To oversimplify, Garmin’s Forerunner 265 adds a fresh face to the already powerful Forerunner 255 feature set. Beyond their contrasting screens, the devices share many core features. In fact, a number of the new generation’s software updates will even roll back to the previous one, keeping the Garmin devices neck and neck. On the other hand, the 265 does pack a few important upgrades that differentiate the device from its older sibling. Find out which fitness tracker is the right pick for your wrist in this Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265 comparison.
Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: At a glance
- The Garmin Forerunner 255 and 265 represent subsequent models of Garmin’s midrange running watch line.
- The Garmin Forerunner 255 features a 64-color MIP display while the 265 features a full-color AMOLED display.
- The Forerunner 255 is available in both a standard model and a Music edition which supports offline music storage. The Forerunner 265 features music storage as standard.
- Both lines are available in two sizes.
- The devices share the same core experience, including most of Garmin’s top training tools, accurate GPS tracking, and a reliable heart rate monitor.
- Training Readiness is only available on the Forerunner 265.
Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: Specs
| Garmin Forerunner 255/255S | Garmin Forerunner 265 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 41mm: 1.1-inch MIP 218 x 218 resolution 46mm: |
42mm: 1.1-inch AMOLED, optional always-on 360 x 360 resolution 46mm: |
| Dimensions and weight | 41mm: 41 x 41 x 12.4mm 39g w/o strap Fits wrists 110-175mm 46mm: |
42mm: 41.7 x 41.7 x 12.9mm 40 w/o strap Fits wrists 115-178mm 46mm: |
| Colors and materials | 41mm: Color: Powder Gray or Light Pink Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap 46mm: |
42mm: Color: Black/Amp Yello, Whitestone/Neo Tropic, or Light Pink/Powder Gray Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap 46mm: |
| Battery | 41mm Up to 12 days in smartwatch mode Up to 26 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 20 hours in All-Systems GNSS mode 46mm: |
42mm: Up to 15 days in smartwatch mode Up to 24 hours GPS-only GNSS mode Up to 15 hours in All-Systems GNSS mode 46mm: |
| Sensors | GPS GLONASS GALILEO Multi-Frequency Positioning Garmin Elevate Barometric Altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor |
GPS GLONASS GALILEO Multi-Frequency Positioning Garmin Elevate Barometric Altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor |
| Durability | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Connectivity | NFC Bluetooth Wi-Fi |
NFC Bluetooth Wi-Fi |
| Compatibility | Android and iOS | Android and iOS |
When comparing the Forerunner 255 vs 265, the most important thing to know is that both are great fitness trackers. During our Forerunner 255 review, we felt the device brought significant improvement to the Forerunner line with NFC support and upgraded sensors. Before it was outdone by the 265, we considered it the best midrange running watch you could buy.