Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Withings ScanWatch
The Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 255 and Withings ScanWatch serve different runner priorities. Garmin excels for serious athletes with built-in GPS (enabling standalone tracking), larger 46mm display at 260x260 resolution, 30-hour GPS battery, and NFC payments. Its MIP display delivers superior outdoor visibility with true always-on capability. Withings ScanWatch prioritizes elegance and longevity, featuring a hybrid analog dial with PMOLED digital layer, stainless steel construction versus Garmin's polymer, and exceptional 30-day battery life for everyday wear. The critical differentiator: Withings includes ECG functionality ($50+ value separately) while Garmin omits it entirely. Garmin's $349 price reflects GPS capability; Withings at $299 offers premium materials and medical-grade sensors without navigation. Choose Garmin if you run outdoors and want detailed route tracking, interval workouts, and sports-specific metrics. Select Withings if you value all-day wearability, dress-watch aesthetics, heart rhythm monitoring, and minimal charging frequency. Garmin targets serious runners; Withings targets health-conscious daily wearers who occasionally run.
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 Withings ScanWatch if…
- →30-day battery life eliminates daily or weekly charging
- →Medical-grade ECG and SpO2 monitoring for clinical health insights
- →Classic analog watch design looks professional and stylish
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
Withings ScanWatch
Pros
- 30-day battery life eliminates daily or weekly charging
- Medical-grade ECG and SpO2 monitoring for clinical health insights
- Classic analog watch design looks professional and stylish
- Sapphire crystal is highly scratch resistant
- Sleep tracking with breathing disturbance detection
Cons
- Tiny PMOLED screen limits smart features and notifications
- No GPS — relies on phone for location tracking
- No NFC for contactless payments
- Very limited smart features compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS
- No third-party app support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 255 | Withings ScanWatch |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin proprietary OS | Withings proprietary (Health Mate app) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 49 g | 58 g (42mm) |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Stainless steel with sapphire crystal |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM (50m) |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 14 days (smartwatch), 30 hrs GPS | Up to 30 days |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46mm | 42mm |
| Type | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective | Hybrid analog + PMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 260 x 260 | Analog dial with PMOLED digital display |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom SoC | Withings custom low-power SoC |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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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 Withings products. View full details for the Garmin Forerunner 255 or the Withings ScanWatch.