Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 955: A Comprehensive Comparison

In today’s fast-paced world, having a reliable GPS watch is essential for navigating through unknown territories and exploring the great outdoors.

Two popular options from Garmin, a renowned brand in the GPS industry, are the Garmin Forerunner 255 and the Garmin Forerunner 955. These two remarkable GPS models from Garmin have garnered significant attention and are hot topics of discussion among outdoor enthusiasts.

This post aims to provide you with an in-depth comparison of these two devices, helping you make an informed decision on which one suits your needs best.

Whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, or road trip enthusiast, understanding the key differences between these two models is crucial in selecting the GPS watch that best suits your needs.

Join me as I explore the design, navigation capabilities, battery life, connectivity options, and additional features of the Garmin Forerunner 255 and 955.

Garmin 255 vs 955: Features and Benefits

Forerunner 255

The Garmin Forerunner 255 boasts an impressive array of features designed to enhance your navigation experience. Its compact design and vibrant display ensure clear visibility, even in bright sunlight or challenging weather conditions.

With advanced navigation capabilities, the Garmin Forerunner 255 provides accurate and reliable directions, making it a valuable companion on road trips and outdoor adventures.

The mapping and routing features of the Garmin 255 are highly efficient, allowing you to plan and follow routes with ease. The smartwatch offers detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions, ensuring you stay on the right track throughout your journey.

Additionally, the Garmin 255 provides extended battery life, enabling longer expeditions without worrying about recharging.

Connectivity options, such as Bluetooth and USB, enhance the versatility of the Garmin 255. You can easily connect it to your smartphone or computer to synchronize data, update maps, and access additional features.

The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze for users of all skill levels.

Furthermore, the Garmin 255 offers various accessories to further customize your experience, such as mount kits, carrying cases, and external antennas.

Related: Is Garmin Vivoactive 4 Waterproof?

Forerunner 955

For those seeking even more advanced features, the Garmin Forerunner 955 delivers an exceptional navigation experience.

Like the Garmin 255, it boasts a well-designed and easy-to-read display, ensuring excellent visibility in any lighting condition. The Garmin 955 surpasses its predecessor in terms of navigation capabilities, providing enhanced accuracy and precision.

With extensive mapping and routing features, the Garmin 955 allows you to explore new territories confidently. Its detailed maps, including topographic maps and satellite imagery, offer comprehensive coverage and enable you to plan and navigate through complex landscapes.

The battery life of the Garmin 955 is optimized to last even longer, ensuring uninterrupted usage during long expeditions.

The Garmin 955 offers a wide range of connectivity options, including built-in Wi-Fi, enabling seamless updates and access to online services.

The user interface is designed to be intuitive and customizable, providing a smooth and personalized navigation experience.

Moreover, the Garmin 955 comes with additional features and accessories, such as geocaching capabilities, altimeter, and barometer, expanding its versatility and usability.

Comparison: Garmin 255 vs. 955

To help you decide between the Garmin 255 and 955, let’s compare their key features side by side:

Design and Display

Both the Garmin 255 and 955 feature well-designed displays that ensure excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The compact and portable design of both models makes them convenient for outdoor use.

The Garmin 955 offers more advanced navigation capabilities compared to the Garmin 255. It provides improved accuracy and precision, along with comprehensive mapping features like topographic maps and satellite imagery.

Mapping and Routing

While both devices offer detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions, the Garmin 955 provides additional mapping options, allowing you to explore complex landscapes more effectively.

Battery Life and Power Options

The Garmin 955 offers an extended battery life compared to the Garmin 255, ensuring longer expeditions without the need for frequent recharging. Both devices provide multiple power options for convenience.

Connectivity Options

The Garmin 955 outshines the Garmin 255 in terms of connectivity options. With built-in Wi-Fi, it allows seamless updates and access to online services, enhancing your navigation experience.

User Interface and Ease of Use

Both devices offer intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, ensuring ease of use for beginners and experienced users alike. The Garmin 955 provides more customization options for a personalized navigation experience.

Additional Features and Accessories

The Garmin 955 comes with a wider range of additional features and accessories, including geocaching capabilities, altimeter, and barometer, making it a versatile tool for outdoor enthusiasts.

Performance and Accuracy

Both the Garmin 255 and 955 offer exceptional performance and accuracy. With advanced GPS technology, they provide reliable and precise navigation, ensuring you reach your destination with confidence. The devices perform well in different environments, including urban areas and remote wilderness.

Pricing and Value for Money

The prices of the Garmin 255 and 955 may vary depending on the retailer and current market conditions. It is advisable to compare prices and assess the features to determine the best value for money based on your specific requirements and budget.

FAQs

What are the main differences between Garmin 255 and 955?

The Garmin 255 and 955 have several key differences. Firstly, the Garmin 955 offers more advanced navigation capabilities compared to the Garmin 255. It provides improved accuracy and precision, along with comprehensive mapping features such as topographic maps and satellite imagery. The Garmin 955 also offers additional features and accessories, including geocaching capabilities, altimeter, and barometer, making it a more versatile device for outdoor enthusiasts.

Which model has better battery life?

The Garmin 955 has a better battery life compared to the Garmin 255. The Garmin 955 is optimized to last even longer, allowing you to use the device for extended periods without the need for frequent recharging. This is especially beneficial for outdoor adventures where access to power sources may be limited.

Can both models be updated with new maps?

Yes, both the Garmin 255 and 955 can be updated with new maps. Garmin provides regular updates to ensure the accuracy and relevance of their mapping data. You can connect the devices to your computer or smartphone and use Garmin’s software or app to download and install the latest maps.

Do they come with built-in Wi-Fi?

The Garmin 955 comes with built-in Wi-Fi, which allows for seamless updates and access to online services. However, the Garmin 255 does not have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. It relies on other connectivity options like Bluetooth and USB to synchronize data and update maps.

Are there any subscription fees for using Garmin’s services?

Garmin offers a range of services, including traffic updates, weather information, and additional map features. Some of these services may require a subscription fee. It is recommended to check Garmin’s website or contact their customer support for detailed information on the specific services and associated fees.

Can these devices be used for geocaching?

Yes, both the Garmin 255 and 955 can be used for geocaching. Geocaching is a popular outdoor activity where participants use GPS devices to find hidden containers (geocaches). These devices provide coordinates and navigation guidance to help users locate the geocaches accurately.

Are there any compatibility issues with smartphone operating systems?

The Garmin 255 and 955 are compatible with various smartphone operating systems, including iOS and Android. You can connect these devices to your smartphone via Bluetooth or USB to access additional features, synchronize data, and receive notifications. However, it is advisable to check Garmin’s specifications and ensure compatibility with your specific smartphone model and operating system version.

Conclusion

Garmin Forerunner 255 vs 955: A Comprehensive Comparison

Both the Garmin 255 and 955 are excellent GPS devices with their own unique features and advantages.

The Garmin 255 is a reliable and user-friendly choice, while the Garmin 955 offers more advanced capabilities and additional features. Consider your specific needs and preferences, along with the outlined comparisons, to make an informed decision.

With either model, you can trust Garmin’s expertise to guide you on your outdoor adventures.