Español
This article is only the presentation of the Garmin Forerunner 255. If you want to see the complete analysis, take a leap to the test you can find here.
Today, the new family of Garmin Forerunner 255which becomes a complete series because, unlike before, it will be offered in two different sizes. The most common size for the watch in this range of Garmin will be the FR255S, while the FR255 without denomination has grown to 45.6mm.
These will not be the only two models available, there will also be versions with or without music playback, in this case replicating what already happened with the last generation.
But not everything is limited to offering different sizes, there are many more novelties. So much so that now the separation line with the Garmin Forerunner 955 (also introduced today) is getting smaller and smaller. In fact the Forerunner 255 becomes a triathlon watch because it supports this mode along with others such as open water swimming, something that has never happened before.
We have many of the features that have been introduced with the top-of-the-range model: multi-band satellite reception, pulse variability monitoring, long-lasting autonomy... Let's go through all the new features.
Buy Garmin Forerunner 255
Content
What's new Garmin Forerunner 255
In many ways the Garmin Forerunner 255 is a trimmed down version of the new 955. Fewer features but you may not use them, so maybe it becomes a better candidate for your use. These are the new features of the FR255, and later I'll specify what it lacks compared to the more expensive model.
- It becomes a family and there are two versions available, Garmin FR255 and Garmin FR255S. The difference is the size. There are music and non-music versions of both.
- 1.3″ display on FR255 and 1.1″ display on FR255S (FR255 used 1.2″ display). No touch control
- The FR255 is 45.6mm in diameter and the FR255S is 41mm. 49 grams and 39 grams of weight respectively.
- Garmin Elevate V4 Optical Pulse Sensor, which was released with the Garmin Venu 2
- Multiband (dual-band) system on all versions
- With barometric altimeter
- Up to 30 hours with GPS use on 255, or 26 hours on 255S version
- Morning report indicating readiness to train based on quality of rest, training load and pulse variability
- Pulse variability monitoring (HRV or HRV)
- Heart rate variability (HRV) is used as an additional piece of data when displaying training status to try to be more accurate.
- Training status screen with more values: VO2Max, HRV and load status for the last 7 days (ATL or fatigue in TrainingPeaks).
- New watch face that allows you to switch between different values to be displayed such as VO2Max, heart rate, etc.
- New race widget with days to test, weather at that location and more details based on your history
- Running power estimation with external accessory (HRM-Pro sensor or Running Dynamics Pod)
- Possibility to change settings from the watch or, finally, also from the mobile application
- Triathlon and open water swimming profiles are available.
- HIIT profile for recording activity, with animated workouts and instructions. It was released with the Garmin Venu 2
- Garmin Pay is available in any of its versions.
- Direct access from the watch to the Connect IQ store to update items via WiFi
- Available in five colors: white, black, pink, blue, gray. Not all are available for all versions, depending on sizes and if they have music.
The qualitative leap that has given the Garmin Forerunner 255 with respect to the 245 is very large. Not only in overall performance, but also in the type of watch. It has ceased to be a watch intended for running to become a complete triathlon watch. So much so that right now the 745 is totally out of the game and in many ways can be a perfect replacement for the 955.
Differences between Garmin Forerunner 255 and Garmin Forerunner 955
As I said, in many aspects it offers almost the same as the new Garmin FR955, so as I promised you before... what are the features of the top of the range model that the 255 does not have? The most important ones are listed below:
- No solar-charged versions available
- The screen of the 255 is not touch-sensitive
- No maps, although it does have route navigation
- No ClimbPro for navigation
- Stamina metric is not available in the 255
- It does not have the Training Readiness algorithm.
- Reduced autonomy
- Less internal memory for music download
But we do have everything else, such as multisport profiles, compatibility with almost all sensors (and those that are not compatible you will probably not use), updated training metrics, navigation with Up Ahead function, Garmin Pay...
That is, practically the same functions but from 349€ (399€ if you want it with music). This is 200€ less than the more expensive model, so if you are not going to use all these functions, the 255 will offer you everything you need.
Pulse variability monitoring on FR255
At the level of training metrics the adoption of pulse variability is undoubtedly the most interesting novelty. This is not something that Garmin has done as totally new, there are already other manufacturers such as Oura or Whoop that are doing similar things, but in those cases it involves the payment of a monthly fee.
There are also apps like HRV4Training, Elite HRV, etc. They haven't discovered the wheel, but it is interesting that the same device you use for training is the one that records all the data at night.
Pulse variability is the time that passes between each heartbeat (because we are not a machine, there is a millisecond difference between each beat). If the time between beats decreases, it may be indicative of fatigue.
To obtain the necessary data you have to create a baseline against which you can compare the data every night. To do this you have to wear the watch at night for about three weeks to create this baseline, and the more time you spend, the more reliable it will be because the depth of data will be greater.
Once the base is created, the watch will compare the data obtained and combine them with the data of load and training status, intensities, rest, etc. to make a report every day in which it will say if the body is in perfect condition to face a strong training or if it recommends us to take it easy.
The only difference from the Forerunner 955 is that the 255 does not have a Training Readiness metric. This metric offers a score from 0 to 100 and is fed by data on rest, training load, pulse variability, recovery, etc.
But that does not mean that it does not benefit from pulse variability recording, because it is also present in 255.
As in 955, it does not limit itself to providing the average data of the previous night, but also offers a comparison with respect to previous days and gives an information message to try to clarify the meaning of what it is telling us.
The morning report, which also uses HRV data, is available. It is the first screen we see on the watch when we wake up with a summary of sleep, pulse variability status, weather, the training we have programmed for that day, etc.
In general the pulse variability is fully integrated into the other metrics. For example the Training Status function will now also take into account HRV (and other metrics such as acute training load).
In short, everything is the same as the 955 except for the inclusion of the all-encompassing metric of training availability. That has been reserved for the high-end model.
Running power
At last the power estimation in race comes officially to Garmin. Until now it was available with its own Connect IQ app in beta status, or through third party accessories like Stryd. But the main problem is that it was not integrated into the system for all other functions.
Things as basic as having power zones, seeing data in the end of activity summary or even the possibility of having your training plan based on power. That is, in the end for Garmin is not just to show the instantaneous power, is to integrate it into its entire ecosystem and that is what has taken more work.
But unlike other manufacturers, Garmin needs to use an external sensor to display power data. Recall that both Polar and COROS do this without the need for external accessories, just using data from the watch's own sensors.
Unfortunately the implementation does not include external sensors to use it natively, as for example Stryd, so in this case we have to continue using the different applications that are available in Connect IQ and that are frankly good. But the most comfortable would be poder using it with the native implementation of Garmin.
Undoubtedly, the reason that the Garmin FR255 has received the barometric altimeter is none other than poder support the power estimation in race. It is essential to have this component, because it is the way in which the watch knows whether we are going up or down a slope and therefore supply that data to the calculation algorithm.
I don't want to go into too much detail about running power, mainly because I've talked about it enough in the past. If you have any doubts, I recommend you to take a look at the complete guide to power training which I published both on the web and in the YouTube channelor in the video I made together with Jaime Menéndez de Luarca (Triluarca) also on the same subject.
I do want to add that regardless of the data and how they are, the adoption of the power in race by Garmin is a very good news, because it is the definitive backing for this metric.
It is not that Garmin is the pioneer or who leads the singing voice, but in the end they are the ones who sell the largest number of devices so they are the ones who will bring it to the general public. Although perhaps as it depends on an external accessory not everyone will know its possibilities.
Garmin Forerunner 255, availability and pricing
The availability of the different models depends on the size you are interested in. The large Forerunner 255 is available now in both the regular and music version.
The smaller Forerunner 255S, in both music and non-music versions, will not be available for a few weeks.
In terms of price it doesn't matter what size you are interested in, it doesn't affect how much you are going to spend. It does of course in case you want the version with music:
- Garmin Forerunner 255 / Garmin Forerunner 255S: 349€
- Garmin Forerunner 255 Music / Garmin Forerunner 255S Music: 399€
Opinion Garmin Forerunner 255
The Garmin FR255 is a very important qualitative leap for the mid-range Garmin model. And in fact I think it is probably one of the best price/performance ratios on the market right now.
It may seem that a price starting at 349 € is high, especially if we compare it with the latest offers that the 245 has received, but the reality is that they are two very different models. The 255 should be compared with the FR745, a model that it has overtaken in everything (almost everything, because the 745 does have ClimbPro).
For 349€ we have a multisport watch with multiband satellite reception (something that was previously only available in models twice its price), good autonomy, Garmin Pay, altimeter, implementation of pulse variability in different functions of the watch, creation of recommended workouts based on our career, estimation of power in running ... And also offered in two different sizes.
Contrary to what has happened with Garmin in its last presentations, I consider that both this FR255 and the FR955 offer a good price/performance ratio. In fact, both are going to make a significant impact on the Fenix 7 range, which is significantly ahead of the Fenix 7 in terms of price.
And... thanks for reading!
First of all, thank you for being at the forefront with the news. It is evident that Garmin takes a very strong step forward. A question comes to my mind, which I do not know if you want to answer; in what place are Suunto and Polar after this pull of Garmin, precisely at these price levels? Suunto with its 5 peak and without barometer or running power I see it closer to the basic polar pacer at a higher price and the pacer pro that a priori was a master move for sales now with the 255 everything points to that part of those sales go to Garmin and my second question and being clear: is there really place in the future of polar and suunto after this move of Garmin precisely going to compete in price and performance? I get the impression that Garmin and to a lesser extent coros are giving an acceleration that polar and suunto are not managing to follow and I do not see clear the future of the latter.
Yes, the 255 is undoubtedly a very big blow to the rivals, mainly because it attacks the assets on which they were relying until now. It attacks the part of control and rest analysis which was the trump card of Polar, and the good performance of GPS which was the trump card of Suunto. And I think this is a bad thing for the market and for customers, because if the balance is tilted too much to one side it will create a kind of monopoly.
Polar, Suunto and to some extent COROS can't compete on price/performance, but what they have to do is do smart and interesting things and get their heads around it.
Well I totally agree, I've been using polar for almost 20 years (except for a Garmin 305 I had) and the truth is that there are things I miss from rs800cx and cs600x , it is true that they are another world today but there are details of customization of training zone that has lost while Garmin and coros are adding new features (different is that these functions work) in my case that I do MTB and gravel is even more dramatic hehehe,I've been years with the 460 and I resist to change but it seems that polar is giving us kicking us in the ass to throw us cyclists ......anyway.
Let's see if it is the replacement for my Vivoactive 3, which is crying out for a new battery, although we will have to wait for better prices.
Congratulations and thanks for the review.
By the way, I don't understand how to subscribe to the comments without commenting, because I click on it and it takes me to the subscription administration?
Thank you, Jorge.
That's right, there's something wrong with the subscription... I'll have to take a look at it.
Hi, Eduardo.
Congratulations for the work you do, your reviews and advice help a lot....
A quick and difficult question... The 255 or the polar pacee pro.
The use would be mixed running, city and some trail. Middle distance without doing ultras...
Thank you!
For pure performance the 255 is going to be a hard rival to beat. However, it also depends on which platform you are more comfortable with, because if you are a Polar user and what the Pacer Pro offers is enough for you, I personally like the application more. Although as I say, the 255 offers some extra functionality.
It is clear that today there are only two logical options:
O Garmin, o Choirs
Both have "eaten" Suunto and Polar.
Polar needs to incorporate more software level solutions, it has been at a standstill in that regard for some time now. Suunto right now is an unknown quantity after the purchase by Liesheng. There should now be more capital and development capacity, but we won't know the new owner's intentions until we see the new Suunto model.
Hi, Thanks for the information. Regarding the differences with the FR245 I have some doubts:
1)Do we have display light control or automatic light (in the FR245 it did not look good in many occasions and did not allow to modify it).
2) Has the sleep study improved and does it detect naps? If not, I think the body battery will give unrealistic values.
3) have they polished the multisport? The FR245 in pool swimming was really limited. Any comparison video shows flaws in the strokes, lengths ... It always seemed to me a watch for running without providing reliability in swimming.
Many questions... I know... Hehe. Thank you!
No, the illumination is on or off, there are no different levels.
The sleep record is exactly the same as the one you have in 245, there are no changes.
Personally I have no problems with the swimming record. Keep in mind that everything depends largely on making clear movements that the watch can interpret, if you do strange things that's when the problems will come.
Hi, I come from a 645 that is getting on in years.
Which would be a better buy today to replace it if they were at equal price? A 255 or a 745
Thank you
Undoubtedly, 255 is a better option
Hello,
Is the screen size over the 645 (I came from this one) considerable? I had a Fenix 3 and it was too big for my wrist, hopefully all colors will be available in both ranges? Right now it is very limited. Thanks for your work
The display is larger than the 645, as is the diameter of the watch, but not as large as the Fenix 3.
As for colors Garmin does it that way, some are for the normal version and others for the version with music, but they are not combined with each other.
Hopefully it measures open water well; I had a 735 that was going great and I had to change it. I recently switched to the 935 because it was very cheap, and in open water it is a disaster, apparently because of the "watch aesthetics" according to the Garmin support. I am going to have to buy another one and this 255 if it measures well in open water will be my candidate.
The improvement in open water in the chipsets has been quite remarkable. Already with the 745 the results were quite good, in this case with the multiband chipset the results can be even better (within the difficulties offered by the peculiarities of signal loss).
I have a garmin fenix375 and I want to buy a new garmin which one do you advise me.
Hello, first of all thanks for the review, it looks very good. Do you know if it has screen brightness control? Is the contrast in daylight ok? Thank you very much
Hello
Congratulations on the article: description/precision and professionalism. So much help is appreciated.
It has allowed me to clearly opt for 255s, leaving aside 745s.
Two questions arise:
- swimming in a pool yes, no? I've read several specs, but wanted to make sure because it clearly boosts the tri/open water option.
- s" colors only gray and pink? Have you found anywhere where there are other options (black/turquoise).
THANK YOU very much
CONGRATULATIONS for your work/dedication.
Yolanda
Yes, it has swimming in the pool.
I've had it for 5 days or so.
Yes, swimming in both pool and open water.
At the moment the colors are what they are, and it also depends on whether it is with music or not.
Thank you Yolanda.
Good, great article and looking forward to the full analysis.
I am very interested in renewing my fr235 since I have started with the tri and it is quite short. I have some doubts since the fr745 can be found for 300€.
Regarding running power, you can include it as another metric in the data display (like %fr max) and poder train by zones, or you can only see the instantaneous power with the stryd app.
Another doubt I had is if the power with the hrm band is reliable compared to the stryd. Since buying one or the other the price changes quite a bit. And finally you can use the wahoo tickr x band. Since it is quite comfortable and also works for running analysis.
He continues with the analysis of the material and videos. It is very helpful to all of us.
A salute!
If you want to use Stryd you still have to use the app, at the moment it does not support external power sensors natively.
As for the power data with the Garmin sensor, it is "reliable" in terms of its own algorithm, but different from what other manufacturers show.
For power, only Garmin sensors are compatible, you cannot use the Wahoo sensor.
Hi Eduardo, thank you very much for these very complete previews. One question please, I have the 255 and I would like to customize the data screens of the advanced workouts I set up in Garmin Connect. I haven't seen a way to do this, is there any way to include the average lap pace? If I press 'down' during the workout, will it show me other screens with that data? I don't find the instantaneous pace very useful, really, because it goes by 5 seconds at a time. thanks a lot!
This screen is not customizable, it is as it comes predefined by Garmin.
Good, with my 245 I have what Juan comments, if I understood him well. That is, when I do a training set by myself of the type, for example: Warm-up + Repetitions of X series + Cooling, I have the screens that I configured in general mode for running, where I put the average lap pace instead of the instantaneous, among other things that I put to my liking. Specifically in general mode I configured 2 screens to my liking and removed screens that came and did not need. That is what is shown to me in general race mode, while in advanced training mode, it shows me the same and adds me one more screen by default with the information of the phase of the training in which I am, this one has three fields 1) it indicates the phase (for example Warm up) and the time that I take, 2) Pace pace, 3) Pace distance; but below are mine as I said.
I just checked that the default screen can not be removed or edited (maybe this is what Eduardo was referring to), but at least both of mine are on the side, and you can set automatic screen swipe or up/down which is how I have it, and this way you will see your screens with the data you want, including the lap pace (which I agree, it is much more practical than the pace step).
Greetings.
That's right Diego, I have already checked that it is the same with the 255, the main screen is not editable but you have the rest available through the Up/Down buttons. Thank you very much for the confirmation!
I have a 235 and I want to change it. I also want to poder download mountain routes for trail riding. With this 255 you can track mountain routes. Or better a Fenix 6?
Yes, you can follow routes without problem. The difference with the Fenix 6 Pro (if it is the Pro you are asking about) is that you will have maps for navigation.
Hello Eduardo! First of all, thanks for your review of the product. Would it be possible to put a map (not routable) .img type as you can do in the garmin 520 (it is simply an image on the route that although it is not routable helps a lot). I think that with the 255 music is more than enough for my use, but to follow routes for me is important and of course, the maps pull a lot.
Thanks again!
No, it is not possible, there is no map support of any kind.
Hello Eduardo, I raise something that happened to me when returning from cycling practice as is common, I press the stop button activity, and I saw the time taken, km. traveled, etc., then when I go to download in Polar Flow that activity, I see that the practice "had disappeared", I ignore if I deleted it somehow, My query is if there is a way to recover the activity or it is already unrecoverable.
Thank you
Well, I don't know what happened to you, but if it hasn't synchronized, it's gone and there's no way to recover it.
I understand that, although they have put the power in the 255, the Stryd can be used without any problem, the same as up to now with the rest of the models, right?
Thank you!
Yes, you can use Stryd in the same way as always, via Connect IQ application or data field.
I am very interested in the 255 but I am still not clear about the routes... I know it does not have integrated maps. But my question is if from garmin connect I can put some track as for example a trail race and poder follow the route from the watch... thank you very much a greeting
Yes, you can use any track, it will simply be a line on the screen.
Hello, which is better the 255 or the Fenix 6? I'm between the two! I have the Fenix 5 and I durs little battery.
You can see the test of both to decide which one fits better to your needs, because in principle they are oriented to different uses:
Garmin Forerunner 255
Garmin Fenix 6
Thank you for answering!it is for my husband keremos it to him as a surprise gift he has the Fenix 5 but complains about the battery he does duathlon and triathlon...kiere the 6 but I see q within the 6 there are several models! And I'm lost then a friend told me that one but I do not know.
Hi, I'm sorry I already wrote you two comments but I hadn't read the great article you have on the Fenix 6! It's awesome! Then I was clear to the solar not! I just need you to advise me one that is better q q the Fenix 5 in battery life ... within the Fenix 6 of its range and q has good GPS! And thanks a thousand! I tell you he does triathlons and road cycling!
If it is for duathlon/triathlon I do not recommend the Fenix, mainly because of its size. It is more uncomfortable to remove the neoprene. Being that the use, the option would be the Forerunner 255. Here you have the full test of the 255: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/garmin-forerunner-255-review-opinion/
It does more duathlon! What you complain about the Fénix 5 is the battery life! This one has more no?thanks for answering
Yes, any of the modern models have considerably more autonomy. With the 255 in that sense it has plenty.
He says the solar but is that I do not know to what extent it is worth spending more for that use and we do not want us to go out of price.... If you tell me of the Fenix 6 range to q lasts longer battery! I do not know if it is the 6x or 6 x pro ... but it is that we are going out of price haha asiq if you can guide me please I would appreciate it.
Hello, good afternoon! looking for information about the difference between the models Garmin, Forerunner 235 and Vivoactive 4, the first models I had thought about to give to my wife, I have found this great post. Well, as I said, I was looking for information between several models of Garmin, to give it to my wife for Christmas, she has a Vivoactive 3S, which is already in the last regarding the battery and such.........y had thought of the models you mentioned as substitutes, but seen this FR255, maybe it can be a better choice? She mainly does Running and some mountain, and seeing in the characteristics of this model, which has an altimeter, do you think podría be a good choice with respect to greater accuracy GPS, for tracking tracks, and more accurate when locating points (referring to the altitude of the same) to part perhaps also longer battery life in GPS mode, compared to the models mentioned above?
Thank you very much.
Yes, both models you mention are already quite "past their prime". The interesting option would be now, in view of Black Friday (watch the web from tomorrow), both the Forerunner 255S and Venu 2S if you want something more for the day to day.
Thank you very much Eduardo, I will certainly be attentive to the offers that may be available. Would you opt for one or the other in relation to the barometric altimeter option, if it could be the case that you have podido see that it works better in one or the other model, or there is no such difference? if not I think I will finally decide to buy the Venu 2S. Thanks again. Regards.
I recommend the Venu 2 Plus, which is on sale these days.
Hello again! in the end I decided on the Venu 2S from the links. But I wanted to ask you another question, this is for me, I have a Garmin Instinct and I wanted to look at getting a tape to measure more accurately the pulse in running, would you recommend any particular compatible model that you know that works well? greetings, and thanks again.
With the HRM-Dual you'll be well served. You don't have the additional memory or other advanced metrics features (which the Instinct doesn't have), but you still have ANT+ and Bluetooth.
Thank you very much Eduardo, and sure my wife loves the Venu 2S, I already have it at home .......... but until Christmas I will not give it to her, hehehe. Cheers.