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 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 watch from its older sibling. Find out which fitness tracker is right for your wrist in this Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265 comparison.

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.

Still, Garmin has a knack for giving users exactly what they ask, and the Forerunner 265 is a fantastic example. Running enthusiasts were eager for an AMOLED display on a device that wouldn’t break the bank. The Forerunner 265 fills that void. The new model features a vibrant, AMOLED touchscreen display, a major boost in resolution, and an updated UI that’s equally crisp. We found the user experience much cleaner and more enjoyable than an MIP display during our Garmin Forerunner 265 review. All in all, the change elevates Garmin’s mid-budget lineup to the aesthetic of a modern smartwatch, including an optional always-on mode.

Of course, the best part of any screen is the information you can access on it. On both generations, Garmin delivers health, activity, and sleep tracking, plus tons of useful performance training metrics. These tools include everything from Body Battery and Morning Report to Pace Pro, and much, much more. Even built-in running dynamics, introduced with the Forerunner 265,  roll back to the older generation.

Training Readiness is the major exception that can only be found in the newest lineup. This is a hugely beneficial tool for analyzing how prepared you are for a given workout. It’s a metric that might sway serious athletes to pick up the pricier new generation.

Fortunately, those athletes will also likely be able to find a solid fit as, like the previous model, the 265 series is still available in two sizes. The line’s 42mm and 46mm cases are slightly larger than the 255’s 41mm and 44mm options. Unlike the previous model, however, the newer lineup includes offline music storage as standard, so there’s no longer the need to pay extra for a Music edition.

In terms of power, battery life isn’t significantly different between the two devices. A bright, AMOLED display will always use your battery faster, and always-on mode will drain it quickly. Without always-on mode, though, the 265 offers multi-week use between charges, just like its predecessor. The newest lineup didn’t bring wireless charging to the table, so either way, you’re left with a Garmin proprietary charging cable.

Finally, a few things are missing on both lineups that are worth considering. Users won’t find an ECG-compatible heart rate sensor (like on the Venu 3 and others) in either generation. They also don’t offer fully-baked smartwatch experiences. Neither generation packs a speaker or microphone, so on-device voice calls are a no-go.

At launch, the Garmin Forerunner 255 hit shelves at $349 for a standard model. A Music edition pulled an extra $50 from shoppers’ wallets. As mentioned above, either edition is available in two sizes, and pricing does not change based on your chosen size. As the devices are still fairly new, you may still find them priced around the same. On the other hand, Garmin devices tend to go on sale once a newer model is available.

When the Forerunner 265 landed, Garmin simplified the lineup by adding music storage as a base feature. This also simplified pricing to a single $449 cost across the board. The 265 and 265S offer the same experience and features; they’re simply different sizes. While the upgraded lineup received a $50 price bump, the markup is pretty moderate compared to rising prices in the wearables market.

Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 265: Which should you buy?

The final call on choosing a Forerunner 255 vs 265 comes down to personal preference and budget. Fortunately, either way, you’ll end up with a winning device. If an AMOLED display is a priority, the answer is easy. The answer may be less decisive if you’re more interested in substance than style. Both generations pack tons of sport modes, training tools, and accurate sensors backed by an incredible fitness-tracking platform.

Garmin has also been known to support its devices for many years, so there’s no real risk in choosing the older tech. If you want to save some cash, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a Forerunner 255. Conversely, Training Readiness is a unique and valuable tool for athletes. Anyone who wants every stat imaginable should strongly consider the newer Forerunner 265. Even if you own a Forerunner 255, Training Readiness alone might warrant an upgrade.

If you want an even more budget-friendly watch, the Garmin Forerunner 165 ($249.99 at Garmin) is another great pick for runners. At $250, it offers fantastic value, with accurate sensors and a colorful AMOLED display.