The 255S Music is the perfect minimalist running watch! It is a big jump from anything before, like you said "best small multi-sport watch to ever exist". It is everything I wanted when I originally bought my 245 music. It now has the altimeter, more accurate GPS (which has been a problem for me in the hills), significantly improved battery life, and smaller size. Literally fixed everything I didn't like about my 245. I will also use the ski mode. I bought it pretty much as soon as I heard about it. It is wonderful. My overall review of the product has gone from 3 stars to 5 stars. I gave the 245 music 3 stars because I thought it could do better and the battery life was just so-so, and it was a bit big for a minimalist running watch. Don't worry if you think it is too small, it is not.
Great review, one thing I'd suggest for future reviews is showing it on your wrist more, and if you still have the 955 or others, showing them together for size comparison.
got a 955 today, but made the mistake of watching this and now the 955 looks enormous on my wrist lol. Might pick up a 255s and chose between the two! Great video
Asking for AMOLED in such a small battery results in one thing and you know what it is. If Garmin does it there will be new video titled "The new Garmin forerunner with AMOLED display's battery sucked". Still prefer MIP for the battery life.
All I'm saying is that there are running wearables from Garmin and other companies with AMOLED displays and decent battery life and it would have been nice to have this option. The contrast and visibility of AMOLED displays in broad daylight is better than MIP ones. Regardless of the display, the 255S is a great little multisport watch
Huawei GT Runner has an AMOLED screen and the battery last for a long time, so there are no excuses. Garmin has been behind the curve for such a long time it's not even funny. Still no wireless charing? C'mon. And don't get me started on the software fragmentation between different watches. It's absolutely ridiculous that Garmin can't have a unified software suite and instead it looks like every watch is made by a different group of engineers making different, random decisions, adding or cutting out features for no reason whatsoever or shuffling them between menus with no sense whatsoever. Such lack of professionalism
Really want this smaller version as I only have small wrists. However as I getting the music version I’m really limited in the colours I wish it was just the same as the bigger one I really don’t like the magenta pinky colour or a white watch. I know that’s a minor issue but it’s a lot of money for me do I go with the bigger one with a colour scheme I really like or the smaller one with a colour I’m not keen at all on (I know it’s a tiny part of the watch)
So just to be clear, it's a small watch? I don't remember if you've mentioned it 😉 HOWEVER (😉) , you've helped me in making my decision to buy it. I was searching for a review of the smaller version, and it has not been easy... Everyone is always reviewing the big version or X version... I really like small watches and I feel my fenix 6s non pro is getting a bit dated. This 255s has managed to catch the old fenix and surpass it in many areas. Also I've been meaning to switch to a music capable garmin and it seems now's the time. Thanks for the review.
Haha, sorry, I could've been clearer! The 255S has a 41mm watch case. The standard 255 is 46 mm. The Forerunner 245 was 42 mm. I'm sure you'll love the 255S (I sure do)!
I am sold.., your review, and Matt LeGrand's review, showed me this is the go to watch. I don't need a 955, this, the 255, has more than enough with its standard features.
i just ordered this watch because i wanted something smaller than 45mm and mip instead of amoled and the pink color sold me 😭 i hope it’ll fit my wrist well
Or 945LTE get all 955 features except touchscreen and smaller size at 44mm. Also get LTE which is handy if someone needs to know where you are or what time you're back from your run or if you are running somewhere to meet up with them they can see where you are.
I think its sad, that they online had the black and pink version and not a black and for example red colour version. It makes this very slim and small watch even more feminine and i as a male would like more a neutral colour way
I have 170mm wrist. I am hesitating to buy the 46mm because it might be too bulky and too large on my hand. somebody to share their experience with their wrist size and the size of watch they bought? thanks
Garmin said: Fits wrists with a circumference of 110-175 mm - for 255s. I'm afraid that in winter I won't be able to wear a watch over a longsleeve and a jacket. I have also 170mm wrist.
175 mm wrist and I bought a Fenix 7s. Not the best choice in terms of comfortable. I think that the small diameter combined to the 20 mm Quick fit band ( band's part attached to Watch case Is not flexible ) don't help
How is the music connection over bluetooth, and do you know what BT tecnology they use for the watch? I heard there are issues when reading reviews, and don't know if those problems have been fixed with software updates. Thnx
It's more magenta, although people keep on telling me they see it as pink, so the colour might be on the edge of being purple/pink, hence why people keep seeing it as different colour.
@@pacemaxpro noted, TQ. My wrist is kinda narrow and as Asian, straight man wearing colour like this will be mistaken, etc. The colour that Garmin should have chosen a neutral colour, i.e. red or Dark Orange. Due to this colour my only choice left is 255S Grey or a 255 Black.
@@pacemaxproAt the Garmin webpage there is a ring arround the complete watch Body. Maybe the test parts didnt had that ring. Btw, thanks for the very informative video. 👍
Hello! I'd say both would fit, but the 255S might be a slightly better choice. If you're happy with the slightly smaller display, you should definitely go with the 255S.
Hi! I bought a Forerunner 255 S Music and I noticed something: the pedometer works even if I'm stationary but moving in the car. I have tested with other types of cars and it does not seem normal. Does someone had the same problem?
I haven't had this issue, but I can't see why this would happen, unless you're drinking really slowly and your heart rate went up? I assume you aren't swinging your arms around when you drive. 😅
@@pacemaxpro I don't expect the product to be perfect. however I did a test: I used the garmin forerunner 255 music with two other watches on a 4 hour car trip and the garmin "walked" 4 thousand steps more than the others. there's no way this is normal! and even the first ones used. I'm really disappointed :/
Hey, I'm not sure! I checked the hike settings and there is an option called 'Saved Locations', so I guess you might be able to add a waypoint in the Garmin Explore app and see it under saved locations? Just a guess, though. 🤔
Yes, it does! The FR 255 has better GPS, newer HR sensor, can measure heart rate variability and has the morning report (the latter which I agree is not mind blowing but something extra)
For a 7 inch wrist, would you recommend a 255 or 255s? I would wear it all the time, so smaller might be more comfortable over time? But maybe the larger easier to read screen on the 255 might be worth the extra size?
That's the big question! I have a 7" wrist and I enjoyed using the 255s: the standard 255 is as big as a 955. It's still light, though, so it might not bother you. I didn't mind wearing the 955 either.
@@pacemaxpro I also have a 7" wrist. I assume the fonts are larger on the 255 (my eyesight is getting worse). Does the 955 look unnaturally large on your wrist?
@@pacemaxpro Thanks for your reply. I know they are small. 🤣 I thought 4 data fields were allowed, but wow, Garmin allows 6 data fields on that tiny screen. 👍🏻
Uh, well, the instinct 2 is chunkier as it's a rugged watch. I'd go with the FR255S, especially if you want to use the watch for running or Tri training.
May I asking ... I have the small problem when 255 auto move to sleep status at 22h00 every day so it made light screen off. I have alway to manual turn off sleep status to using normally. I set sleep time and light fuctions already but it still stayed this problem. Thanks in adv...
The 255S Music is the perfect minimalist running watch! It is a big jump from anything before, like you said "best small multi-sport watch to ever exist". It is everything I wanted when I originally bought my 245 music. It now has the altimeter, more accurate GPS (which has been a problem for me in the hills), significantly improved battery life, and smaller size. Literally fixed everything I didn't like about my 245. I will also use the ski mode. I bought it pretty much as soon as I heard about it. It is wonderful. My overall review of the product has gone from 3 stars to 5 stars. I gave the 245 music 3 stars because I thought it could do better and the battery life was just so-so, and it was a bit big for a minimalist running watch. Don't worry if you think it is too small, it is not.
It's a nifty little watch, isn't it? I'm glad you're enjoy using it
How many cm is your wrist? mine is 17 cm, do you think the 255s would be good for me?
Great review, one thing I'd suggest for future reviews is showing it on your wrist more, and if you still have the 955 or others, showing them together for size comparison.
Thanks for the feedback! I have very limited time to shoot these vids but I'll try to provide more on-wrist footage going forward 👍
got a 955 today, but made the mistake of watching this and now the 955 looks enormous on my wrist lol. Might pick up a 255s and chose between the two! Great video
Haha, sorry!
Asking for AMOLED in such a small battery results in one thing and you know what it is. If Garmin does it there will be new video titled "The new Garmin forerunner with AMOLED display's battery sucked". Still prefer MIP for the battery life.
All I'm saying is that there are running wearables from Garmin and other companies with AMOLED displays and decent battery life and it would have been nice to have this option. The contrast and visibility of AMOLED displays in broad daylight is better than MIP ones. Regardless of the display, the 255S is a great little multisport watch
Huawei GT Runner has an AMOLED screen and the battery last for a long time, so there are no excuses. Garmin has been behind the curve for such a long time it's not even funny. Still no wireless charing? C'mon. And don't get me started on the software fragmentation between different watches. It's absolutely ridiculous that Garmin can't have a unified software suite and instead it looks like every watch is made by a different group of engineers making different, random decisions, adding or cutting out features for no reason whatsoever or shuffling them between menus with no sense whatsoever. Such lack of professionalism
Interesting the debate of this comment has been settled now, 265 and 965
Really want this smaller version as I only have small wrists. However as I getting the music version I’m really limited in the colours I wish it was just the same as the bigger one I really don’t like the magenta pinky colour or a white watch. I know that’s a minor issue but it’s a lot of money for me do I go with the bigger one with a colour scheme I really like or the smaller one with a colour I’m not keen at all on (I know it’s a tiny part of the watch)
So just to be clear, it's a small watch? I don't remember if you've mentioned it 😉 HOWEVER (😉) , you've helped me in making my decision to buy it. I was searching for a review of the smaller version, and it has not been easy... Everyone is always reviewing the big version or X version... I really like small watches and I feel my fenix 6s non pro is getting a bit dated. This 255s has managed to catch the old fenix and surpass it in many areas. Also I've been meaning to switch to a music capable garmin and it seems now's the time. Thanks for the review.
Haha, sorry, I could've been clearer! The 255S has a 41mm watch case. The standard 255 is 46 mm. The Forerunner 245 was 42 mm. I'm sure you'll love the 255S (I sure do)!
@@pacemaxpro Just got it and I confirm: it's great! You can't tell you're wearing it, it's so feather light.
@@andreigroza2445 also thinking of switching from non-pro 6s
@@andreigroza2445 The 255S has a Pink Wordings or does it hava PINK Colour strips???!!!!! OMG
I am sold.., your review, and Matt LeGrand's review, showed me this is the go to watch. I don't need a 955, this, the 255, has more than enough with its standard features.
It really is a super capable watch 👌
i just ordered this watch because i wanted something smaller than 45mm and mip instead of amoled and the pink color sold me 😭 i hope it’ll fit my wrist well
Or 945LTE get all 955 features except touchscreen and smaller size at 44mm. Also get LTE which is handy if someone needs to know where you are or what time you're back from your run or if you are running somewhere to meet up with them they can see where you are.
I hope this isn't a silly question, but with complex phone apps that track all your physical activity, does one REALLY need a smart watch/band?
I think its sad, that they online had the black and pink version and not a black and for example red colour version. It makes this very slim and small watch even more feminine and i as a male would like more a neutral colour way
I got the white stone 255s, with light blue wording and design.
Nice!
Still the 245 was a quantum leap from the 235, the 255 is an enhancement of the 245 imo the 245 is an amazing sports watch that set the standard.
I have 170mm wrist. I am hesitating to buy the 46mm because it might be too bulky and too large on my hand.
somebody to share their experience with their wrist size and the size of watch they bought?
thanks
Garmin said: Fits wrists with a circumference of 110-175 mm - for 255s. I'm afraid that in winter I won't be able to wear a watch over a longsleeve and a jacket. I have also 170mm wrist.
175 mm wrist and I bought a Fenix 7s. Not the best choice in terms of comfortable.
I think that the small diameter combined to the 20 mm Quick fit band ( band's part attached to Watch case Is not flexible ) don't help
Does the pink accent looks to femenine?
How is the music connection over bluetooth, and do you know what BT tecnology they use for the watch? I heard there are issues when reading reviews, and don't know if those problems have been fixed with software updates. Thnx
Is that a Pink Colour wordings "START"????
It's more magenta, although people keep on telling me they see it as pink, so the colour might be on the edge of being purple/pink, hence why people keep seeing it as different colour.
@@pacemaxpro noted, TQ.
My wrist is kinda narrow and as Asian, straight man wearing colour like this will be mistaken, etc.
The colour that Garmin should have chosen a neutral colour, i.e. red or Dark Orange.
Due to this colour my only choice left is 255S Grey or a 255 Black.
@@solitude8375 255s grey is even more feminine as it has a peach ring around the watch and peach accents
They could have made tbe screen bigger on this small watch. The bezel is very thick on this model.
The magenta ring around the black 255s Music looks very feminin in my eyes.
You mean around the action button? The watch case and bezel are black. The magenta ring around the button is very subtle
@@pacemaxproAt the Garmin webpage there is a ring arround the complete watch Body. Maybe the test parts didnt had that ring. Btw, thanks for the very informative video. 👍
a 100 years ago pink was for boys and blue for girls…
Hi thanks for the review. do you think 255 or 255s will fit better for 15cm wrist?
Hello! I'd say both would fit, but the 255S might be a slightly better choice. If you're happy with the slightly smaller display, you should definitely go with the 255S.
@@pacemaxpro yeah i end up with 255s.. thanks a lot buddy
Hi! I bought a Forerunner 255 S Music and I noticed something: the pedometer works even if I'm stationary but moving in the car. I have tested with other types of cars and it does not seem normal. Does someone had the same problem?
I haven't had this issue, but I can't see why this would happen, unless you're drinking really slowly and your heart rate went up? I assume you aren't swinging your arms around when you drive. 😅
@@pacemaxpro I don't expect the product to be perfect. however I did a test: I used the garmin forerunner 255 music with two other watches on a 4 hour car trip and the garmin "walked" 4 thousand steps more than the others. there's no way this is normal! and even the first ones used. I'm really disappointed :/
Hi! Can I put waypoints on my track in Garmin 255s? I want to use also for my hiking trails. And it is important to save waypoints.
Hey, I'm not sure! I checked the hike settings and there is an option called 'Saved Locations', so I guess you might be able to add a waypoint in the Garmin Explore app and see it under saved locations? Just a guess, though. 🤔
And if u compare the polar pacer vs the garmin forerunner 255 wich one would u prefer?
I'd do with the non-music version of the Forerunner 255. The Pacer Pro is slightly cheaper, tho, and not that far behind in terms of features
Does 255 music model have option to set hot keys, so one of the buttons could be used for Garmin Pay?
I checked the settings and I couldn't find an option. I also checked online and people say the 255 doesn't have hot keys so I'd say no, sadly
Hi! Does it make sense to go from 945 to 255 in your opinion?
Yes, it does! The FR 255 has better GPS, newer HR sensor, can measure heart rate variability and has the morning report (the latter which I agree is not mind blowing but something extra)
For a 7 inch wrist, would you recommend a 255 or 255s? I would wear it all the time, so smaller might be more comfortable over time? But maybe the larger easier to read screen on the 255 might be worth the extra size?
That's the big question! I have a 7" wrist and I enjoyed using the 255s: the standard 255 is as big as a 955. It's still light, though, so it might not bother you. I didn't mind wearing the 955 either.
@@pacemaxpro I also have a 7" wrist. I assume the fonts are larger on the 255 (my eyesight is getting worse). Does the 955 look unnaturally large on your wrist?
Does it have pace alerts in the pool swimming activity?
Yes, under 'Alerts' in Pool Swimming/Settings you can set time, distance, calorie and pace alerts
is the maps available in this watch?
Max data fields in that small screen? 4 or 6 data fields? Thanks
You can get 6 data fields on the screen but they are tiny. 😀
@@pacemaxpro Thanks for your reply. I know they are small. 🤣 I thought 4 data fields were allowed, but wow, Garmin allows 6 data fields on that tiny screen. 👍🏻
Would you mind weighing the watch without the strap ?
Sure thing! Case only is 26 grams
This or instinct 2s?
Uh, well, the instinct 2 is chunkier as it's a rugged watch. I'd go with the FR255S, especially if you want to use the watch for running or Tri training.
@@pacemaxpro thanks. Can you save waypoints with this watch? i often use this feature
como has echo para tener el vo2 tan bien? en excelente?
Haha, having a good vo2 max is my only saving grace as I'm generally not the fastest runner 😆
@@pacemaxpro 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
it's black and pink tho, ya?
Yes, pink
What is your wrist size please?
My wrist circumference is approximately 7 inches/17 cm
@@pacemaxpro Thank you,you help me a lot
nice review, though the dirty screen on the watch was ruining the video
Believe it or not that's the result of me trying to clean the screen with vinegar and accidentally smudging it in the process. :D
@@pacemaxpro Why would you need vinegar lol just rinse with water it's only gonna be dirty through sweat. Vinegar is for descaling or deep cleaning.
What a whiney charscter
That you are =)
May I asking ...
I have the small problem when 255 auto move to sleep status at 22h00 every day so it made light screen off. I have alway to manual turn off sleep status to using normally.
I set sleep time and light fuctions already but it still stayed this problem.
Thanks in adv...