
I’ve been a Garmin girl from the start—my running journey kicked off with the bright orange Forerunner 10, and I’ve stuck with Garmin ever since. There’s just something about how easy their watches are to use that keeps me coming back. They give me all the stats for marathon training without drowning me in unnecessary details.
About a year ago, I decided to upgrade from my trusty 245 Music (which is still an awesome watch, by the way) to the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music. Here’s what I think:
Overview of the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music
The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is a feature-rich watch designed for both athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Its advanced functionalities make it an excellent companion for training and daily fitness routines.
Key Features of the Forerunner 255 Music ★★★★☆
The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is packed with features that are perfect for both athletes and fitness lovers. Here are some of the highlights:
- Morning Report:Start your day informed with a personalised report that details your sleep quality, recovery status, and training plan for the day. You can customise this report to highlight what matters most, such as your sleep score, HRV status, and weather. I particularly love the Sleep Score feature—good rest is essential for peak performance.
- Built-in Sports Apps: With over 30 activity profiles, including triathlon and open-water swimming, you can switch between sports seamlessly with just a button press.
- Triathlon and Multi-Sport Mode: New to the Forerunner 255 series is the ability to switch between different sports effortlessly. Whether it’s triathlons, duathlons, or swim runs, this watch has you covered. You can even create your custom multi-sport profiles to match your training style.
- Music Playback: No need to carry your phone during runs—you can store and play music directly from the watch. ! It supports various streaming services and can store up to 500 songs.
- GPS Accuracy: Garmin is known for its spot-on GPS, and the Forerunner 255 doesn’t disappoint. It quickly locks onto satellites, so you can start your run without waiting around, and it tracks your route with precision.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: The wrist-based heart rate monitor gives you continuous data, helping you fine-tune your workouts and keep tabs on your fitness progress.
- Advanced Running Metrics: Detailed running stats like VO2 max, training load, and recovery insights. These are super useful for customizing your training and avoiding burnout.
- Race Predictor: This feature estimates your race times based on your running history and fitness level. It predicts your pace for various distances, from 5Ks to marathons. I found the predictions weren’t super accurate for me (Runna was closer), but it’s still a fun feature.
- Garmin Coach: Get personalised training plans that adapt to your fitness level and goals, with structured workouts to help you keep improving.
- Garmin Pay: Easily make payments, like grabbing that post-run coffee, with the Garmin Pay™ contactless feature.
Battery Life: How Long Does It Last? ★★★★☆
One of the standout features of the Forerunner 255 is its impressive battery life. It can last up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours with GPS tracking—ideal for long-distance events and ultra races. I typically charge it once a week, which perfectly fits my marathon training routine. While some watches may last longer, the Forerunner 255 Music meets all my needs.
GPS Accuracy: Is It Reliable? ★★★★★
Garmin’s GPS is top-tier, and the Forerunner 255 Music lives up to that reputation. It finds a signal quickly, so you’re not stuck waiting before your run. Whether running new trails or sticking to your usual routes, this watch gives you reliable location data every time.
Garmin Connect: Analysing Your Data ★★★★☆
The Garmin Connect app is like a goldmine of fitness data. The Forerunner 255 Music syncs smoothly with the app, letting you dive into your workout details. You can check out your route maps, analyse heart rate zones, track your sleep, and even monitor stress levels. The app also lets you set goals, join challenges, and connect with your community.
Design and Sizes: A Perfect Fit for Everyone
The Garmin 255 comes in two sizes, 45.6 mm and 41 mm, so it’s designed to fit everyone. It’s not too bulky for smaller wrists but still feels substantial enough for those who prefer a larger watch.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music Right for You?
To me, the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is more than just a running watch—it’s become an everyday essential that helps me stay on top of my fitness game.
If you’re serious about hitting your fitness goals, the Forerunner 255 Music is a fantastic choice. It’s an amazing device, simple to use, although, the lack of built-in maps and the small screen might be a downside for some.