Garmin 255 Vs 255s: Which Forerunner Is Best For You

Both are excellent; the 255 fits bigger wrists, while the 255S favors smaller wrists.

You want a capable Garmin that nails running metrics without overkill. The garmin 255 vs 255s debate comes down to size, comfort, and battery trade-offs. I’ve trained, raced, and slept with both. They track the same data, but they feel different on the wrist. In this review, I’ll share what stood out in daily use so you can choose the right fit for your routine and your wrist.

Is Garmin Forerunner 255 Good?

Yes. The Forerunner 255 is a strong all-rounder for runners and triathletes. It suits medium to large wrists best, thanks to a bigger face and longer battery life. If you want multi-band GPS accuracy, advanced training tools, and an easy-to-read display without a premium price, this is the sweet spot.

On tempo days, I liked the larger screen for quick glances at lap pace and power. During a hilly half marathon, the barometric climbs were spot-on and matched my route profile. Sleep and HRV status helped me skip a junk session after a rough night. It has the features I need, without fluff.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 46 mm case with 1.3″ display (260×260) for easy mid-run reads
• Multi-band GNSS with auto-select for better accuracy in tough areas
• HRV Status, Training Readiness, Morning Report, and Race Widget
• Barometric altimeter, wrist-based HR, Pulse Ox, and Body Battery
• Garmin Pay and optional Music model for offline playlists

What I Like

• Screen is large and clear in sun and shade
• Battery lasts up to 14 days smartwatch and long GPS sessions
• Reliable GPS in city canyons and under trees
• Training tools feel useful, not noisy or gimmicky
• Comfortable strap and balanced weight for day-long wear
• PacePro and suggested workouts keep runs structured

What Could Be Better

• Larger case can feel bulky on small wrists
• Music storage requires the Music version
• Native running power needs a Garmin accessory

My Recommendation

Pick the Forerunner 255 if you want the bigger screen and longer battery in the garmin 255 vs 255s match-up. It’s the safer bet for training outdoors and racing.

Best For	Why
Outdoor runners on varied terrain	Big display + multi-band GNSS for quick reads and accuracy
Medium to large wrists	46 mm case fits better; more screen real estate
Long battery needs	Stronger battery life than 255S in most modes

Is Garmin Forerunner 255S Good?

It depends on wrist size, but for small wrists, yes—absolutely. The Forerunner 255S packs the same brains into a smaller 41 mm case with a 1.1″ screen. If you want lighter weight, a tighter fit, and better comfort for sleep tracking, the 255S nails it without losing the key features.

On daily runs, the lighter feel faded into the background. I slept better with it than most watches; it never dug into my wrist. During interval work, I still saw pace and time with a quick glance. If the garmin 255 vs 255s choice is about comfort, the 255S wins.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 41 mm case with 1.1″ display (218×218) for smaller wrists
• Same multi-band GNSS accuracy and sensors as the 255
• HRV Status, Training Readiness, Race Widget, Morning Report
• Garmin Pay and optional Music version with offline services
• Up to about 12 days smartwatch battery, strong GPS runtimes

What I Like

• Very light and comfortable for 24/7 wear
• All the advanced training tools, despite the smaller body
• Great for sleep and HRV tracking due to the low profile
• Accurate GPS and heart rate for everyday training
• Looks cleaner on narrow wrists; bands are easy to swap

What Could Be Better

• Smaller screen makes mid-run data a touch harder to read
• Battery life is a bit shorter than 255
• Narrower strap may feel less secure for very vigorous swings

My Recommendation

Choose the Forerunner 255S if comfort and small-wrist fit top your list in the garmin 255 vs 255s decision.

Best For	Why
Small wrists	41 mm case sits flush; lighter weight
24/7 wearers	Better comfort for sleep and daily use
Minimalist look	Smaller face looks sleek and subtle

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

I wore both watches for weeks: easy runs, intervals, long runs, pool sessions, and daily life. Below is how the garmin 255 vs 255s match up in real use, not just on paper.

Size, Fit & Comfort: Which Sits Better?

The right fit affects comfort, sleep, and HR accuracy.

Aspect	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Case size	46 mm	41 mm
Weight	~49 g	~39 g
Band width	22 mm	18 mm
Best wrist size	Medium to large	Small to medium

Rating: 255 – 8.5/10 | 255S – 9.5/10

Edge: 255S. It’s lighter and more comfortable for small wrists and sleep.

Display & Readability: Which Is Easier to Read?

Screen size affects quick glances during intervals.

Aspect	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Display size	1.3″ (260×260)	1.1″ (218×218)
In-sun visibility	Excellent	Very good
Data field clarity	Easier at a glance	Requires a slightly longer look
Navigation screen	More map detail	Less map detail

Rating: 255 – 9.2/10 | 255S – 8.5/10

Edge: 255. The larger display helps during hard efforts and quick checks.

Battery Life: Who Lasts Longer?

Battery claims vary by settings; here’s the general pattern.

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 GNSS	Up to ~25 hours	Up to ~20 hours
Multi-band GNSS	Up to ~16 hours	Up to ~13 hours

Rating: 255 – 9.0/10 | 255S – 8.2/10

Edge: 255. The bigger body gives it more battery in most modes.

GPS Accuracy & Sensors: Who Tracks Better?

Both support multi-band GNSS with auto-select and a barometric altimeter.

Metric	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Multi-band GNSS	Yes	Yes
Altitude accuracy	Barometric	Barometric
HR accuracy (easy–hard)	Very good	Very good
Urban canyons	Strong lock	Strong lock

Rating: 255 – 9.0/10 | 255S – 9.0/10

Edge: Tie. In my tests, tracks overlapped and splits matched.

Training & Recovery Tools: Which Helps You Improve More?

Same engine, same insights.

Tool	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Training Readiness	Yes	Yes
HRV Status & Morning Report	Yes	Yes
Race Widget & PacePro	Yes	Yes
Running power	With accessory	With accessory

Rating: 255 – 9.3/10 | 255S – 9.3/10

Edge: Tie. Both deliver the same training features and guidance.

Music & Payments: Lifestyle Perks

Both support the extras if you choose the right variant.

Feature	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Garmin Pay	Yes	Yes
Music version	Optional	Optional
Offline Spotify/Deezer/Amazon	On Music model	On Music model
Storage (songs)	Hundreds (Music model)	Hundreds (Music model)

Rating: 255 – 9.0/10 | 255S – 9.0/10

Edge: Tie. Lifestyle features mirror each other in the garmin 255 vs 255s lineup.

Ease of Use & Controls: Day-to-Day Flow

Five-button layout, no touchscreen, simple menus.

Aspect	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
Buttons	5 physical	5 physical
Menu speed	Fast	Fast
Widgets & data fields	Customizable	Customizable
Comfort during sleep	Good	Great

Rating: 255 – 8.7/10 | 255S – 9.0/10

Edge: 255S. The smaller case makes 24/7 wear simpler.

Value for Money: Which Is the Smarter Buy?

Prices are usually similar for non-Music and Music versions.

Aspect	Forerunner 255	Forerunner 255S
List price (non-Music)	Typically similar	Typically similar
List price (Music)	Typically similar	Typically similar
Feature set	Identical to 255S	Identical to 255
Longevity	Strong	Strong

Rating: 255 – 9.0/10 | 255S – 9.0/10

Edge: Tie. In the garmin 255 vs 255s debate, value depends on wrist fit.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want a larger display and longer battery, pick the Forerunner 255. It shines on long runs, hilly routes, and races where quick glances matter. It’s my choice for outdoor training blocks.

If you have smaller wrists or want the lowest-profile watch for sleep and all-day wear, choose the Forerunner 255S. In the garmin 255 vs 255s decision, comfort can be the tie-breaker.

FAQs Of garmin 255 vs 255s

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

Size. The 255 is 46 mm with a bigger screen and more battery. The 255S is 41 mm, lighter, and better for small wrists. Features are the same.

Does the 255S lose any training features compared to the 255?

No. In the garmin 255 vs 255s comparison, training tools are identical. Both have HRV Status, Training Readiness, Race Widget, and suggested workouts.

Which is better for GPS accuracy: garmin 255 vs 255s?

They tie. Both use multi-band GNSS and a barometric altimeter. In my runs, tracks and splits matched.

How do battery lives compare in real use?

The 255 lasts a bit longer in most modes. The 255S still lasts well for week-long use. Your exact results depend on GNSS mode, music, and backlight.

Which should I buy for small wrists: garmin 255 vs 255s?

Go 255S. It sits flatter, feels lighter, and is more comfortable for sleep tracking while keeping all the same features.