Both are excellent run watches; 255 has bigger battery and screen, 255S fits small wrists.
I’ve been asked the garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s question more times than I can count. Picture this: you want a light, fast watch that nails GPS and training cues without bulk. Both models deliver. But one is larger with more battery, while the other is smaller and comfier for slim wrists. I tested both on tempo runs, trail days, and races. Here’s what I found so you can pick the right fit.
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…
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…
Is Garmin Forerunner 255 Good?
If you want a bigger screen and longer battery, the answer is yes. The Forerunner 255 is great for medium to large wrists. It feels balanced, tracks well, and handles long training weeks with ease. I’d say it suits runners, triathletes, and data fans who want a clear display and fewer charges.On a 20-mile training day, I wore the 255 and loved the 1.3-inch screen. Mid-run splits were easy to see at a glance. Another time, I used it for a sprint triathlon. It switched sports fast and kept GPS locked, even around tall buildings. In the garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s debate, this model screams range and readability.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 46 mm case with 1.3″ transflective display (260×260), easy to read in sun
- Multi-band GPS for strong accuracy in tough environments
- Triathlon mode, HRV Status, Morning Report, and advanced training metrics
- Garmin Pay, safety alerts, and optional Music edition for offline playlists
- Up to about 14 days smartwatch life, ~30 hours GPS (use-dependent)
What I Like
- Bigger screen makes pace, HR, and lap data easy to see at speed
- Battery lasts through heavy training weeks with fewer charges
- Dual-frequency GPS locks fast and stays steady in cities and forests
- Morning Report plus HRV Status helps me plan hard vs easy days
- Buttons-only controls work great with sweaty hands or gloves
What Could Be Better
- Too large for very small wrists
- No full mapping; breadcrumb navigation only
- Music model costs more and reduces battery a bit when used
My Recommendation
If you want big battery and big readability, go 255. It’s a strong value that fits most runners and triathletes well.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Marathon and ultra training | Longer battery and easy-to-read stats |
| Medium to large wrists | Case size and weight feel balanced |
| City and trail runners | Multi-band GPS accuracy in mixed terrain |
Is Garmin Forerunner 255S Good?
Yes, if you value comfort and a compact fit. The Forerunner 255S is ideal for small wrists or anyone who dislikes bulky watches. It keeps almost all the same brains as the 255 in a lighter body. You still get robust training tools and strong GPS.I wore the 255S on daily runs and forgot it was there. On a track night, the smaller face felt natural and stayed snug without bouncing. During a hilly 10K, the watch stayed comfortable under a jacket cuff. In the garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s matchup, the 255S wins on comfort and all-day wear.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 41 mm case with 1.1″ display (218×218), slim and light
- Same multi-band GPS and core training features as the 255
- Triathlon mode, HRV Status, Morning Report, Race Widget
- Optional Music version for offline streaming playlists
- Up to about 12 days smartwatch life, ~26 hours GPS (use-dependent)
What I Like
- Very comfy for small wrists and everyday wear
- Light weight for speedwork and race day
- Strong GPS and heart-rate tracking for its size
- Training tools help shape smart weeks and taper timing
- Looks clean with casual outfits
What Could Be Better
- Smaller screen can be harder to read at a glance
- Slightly shorter battery life than the 255
- Uses narrower bands; fewer strap options in some stores
My Recommendation
Pick 255S if comfort and a smaller fit matter most. It keeps the power and drops the bulk.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Small wrists | Compact case and lighter weight |
| Daily wear | Discreet size under sleeves and jackets |
| Racers who hate bulk | Secure fit at high speed |
garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s: Side-by-Side Test
I wore both for weeks to see the real-world gaps. The garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s choice comes down to size, screen, and battery, not features. Here is how they compare where it counts.Size & Comfort: Which Fits Better?
Both feel light. One is clearly smaller and better for slim wrists.| Aspect | Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 255S |
|---|---|---|
| Case Size | 46 mm | 41 mm |
| Weight | ~49 g | ~39 g |
| Band Width | ~22 mm quick release | ~18 mm quick release |
| All-day Comfort | Great for most wrists | Best for small wrists |
Edge: 255S, thanks to the compact size and featherweight feel.
Display & Readability: Which Is Easier to See?
A bigger screen helps during intervals and fast splits.| Aspect | Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 255S |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.3″, 260×260 | 1.1″, 218×218 |
| Glanceability | Excellent mid-run | Good, but tighter |
| Controls | 5 buttons | 5 buttons |
| Sunlight | Very readable | Readable |
Edge: 255, the larger screen is easier to read at speed.
Battery Life: Who Lasts Longer?
Both last well. One goes a little farther.| Aspect | Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 255S |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch Mode | Up to ~14 days | Up to ~12 days |
| GPS (All Systems) | Up to ~30 hours | Up to ~26 hours |
| Music Use | Shortens runtime | Shortens runtime |
| Charge Frequency | Less often | More often |
Edge: 255, with a modest but real battery advantage.
GPS & Training Tools: Any Feature Gaps?
The brains are almost identical in the garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s lineup.| Aspect | Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 255S |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-band GNSS | Yes | Yes |
| Triathlon Mode | Yes | Yes |
| HRV Status / Morning Report | Yes | Yes |
| Training Readiness (recent updates) | Available | Available |
Edge: Tie, both deliver the same strong training toolkit.
Music & Smart Features: Everyday Use
Both offer “Music” versions and similar smart perks.| Aspect | Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 255S |
|---|---|---|
| Music Edition | Optional | Optional |
| Offline Playlists | Spotify/Deezer/Amazon (Music models) | Spotify/Deezer/Amazon (Music models) |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Safety Alerts | Yes | Yes |
Edge: Tie, same smart stack across both models.
Comfort on Long Runs & Races
Small differences show up after hours on the move.| Aspect | Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 255S |
|---|---|---|
| Bounce/Movement | Minimal | Very minimal |
| Under Layers | Good under jacket | Excellent under tight sleeves |
| Night Comfort | Good for sleep tracking | Great for sleep tracking |
| Weight Feel | Light | Featherlight |
Edge: 255S, the lighter body is nicer on all-day wear.
Value for Money
Prices are close; value hinges on what you need most.| Aspect | Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 255S |
|---|---|---|
| Core Price (non-Music) | Similar MSRP | Similar MSRP |
| Music Upgrade | Costs extra | Costs extra |
| What You Gain | Bigger screen, more battery | Smaller size, comfort |
| Overall Value | Great for most runners | Great for small-wrist users |
Edge: Tie, value depends on your wrist size and priorities.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Pick the Forerunner 255 if you want a bigger screen and longer battery. It shines for long training, easier mid-run reading, and fewer charges. In the garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s decision, it’s the “do-it-all” size for most.Choose the Forerunner 255S if you have small wrists or love minimal gear. It keeps the same GPS and training power in a lighter, neater package. For comfort-first runners, the 255S is hard to beat.
FAQs Of garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s
What is the main difference in garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s?
Size and battery. The 255 is larger with a bigger screen and slightly longer battery. The 255S is smaller, lighter, and better for small wrists.Do both watches have the same training features?
Yes. In the garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s lineup, you get multi-band GPS, triathlon mode, HRV Status, Morning Report, and advanced training tools on both.Which is better for marathon training?
The 255. In the garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s comparison, the 255’s larger screen and longer battery help on long runs and race day.Is there a music version for both?
Yes. Both offer “Music” models with offline playlists for Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music. This is true for garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s.Which should I buy if I have small wrists?
Go with the 255S. In the garmin forerunner 255 vs 255s choice, comfort and fit favor the 255S for smaller wrists and everyday wear.
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.
