Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 255

By Linus T.
Updated May 2023

Garmin has refreshed its Forerunner 200 series with the recent launch of the Garmin Forerunner 265, an upgrade to the Forerunner 255 model released in 2022.

Both smartwatches are classified as mid-range GPS running smartwatches, equipped with a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking tools. If you're looking for an entry-level GPS running smartwatch, you may want to consider the Garmin Forerunner 55. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more fully-featured option, check out the latest Garmin Forerunner 965.

To help you decide whether it's worth upgrading to the new models, we put the Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 255 to the test in our review.

Before we begin, it's worth noting that both models also have an "S" version available too, which is a smaller-sized version of the smartwatch.

Garmin Forerunner 265

All-new AMOLED display

Train brilliantly with a bright and beautiful AMOLED screen to view all your metrics in vivid colours and deep blacks

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Garmin Forerunner 255

Made for running

GPS running smartwatch equipped with multi-band GNSS and Garmin’s V4 Elevate Heart Rate Sensor

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#1 Price

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 255

There is a slight difference between the two models in terms of pricing. The Garmin Forerunner 265 has a higher launch price than the Garmin Forerunner 255, with the latter having a price reduction with the launch of the new model.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 has a retail price of US$449.99, while the Garmin Forerunner 255 now retails for US$349.99, down from its previous price of US$399.99.

With the launch of the Garmin Forerunner 265 being so near to its predecessor, it's understandable that Garmin took this pricing route to entice current or new users.

#2 Design & Specs

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 255

At first glance, the Garmin Forerunner 265 and Garmin Forerunner 255 appear almost identical. Both models have a round face with five buttons that control all features and settings on the watch. However, one notable difference between the two is that the Forerunner 265 features a new touchscreen display. This allows for easy navigation through various stats and maps directly on the watch face, with the option to switch back to using the buttons as needed, particularly when your fingers are sweaty. This upgrade provides a more seamless user experience for those who prefer a touchscreen interface, while still maintaining the traditional button controls for those who prefer that approach.

Upon activating the screen on both smartwatches, the most noteworthy difference becomes apparent. The Garmin Forerunner 265 features a brand-new AMOLED display, while the Forerunner 255 is equipped with a sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display. The AMOLED display offers more vivid colours and deeper blacks for greater visual appeal and clarity, providing a superior viewing experience compared to its predecessor. With this upgrade, users can enjoy a more immersive experience when viewing their stats, maps, and other information on the watch's face.

#3 Health & Fitness

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 255

Both the Garmin Forerunner 255 and Venu 2 cover most of the basic health tracking tools Garmin has to offer. You’ll have features like Health Snapshot, Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep & stress tracking and more. Using these features, you can get a comprehensive picture of your body and deeply understand how you feel daily on a qualitative assessment.

Here comes the huge difference between the two watches. The Forerunner 255 was designed mainly for running and comes packed with features solely to track & analyse your runs. These features are not available on the Venu 2 at all, so if you’re more than just a casual runner this is where it matters.

#4 Smartwatch Functions

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 255

In terms of day-to-day smartwatch features, there isn't much that has changed between the Garmin Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 255.

Both models allow you to download music directly onto the watch, enabling you to leave your phone behind and still enjoy your favourite songs while on the go. Additionally, both models have Garmin Pay embedded for seamless payments during checkout. As with previous models, users can also expect Smart Notifications, Safety & Tracking features, and compatibility with the Garmin Connect app.

#5 Battery & Power

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 255

The Garmin Forerunner 265's brighter display provides a more visually appealing experience, but it does come at the cost of battery life. However, the difference in battery life between the two models is insignificant.

The Forerunner 265S has a battery life of 15 days in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode, while the Forerunner 265 lasts for 13 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. Interestingly, the larger watch does not have a longer battery life; instead, it’s the Forerunner 255 that boasts a longer battery life of 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode without music.

While these battery lives are impressive compared to other smartwatches on the market, those who prioritize extended battery life may prefer the Forerunner 255 over the newer model.

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 255

Final Thoughts

Although the Garmin Forerunner 265 comes with some impressive improvements in specifications and features, many of these new features can likely be accessed by Forerunner 255 users through a software update. Therefore, when choosing between the two models, the primary factor to consider is the Forerunner 265's AMOLED screen.

If you currently own a Garmin Forerunner 255, it might not make sense to splash another few hundred dollars just for a better screen. But if it's what you really want and need, by all means.

If you, however, own a Garmin Forerunner 245, upgrading to either smartwatch will be a good choice. With the Forerunner 245 launched in 2019, you will get upgrades across the board with better sensors in the new models. Your choice between the two will then boil down to the aforementioned core difference in screen and battery life. Either way, you're set for a great upgrade.

If you like to read more on Garmin smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 965

Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Garmin Forerunner 245

Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 955

Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 945

Explore the full collection for Garmin on Amazon.com or visit the Official Garmin Singapore Store.