Comparing Garmin Forerunner 965 and 265: Which is the Better Buy?

The race to find the best running watch is on, and Garmin is dominating the competition. The recent release of the Forerunner 965 and 265 has many athletes and fitness enthusiasts debating which one is the better investment. Both watches offer a wide range of features that make them stand out in the crowded field of running watches.

The Forerunner 965 is the top of the line choice, offering every perk the 265 has and then some. It boasts full-color topographical maps, superior battery life, a larger display, endurance and hill scores, real-time stamina monitoring, and 21 extra activity modes such as golf. The 265, on the other hand, might be more reasonable for the average runner. Although it is mostly plastic and lasts only a couple of weeks per charge, it includes dual-band GPS, training readiness, race-adaptive training plans, and various other tools and metrics not found in other running watches.

Both the 965 and 265 have a host of functions in common. They feature AMOLED displays, dual-band GPS and SatIQ capability, core Garmin features like Garmin Pay, ANT+ connectivity, and training and metrics for all kinds of sports and activities. Additionally, they include various sensors such as the Elevate v4 heart rate sensor, blood oxygen level monitor, and SpO2, among others.

As for design and display, the Forerunner 965 certainly has a few key advantages. It comes with a larger 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen, a titanium bezel, and Gorilla Glass 3 DX protection, providing better anti-reflective coating and color contrast compared to the 265’s Gorilla Glass 3 finish. The 965 is slightly heavier at 53 grams, but the weight difference is negligible during physical activities.

Ultimately, the decision between the Forerunner 965 and 265 will depend on the user. For serious athletes looking for top-of-the-line features and performance, the Forerunner 965 is the clear choice. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more reasonable watch with solid running capabilities, the Forerunner 265 is a reliable and more affordable option that still offers much of the same technology as its more expensive counterpart. As technology continues to advance, Garmin will remain at the forefront of producing some of the best running watches available to athletes worldwide.