If you’re a runner shopping for a new watch in 2026, the Garmin Forerunner 255 keeps coming up in conversations despite being nearly four years old. It’s a test case for whether older hardware can still beat flashier screens and higher prices.
Battery Life: Up to 14 days (smartwatch mode) · Water Rating: 5 ATM (50 meters) · Weight: 49 g (with silicone band) · GPS: Multi-band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo)
Quick snapshot
- HRV status and training readiness (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site))
- Daily suggested workouts based on recovery (Advnture (outdoor gear reviewers))
- Multi-band GPS for accurate tracking (Advnture (outdoor gear reviewers))
- Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site))
- Up to 30 hours in GPS mode (Advnture (outdoor gear reviewers))
- Quick charging via proprietary cable (Garmin (official product page))
- 5 ATM water rating (50 meters) (Garmin (official product page))
- Built with fiber-reinforced polymer (Garmin (official product page))
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site))
- Priced around €330-€400 in Ireland (Currys Ireland (consumer electronics retailer))
- Frequent discounts on Amazon and Decathlon (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site))
- No subscription needed for advanced metrics (Advnture (outdoor gear reviewers))
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2022 (Garmin (official product page)) |
| Current Status | Still sold by Garmin and major retailers (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site)) |
| Best For | Runners, triathletes, and fitness enthusiasts (Advnture (outdoor gear reviewers)) |
| Price Range (2026) | €330 – €400 (Currys Ireland (consumer electronics retailer)) |
Is the Garmin Forerunner 255 still worth it in 2026?
What features does the Forerunner 255 offer?
- HRV status and training readiness (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site))
- Daily suggested workouts based on recovery (Advnture (outdoor gear reviewers))
- Multi-band GPS for accurate tracking (Advnture (outdoor gear reviewers))
- Race Day widget with predicted finish time and weather forecast (Advnture (outdoor gear reviewers))
The Forerunner 255 is a full multisport watch with a memory-in-pixel display (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site)). Despite missing an AMOLED touchscreen, it covers all core metrics runners need — heart rate, GPS, sleep, and stress — without any subscription fees.
How does it compare to newer models like the Forerunner 265?
The key difference comes down to display technology. The Forerunner 265 uses an AMOLED touchscreen, while the 255 sticks with a MIP (memory-in-pixel) display (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site)). That trade-off cuts both ways: the 255’s screen is always-on with no battery hit, but it lacks the vibrant colours of the 265. Storage also differs — the 255 holds 4GB versus the 265’s 8GB (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site)). For runners who just need music on short runs, 4GB is enough for a few hundred songs.
If you want a screen you can read in direct sunlight without squinting, the 255’s MIP display actually beats the AMOLED 265. But if you want touch navigation and richer colours for maps, the 265 wins. There’s no wrong choice — just different priorities.
What do current owners say about long-term use?
A Reddit user on r/Garmin who switched from an Apple Watch 9 shared: “I love my 255, still works great for triathlon training after two years.” (Reddit r/Garmin (community feedback)) That sentiment echoes across forums — most complaints centre on the lack of a touchscreen, but few owners regret the purchase given the price drop since 2022.
The pattern: The Forerunner 255 has matured into one of the best value running watches on the market. For anyone who prioritises battery life and core metrics over screen flash, it’s still a smart buy in 2026.
TL;DR: If you prioritise battery and value over screen quality, the Forerunner 255 is still a strong choice in 2026.
Has the Garmin 255 been discontinued?
Is the Forerunner 255 still being manufactured?
Garmin has not officially discontinued the Forerunner 255 as of early 2026 (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site)). The product page remains active on Garmin.com, and major retailers like Currys and Decathlon still carry it (Currys Ireland (consumer electronics retailer)).
Are there any official statements from Garmin about discontinuation?
No official statement mentions an end-of-life date. Garmin continues to sell both the 255 and the 265 side by side (Garmin (official product page)). The launch of the 265 didn’t replace the 255 — both target different buyer profiles.
Why this matters: If you’re worried about buying a watch that might lose software support soon, the 255 is still actively sold and updated. Garmin typically supports watches for 3-4 years after release, so the 255 should receive updates at least through 2026.
TL;DR: Garmin hasn’t discontinued the 255 yet, so it’s safe to buy now with continued support expected.
Is the Garmin 255 an old model?
When was the Forerunner 255 released?
The Forerunner 255 was released in June 2022 (Advnture (outdoor gear reviewers)). In tech years that makes it middle-aged, but the hardware was ahead of its time: dual-band GPS, HRV monitoring, and training readiness weren’t common in this price bracket back then.
How does its hardware compare to current mid-range watches?
It uses a MIP display instead of the AMOLED found on newer models like the 265 (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site)). Its processor and sensors are still competitive for most runners — the dual-band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) matches current mid-range watches from Suunto and Polar.
The catch: The 255 lacks a solar option, and its non-touch interface feels dated if you’re used to a smartwatch. But for pure running data, it’s not far behind the 2025 competition.
TL;DR: Despite being four years old, the 255’s hardware remains competitive for most runners.
What is the difference between the Forerunner 255 and 265?
The differences are clear but not dramatic. Three key areas separate these two watches: display, battery life, and price.
| Feature | Forerunner 255 (46mm) | Forerunner 265 (46mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | MIP (non-touch) | AMOLED (touch) |
| Battery (smartwatch) | 14 days (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site)) | 13 days (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site)) |
| Storage | 4GB | 8GB |
| GPS | Multi-band GNSS | Multi-band GNSS |
| Weight | 49g | 47g |
| Price (approx. 2026) | €330-€400 (Currys Ireland (consumer electronics retailer)) | €480-€550 (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site)) |
Two devices, one pattern: the 255 trades a prettier screen for longer battery life and a lower price. The 265 gains touch and AMOLED but loses a day of typical smartwatch use and costs about €150 more.
The trade-off: For an Irish runner who trains outdoors year-round, the 255’s MIP display is actually more usable in rain and glare than the 265’s AMOLED. You save €150 and give up only a few features you might not use anyway. It’s a rare case where the older model makes more practical sense.
TL;DR: The 255 saves you €150 by sacrificing AMOLED, making it the better value for practical runners.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 255 waterproof?
Can you swim with the Forerunner 255?
Yes. The Forerunner 255 has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, meaning it’s water-resistant to 50 meters (Garmin (official product page)). It supports swim tracking for both pool and open water, including stroke detection and SWOLF score (Advnture (outdoor gear reviewers)).
What is its depth rating?
The official rating is 5 ATM, which equals 50 meters static pressure. That’s enough for recreational swimming, surfing, and snorkelling, but not for diving. Garmin’s product page confirms it’s swimproof (Garmin (official product page)).
Why this matters: For triathletes who swim, bike, and run, the 255 is one of the most affordable multisport options that can handle all three disciplines without a worry. The swim-tracking accuracy rivals watches twice its price.
TL;DR: With 5 ATM water resistance, the 255 is reliable for swimming and triathlons.
Specs at a glance
Here’s the full spec sheet — five categories, one clear picture of what the 255 brings to the table in 2026.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 45.6 × 45.6 × 12.9 mm (46mm model) |
| Display | 1.3″ MIP, 260×260 pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Weight | 49 g (with silicone band) |
| Water rating | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
| Battery (smartwatch) | Up to 14 days (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site)) |
| Battery (GPS only) | Up to 30 hours (Advnture (outdoor gear reviewers)) |
| GPS | Multi-band: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| Storage | 4GB |
| Sensors | Optical heart rate, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, Pulse Ox |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) |
These specs show where the 255 still holds its own against newer models.
Note: The 255’s 4GB storage is enough for music on short runs, but if you need maps or extensive offline media, consider the 265.
Pros and cons
Upsides
- Exceptional battery life (up to 14 days)
- Reliable multi-band GPS tracking
- 5 ATM waterproof – swim-ready
- Full multisport support for triathlon
- No subscription fees for advanced metrics
- Price dropped to €330-€400, excellent value
Downsides
- MIP display lacks touchscreen and colour vibrancy
- Only 4GB storage (enough for ~500 songs)
- No solar charging option
- Older design – thick bezel compared to 265
- No offline maps support
Overall, the pros clearly outweigh the cons for budget-conscious runners.
Confirmed facts and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Garmin still lists the Forerunner 255 on its official site (Garmin (official product page))
- The watch has a 5 ATM water resistance rating (Garmin (official product page))
- Battery life reaches 14 days in smartwatch mode (Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site))
- It lacks a solar option (Advnture (outdoor gear reviewers))
What’s unclear
- Whether Garmin will release a direct successor to the 255 in 2026
- Long-term software update support beyond 2026
- Whether Garmin has an official end-of-life plan for the 255
- Whether software updates will continue past 2026
The confirmed facts reinforce the 255’s reliability, but the uncertainties suggest staying informed.
“I love my 255, still works great for triathlon training after two years.”
— Reddit user on r/Garmin (community feedback)
“The Forerunner 255 remains one of the best running watches for the money in 2026.”
— Tom’s Guide (trusted tech review site)
For an Irish runner looking to spend under €400 on a watch that handles daily runs, triathlons, and swims without fuss, the Forerunner 255 is still the practical pick in 2026. It sacrifices screen flair for battery life, reliability, and a price that leaves money for running shoes. If you’re okay with no touchscreen and don’t need maps, the decision is clear: grab the 255 while it’s still in stock, because Garmin won’t sell it forever.
For a detailed breakdown of specs and battery life, check out this Garmin Forerunner 255 review from another source.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Garmin Forerunner 255 good for beginners?
Yes. It offers daily suggested workouts, HRV guidance, and training readiness — features that help new runners build smart habits without overwhelming them. The lack of a touchscreen might be an adjustment, but the physical buttons are easy to use mid-run.
Does the Forerunner 255 have a touchscreen?
No. The Forerunner 255 uses a non-touch MIP display. All navigation is done via five physical buttons. This is deliberate — buttons are easier to use when sweating, raining, or wearing gloves.
Can the Forerunner 255 track sleep?
Yes, it tracks sleep stages, sleep score, and Pulse Ox overnight. Garmin’s sleep tracking is generally accurate for duration and timing, though some users find it less precise than dedicated trackers.
How does the Forerunner 255 compare to the Apple Watch SE?
The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen, 2024) has a better touchscreen, smartwatch apps, and fall detection. But the 255 offers longer battery life (14 vs ~1.5 days), dedicated running metrics like training readiness, and swim tracking. For serious runners, the 255 is superior; for general fitness with smartwatch features, the SE wins.
Is the Forerunner 255 suitable for everyday wear?
Absolutely. It’s light (49g), comfortable for 24/7 wear, and the always-on MIP display looks fine with casual clothes. The design is sporty but not bulky. Many owners wear it as their daily watch.
What is the GPS accuracy of the Forerunner 255?
Very good. With dual-band GNSS (GPS + GLONASS + Galileo), it locks quickly and maintains accuracy even near tall buildings or under tree cover. Reviews from Advnture and Tom’s Guide rate it highly for a mid-range watch.
Does the Forerunner 255 support music without a phone?
Yes, the Forerunner 255 Music variant can store up to 500 songs (4GB storage) and play them via Bluetooth headphones without needing your phone. The non-Music version has no onboard storage for music.
These answers should cover the most common questions about the Forerunner 255.
Andrew Ellis leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Oz Reviewly.