Both watches are excellent. 255S saves money; 265S upgrades display and coaching.
You want clear training data without babying a smartwatch, right? That was my goal when I tested the garmin 255s vs 265s on daily runs, gym sessions, and long weekends. Both handled GPS and recovery well, but they feel different in use. The Forerunner 255S is lean and practical. The Forerunner 265S is bright and polished. I’ve worn both for weeks. Here’s how they compare so you can pick the right one.
Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music, Smaller…
Built with a slim design and an always-on, full-color display that’s light on the wrist and easy to read even in direct sunlight — with…
Garmin Forerunner 265S Running Smartwatch,…
Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display with traditional button controls; lightweight design in 42 mm for smaller wrists Up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch…
Is Garmin Forerunner 255S Good?
Yes—especially if you want accuracy and battery life for less money. The 255S is light, tough, and very reliable. It nails GPS tracks, gives smart training help, and stays out of the way. It is a great fit for small wrists and long runs. If you do not need an AMOLED screen or a touchscreen, it is a smart buy.On a rainy tempo run, the five-button layout was perfect. No mis-taps. On a travel week, I got through without bringing a charger. The morning report and HRV status kept my training honest. In my garmin 255s vs 265s testing, the 255S won me over with simple, solid performance.
Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music, Smaller GPS Running Smartwatch with Music, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Whitestone
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Compact 41 mm case with bright, always-on transflective display
- Multi-band GNSS for strong GPS accuracy in tough areas
- HRV Status, Training Status, VO2 Max, Race Widget, suggested workouts
- Garmin Pay and onboard music on the Music version
- Battery up to about 12 days smartwatch, 26 hours GPS (S model)
What I Like
- Accurate GPS and heart rate for daily training
- Light and comfy for small wrists; forget it is there
- Great daylight readability with the MIP display
- Buttons work perfectly in rain, sweat, and gloves
- Strong battery life and low maintenance feel
What Could Be Better
- No AMOLED or touchscreen for richer visuals and swipes
- Onboard music only if you buy the Music version
- UI looks basic next to newer Garmin models
My Recommendation
If you value accuracy, battery, and a lower price, pick the 255S. It is the no-drama choice and often discounted.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Budget-minded runners | Great accuracy and features without the premium price |
| Small wrists | Compact case is light and comfortable all day |
| Button-first users | Reliable control in rain, sweat, and cold |
Is Garmin Forerunner 265S Good?
Yes—if you want a brighter screen and more coaching tools. The 265S adds a colorful AMOLED touchscreen and keeps the buttons. It also brings richer training guidance. It feels modern, quick, and fun to use. In most ways, it is the nicer daily watch.On early morning runs, the AMOLED popped, even at low brightness. Swiping through the morning report made my plan clear. Wrist-based running dynamics gave me quick form cues without extra gear. In my garmin 255s vs 265s head-to-head, the 265S made training choices easier and kept me motivated.
Garmin Forerunner 265S Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Amp Yellow
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 41 mm case with bright AMOLED touchscreen plus buttons
- Multi-band GNSS for strong GPS accuracy
- Training Readiness, HRV Status, Morning Report, Race Widget
- Wrist-based Running Dynamics without extra sensors
- Battery up to about 15 days smartwatch, 24 hours GPS (S model)
What I Like
- Gorgeous display that makes data easy to read at a glance
- Touch + buttons is the best of both worlds
- Training Readiness helps plan hard vs easy days
- Wrist running dynamics adds useful form feedback
- Fast, smooth interface and larger music storage
What Could Be Better
- Higher price than the 255S
- Always-on display reduces battery life
- MIP screens can be clearer in harsh, direct sun
My Recommendation
If you want the best experience and coaching tools, get the 265S. It is worth it for most.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Data-driven athletes | Training Readiness and wrist running dynamics guide smart choices |
| Display lovers | AMOLED is crisp, colorful, and easy to read |
| Everyday wear | Modern UI and strong smartwatch battery life |
garmin 255s vs 265s: Side-by-Side Test
I wore each watch for runs, cross-training, sleep, and travel. This garmin 255s vs 265s comparison focuses on what you will feel day to day, not just spec sheets.Display & Controls: Which Is Easier to Read and Use?
Both are clear, but they present data in different ways.| Feature | Forerunner 255S | Forerunner 265S |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | Transflective MIP, always-on, great in sun | AMOLED, bright colors, optional always-on |
| Controls | Five buttons | Touchscreen + five buttons |
| Glove/Rain use | Excellent | Buttons great; touch can be disabled |
| Wow factor | Basic, functional | Premium, vivid |
Edge: 265S for its AMOLED and flexible touch + button control.
GPS & Accuracy: Which Tracks Better?
Both use multi-band GNSS and deliver strong tracks.| Scenario | Forerunner 255S | Forerunner 265S |
|---|---|---|
| Urban canyons | Stable tracks, minor drift | Stable tracks, similar minor drift |
| Forests/trails | Good signal lock | Good signal lock |
| Elevation data | Baro altimeter is solid | Baro altimeter is solid |
| Heart rate | Reliable at steady pace | Reliable; quick to adjust |
Tie: Both are excellent for GPS accuracy in the garmin 255s vs 265s matchup.
Training Tools: Which Helps You Train Smarter?
This is where guidance and feedback matter.| Tool | Forerunner 255S | Forerunner 265S |
|---|---|---|
| HRV Status & Training Status | Yes | Yes |
| Training Readiness | Core training metrics without the Readiness score | Yes, with clear readiness score |
| Morning Report | Yes | Yes, richer on AMOLED |
| Running Dynamics | With accessory | Wrist-based, no accessory needed |
Edge: 265S for Training Readiness and wrist-based form metrics.
Battery Life: Which Lasts Longer?
Both last long; usage and settings matter.| Mode | Forerunner 255S | Forerunner 265S |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch | Up to ~12 days | Up to ~15 days |
| GPS only | Up to ~26 hours | Up to ~24 hours |
| Always-on display | Always on, minimal drain | Cuts battery more noticeably |
| Music + GPS | Solid, depends on streaming | Solid, similar drain |
Edge: 255S for GPS hours; 265S for smartwatch days (screen off).
Music, Pay, and Smart Features: Which Is Smarter?
Both cover the basics well.| Feature | Forerunner 255S | Forerunner 265S |
|---|---|---|
| Onboard Music | Music version only | Standard, larger storage |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes, looks better on AMOLED |
| Widgets/UI | Functional | Smoother, more polished |
Edge: 265S for out-of-the-box music and a cleaner UI.
Comfort & Build: Which Feels Better All Day?
Both are light, durable, and fit small wrists well.| Aspect | Forerunner 255S | Forerunner 265S |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 41 mm | 41 mm |
| Weight | Very light | Very light |
| Strap | Comfortable silicone | Comfortable silicone |
| All-day wear | Easy to forget | Easy to forget |
Tie: Both are great for small wrists and long days.
Value for Money: Which Is the Better Buy?
Price often seals the garmin 255s vs 265s decision.| Factor | Forerunner 255S | Forerunner 265S |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Lower, often discounted | Higher, premium tier |
| Feature-per-dollar | Excellent | Strong if you use extras |
| Longevity | Very good | Excellent with newer features |
| Overall value | Best budget performance | Best experience if budget allows |
Edge: 255S for value; 265S if you want the nicest experience.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want reliable tracking, long battery, and a friendly price, choose the Forerunner 255S. It is the practical pick in the garmin 255s vs 265s matchup. It shines for runners who prefer buttons and simple, clear data.If you want a bright display, touch + button control, and stronger daily coaching, get the Forerunner 265S. It costs more, but it feels modern and makes training choices easier. In short: 255S for value; 265S for the best day-to-day experience.
FAQs Of garmin 255s vs 265s
What is the main difference in garmin 255s vs 265s?
The 265S adds an AMOLED touchscreen, Training Readiness, and wrist-based running dynamics. The 255S focuses on accuracy and battery at a lower price.Which has better battery life in real use?
The 255S often wins for GPS hours. The 265S can last longer in smartwatch mode with the screen not always on. Brightness and AOD settings shift results.Is GPS accuracy different between the two?
Both use multi-band GNSS and are very close in accuracy. In my garmin 255s vs 265s runs, tracks were nearly identical.Do I need the Music version on the 255S?
Yes, if you want onboard music on the 255S. The 265S includes onboard music by default with larger storage.Which is better for small wrists?
Both are 41 mm and very light. In the garmin 255s vs 265s choice for small wrists, fit is a tie—pick based on features and budget.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
