How do you spot a runner in the wild? Well, chances are, they’ll be wearing a Garmin on their wrist. Whether pacing the streets or crossing the finish line of a race, Garmin watches are the go-to for runners worldwide. With Black Friday just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your gear and snag the best deals! But with so many options, how do you decide between the Garmin Forerunner 255 and Garmin Forerunner 55? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a comparison of these two fantastic models.
The Basics: Garmin 255 vs 55 – What’s the difference?
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at the two watches. The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a top choice for entry-level runners. It’s great for beginners or anyone who wants a watch with essential features. The Garmin Forerunner 255, however, offers more advanced features. It’s ideal for runners who are looking for more functionality from their device.
Design & Display: Which one feels right on your wrist?
Both watches are sleek and lightweight, but there are some key differences in the design.
- Garmin Forerunner 55: With its 42mm case, it’s a bit smaller, making it a great choice for smaller wrists. It also features a 1.04-inch display with a resolution of 208 x 208 pixels. The display is clear and easy to read, though it’s not quite as sharp as the 255’s. The Forerunner 55 is also only available in two colours (black and white), which keeps it simple.
- Garmin Forerunner 255: If you’re after a slightly larger screen, the 255 comes with a 1.3-inch display and a sharper 260 x 260 pixel resolution. It’s still lightweight but offers a bit more space for those who like to see more data on-screen. The 255 comes in multiple coluors, including Slate, Pink, and White, so you can pick one that matches your style.
Both have a five-button design (no touchscreen). This might seem a bit old-school, but for me I find it easier to use—less finger smudging on the screen!
Features: What does each watch bring to the table?
Now, let’s talk about what really matters: the features. Both the Forerunner 55 and the 255 track all the essentials, but here’s where the 255 pulls ahead.
Forerunner 55:
- GPS and Heart Rate Monitoring: Of course, you get GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and pace tracking. Perfect for those long runs or 5Ks!
- Basic Running Metrics: The Forerunner 55 covers distance, time, pace, and laps, plus offers cadence tracking.
- Battery Life: Expect about 20 hours of battery life with GPS on, which is solid for a basic running watch.
- Training Plans: It gives you access to Garmin Coach for personalized training plans, which is a nice bonus for beginners.
Forerunner 255:
- Advanced Running Metrics: The 255 delivers advanced metrics like running power, training effect, recovery time, and stride length. If you’re serious about improving your performance, these features can help you fine-tune your runs and elevate your game.
- Sleep and Stress Tracking: The Forerunner 255 offers advanced tracking for both sleep and stress levels. This means it’s not just focused on running but also on recovery.
- Battery Life: With up to 30 hours of GPS use, the 255 is perfect for longer runs or races.
- Multi-Sport Modes: The 255 supports multiple sports beyond running, such as cycling, swimming, and even triathlon mode. This is ideal if you cross-train or plan to participate in multi-sport events.
- Music Storage: The Forerunner 255 has the option for music storage. You can leave your phone at home and run with your favourite playlist directly from your watch.
Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 55: At a glance
 Garmin |  Garmin | |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 26.3mm | 255: 33mm 255S: 27.5mm |
| Battery life (smartwatch mode) | 2 weeks | 255: 14 days 255S: 12 days |
| Battery life (GPS mode) | 20 hours | 255: 25 hrs without music/ 6.5 hrs with music 255S: 20 hrs without music/ 5.5 hrs with music |
| Built in GPS | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Garmin Pay | ||
| Pulse Ox | ||
| Music | ||
| Advanced Performance Metrics |
Connectivity and app integration: Stay connected
Both Garmin watches connect seamlessly with your phone and sync with the Garmin Connect app. The Forerunner 255 gives you more options for integration with apps like Strava and MyFitnessPal, making it ideal for those who like to track everything in one place.
Price: Which one fits your budget?
- Garmin Forerunner 55 comes in at a more affordable price point (usually under £200), making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious runners. If you’re just looking for the essentials, this one’s a great pick.
- Garmin Forerunner 255, on the other hand, is priced higher (around £250+), but the additional features like better battery life, advanced metrics, and multi-sport tracking make it worth the investment if you’re serious about training.
So, which one should you choose?
It all depends on what you’re looking for in a running watch.
- Go for the Garmin Forerunner 55 if you’re new to running or just want a reliable, no-frills watch that tracks your basic metrics and offers fantastic value for money.
- Go for the Garmin Forerunner 255 if you’re a more experienced runner (or planning to become one!) who wants advanced metrics, longer battery life, multi-sport tracking, and the ability to leave your phone behind while you run to music.
Both watches are amazing in their own right, so it really comes down to your budget and how much you want your watch to do for you.
Ready to make your choice? Check them out here:
- Garmin Forerunner 55: Click here to buy
- Garmin Forerunner 255: Click here to buy
No matter which one you choose, both of these Garmin watches are sure to help you step up your running game! And with Black Friday deals, there’s no better time to grab one!
