Garmin 255 Vs 255s: Which Should Runners Buy?

Both are excellent; 255 favors battery and screen, 255S nails small‑wrist comfort.

You’re choosing between two great mid-range Garmins that do almost everything runners need. I wore both on daily runs, long tempo sessions, and a few brick workouts. The garmin 255 vs 255s debate comes down to size, comfort, and battery. Both track like champs, but one suits bigger wrists and long weeks, while the other keeps things light and cozy. I’ll share what stood out in real training so you can decide which fits your goals.

Is Garmin Forerunner 255 Good?

Yes—especially if you want a bigger screen and longer battery. The Forerunner 255 is ideal for medium to large wrists, and for runners who stack mileage. It offers excellent GPS accuracy, robust training tools, and a readable 1.3-inch transflective display that shines in sun. If you want fewer charges and clearer maps and data at a glance, this is the one.

On back-to-back 10K tempo sessions, the 255’s multi-band GPS kept my paces steady even under tree cover. During a half marathon build, I preferred the larger buttons and screen for quick mid-interval checks. The watch felt balanced on my wrist and the battery routinely cleared a full training week without stress.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 46 mm case with 1.3″ transflective MIP display for easy outdoor reading
• Multi-band GNSS for strong GPS accuracy in tough environments
• Triathlon mode, advanced running metrics, Race Widget, HRV Status
• Garmin Pay and optional Music model for on-watch playlists
• Up to about 14 days smartwatch and up to 30 hours GPS (mode-dependent)

What I Like

• Battery lasts through heavy training weeks with room to spare
• Screen size makes data fields and maps easy to glance mid-interval
• Buttons are larger and easier to press with sweaty hands or gloves
• Multi-band GPS keeps pace data steady under trees and downtown
• Training tools feel pro-grade without being overwhelming

What Could Be Better

• May feel big on smaller wrists, especially for sleep tracking
• Heavier than the 255S during long, hot runs
• Running power still needs a compatible accessory

My Recommendation

Pick the Forerunner 255 if you want more battery, bigger screen, and glove-friendly controls. It’s the stronger choice for longer weeks and mixed training.

Best For	Why
Medium–large wrists	46 mm case, clearer 1.3″ display
High-mileage runners	Longer battery and stable GPS
Cold-weather training	Bigger buttons and screen are easier with gloves

Is Garmin Forerunner 255S Good?

Yes—if you want a smaller, lighter watch that disappears on the wrist. The Forerunner 255S keeps the same core features as the 255 but in a 41 mm case with an 18 mm band. It is perfect for small wrists, all-day wear, and sleep tracking. Battery is still strong, just a bit less than the 255.

On easy runs and daily wear, the 255S felt like it vanished on my arm. During a summer 5K block, I slept with it nightly to watch recovery trends. No strap marks, no bulk under cuffs. The 1.1-inch screen is smaller, but the comfort benefits are huge—especially if you prefer light gear or have a narrow wrist.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 41 mm case with 1.1″ transflective MIP display for compact wear
• Multi-band GNSS for accurate pacing and routes
• Triathlon mode, HRV Status, Morning Report, Race Widget
• Garmin Pay and optional Music model for phone-free runs
• Up to about 12 days smartwatch and up to 26 hours GPS (mode-dependent)

What I Like

• Very light and comfortable for 24/7 wear and sleep tracking
• Strong GPS and features in a small footprint
• Great for narrow wrists; sits flat and stable
• Less bounce on fast intervals or short sleeves
• Same core training tools as the larger model

What Could Be Better

• Smaller screen is harder to read at speed
• Battery life is good, but shorter than the 255
• Buttons are smaller and can be fiddly with gloves

My Recommendation

Choose the 255S if comfort and small-wrist fit matter most. It delivers big features in a compact body.

Best For	Why
Small wrists	41 mm case and 18 mm band fit snug and light
24/7 wearers	Comfortable for sleep and daily office wear
Minimalists	All the essentials without bulk

garmin 255 vs 255s: Side-by-Side Test

I trained with both across tempo runs, trail loops, and daily wear. Below is how the garmin 255 vs 255s match up in the areas that matter most.

Size & Fit: Which Sits Better On Your Wrist?

Both share a clean look, but size changes the feel and readability.

Spec	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Case size	46 mm	41 mm
Display	1.3″ (260×260)	1.1″ (218×218)
Band width	22 mm	18 mm
Weight	≈49 g	≈39 g

Ratings: Forerunner 255 – 9/10 | Forerunner 255S – 9/10

“255 fits bigger wrists and is easier to read; 255S wins for small wrists and comfort.”

Battery Life: Which Lasts Longer?

Endurance differs due to case size and battery capacity.

Mode	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Smartwatch	Up to ~14 days	Up to ~12 days
GPS only	Up to ~30 hours	Up to ~26 hours
All-Systems + Multi-Band	Up to ~16 hours	Up to ~13 hours
All-Systems + Music	About 6–7 hours	About 5–6 hours

Ratings: Forerunner 255 – 9.5/10 | Forerunner 255S – 8.5/10

“255 has the clear battery edge for long weeks and race buildup.”

GPS & Sensors: How Accurate Are They?

Both models share the same sensor suite and GNSS options.

Feature	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Multi-band GNSS	Yes	Yes
Barometric altimeter	Yes	Yes
Pulse Ox (SpO2)	Yes	Yes
Compass/Gyro	Yes	Yes

Ratings: Forerunner 255 – 9/10 | Forerunner 255S – 9/10

“It’s a draw—identical tracking options and sensor set.”

Training Tools: Do You Get the Same Coaching Power?

Core training features are shared across both models.

Tool	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Triathlon/Multisport	Yes	Yes
Race Widget	Yes	Yes
HRV Status & Morning Report	Yes	Yes
Running Power (with accessory)	Supported	Supported

Ratings: Forerunner 255 – 9/10 | Forerunner 255S – 9/10

“Feature parity means your training toolkit is the same on both.”

Display & Readability: Which Is Easier to See?

Outdoor legibility is great on both; size changes clarity at speed.

Display Aspect	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Screen size	1.3″	1.1″
Resolution	260×260	218×218
Tech	Transflective MIP	Transflective MIP
Glove use	Easier	Okay, smaller buttons

Ratings: Forerunner 255 – 9/10 | Forerunner 255S – 8.5/10

“255 wins for quick glances and data density during intervals.”

Comfort & 24/7 Wear: Which Feels Better All Day?

Weight and strap width drive comfort, especially during sleep.

Comfort Factor	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
All-day wear	Good	Excellent
Sleep tracking comfort	Decent	Great
Small wrists	Can feel big	Ideal
Band width	22 mm	18 mm

Ratings: Forerunner 255 – 8.5/10 | Forerunner 255S – 9.5/10

“255S is the comfort king, especially for small wrists and sleep.”

Smart Features & Music: Any Real Differences?

Feature sets match; choice is about size preference.

Smart Feature	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Garmin Pay	Yes	Yes
Music (on Music models)	Yes	Yes
Notifications/Apps	Yes	Yes
Connect IQ	Yes	Yes

Ratings: Forerunner 255 – 9/10 | Forerunner 255S – 9/10

“No winner—both deliver the same smart feature set.”

Value for Money: Which Feels Like the Better Buy?

Street prices vary; value hinges on your fit and battery needs.

Value Aspect	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Typical price	Comparable	Comparable
Music model premium	Similar uplift	Similar uplift
Feature-per-dollar	Great	Great
Resale outlook	Strong	Strong

Ratings: Forerunner 255 – 9/10 | Forerunner 255S – 9/10

“Equal value—choose based on wrist size and battery priorities.”

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want longer battery, bigger screen, and the easiest mid-run glance, pick the Forerunner 255. It suits medium to large wrists and heavier training loads. It’s my choice for long blocks and winter gloves.

If you want an ultra-comfortable watch for small wrists and 24/7 wear, go for the Forerunner 255S. In the garmin 255 vs 255s matchup, both are great; fit is the decider.

FAQs Of garmin 255 vs 255s

What is the main difference in garmin 255 vs 255s?

Size and battery. The 255 is larger with a 1.3″ screen and longer battery. The 255S is smaller, lighter, and better for small wrists.

Does the garmin 255 vs 255s have the same GPS accuracy?

Yes. Both support multi-band GNSS and share the same core sensors. In my tests, route and pace accuracy were the same.

Which is better for small wrists in garmin 255 vs 255s?

The 255S. It uses a 41 mm case and 18 mm band. It feels lighter and more comfortable for all-day wear and sleep.

Is there any feature missing on the 255S compared to the 255?

No core training or smart features are missing. The difference is size, battery life, and readability, not features.

Which should I choose for marathons: garmin 255 vs 255s?

If you want maximum battery and a larger, clearer display, choose the 255. If comfort and light weight are more important, the 255S works great too.