Garmin Forerunner 245 vs 255 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Watch

Garmin Forerunner 255 & Garmin Forerunner 245 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Garmin Forerunner 255 rather than the Garmin Forerunner 245. 

Why Do I Recommend The Garmin Forerunner 255

  • The Garmin Forerunner 255 has a Dual-Frequency GPS for superior location accuracy, improved performance in challenging environments, and better route tracking compared to the Forerunner 245’s standard GPS.
  • Garmin Forerunner 255 offers up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode for longer usage compared to the Forerunner 245’s 7-day and 24-hour.
  • It features a Barometric Altimeter for providing precise elevation tracking like hiking and trail running, which the Forerunner 245 lacks.
  • The Garmin Forerunner 255 introduces a Training Readiness Score for real-time insights on recovery and optimal training times, while the Forerunner 245 does not include this feature.
  • Garmin Forerunner 255 supports HRV Status for improved heart rate variability insights, enhancing performance tracking and recovery recommendations, which the Forerunner 245 does not provide.
  • The Garmin Forerunner 255 has Triathlon Mode and 30+ sports profiles for multi-sport athletes, compared to the Forerunner 245’s 15+ sports profiles without Triathlon support.
  • Garmin Forerunner 255 features a Morning Report for personalized insights on recovery, HRV status, and sleep quality upon waking, while the Forerunner 245 lacks this feature.
  • The Garmin Forerunner 255 includes Garmin Pay for contactless payments and convenient transactions on the go, which is absent in the Forerunner 245.

Maybe the Garmin Forerunner 245 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Garmin Forerunner 255. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature Garmin Forerunner 255 Garmin Forerunner 245
Display Size 1.3″ (Forerunner 255) / 1.1″ (Forerunner 255S) 1.2″
Resolution 260 x 260 pixels 240 x 240 pixels
Weight 49g (Forerunner 255) 38.5g
Case Size 45.6mm (Forerunner 255) 42.3mm
Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) Up to 14 days (Forerunner 255) Up to 7 days
Battery Life (GPS Mode) Up to 30 hours (Forerunner 255) Up to 24 hours
Dual-Frequency GPS Support Yes No
GNSS Support GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Multiband GNSS Support Yes No
Barometric Altimeter Yes No
Compass Yes No
NFC (Garmin Pay Support) Yes No
Morning Report Feature Yes No
Training Readiness Score Yes No
HRV Status Yes No
Sleep Tracking Improvements Advanced Sleep Tracking Basic Sleep Tracking
Recovery Time Recommendations Enhanced Recovery Insights Standard Recovery Insights
Training Load Focus Yes No
Race Widget Yes No
Preloaded Sports Modes 30+ Sports Profiles 15+ Sports Profiles
Triathlon Mode Yes No
Running Dynamics Support Yes Limited Support
Music Model Availability Available in standard and music editions Music edition sold separately
Safety & Tracking Features Improved Incident Detection and Assistance Basic Incident Detection
Body Battery Improvements Advanced Energy Monitoring Standard Energy Monitoring
Weather Forecasts Yes No
Wi-Fi Connectivity Yes No
Hydration Tracking Yes No
Workout Suggestions Yes No
On-device Suggested Workouts Yes No
Price Check Forerunner 255 Price Check Forerunner 245 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Technology: Both models utilize a Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display, which ensures excellent visibility in direct sunlight, making them ideal for outdoor running and activities.

  • Durability: Both watches feature Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3, enhancing scratch resistance and durability for outdoor adventures.

  • Water Resistance: Rated 5 ATM, both models can withstand water pressures equivalent to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and showering.

  • Health Monitoring: Both devices support wrist-based heart rate monitoring, Pulse OX, and SpO2 tracking for blood oxygen measurement, essential for assessing performance and recovery.

  • Stress & Energy Tracking: The Body Battery™ Energy Monitoring system helps manage energy levels by analyzing stress, heart rate variability, and activity data.

  • Activity Tracking: Both models offer comprehensive fitness tracking, including steps, calories burned, and sleep tracking with detailed insights.

  • Smart Features: Both watches support smart notifications, ensuring you stay connected to calls, messages, and app alerts directly on your wrist.

  • Safety Features: Both the Forerunner 255 and 245 include LiveTrack, Incident Detection, and Assistance, enhancing safety for outdoor workouts and providing real-time location sharing.

  • Training & Performance Monitoring: Both provide advanced performance tracking, including VO2 Max, Training Effect, Training Status, and Recovery Time Estimation.

  • Music Storage: Both models support up to 500 songs with music edition models, allowing users to enjoy music without carrying a smartphone.

  • Connectivity Options: Both models include Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, enabling compatibility with various sensors and devices like heart rate monitors, cycling sensors, and power meters.

  • Customizable Features: Both watches offer customizable data screens, watch faces, and compatibility with Garmin Connect IQ™, expanding their versatility.

  • Garmin Coach Support: Both models provide guided training plans via Garmin Coach, helping runners prepare for races or improve their fitness levels.

  • Interval Training & Auto Lap: Both devices provide effective tools for interval-based workouts and auto lap tracking for improved performance analysis.

  • Multi-GNSS Support: Both watches include GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for accurate location tracking.

Common Features

Feature Garmin Forerunner 255 Garmin Forerunner 245
Display Type Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP)
Display Protection Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3
Water Resistance 5 ATM 5 ATM
Heart Rate Monitoring Yes Yes
Pulse OX Sensor Yes Yes
SpO2 Monitoring Yes Yes
VO2 Max Measurement Yes Yes
Stress Tracking Yes Yes
Body Battery™ Energy Monitoring Yes Yes
Menstrual Cycle Tracking Yes Yes
Hydration Tracking Yes Yes
Step Tracking Yes Yes
Calorie Burn Tracking Yes Yes
Sleep Tracking Yes Yes
Smart Notifications Yes Yes
Garmin Coach Support Yes Yes
Customizable Data Pages Yes Yes
Customizable Watch Faces Yes Yes
Connect IQ™ Store Support Yes Yes
LiveTrack (Location Sharing) Yes Yes
Incident Detection Yes Yes
Assistance Feature Yes Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity Yes Yes
ANT+ Connectivity Yes Yes
Indoor Workout Profiles Yes Yes
Interval Training Yes Yes
Advanced Workouts Yes Yes
Auto Lap Feature Yes Yes
Manual Lap Feature Yes Yes
Pace Alerts Yes Yes
Speed and Distance Tracking Yes Yes
Custom Alerts (Time/Distance/Calories) Yes Yes
Training Effect Measurement Yes Yes
Recovery Time Estimation Yes Yes
Price Check Forerunner 255 Price Check Forerunner 245 Price

FAQ

Is the Garmin Forerunner 255 better for advanced athletes compared to the Forerunner 245?
Yes, the Forerunner 255 is better suited for advanced athletes as it includes additional features like Triathlon mode, improved recovery tracking, and enhanced training metrics such as Training Readiness Score and HRV Status, which are absent on the Forerunner 245.

Does the Forerunner 255 have better GPS accuracy than the Forerunner 245?
Yes, the Forerunner 255 includes Dual-Frequency GPS and Multiband GNSS, which provide improved accuracy in challenging environments like dense urban areas or wooded trails, while the Forerunner 245 relies on standard GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo.

Which model has better battery life?
The Garmin Forerunner 255 offers superior battery life, lasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, whereas the Forerunner 245 provides up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode.

Do both watches support Garmin Pay for contactless payments?
No, only the Forerunner 255 supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments, making it more convenient for purchases during runs or workouts.

Are both the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 245 suitable for swimming?
Yes, both watches are rated 5 ATM for water resistance, meaning they can withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters, making them safe for swimming and showering.

Do both watches have music storage capabilities?
Yes, both models support music storage for up to 500 songs, but the Forerunner 245 requires purchasing the Music Edition separately, while the Forerunner 255 includes music support in both its standard and music models.

Which model offers better recovery and health tracking features?
The Forerunner 255 offers enhanced recovery metrics such as Morning Report, HRV Status, and Training Readiness Score, providing deeper insights into your overall readiness and recovery, which are not available on the Forerunner 245.

Is there a significant difference in sports profiles between the two models?
Yes, the Forerunner 255 offers 30+ sports profiles including Triathlon Mode, while the Forerunner 245 has only 15+ sports profiles without Triathlon support.

Do both models provide stress and sleep tracking?
Yes, both watches offer stress tracking and sleep monitoring. However, the Forerunner 255 provides Advanced Sleep Tracking with improved insights and detailed analysis, while the Forerunner 245 offers standard sleep tracking.

Are both watches compatible with iOS and Android smartphones?
Yes, both the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 245 are compatible with both iOS and Android devices, ensuring seamless connectivity for notifications, app alerts, and syncing data.

Do both watches support custom workouts and training plans?
Yes, both models allow you to create custom workouts and follow structured training plans via Garmin Coach, making them ideal for race preparation and improving fitness.

Can both models track oxygen saturation (SpO2)?
Yes, both watches include a Pulse OX Sensor to measure blood oxygen saturation levels, which is especially useful for tracking altitude performance or sleep quality.

Does the Forerunner 255 have a barometric altimeter for elevation tracking?
Yes, the Forerunner 255 includes a Barometric Altimeter for precise elevation data during activities such as hiking or trail running, while the Forerunner 245 lacks this feature.

Which model is more affordable?
The Garmin Forerunner 245 is generally more affordable, making it a cost-effective option for casual runners and fitness enthusiasts, whereas the Forerunner 255 offers advanced features at a higher price point, ideal for dedicated athletes.

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