Choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265 is one of the most common decisions runners face today. Both watches sit in Garmin's mid-range lineup and offer excellent value, but the Garmin 255 vs 265 comparison reveals some significant differences — particularly in display technology, training features, and price. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down every aspect to help you decide which Forerunner deserves a spot on your wrist.
At-a-Glance: Forerunner 255 vs 265 Comparison
Before diving into the details, here's a quick comparison table highlighting the key differences between the Garmin Forerunner 255 and 265:
| Feature | Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) | AMOLED |
| Display Size | 1.1" (46mm) / 1.3" (Music) | 1.1" (265S) / 1.3" (265) |
| Resolution | 260 x 260 px | 416 x 416 px |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| GPS | Multi-band (optional) | Multi-band (always on) |
| Battery (GPS) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Battery (Smartwatch) | Up to 14 days | Up to 13 days |
| Weight | 49g (46mm) | 47g (265) |
| Training Readiness | No | Yes |
| Morning Report | Basic | Enhanced |
| Price (MSRP) | 349 | $449 |
Display Comparison: MIP vs AMOLED
The most noticeable difference between the Garmin Forerunner 255 and 265 is the display technology. This single upgrade justifies much of the price difference.
Forerunner 255: Memory-in-Pixel (MIP)
The Forerunner 255 uses Garmin's traditional Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display — a transflective screen that becomes more readable in bright sunlight. Key characteristics include:
- Always-on display without battery drain
- Excellent outdoor visibility in direct sunlight
- Lower resolution (260 x 260 pixels)
- No touchscreen — button-only navigation
- Muted colors compared to AMOLED
For runners who train primarily outdoors, the MIP display remains highly functional. However, the lack of touchscreen and lower resolution can feel dated.
Forerunner 265: AMOLED Revolution
The Forerunner 265 introduced AMOLED technology to Garmin's mid-range running watches, bringing:
- Vibrant, rich colors with deep blacks
- Higher resolution (416 x 416 pixels)
- Touchscreen navigation combined with buttons
- Excellent indoor visibility
- Automatic brightness adjustment
The AMOLED display on the 265 is a genuine upgrade in daily use. Maps, training metrics, and watch faces look stunning. The touchscreen also speeds up navigation through menus and data screens.
Display Verdict
If display quality matters to you, the Forerunner 265 wins decisively. The AMOLED screen transforms the daily experience of using the watch. However, if you prioritize battery life and outdoor readability above all else, the 255's MIP display remains competitive.
GPS and Sensor Accuracy
Both watches offer Garmin's latest positioning technology, but with some differences in implementation.
Multi-Band GPS
| GPS Feature | Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-band GNSS | Optional (uses more battery) | Always available |
| SatIQ Technology | Yes | Yes (improved) |
| GPS Accuracy | Excellent | Excellent |
The Forerunner 265 uses an improved version of SatIQ that automatically switches between single-band and multi-band GPS based on conditions. This delivers better accuracy in challenging environments (urban canyons, dense forests) while managing battery life.
The Forerunner 255 also offers multi-band GPS but requires manual activation, which significantly impacts battery life.
Sensor Suite
Both watches share the same core sensors:
- Elevate V4 optical heart rate sensor
- Barometric altimeter
- Compass
- Thermometer
- Accelerometer
- Pulse Ox sensor
In real-world testing, GPS tracks and heart rate accuracy are comparable between both models. The 265's advantage lies in its smarter automatic switching rather than raw sensor capability.
Training Features Comparison
This is where the Forerunner 255 vs 265 comparison gets interesting for serious runners. The 265 introduces several new training intelligence features.
Training Readiness
The Forerunner 265 includes Training Readiness — a comprehensive score (1-100) that indicates how prepared your body is for training. It analyzes:
- Sleep quality and duration
- Recovery time
- HRV status
- Acute training load
- Stress levels
This feature is not available on the Forerunner 255, making it a significant differentiator for athletes who want data-driven training guidance.
Morning Report
| Morning Report Feature | Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep summary | Yes | Yes |
| HRV status | No | Yes |
| Training readiness | No | Yes |
| Weather | Yes | Yes |
| Calendar events | Yes | Yes |
| Race countdown | No | Yes |
| Customizable widgets | Limited | Extensive |
The 265's enhanced Morning Report gives you a complete picture of your readiness before you start your day.
Suggested Workouts
Both watches offer Daily Suggested Workouts that adapt to your training load, but the 265's version is more sophisticated:
- Forerunner 255: Suggests workouts based on training history and fitness level
- Forerunner 265: Incorporates Training Readiness, adjusting intensity based on your current recovery state
Race Widget and Predictor
Both models include Garmin's Race Predictor for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon times. The 265 adds a Race Widget that shows:
- Days until your target race
- Recommended daily training focus
- Predicted finish time updates
- Course-specific predictions (when available)
Training Status and Load
Both watches provide:
- Training Status (Productive, Maintaining, Overreaching, etc.)
- Training Load (7-day and 4-week analysis)
- Recovery Time estimates
- VO2 Max estimates (running and cycling)
Music and Smart Features
Music Storage and Streaming
| Music Feature | Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 255 Music | Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music storage | No | 8GB (~500 songs) | 8GB (~500 songs) |
| Spotify offline | No | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Music | No | Yes | Yes |
| Deezer | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth headphones | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The base Forerunner 255 lacks music storage — you need the "Music" variant. The Forerunner 265 includes music storage as standard.
Smart Features
Both watches offer:
- Garmin Pay contactless payments
- Smart notifications (calls, texts, apps)
- Calendar sync
- Weather updates
- Find My Phone
- Safety features (incident detection, LiveTrack, assistance)
The 265's touchscreen makes navigating notifications and widgets more intuitive than the 255's button-only approach.
Battery Life Comparison
Battery life is one area where the Forerunner 255 has an advantage over the 265, thanks to its power-efficient MIP display.
Detailed Battery Comparison
| Mode | Forerunner 255 | Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | Up to 14 days | Up to 13 days |
| GPS only | Up to 30 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| GPS + Music | Up to 7 hours | Up to 7 hours |
| Multi-band GPS | Up to 16 hours | Up to 14 hours |
| UltraTrac mode | Up to 49 hours | Up to 26 hours |
Real-World Battery Performance
In typical use (daily wear, 3-4 hours GPS per week), expect:
- Forerunner 255: 10-12 days between charges
- Forerunner 265: 7-10 days between charges
For ultramarathon runners or multi-day adventures, the 255's superior battery life could be a deciding factor. For most runners training daily, both watches will easily last a week.
Price and Value Analysis
Current Pricing
| Model | MSRP | Typical Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Forerunner 255 | $299 | $249-279 |
| Forerunner 255 Music | $349 | $299-329 |
| Forerunner 255S | $299 | $249-279 |
| Forerunner 255S Music | $349 | $299-329 |
| Forerunner 265 | $449 | $399-429 |
| Forerunner 265S | $449 | $399-429 |
Value Proposition
The $100-150 price difference between the 255 Music and 265 buys you:
- AMOLED display (worth $75-100 alone)
- Touchscreen navigation
- Training Readiness feature
- Enhanced Morning Report
- Better multi-band GPS implementation
For runners who value display quality and advanced training metrics, the 265 offers excellent value. Budget-conscious runners can still get an outstanding watch with the 255.
Future-Proofing
The Forerunner 265's AMOLED display and Training Readiness represent Garmin's current direction. Software updates will likely favor the newer platform. If you plan to keep your watch for 3+ years, the 265 may age better.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Forerunner 255 If You:
- Prioritize battery life for ultramarathons or multi-day events
- Train primarily outdoors and value sunlight readability
- Have a tighter budget and don't need the latest features
- Prefer button-only navigation (many runners do during intense efforts)
- Don't need Training Readiness — you know your body well
- Want the "S" small size with music (only available in 255 lineup affordably)
Buy the Forerunner 265 If You:
- Want the best display available in a mid-range running watch
- Value Training Readiness for data-driven recovery decisions
- Appreciate touchscreen for daily use and navigation
- Will use music and want it included by default
- Plan to keep the watch for several years (better future-proofing)
- Care about aesthetics — the AMOLED simply looks better
Still Unsure?
Ask yourself this question: "Will I notice the display difference every day?"
If you've used an Apple Watch, smartphone, or any AMOLED device regularly, you'll likely find the 255's MIP display underwhelming. The 265's screen quality genuinely enhances daily satisfaction with the watch.
However, if you've happily used MIP displays on previous Garmins and prioritize function over form, the 255 remains an exceptional running watch at a better price.
Final Verdict: Forerunner 255 vs 265
Both the Garmin Forerunner 255 and 265 are outstanding running watches that will serve most runners extremely well. Our recommendation:
Choose the Forerunner 265 if display quality, Training Readiness, and a premium feel matter to you. The $100-150 premium delivers tangible daily benefits.
Choose the Forerunner 255 if battery life, value, and proven reliability are your priorities. It's still a capable, feature-rich running watch that will last for years.
Either way, you're getting Garmin's excellent GPS accuracy, comprehensive training metrics, and the ecosystem of Garmin Connect. You can't go wrong with either choice — it simply depends on which trade-offs matter most to you.