TLDR Review: Garmin Forerunner 255 Music
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is a strong contender for anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable, and accurate GPS running watch with music capabilities and excellent battery life. It’s especially great for amateur athletes and daily users wanting detailed fitness insights without being overwhelmed by complexity. However, if you prioritize ultra-precise sleep tracking or require highly specialized GPS features, or if you dislike fiddling with a less intuitive interface, you might want to explore more advanced or differently featured models. For a similar experience with potentially more extensive features, checking newer Garmin models or rivals could be worth your time. ShopSavvy thinks this watch offers solid value especially for runners who want integrated music and long battery life without a premium price tag.
- Top pro:
- Exceptional battery life, lasting about two weeks to a month on a single charge even after extended daily use
- Top con:
- The original silicone/rubber band may cause discomfort and often benefits from being replaced with an aftermarket option like a velcro closure or alternative strap for better comfort
Pros
- •Exceptional battery life, lasting about two weeks to a month on a single charge even after extended daily use
- •Reliable and accurate GPS tracking suitable for running, walking, and outdoor activities
- •Very precise heart rate monitoring within 5 bpm of manual measurements
- •Comfortable, smaller-sized watch that fits well on a variety of wrist sizes, including petite wrists
- •Allows offline music playback by syncing favorite playlists directly to the watch
- •Seamless syncing of workout data to the phone app for detailed analysis and training insights
- •Comprehensive wellness tracking including sleep, stress, and body battery metrics that motivate healthier habits
- •High build quality with noticeable improvements over previous models, including a larger screen and better visibility
- •User-friendly for basic and amateur athletic needs without overwhelming features
- •Customizable through native settings and the Connect IQ app for personalization
Cons
- •The original silicone/rubber band may cause discomfort and often benefits from being replaced with an aftermarket option like a velcro closure or alternative strap for better comfort
- •User interface can be unintuitive and requires time to learn, which might frustrate less tech-savvy users initially
- •GPS accuracy is good for most uses but may not replace specialized professional devices or training apps for elite athletes
- •Sleep, stress, and body battery metrics provide general insight but can lack precision, especially if the user is on certain medications
- •Not ideal for those seeking highly advanced, feature-rich smartwatches or multisport devices beyond running and basic health tracking
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How ShopSavvy makes money
How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from 12 retailers in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Jul 3, 2025.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Price | Last seen | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| $399.99 | Jul 3, 2025 may have changed | ||
| $399.99 | Jul 3, 2025 may have changed | ||
| $399.99 | Jul 3, 2025 may have changed | ||
| $399.99 | Jul 3, 2025 may have changed | ||
| $399.99 | Jul 3, 2025 may have changed |
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices across tens of thousands of stores, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more.
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
