Garmin Forerunner 955, the supreme multisport device designed separately for serious athletes and outdoor performers. While advanced options are there to make it more functional, some customers can refuse that functionality and go for a more compact version with full features but in a smaller form factor and lightweight than Forerunner 955. Garmin, however, has not brought out any compact-version model of the Forerunner 955 featuring the very same set of capabilities.
Garmin Forerunner 255S: Compact Competitor
The Garmin Forerunner 255S is, in fact, a smaller, more scaly version of the Forerunner 255-from which it is a straightforward alternative for people desiring exactly the same things as the 955 except smaller in size. Here are the reasons why the Forerunner 255S is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact multisport watch:
Dimensions: The 255S has a reduced size of 41mm in case as compared to 46.5 mm of Forerunner 955. This makes it lighter and much more comfortable for smaller-wristed users or those preferring a lighter watch.
Weight: The 255S weighs just 39g, that is far below what the Forerunner 955 measures; and thus, one would use this device for much longer hours while running or cycling without feeling any discomfort.
Battery Life: The Forerunner 955 has a battery life of up to 15 days in smartwatch mode as compared to the 12 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours in GPS mode of the 255S.
Complete Features: The Forerunner 255S houses a large chunk of the advanced features found in the wonderful 955 , irrespective of smaller size.
Advanced performance measures such as VO2 max, training load, and recovery time.
Multi-band GPS for accurate tracking even in challenging environments.
Heart rate monitoring, sleep, stress, and Body Battery™ energy levels tracking.
Race widget and suggested daily workouts based on your training goals.
Space for songs, as well as Garmin Pay for contactless payments.
However, the Forerunner 255S is missing some advanced features present in the 955, such as:
Touchscreen display: Forerunner 955 has touchscreen but the 255S uses buttons alone for navigation.
Training Readiness and HRV Status: These are newer performance metrics in the 955 to help optimize your training, but are lacking in the 255S.
Complete support for triathlon: The 955 is designed with the triathlete in mind, with special modes for triathlons simplified in the 255S.
Garmin Venu 2S: Another Compact Option
This is yet another alternative for one who wants a small watch having a vibrant display with a fitness-centric feature, the Garmin Venu 2S:
AMOLED Display: Venu 2S has a great AMOLED display that produces sharper and more colorful images than the transflective memory-in-pixel display of Forerunner 955.
Smaller Size: At 40mm and weighing only 38.2grams, the Venu 2S remains among the lightest and most compact Garmin watches and is perfect for wearing every day and while working out.
Well-rounded Health Tracking: Heart rate, SpO2 levels, sleep score, tracking of stress, and Body Battery™ monitoring.
Battery Life: Venu 2S pays attention to small sizes; it still delivers battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode.
However, the Venu 2S is not geared much toward multisport athletes but just for general fitness. Said sign lacked some of the advanced training features found in the Forerunner 955.
Final Verdicts
There is no “small version” of the Forerunner 955, but Garmin has a very good range of smaller alternatives to provide really similar functionality smaller packages. For someone requiring a slightly smaller but still very capable two-sport watch, the Forerunner 255S would be the best option. This has much of the same training, performance, and health tracking insight squeezed into a much lighter, comfortable design. The Venu 2S is very fitness-oriented with a brilliant AMOLED display, but trading away some of the advanced training capabilities of Forerunner 955. Yet, both are incredible options for those who prefer the smaller form factor without compromising essential feature aspects.