Español After publishing the reviews for the new 2022 Forerunners (Garmin Forerunner 955 and Garmin Forerunner 255), I think that one interesting thing that was pending is a comparison between both models.
The reason is simple. The Garmin Forerunner 255 has grown and is now practically below the Forerunner 955. There are not too many differences between the two, and with the 255 we have practically a 945 without maps, but improved in many other aspects.
Want a quick list of everything that differs in the comparison? 255 vs 955? Well, here it is:
- The Garmin Forerunner 255 does not have the Training Predisposition algorithm that debuted on the 955.
- Stamina metric is not available in the 255
- There are no maps on FR255, although it does have route navigation.
- Despite poder uploading routes, ClimbPro is not present in the 255
- The screen of the 255 is not touch-sensitive
- Increased autonomy on the 955, both in daily use and during activities
- Less space to load music on the 255 (500 songs to 2,000 songs on the 955)
- Grit & Flow metrics are not available for mountain bike profiles.
- The Forerunner 255 does not have live Strava segments.
- It does not allow you to receive messages from viewers, something that is available on the 955, although you have to carry your phone with you to do so.
- A few less sport profiles in 255, including golf
- The Forerunner 255 does not support gear sensors (Shimano or Sram).
- It also does not support muscle oxygenation sensors
- And to continue with sensors, it does not have cycling dynamics for potentiometers that support these metrics (Garmin or Assioma).
- No connectivity for Garmin inReach
- No solar-charged versions available
Considering that the Garmin Forerunner 255 is the most economical option, I think that for the user profile of these models, the most notable absence is the lack of Training Predisposition, and perhaps Stamina. These are two functions that you can use on a daily basis and that depending on how you orient your training podran be of use or not.
You may think that the touch screen is another important difference. The truth is that not having maps, in the rest of the use I don't even remember the lack of touch screen. And since we are talking about a watch that in principle route navigation is going to be something occasional, ClimbPro was not going to be used too often either.
The FR255 does have many other things that are present in the FR955, such as multisport profiles, compatibility with almost all sensors (and those that are not compatible you will surely not use), updated training metrics, navigation with Up Ahead function, Garmin Pay... And of course multiband satellite reception, possibly the jewel in the crown of this generation of watches, especially after adding the Auto Select option in the satellite options.
That is, practically the same functions but from 349€ (399€ if you want it with music). It is 200€ less, so if you are not going to use all these functions, the 255 will offer you everything you need. In the vast majority of cases the difference that makes the choice between one model or another will be the availability of maps for route navigation.
But before making your purchase choice I recommend you take a look at the video at the top of this article, where I go through all these differences and briefly explain what each of them entails. This way 1TP7You can make your purchase in an "informed" way.
And of course, don't miss the individual reviews of each of them where I talk in detail about functions and what podrás find in each one.
Nothing else, I leave you the video above that for once I have a short and concise one you have to take advantage of it and watch it... :-). Thanks for reading!
Hi, Eduardo,
I wanted to ask you a question about which heart rate monitor to buy. I tell you: I currently have a Garmin Forerunner 25 and has died, the idea is to continue with Garmin as I am happy with the brand and with the app Garmin Connect. My budget is more or less about 150€ (the idea is to wait for Black Friday). The doubt is whether to go for Forerunner 55 or Forerunner 245, coming from the 25 I think the 55 is enough for me but the doubt is whether for a little more to go for the 245, I have already seen that in terms of features there is little change, the screen, the pulxiometer of the 245 and the dynamics of race, but as it is older, in short ... I have doubts. what do you recommend?
Thank you very much for everything
The 245 is undoubtedly a better choice, if only because of the screen resolution.
I am a cyclist and would like for hiking and trekking, the maps do not matter to me but the routes do, is it worth the difference in money to have maps?
Yes, it is worth it, especially if you change your mind mid-route or for whatever reason want to return to the start by the shortest route.
Thank you
Good morning.
First of all, thank you for the information.
My doubt is which of the two models is more practical to make routes through the bush, because although the 955 brings the maps I do not know how updated they will be, on the other hand as I have podido see both support applications such as WikiLoc, but of course that means more "workload" for the clock and I do not know how they will behave.
So the question is whether the 255 will be enough and whether the 955 supports/has updates on the maps.
Thank you very much.
Alberto
P. S. I have to make the decision today as it's my birthday and it's going to be my present 🎂.
Do not hesitate, if you are going to do routes the best option is the 955 with the maps.
You mention that 255 lacks strava segments. I just want to add that it also lacks Garmin segments which I'm missing a lot despite the 255 being the best garmin watch I ever owned ( my 6th!)
Hi, Eduardo,
estoy dudando entre el 255 y el 945. Que diferencias más importantes tienen? Con qual te decantarias? Gracias!
Salvo que quieras la navegación con mapas, en el resto de funciones el 255 es más moderno y actualizado. De cara a futuro sería mejor opción (aunque también sale más caro)