Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Forerunner 255S GPS Smartwatch 41 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Powder Gray
Average customer rating
4.7
(140 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 140 reviews
5 Stars
112
4 Stars
19
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
0
1 Star
5
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Forerunner 255S GPS Smartwatch 41 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Powder Gray
Customer Rating
5
Lots a Good, some not-so
on November 10, 2022
Posted by: MikeS-Tucson
I bought this as my 920XT died. I purchased it in 2015 so I certainly made out on it. I upgraded to the 255S for its size. The 920XT was a bit on the big side. From a feature standpoint the 255S is a great upgrade. Smarter, more metrics and abilities. Where it falls short is in the ergonomics or layout. This watch was really designed for left handed folks as the buttons are not properly placed. Even the Up/Down buttons are odd in that they are not the top and bottom buttons (as we would expect and used to). Top for Up and Bottom for Down. Here the middle button is Up. Now, I am used to my 920XT and I am sure that I will acclimate, but the lap button is where the Down button should be. So instead of seeing my Data Layout screens I am adding laps. And because the Up/Down buttons are on the left side of the watch it is awkward when riding or running to have to reach across the watch to press the Up/Down buttons to see the different data layout screens. Programming is not any easier on this watch as the 920 as the buttons become multi-function and no indication of what they do so I am constantly pressing the wrong button and having to start over. Not sure why they are even using buttons....use the screen and display options (aka touch screen like so many others). And again because the Up/Down buttons are on the right side, its hard to view the screen with your hand over the face when trying to program the watch. However, I am sure that I will get used to it over time and those new to the watch won't have these issues.
I was also kinda disappointed that the watch had limited color selection... ie, couldn't order the 255s in black. However, there are countless 3rd party bands on-line to fix the issue. As well as colored shields that protect the bezel and have protected glass as one snap over unit. Very cool.
I had no issue adding the watch to Connect and my sensors paired up with no issue. Programming has been a bit daunting try to get the right sequence of buttons pushed, but once programmed that should no longer be an issue. The "smart watch" features work well. But again I wish it was touch screen as to navigate the functions screen you have to press too many buttons to get to the option you want and again your hand gets in the way unless you twist and turn it.
The added heart rate and sleep features are worth the inconveniences. The addition of being able to add other forms of exercise such as elliptical, cardio and rowing are very cool. Just ordered another cadence sensor for the elliptical. I am also hoping that the "Climb" feature will helpful as that was one of the things I really wanted with the 920 was to see more info when I was ridding or running up hills. However, haven't seem to been able to get it working.
Also helpful is that one can see more Data on the watch then having to load up Connect on phone or PC. It's small, but it's there.
All in all, kinda glad the 920XT died and I HAD to upgrade. There is no doubt that the Garmin products are worth their weight in gold.
I was also kinda disappointed that the watch had limited color selection... ie, couldn't order the 255s in black. However, there are countless 3rd party bands on-line to fix the issue. As well as colored shields that protect the bezel and have protected glass as one snap over unit. Very cool.
I had no issue adding the watch to Connect and my sensors paired up with no issue. Programming has been a bit daunting try to get the right sequence of buttons pushed, but once programmed that should no longer be an issue. The "smart watch" features work well. But again I wish it was touch screen as to navigate the functions screen you have to press too many buttons to get to the option you want and again your hand gets in the way unless you twist and turn it.
The added heart rate and sleep features are worth the inconveniences. The addition of being able to add other forms of exercise such as elliptical, cardio and rowing are very cool. Just ordered another cadence sensor for the elliptical. I am also hoping that the "Climb" feature will helpful as that was one of the things I really wanted with the 920 was to see more info when I was ridding or running up hills. However, haven't seem to been able to get it working.
Also helpful is that one can see more Data on the watch then having to load up Connect on phone or PC. It's small, but it's there.
All in all, kinda glad the 920XT died and I HAD to upgrade. There is no doubt that the Garmin products are worth their weight in gold.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Worth the upgrade from a FR230 to FR255s!
on November 10, 2022
Posted by: RoyH
I upgraded from a Forerunner 230 due to a malfunctioning HR sensor to the Forerunner 255s and this watch is impressive. The heart rate sensor is very accurate and the GPS tracking is exact. There are quite a bit of high-end features packed into this watch that are available in other higher-end Garmin watches.
Garmin should include a longer wristband for this watch. I was able to call customer support and they shipped a longer wristband at no cost. If you're debating an upgrade- you will not be disappointed.
Great customer support and another amazing product from Garmin.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Love the Features
on November 16, 2022
Posted by: Runningmom86
I upgraded from the forerunner 245 to experience some of the new features and I’m loving the extra data! Especially the morning report and extended performance load data!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
HR Problem
on November 24, 2022
Posted by: Dotty
I bought it to replace my Garmin 935 which started having battery issues. However, the 255S does not pick up my HR if I'm wearing a thin jacket and shirt, whereas the 935 always does with the same clothing. It does fine if it is on my wrist with no clothing. I also synced it with a HR monitor and it didn't pick that up either. Since it won't pick up GPS if it is under my jacket sleeve, it is worthless to me in cold weather.
Response from GarminBy Cecil with Garmin, Fitness, November 30, 2022
Hi Dotty, we are sorry to hear that you are having issues like this, we would encourage you to reach out to our team so that we can get the details from you and work on a solution, thank you for posting a review.
Please reach out to our team at: product.support@garmin.com
support.garmin.com
Forerunner 255S Support:
https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?productID=780165&tab=topics
Please reach out to our team at: product.support@garmin.com
support.garmin.com
Forerunner 255S Support:
https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?productID=780165&tab=topics
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Love it!!!
on December 29, 2022
Posted by: Mifty
Has all the features I want with a smaller watch face.
I love how the programming gives you workouts to keep your training balanced.
I love how the programming gives you workouts to keep your training balanced.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Smaller size, more features!
on December 30, 2022
Posted by: Sandy26
Upgrading from a sometimes twitchy 235 that served me well for many years, I am enjoying the size and challenged by the status and workout evaluations. Today I received the rating of "overreaching" which is slightly more encouraging than "unproductive". Honey every time I go out and get my sweat on it's productive. Being able to reply to texts and calls from my watch is even better because I can put in the message I want, like "OMWH" or "Nope!". I was surprised by the charging port and immediately ordered little silicone plugs which remedied that ugly possible problem. Still learning to use the features, but I do recommend this watch. One complaint, Garmin, seriously the color selection of pink and gray was a little odd. Do you really sell that many pink watches? Still a loyal customer!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Love it!
on January 12, 2023
Posted by: mamaonthemove
I’ve used this for a few weeks now and I love it! I love that they made a small size that fits my wrist. They race feature is a nice addition and I like the daily suggested workouts. I’ve only charged my watch once but one con is that my watch stopped charging at 85%. I had to plug it in at a different outlet for it to fully charge. i’m hoping this won’t be a problem every time I charge.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
I love it
on January 16, 2023
Posted by: Nikki13
I love this watch, it helps me know where my body is at and helps me stay motivated
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin