Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: Which one should you buy?

To oversimplify, Garmin’s Forerunner 265 adds a fresh face to the already powerful Forerunner 255 feature set. Beyond their contrasting screens, the devices share many core features. In fact, many of the new generation’s software updates will even roll back to the previous one, keeping the Garmin devices neck and neck. On the other hand, the 265 does pack a few important upgrades that differentiate the device from its older sibling. Find out which fitness tracker is right for your wrist in this Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265 comparison.

Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: At a glance

Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: Specs

Garmin Forerunner 255/255S Garmin Forerunner 265
Display 41mm:
1.1-inch MIP
218 x 218 resolution

46mm:
1.3-inch MIP
260 x 260 resolution

42mm:
1.1-inch AMOLED, optional always-on
360 x 360 resolution

46mm:
1.3-inch MIP
416 x 416 resolution

Dimensions and weight 41mm:
41 x 41 x 12.4mm
39g w/o strap
Fits wrists 110-175mm

46mm:
45.6 x 45.6 x 12.9mm
49g w/o strap
Fits wrists 130-205mm

42mm:
41.7 x 41.7 x 12.9mm
40 w/o strap
Fits wrists 115-178mm

46mm:
46.1 x 46.1 x 12.9mm
46g w/o strap
Fits wrists 135-205mm

Colors and materials 41mm:
Color: Powder Gray or Light Pink
Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap

46mm:
Color: Tidal Blue or Slate Gray
Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap

42mm:
Color: Black/Amp Yello, Whitestone/Neo Tropic, or Light Pink/Powder Gray
Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap

46mm:
Color: Whitestone/Tidal Blue, Black/Powder Gray, or Aqua/Black
Material: Gorilla Glass 3 display, Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, silicone strap

Battery 41mm
Up to 12 days in smartwatch mode
Up to 26 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode
Up to 20 hours in All-Systems GNSS mode

46mm:
Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode
Up to 30 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode
Up to 25 hours in All-Systems GNSS Mode

42mm:
Up to 15 days in smartwatch mode
Up to 24 hours GPS-only GNSS mode
Up to 15 hours in All-Systems GNSS mode

46mm:
Up to 13 days in smartwatch mode
Up to 20 hours in GPS-only GNSS mode
Up to 14 hours in All-Systems GNSS Mode

Sensors GPS
GLONASS
GALILEO
Multi-Frequency Positioning
Garmin Elevate
Barometric Altimeter
Compass
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Thermometer
Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor
GPS
GLONASS
GALILEO
Multi-Frequency Positioning
Garmin Elevate
Barometric Altimeter
Compass
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Thermometer
Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor
Durability 5ATM 5ATM
Connectivity NFC
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
NFC
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
Compatibility Android and iOS Android and iOS

The most important thing to know when comparing the Forerunner 255 vs 265 is that both are great fitness trackers. During our Forerunner 255 review, we felt the device significantly improved the Forerunner line with NFC support and upgraded sensors. Before it was outdone by the 265, we considered it the best midrange running watch you could buy.

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