Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Google Pixel Watch 2
The Verdict
Both smartwatches share the same $349 price point but diverge significantly in design philosophy and capabilities. Garmin Forerunner 255 excels in battery longevity, delivering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours with continuous GPS, making it ideal for endurance athletes and those prioritizing extended wear between charges. Google Pixel Watch 2 counters with superior health monitoring, featuring ECG and skin temperature sensors alongside its vibrant 450x450 AMOLED display, plus cellular connectivity for independence from phones. Pixel Watch 2 is notably lighter at 31g versus Garmin's 49g. However, Forerunner 255's MIP display proves more practical for outdoor visibility and battery efficiency. For fitness-focused users seeking maximum battery life and proven sports tracking, Garmin wins. For comprehensive health metrics and a premium smartwatch experience with daily charging, Pixel Watch 2 is superior.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 255 if…
- →14-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- →Multi-band GPS for exceptional outdoor tracking accuracy
- →Morning Report with daily training readiness and HRV status
Buy the Google Pixel Watch 2 if…
- →Qualcomm W5 Gen 1 chip delivers 20% better battery than Pixel Watch 1
- →Deep Fitbit integration for best-in-class sleep and wellness tracking
- →Skin conductance sensor enables continuous stress monitoring
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Garmin Forerunner 255
Pros
- 14-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- Multi-band GPS for exceptional outdoor tracking accuracy
- Morning Report with daily training readiness and HRV status
- Race Predictor estimates finish times for 5K to marathon
- Lightweight at 49 g and comfortable for 24/7 wear
Cons
- MIP display lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED competitors
- No touchscreen on base model — button-only navigation
- No ECG or blood pressure monitoring
- Limited smart features compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS
- Third-party app ecosystem is small
Google Pixel Watch 2
Pros
- Qualcomm W5 Gen 1 chip delivers 20% better battery than Pixel Watch 1
- Deep Fitbit integration for best-in-class sleep and wellness tracking
- Skin conductance sensor enables continuous stress monitoring
- Lightweight and comfortable rounded design for all-day wear
- Pure Wear OS 4 experience with first-party Google app quality
Cons
- Small 41 mm size only — no larger variant available
- 24-hour battery life with always-on display requires daily charging
- More expensive than Galaxy Watch 6 with fewer health sensors
- Rounded case design makes it harder to find third-party screen protectors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 255 | Google Pixel Watch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin proprietary OS | Wear OS 4 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 49 g | 31 g |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Recycled aluminum |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5 ATM + IP68 |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 14 days (smartwatch), 30 hrs GPS | Up to 24 hrs (always-on), up to 41 hrs (battery saver) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46mm | 41 mm |
| Type | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 260 x 260 | 450 x 450 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Garmin products or all Google products. View full details for the Garmin Forerunner 255 or the Google Pixel Watch 2.