Electronics & Computing Mobile & Communication Smartwatches GARMIN Forerunner 255 Music Sports Watch - 46 mm

GARMIN Forerunner 255 Music Sports Watch - 46 mm

Published date: 28/Jul/2026

GARMIN Forerunner 255 Music Sports Watch - 46 mm

Colour

Out of stock

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Key Features

Battery Life
Up to 14 days
Supported OS
iOS & Android
Guarantee
2 years
Display size
1.3”
Transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display Sunlight visible Full colour
Payments & calls
Pay only
Resistance
Water resistant 5 ATM

What Customers Say

The Forerunner 255 Music differentiates itself from the standard version by adding onboard music storage. Reviews emphasise that users can download playlists from Spotify, Deezer or Amazon Music for phone‑free workouts. They appreciate the same multi‑band GPS accuracy, triathlon and multisport capabilities and choice of 46 mm or 41 mm case sizes as the base model.

The watch remains light and comfortable and offers training status and Race Day widgets, though the music feature slightly increases the price. Criticisms echo those of the standard 255: there is still no touchscreen, offline mapping or solar power, and some reviewers find the MIP screen basic compared with smartwatches.

Despite these limitations, runners who value precise GPS and phone‑free music find the Forerunner 255 Music a compelling option.

Who Should Buy This

  • Dedicated runners and triathletes pursuing advanced analytics like HRV, PacePro, and recovery guidance for peak performance.
  • Multisport aficionados valuing over 30 profiles for cycling, swimming, and triathlons with precise GPS integration.
  • Music-motivated athletes desiring onboard storage for 500 songs and offline playlists from Spotify or Deezer.
  • Battery-savvy users relishing up to 14 days in smartwatch mode or 30 hours GPS for extended sessions.
  • Health enthusiasts seeking holistic monitoring of sleep, stress, SpO2, and menstrual cycles in a lightweight 49g frame.

Who Should Skip It

  • Touchscreen proponents favoring swipe-based navigation over button controls.
  • Casual fitness followers uninterested in specialized metrics or music features.
  • Budget-oriented buyers seeking economical alternatives without premium depth.

What Experts Says

Overall Assessment and Positioning

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music Sports Watch is a high-performance GPS-enabled smartwatch designed specifically for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. In terms of overall assessment, this product is a well-rounded device that effectively integrates various features for tracking and monitoring physical activity, music playback, and smart notifications. Its positioning in the market is competitive with other high-end smartwatches from brands like Apple and Fitbit, but its focus on running and triathlon-specific features sets it apart from more general-purpose smartwatches. Overall, the Forerunner 255 Music is a solid choice for those seeking a dedicated fitness and running watch with advanced functionality.

Key Strengths and Standout Features

Several key strengths and standout features make the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music a compelling option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Notably, its built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, and advanced running dynamics (when paired with compatible accessories) provide detailed insights into running performance. The watch's 30+ built-in sports and activities, triathlon and multisport profiles, and daily suggested workouts also demonstrate its comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities. Additionally, the inclusion of music storage, contactless payments, and smartphone notifications adds convenience and versatility to the device. Furthermore, the watch's water resistance, sunlight-readable display, and long battery life make it a reliable choice for various activities.

Value Proposition and Who It's Best Suited For

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music offers a strong value proposition for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking a dedicated running watch with advanced features. Its ability to provide detailed performance insights, music playback, and smart notifications makes it an ideal choice for runners, triathletes, and other endurance athletes. Additionally, the watch's comprehensive health and fitness tracking features make it suitable for individuals seeking a holistic approach to monitoring their physical activity. However, it's worth noting that the device's price point and complexity may make it less accessible to casual fitness enthusiasts or those seeking a more general-purpose smartwatch.

Similar Reviews

Video Reviews

ChoiceWise Scores: 0 Out Of 100
Display
0
Battery
0
Fitness & Health
0
Durability
0
Smart Ecosystem
0
Connectivity & GPS
0
Comfort Build
0

The ChoiceWise Score is calculated using a defined methodology based on the features and factors that matter most in this category. Read our full scoring methodology: choicewise.app/methodology#score

CategorySmartwatch
Strap materialSilicone
ClosureBuckle
Supported OSiOS & Android
ConnectivityBluetooth ANT+ NFC WiFi
GPSBuilt-in GPS
Battery typeBuilt in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Charging methodUSB to Garmin proprietary plug cable
Charge time1.5 hours
Battery lifeUp to 14 days Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days GPS mode: Up to 30 hours
Size1.3”
TypeTransflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display Sunlight visible Full colour
TouchscreenNo
ShapeCircle
ResistanceWater resistant 5 ATM
Health & fitness trackingHeart rate Steps Distance Calories Sleep Move bar Floors climbed Menstrual cycle 30+ built-in sports & activities Triathlon and multisport profiles Daily suggested workouts Morning report Heart rate variability Garmin coach Recovery time Wrist-based running power Pacepro Grade-adjusted pace Training effect Track running Race predictor Advanced running dynamics such as stride length and lactate threshold when paired with compatible accessories (sold separately)
Smart functionsPlay music from the device via Bluetooth Store up to 500 songs Save your offline playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer (subscription required) Smartphone notifications Contactless payments Music remote Alarm Find my phone Find my watch
Other featuresPay only
SensorsAccelerometer Barometer Compass Heart rate monitor (HRM) Pedometer Reflectance pulse oximetry (SpO2)
Dimensions12.9 x 46 x 46 mm (H x W x D)
ColourBlack
Weight49 g
Manufacturer’s guarantee2 years
Box contentsGarmin Forerunner 255 Music Sports Watch Charging / data cable Documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

The watch comes with a silicone strap that is secured using a buckle.

It takes approximately 1.5 hours to fully charge the watch.

Yes, the watch allows you to store up to 500 songs and play them via Bluetooth.

Yes, the watch tracks sleep and menstrual cycles, providing valuable insights into your health and fitness.

Yes, the watch is water resistant up to 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

Yes, the watch is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

The watch battery lasts up to 30 hours in GPS mode.

Yes, the watch comes with a 2-year manufacturer's guarantee.

ChoiceWise does not perform hands-on product testing for this page. The expert opinion and recommendations are based on third-party reviews and sources, which we analyze and summarize using our editorial process.