Choosing the right running watch can feel like a marathon in itself. If you’re eyeing Garmin’s popular Forerunner series, you might be weighing the options between the Forerunner 255 and the Forerunner 55. Both offer excellent features for runners, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets.
The Forerunner 255 steps up with advanced training metrics and a more robust build, appealing to serious athletes looking to fine-tune their performance. On the other hand, the Forerunner 55 remains a fantastic entry-level option, providing essential running data and smart features without overwhelming new users.
This comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which Garmin Forerunner best fits your stride and your goals. Let’s dive in and see how the Forerunner 255 stacks up against the Forerunner 55.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | forerunner 255 | 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.3″ | 1.04″ |
| Display Type | Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel | Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel |
| Material | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse Ox Sensor | Yes | No |
| Music Storage | Yes | No |
| NFC Payments | Yes | No |
| Barometric Altimeter | Yes | No |
| Body Battery Energy Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Advanced | Standard |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
GPS Accuracy
- Forerunner 255: Features multi-band GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. This provides exceptional accuracy, especially in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons, reducing signal drift and offering more reliable pace and distance tracking.
- 55: Utilizes GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. While good for most general use, it can be slightly less precise than multi-band GPS in areas with poor satellite reception.
- Winner: forerunner 255
Display
- Forerunner 255: Boasts a transflective, sunlight-visible color display that is always on. It offers excellent readability in bright conditions and a more vibrant visual experience compared to monochrome displays.
- 55: Features a transflective, sunlight-visible monochrome display. It’s highly readable in sunlight but lacks color and can appear less engaging for some users.
- Winner: forerunner 255
Battery Life
- Forerunner 255: Offers an impressive battery life, typically up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode. This is significantly longer than the 55, making it ideal for extended training or multi-day events.
- 55: Provides a solid battery life, lasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode. It’s sufficient for most runners but may require more frequent charging for ultra-marathoners.
- Winner: forerunner 255
Music Storage
- Forerunner 255: Includes onboard music storage, allowing you to download songs and playlists directly to the watch. This means you can leave your phone at home and still enjoy your music during runs.
- 55: Does not have onboard music storage. Music playback is controlled via a connected smartphone.
- Winner: forerunner 255
Heart Rate Monitoring
- Forerunner 255: Equipped with Garmin’s latest Elevate V4 optical heart rate sensor, offering enhanced accuracy for both resting and activity heart rate tracking. It also supports Pulse Ox for blood oxygen saturation.
- 55: Uses the Elevate V3 optical heart rate sensor. It provides reliable heart rate data for most activities but might be slightly less precise than the V4 during intense workouts.
- Winner: forerunner 255
Advanced Training Metrics
- Forerunner 255: Offers a more comprehensive suite of advanced training metrics, including training status, training effect, recovery time advisor, and running power (with compatible accessory). It provides deeper insights into your performance and readiness.
- 55: Provides essential training metrics like VO2 max, training status, and recovery time. It’s great for general fitness tracking but lacks some of the more in-depth analysis found on the 255.
- Winner: forerunner 255
Build Quality and Materials
- Forerunner 255: Features a more robust build with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and a Corning Gorilla Glass lens. It feels more durable and is designed to withstand tougher conditions.
- 55: Has a lightweight plastic case and a chemically strengthened glass lens. It’s comfortable and functional but doesn’t offer the same premium feel or ruggedness as the 255.
- Winner: forerunner 255
Connectivity and Smart Features
- Forerunner 255: Supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments, offering a convenient way to pay for items on the go. It also includes safety and tracking features like incident detection and live tracking.
- 55: Lacks Garmin Pay and onboard music storage. It still offers basic smart notifications and safety features like incident detection when paired with a smartphone.
- Winner: forerunner 255
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Features & Functionality | forerunner 255 |
| Music & Payments | forerunner 255 |
| Advanced Training Metrics | forerunner 255 |
| Value for Beginners | 55 |
| Price Point | 55 |
| Display Size | forerunner 255 |
| Portability & Comfort | 55 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both watches feature a sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring good readability in various lighting conditions and robust scratch resistance.
- Gps Connectivity: They both support multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) for accurate location tracking during outdoor activities.
- Water Resistance: With a 5 ATM water rating, both devices are suitable for swimming and showering without concern for water damage.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both the Forerunner 255 and 55 include optical heart rate sensors to track your heart rate during workouts and throughout the day.
- Activity Tracking: They offer comprehensive activity tracking, including steps, calories burned, distance, and sleep monitoring, providing a holistic view of your daily movement.
- Smart Notifications: Both models can receive smart notifications from your paired smartphone, keeping you connected on the go.
Forerunner 255 Vs 55 Buying Guide
Who is the Forerunner 255 for?
The Forerunner 255 is designed for the serious runner who wants advanced training metrics and insights. It’s ideal for those who participate in triathlons or are looking to improve their performance with features like training readiness, HRV status, and advanced running dynamics. If you need robust navigation tools for trail running or multi-sport events, the 255 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Who is the Forerunner 55 for?
The Forerunner 55 is perfect for beginner and intermediate runners who want a reliable and user-friendly GPS watch. It offers essential running metrics, daily suggested workouts, and safety features like incident detection. If you’re looking for an affordable entry into Garmin’s running ecosystem and primarily focus on road running or casual training, the 55 is an excellent choice.
Key Differentiating Features
The Forerunner 255 pulls ahead with its advanced performance monitoring, including training readiness, HRV status, and a wider array of sports profiles like triathlon and open water swimming. It also boasts a brighter display, music storage capabilities (on some models), and more detailed navigation features. The 55, while capable, focuses on the core running experience without these more specialized additions.
Price and Value Consideration
The Forerunner 55 is significantly more budget-friendly, making it an accessible option for those new to GPS running watches or with a tighter budget. The Forerunner 255 represents a higher investment but offers a substantial increase in features and data. Your decision should weigh the added cost of the 255 against the value you place on advanced metrics, multi-sport support, and enhanced training insights. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy forerunner 255 If…
- You want on-device music storage to leave your phone behind on runs.
- You need advanced training metrics and recovery advisor features.
- NFC payments and a barometric altimeter are important for your activities.
- You desire a larger display for easier readability.
Buy 55 If…
- You are a beginner runner or fitness enthusiast looking for essential tracking features.
- Budget is a primary concern and you don’t need advanced features like music or payments.
- You prefer a smaller, lighter watch for everyday wear and running.
- You are primarily focused on core GPS tracking, heart rate, and basic training metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Forerunner 255 worth the upgrade from the 55?
Yes, if you’re a more serious runner or multi-sport athlete. The Forerunner 255 offers advanced training metrics like training readiness and HRV status, which help optimize your workouts and recovery. It also includes more sports profiles, better navigation, and a brighter display, justifying the upgrade for performance-focused individuals.
Can the Forerunner 255 track open water swimming?
Absolutely. The Forerunner 255 includes dedicated profiles for open water swimming, allowing it to accurately track distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF metrics in the water. This is a significant advantage over the Forerunner 55, which is primarily designed for road and track running.
Does the Forerunner 55 have music storage?
No, the standard Forerunner 55 does not have onboard music storage. You can control music playing on your connected smartphone, but you cannot download songs directly to the watch for phone-free listening. This feature is typically found on higher-tier Garmin watches like some models of the Forerunner 255. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
How does battery life compare between the two?
The Forerunner 255 generally offers superior battery life compared to the Forerunner 55, especially in GPS mode. While the 55 provides a respectable battery life for its class, the 255 is engineered to last longer through extended training sessions and multi-day events, making it a more reliable companion for endurance athletes.
Which watch is better for triathlon training?
The Forerunner 255 is the clear winner for triathlon training. It offers a dedicated triathlon activity profile that seamlessly transitions between swim, bike, and run segments. Furthermore, its advanced metrics and robust build are better suited for the demands of multi-sport training and racing compared to the more basic features of the Forerunner 55.
Final Verdict
The Forerunner 255 is the superior choice for runners and athletes seeking advanced training insights, multi-sport capabilities, and enhanced features. While the Forerunner 55 is an excellent entry-level option, the 255’s performance metrics, navigation, and broader sport support make it a more comprehensive and future-proof investment for those serious about their fitness journey.
Winner: Forerunner 255