Garmin Forerunner 255 vs Withings ScanWatch 2
The Verdict
Both watches cost $349 and target fitness-conscious users, but excel in different areas. Garmin Forerunner 255 delivers superior GPS capabilities with built-in navigation, essential for runners who need turn-by-turn guidance and detailed route tracking. Its 46mm MIP display excels in sunlight and offers 260 x 260 resolution with excellent readability. Battery life reaches 30 hours in GPS mode, strong for training sessions. Withings ScanWatch 2 takes a different approach with a premium analog watch aesthetic, stainless steel construction (versus Garmin's polymer), and weighs just 39g compared to 49g. Its hybrid display preserves traditional watch looks while housing an OLED sub-display. Health monitoring is more comprehensive: ECG, SpO2, skin temperature, plus sleep tracking versus Garmin's SpO2, heart rate, and sleep tracking. Battery stretches to 30 days in regular smartwatch mode, a significant advantage for those who prefer minimal charging. However, Withings lacks GPS entirely, making it unsuitable for serious runners or outdoor athletes. Choose Forerunner 255 if you run regularly and value navigation features. Select ScanWatch 2 if you prioritize health insights, battery longevity, and an elegant design that works as an everyday watch.
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 2 if…
- →30-day battery life is unmatched — charge monthly, not daily
- →Looks like a luxury analog watch — no one will know it's smart
- →Medical-grade ECG, SpO2, and respiratory rate 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
Withings ScanWatch 2
Pros
- 30-day battery life is unmatched — charge monthly, not daily
- Looks like a luxury analog watch — no one will know it's smart
- Medical-grade ECG, SpO2, and respiratory rate monitoring
- Skin temperature tracking for early illness detection
- Stainless steel build is genuinely elegant
Cons
- No GPS — phone required for route tracking
- Tiny OLED sub-display limits notification readability
- No NFC for contactless payments
- No third-party apps — health tracking only
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 255 | Withings ScanWatch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin proprietary OS | Withings OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 49 g | 39 g |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Stainless steel |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| 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 | 42 mm |
| Type | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective | Hybrid analog + OLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 260 x 260 | Hybrid analog with OLED sub-display |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom SoC | Withings proprietary |
| 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 2.