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? Does the Forerunner 255 have better GPS accuracy than the Forerunner 245? Which model has better battery life? Do both watches support Garmin Pay for contactless payments? Are both the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 245 suitable for swimming? Do both watches have music storage capabilities? Which model offers better recovery and health tracking features? Is there a significant difference in sports profiles between the two models? Do both models provide stress and sleep tracking? Are both watches compatible with iOS and Android smartphones? Do both watches support custom workouts and training plans? Can both models track oxygen saturation (SpO2)? Does the Forerunner 255 have a barometric altimeter for elevation tracking? Which model is more affordable? |