Both are excellent; 255 adds multi-band GPS, triathlon, better battery, and Garmin Pay.
You want a watch that nails your runs and grows with your goals. I’ve worn the Garmin Forerunner 245 and the 255 for months across training blocks, travel, and races. In the garmin forerunner 245 vs 255 debate, both are excellent, but the 255 does more for multi-sport and accuracy. I’ll share what actually mattered in daily use so you can choose the right fit for your training and budget.
Garmin Forerunner 245, GPS Running…
GPS running smartwatch with advanced training features Battery life: up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 24 hours in GPS mode Get…
Garmin Forerunner® 255, GPS Running…
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…
Is Garmin Forerunner 245 Good?
Yes, for most runners it is still a strong pick. It nails the basics: accurate GPS (single band), clean metrics, and a light, comfy build. If you run roads or the track, want VO2 max, Training Status, and safety alerts, the 245 is more than enough. It is ideal if you do not need triathlon, Garmin Pay, or advanced GPS modes.On my weekday loops, the 245 locked on fast and matched my measured 5K course within a few meters. During a winter treadmill phase, the watch plus foot pod gave steady pacing and reliable cadence. I also used it for pool sessions, and the lap counts were consistent. It just works, and I barely feel it on my wrist.
Garmin Forerunner 245, GPS Running Smartwatch with Advanced Dynamics, Berry
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Lightweight 1.2″ transflective display that stays readable in sun
- GPS/GLONASS/Galileo with solid lock and stable tracks
- VO2 max, Training Status, Body Battery, and Pulse Ox
- Pool swim, run, and bike profiles with safety/incident alerts
- Music storage and streaming support on the 245 Music variant
What I Like
- Very light and comfortable for all-day wear
- Reliable GPS for road running and steady pacing
- Training metrics that keep me honest without overload
- Battery that lasts a full training week for most users
- Often the best value when on sale or refurbished
What Could Be Better
- No multi-band GPS for tough signal areas
- No barometric altimeter, so elevation/floors are less precise
- No triathlon or open-water swim profile
- No Garmin Pay for contactless payments
My Recommendation
If you run roads, train smart, and want value, the 245 is a smart buy—especially on a deal.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Road runners on a budget | Strong GPS basics and core training metrics |
| Beginner to intermediate runners | Simple setup with features you will actually use |
| Music on runs (Music model) | On-watch storage for playlists and podcasts |
Is Garmin Forerunner 255 Good?
Yes—the 255 is the better buy for most athletes today. It brings multi-band GPS for tougher routes, triathlon and open-water swim, HRV Status, longer battery, and Garmin Pay. If you race, train across sports, or care about the best signal, it is the step up that pays off.I wore the 255 during a hilly trail 10K, and the multi-band track hugged the path even under trees. The Morning Report became a daily check-in before workouts. I also used Garmin Pay at a post-run coffee stop. On a weekend brick session, the triathlon mode made transitions seamless. It felt like my coach, not just my watch.
Garmin Forerunner® 255, GPS Running Smartwatch, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Slate Gray
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Multi-band GNSS for better accuracy in cities and woods
- HRV Status and Morning Report for daily readiness
- Triathlon and open-water swim profiles built-in
- Garmin Pay plus Music variant for offline playlists
- Longer battery and barometric altimeter for precise elevation
What I Like
- Great GPS tracks in hard zones and tight turns
- Daily HRV insights that guide training load
- Race Widget makes taper weeks simpler
- Contactless pay is handy mid-run or post-race
- Battery that handles race week without stress
What Could Be Better
- A bit heavier than the 245 (unless you choose the 255S)
- More features can feel busy at first
- Costs more, and music is still a separate model
My Recommendation
If you want top GPS, triathlon support, and daily readiness tools, get the 255.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Multi-sport and triathletes | Triathlon mode and open-water swim |
| City or trail runners | Multi-band GPS boosts accuracy |
| Busy athletes | Morning Report, HRV Status, and Garmin Pay |
garmin forerunner 245 vs 255: Side-by-Side Test
I ran the garmin forerunner 245 vs 255 back to back on roads, trails, and track. Below is how they compare where it counts. Use this to match a watch to your goals.GPS Accuracy & Tracking: Which Nails the Route?
Both are good. The 255 holds lock better under trees and tall buildings.| Feature | Forerunner 245 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| GNSS | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | Multi-band GNSS (dual-frequency) |
| Urban canyons | Good | Very good to excellent |
| Dense trees | Occasional drift | Cleaner tracks |
| Sat lock speed | Fast | Fast and more stable |
Training & Recovery: Which Guides You Better?
Both track VO2 max and Training Status. The 255 adds HRV-driven insights.| Metric | Forerunner 245 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| VO2 max / Training Status | Yes | Yes (refined) |
| HRV Status | No | Yes (needs baseline) |
| Morning Report | No | Yes |
| Race tools | Basic predictor | Race Widget and improved guidance |
Sports Profiles: Runners vs Triathletes
Both handle running well. Only the 255 covers triathlon and open water.| Profile | Forerunner 245 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Road/Trail Running | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Swim | Yes | Yes |
| Open-Water Swim | No | Yes |
| Triathlon/Multisport | No | Yes |
Battery Life: How Long Do They Last?
Both last long. The 255 stretches further for training camps and race weeks.| Mode | Forerunner 245 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch | Up to about 7 days | Up to about 14 days |
| GPS only | Up to ~24 hours | Up to ~30 hours |
| Music + GPS | Shorter (Music model) | Longer (Music model) |
Smart Features & Payments: Everyday Use
Both show notifications. Only the 255 adds contactless pay.| Feature | Forerunner 245 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Music (on watch) | Music model only | Music model only |
| Garmin Pay | No | Yes |
| Safety/Incident | Yes | Yes |
Elevation & Sensors: Hills and Stairs
The barometric altimeter on the 255 improves hill stats and floors climbed.| Sensor | Forerunner 245 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Barometric altimeter | No | Yes |
| Elevation accuracy | GPS-derived (less precise) | Altimeter-based (more precise) |
| Floors climbed | No | Yes |
| Running dynamics | With accessory | With accessory |
Design & Comfort: Daily Wear
Both are slim and comfy. The 245 is lighter; the 255S matches that feel.| Aspect | Forerunner 245 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Very light | Light (255S is lighter) |
| Display | 1.2″ transflective | 1.3″ (255) / 1.1″ (255S) |
| Comfort | Excellent | Excellent (S size for small wrists) |
| Water rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
Value for Money: Best Buy Today?
The 245 is cheaper. The 255 offers more for long-term growth.| Factor | Forerunner 245 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Lower (especially on sale) | Higher |
| Features per dollar | Great for runners | Excellent for multi-sport and accuracy |
| Future-proofing | Good | Better |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want a light, reliable, and affordable running watch, the Forerunner 245 still shines. It covers the core features that help most runners improve and keep things simple.If you train across sports or want the best GPS and daily readiness tools, the Forerunner 255 is worth it. In the garmin forerunner 245 vs 255 choice, I recommend the 255 for most athletes.
FAQs Of garmin forerunner 245 vs 255
What is the main difference in the garmin forerunner 245 vs 255?
The 255 adds multi-band GPS, HRV Status, triathlon and open-water swim, Garmin Pay, and longer battery. The 245 is lighter and cheaper, and great for running basics.Is the 255 worth it over the 245 for city running?
Yes. In the garmin forerunner 245 vs 255 debate, the 255’s multi-band GPS tracks better near tall buildings.Which is better for triathlon: garmin forerunner 245 vs 255?
The 255. It has triathlon mode and open-water swim. The 245 does not.Do both support music?
Yes, if you buy the Music versions. In garmin forerunner 245 vs 255 Music models, both store playlists and support streaming apps.Which has better elevation tracking?
The 255. It has a barometric altimeter for more precise elevation and floors climbed, while the 245 relies on GPS.Related Posts
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.
