Garmin Forerunner 255 Music GPS Running Smartwatch

Category: Best for Fitness Tracking

Key Features

Always-on, full-color display with sunlight-readable technology
Up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode
Download up to 500 songs from popular music platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer (subscription required)
Morning report summarizes sleep, HRV status, and daily workout suggestions upon waking
Training tips, personalized daily suggested workouts, and completion time predictions based on course details, weather, and performance
Adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach for various distances including 5K, 10K, and half-marathon
Heart rate variability (HRV) tracking to monitor wellness and recovery
Continuous power measurement during running with a Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro monitor (sold separately)

Overview and First Impressions

The Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music is a comprehensive smartwatch designed for fitness enthusiasts, runners, and those looking for advanced health monitoring features. With its slim design and always-on display, it offers a user-friendly interface that remains visible even in direct sunlight. The watch's ability to sync with various music platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer, along with support for wireless headphones, makes it an excellent choice for phone-free listening.

Design and Build Quality

The Forerunner® 255 Music comes in a black color and boasts a slim design measuring 1.8 inches in length, 1.8 inches in width, and 0.5 inches in thickness. It weighs only 1.7 ounces, making it lightweight and comfortable to wear throughout the day. The build quality is solid, with durable materials that ensure the watch can withstand daily use.

Setup and Ease of Use

The setup process for the Forerunner® 255 Music is straightforward. You'll need to download the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the watch with your device. The app provides a comprehensive range of features, including workout tracking, health monitoring, and fitness plans, making it easy to get started. Once set up, the Forerunner® 255 Music is user-friendly, with intuitive navigation and clear display text.

Display

The always-on display on the Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music provides a vibrant and readable interface even in direct sunlight. The 1.3-inch display offers plenty of space for various features such as workout data, sleep reports, and music controls. Despite its small size, the display is high-resolution, ensuring that all information is easily visible and accessible.

Fitness and Health Tracking

The Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music offers a wide range of fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, calorie counting, step count, and distance measurement. The watch also includes advanced health monitoring features such as sleep analysis, HRV tracking, and adaptive training plans. Morning reports provide valuable insights into your sleep quality and suggest daily workouts based on your performance and recovery needs. This makes the Forerunner® 255 Music an excellent choice for individuals looking to improve their overall fitness and wellness.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music is impressive, offering up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode. This long-lasting battery ensures that you can use your watch for extended periods without needing a recharge. The battery conservation features are also well-implemented, such as dimming the display when not in use.

Smart Features

The Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music comes with an array of smart features that enhance its functionality and convenience. It supports voice commands for hands-free navigation and control of music playback. The watch also includes a built-in accelerometer, gyroscope, and barometer to track various activities like running, cycling, swimming, and more. Additionally, the Forerunner® 255 Music offers adaptive training plans based on your performance and recovery needs, helping you achieve your fitness goals.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music connects seamlessly with smartphones running iOS or Android. It supports Bluetooth for wireless music playback, phone calls, and notifications. The watch also pairs well with other Garmin devices such as the Fenix series, allowing for a cohesive fitness ecosystem. Connectivity is reliable, ensuring that you can access all features even when far from your smartphone.

Durability and Water Resistance

The Forerunner® 255 Music is designed to be durable and water-resistant up to 50 meters (165 feet). This makes it suitable for swimming and water sports, providing peace of mind during aquatic activities. The watch also includes a dust and sweat resistance rating, ensuring that it can withstand various environmental conditions.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros: The Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music offers an always-on display, long battery life, advanced health monitoring features, and a wide range of fitness tracking options. It's also compatible with popular music platforms and supports various smart features like voice commands and adaptive training plans.

Cons: The price point for the Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music may be higher than some other entry-level smartwatches. However, its comprehensive feature set and durability make it a valuable investment for fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

The Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music is an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive smartwatch with advanced health monitoring features, long battery life, and a wide range of fitness tracking options. Its always-on display, intuitive interface, and reliable connectivity make it a standout option in the market. While the price may be higher than some other entry-level smartwatches, its durability, feature set, and versatility justify the investment for individuals looking to enhance their fitness and wellness. If you're a frequent runner or engage in various outdoor activities, the Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music is highly recommended.

Overall Rating

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