weeks ago after my Sense just up and quit working. I refused to go back to Fitbit or Google products after they did us wrong. The Forerunner 255S is everything that I have wanted in a tracker/smartwatch. I wasn't planning on loving it to be honest, but I'm obsessed. The features are great! My only complaint is the appearance. I work in a professional setting and it isn't very pretty. That being said, the quality is beyond amazing and the connectivity compared to Google/fitbit is in a whole other realm. Definitely worth the cost, but I'm glad I didn't go for any of the others because I don't know that I would use any additional features. I love that I have the training, maps, tracking, music, etc.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 30, 2024
Great Watch
I purchased this watch over a month go and it was an upgrade from a 245. I love the additional features and the morning report it gives me. The satellite finder seems to be faster than in the 245, so I don't feel like I have to stand outside so long before the watch is ready to go. With the enhanced information technology, I feel like I get better recommendations for workout from the watch. I know I'm just getting to know all the capabilities on this watch and I look forward to learning and playing more with all it can do!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
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This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.