Outstanding Value Proposal: Garmin Forerunner 255 Offers Remarkable Worth for Money
Take a Run with The Garmin Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265: A Handy Breakdown
Gear up for an exhilarating jog with the Garmin Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265, but which one's got the best punch? Let's dive into their unique features to help you decide.
The Financial Lowdown
Fancy yourself some new running gear? Here are the current deals for you:
$349.99 Save $120.00
- Forerunner 255: (Gray) $229.99 at Amazon, down from $349.99 (Save $120.00)
- Forerunner 265: Unlocked Potential for $449.99
Forerunner 255 vs. Forerunner 265: Round 1
The Forerunner number game gets confusing, but let's keep it simple. The budget-friendly, slightly older 255 is the one on sale right now, while the 265 is the fresh, new kid on the block.
The 265 takes the gold as my personal favorite running watch, boasting impressive features for the fitness-driven. It delivers hardware that runners crave: physical buttons, a plethora of data screen options, and a dual-band GPS for superior location accuracy. Plus, it's got the software side covered with training status and daily suggested workouts. The battery life also impresses, lasting between one to two weeks, depending on your workout schedule.
But take a step back to check out what the 255 offers:
- The Screen Split: Compared to the 265's smartphone-style AMOLED screen, you'll get an older, always-on MIP screen (our classic memory-in-pixel display).
- No Touchy-Feely: Saving battery with traditional UP and DOWN buttons.
- Minimalist Music: Only sports the music feature if you opt for the 255 Music version.
- Training Status, Not Readiness: Sadly, it skips the Training Readiness feature but retains the Training Status.
$229.99 at Amazon
Ready for a deep feature dive? Here's a dump of the differences right from Garmin's site.
Forerunner 255: The Version Roundup
There are four versions of the 255, compared to the 265's two. Three of them are on sale, baby!
$349.99 Save $120.00
- Regular Forerunner 255: Larger at 45.6 mm, non-music storage.
- Forerunner 255S: Compact at 41 mm, non-music storage.
- Forerunner 255 Music: Larger at 45.6 mm, rockin' music storage.
- Forerunner 255S Music: Compact at 41 mm, music-loving.
Although I never ditch my phone for runs, a standalone music feature may suit your needs. It's a $50 upgrade, but currently only $20 more on the larger size of the watch.
Aging Gracefully
With only a one-year age gap, it's safe to say that the 255 isn't about to hit a mid-life crisis anytime soon. For a more in-depth look at the differences between MIP and AMOLED screens, read this. MIP screens are like timeless classics, testing the limits of simplicity by being dimly reflective in sunlight. On the other hand, AMOLED screens are the future, with glowing pixels and energy-saving capabilities (but you can enable an always-on mode, if you so desire).
The battery life for both watches remains steady by default, offering between 14 days for the 255 and 13 days for the 265 (not counting active sessions) [3]. If you're a vintage technology lover or prefer the affordability of the 255, grab a refurbished version for $179.99 [4] - scoring you one of the cheapest Garmin watches of any line!
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is currently on sale at Amazon for $229.99, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordable health-focused running technology. The Forerunner 265, while more expensive at $449.99, provides enhanced features such as a touchscreen, physical buttons, dual-band GPS, and superior training status and workouts. However, potential buyers should consider the differences between the two models, including the screen type (MIP for the Forerunner 255 versus AMOLED for the Forerunner 265) and music storage availability. For a detailed look at the differences between the Forerunner 255 and 265, consult Garmin's official website or check out resources on timeless MIP screens versus future-focused AMOLED screens.
