Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, White

I was using FR245 for three years, when it stopped charging (hope Garmin can do better producity quality control). I was totally happy with FR 245, but I had to replace it. The choices are FR265 ($350 with discount), FR255 with music ($270), and Coro Pace 3 ($230). I first tried Coro, since I was upset that FR245 only lasted for three years. It is cheap, but I found it cheap looking, and the clock faces were also cheap (albeit there are hundres of options). So I returned it. Then I was left with FR265 and FR 255. The former has AMOLED display, while the latter is 20% cheaper. The rest seems the same. Better screen is attractive, but considering that the Garmin watches might not last long, with their poor quality, I didn't want to pay $350. So I went to FR255.I am happy. Yes, it is not a bright AMOLED screen, but it is still better than the screen of FR245 (a bit brighter and larger). The GPS is significantly better (faster to acquire a signal, and be ready, and more precise). It feels more premium quality compared with Coro 3. I don't need Music function, since I do not listen to music with Garmin, so I wish I could have purchased a version weithout music ($250), but the White FR255 which I wanted was only available with music. But I love the white version., Much more elegant looking than white version of FR265 (who thought it is a good idea to add non-white color to the band?) Considering that Garmin watches is of poor build quality and does not last long, I think $280 for a dedicated running watch is reasaonble.

This is my second Garmin smartwatch. It's an excellent smart watch. The LCD display is bright and easy to read in direct sunlight. It has an adjustable backlight which can be increased in rain. It also has wifi and Garmin share. It's easy to navigate with a color display. It also displays training stats including vo2 max and race predictions. It also has a long battery life and only needs to be recharged once a week. I might upgrade eventually.

Love how it can have music and easily tracks pace changes in my runs

I'm a trail runner, and I run in extreme conditions in Colorado. If I used maps on a watch, I might choose a more expensive model, but this watch tracks distance, time, and elevation well. I generally upload the info to Strava and look at my maps that way. Getting used to the menus is a PITA, but that's a technical watch for you. I keep it on battery saver and it lasts pretty well. I did get a rubber cover/protector for the bezel from fleabay and a liquid protectant for the face. Don't get one of the cheap covers for the face or you won't be able to see the watch well enough. It notifies me of texts if near my phone, so that's sometimes nice.

I bought this watch to have some more data and listen to music/podacsts without having to carry my phone. I think the watch is great. Your able to download different watch faces and holds hours of music. My only complaint is that it has to many options available. There is a step learning curve to this watch. Wish I was able to delete the options which are not needed.

Long lasting battery lasts about a week for me. One less device charging I need to look into on daily basis. Clear display. Easy to use.Seems built to last, expect it will last long like my previous one that lasted 8 years and was still working well.

I have always loved Garmin! It doesn't really matter what you are training for, or if you are just wanting a more fitness-oriented smart watch , anything Garmin is fantastic. Garmin does one thing and one thing REALLY well. They know fitness. Whether you are doing a triathlon, training for an ultra, or just looking to improve your sleep Garmin and the insights they have figured out, will help.

This was a huge upgrade from my Vivioactive HR. The screens are crisp, buttons and actually working the watch is simple and easy to understand and it performs smoothly without any issue. Connection to my phone is quick and easy and the data for every stat when I run is always accurate. The design of the watch is also smooth and comfortable. But please note, in order to get music onto the watch, there are select apps you may use, and if you choose to use Spotify or Amazon Music, you do require a premium subscription to either one to get full access. It is also possible to transfer files from a desktop to the watch and there are 2 other apps I’ve never used that also work.