Garmin is a leader in GPS sports watches, and its wearable lines are always getting better to meet the needs of a wide range of customers. Targeting runners in particular, the Forerunner series has models that are good for beginners, advanced users, and top athletes.
The Garmin Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965 are two of the newest watches on the market that stand out. They both have bright AMOLED touchscreen displays that are on par with popular watches like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch. They are different because they have Garmin’s Elevate V4 heart rate sensor built in, which makes them as accurate as chest and arm straps.
The two models are $150 different in price, but this comparison is meant to help you decide which one you want by showing you the differences that might make you choose one over the other. It is a common belief that the more expensive option is always better. However, this breakdown will help you choose the Forerunner that best fits your needs, making sure that you get the most for your money.
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Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 265: Pricing
Both the Garmin Forerunner 965 and the Garmin Forerunner 265 are high-quality GPS multisport watches with lots of advanced features, but they cost different amounts. The Forerunner 965 costs $$ (USD), and the Forerunner 265 costs $$ (USD).
The Forerunner 965 has more features and functions than the Forerunner 935, such as a bigger screen, longer battery life, and more sensors. But the Forerunner 265 is still a great choice for people who want a reliable, low-cost GPS multisport watch with basic tracking features.
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 265 Comparison Table
There are more and better features on the Garmin Forerunner 965 than on the Garmin Forerunner 265. It has more sensors, a longer battery life, a bigger and higher-resolution screen, and more multisport modes. That being said, it costs more.
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Garmin Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.4-inch (33mm) AMOLED, 454 x 454 pixels | 1.1-inch (28mm) transflective MIP, 260 x 260 pixels |
| Battery Life | Up to 23 days in smartwatch mode, up to 31 hours in GPS mode | Up to 15 days in smartwatch mode, up to 24 hours in GPS mode |
| Weight | 53g | 47g |
| Sensors | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Barometer, Altimeter, Compass, Heart Rate, Pulse Ox, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Thermometer | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Barometer, Altimeter, Compass, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
| Multisport Modes | Running, Triathlon, Swimming, Cycling, Hiking, Skiing, Snowboarding, Golf, Indoor Climbing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Rowing | Running, Triathlon, Swimming, Cycling, Hiking, Skiing, Snowboarding, Golf, Indoor Climbing |
| Check Price | Check Price |
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 265: Design and Display
Classic Garmin design features a circular screen and five buttons three on the left and two on the right for easy navigation on the Forerunner 265 and 965. The larger start/stop button on both models helps runners with sweaty fingers. Like the Garmin Epix 2 and Venu 2, these watches have vibrant AMOLED displays for visibility in all weather, including direct sunlight.
The Forerunner 265 has 416 x 416 pixels, while the 265S has 360 x 360. A big improvement over the Forerunner 255’s 260 x 260 color MIP display (255S: 218 x 218). A 454 x 454 pixels resolution and slightly larger 1.4-inch screen make the Forerunner 965 brighter than the 265S and 265’s 1.1-inch and 1.3-inch screens, respectively.
Their responsive touchscreens are disabled during activity on both watches. Users can disable the touchscreen and use the watch’s buttons. Compared to the Forerunner 265’s 12.9mm profile, the 965 is 13.2mm deeper. In the end, design and functionality tie! The Forerunner 265 and 965 are easy to use and customizable with the Garmin Connect app.
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 265: Performance and Features
The Garmin Forerunner 965 and 265 share Garmin’s multisport mode, Morning Report, Body Battery, and Training Readiness Score. This quick score considers sleep, recovery time, HRV status, acute load, and stress to assess your readiness for a tough training day. Each parameter has different weights, so your Training Readiness can change throughout the day as you recover.
Both watches excel at sports tracking with many metrics. Golf tracking is exclusive to the Forerunner 965. Both watches use Garmin’s Elevate V4 sensor, which measures heart rate with green light and pulse oxygen with red light. Additionally, this sensor calculates breathing rate, HRV, and stress.
Full mapping distinguishes the more expensive Forerunner 965. This includes preloaded topographical, road, and trail maps for complete navigation. In contrast, the Forerunner 265 supports route imports but not preloaded maps. Forerunner 965 advanced training features like Load Ratio show Chronic and Acute Load correlations. Real-time Stamina and ClimbPro provide advanced training insights.
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 265: Battery Life
If you’re looking at battery life, both Garmin watches are very good, far better than competitors like the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra. The Forerunner 965 has the longest battery life of the three. It can be used as a smartwatch for 23 days, in GPS mode for 31 hours without music, and in GPS mode for up to 8.5 hours with music.
Even though the Forerunner 265 series isn’t given much attention, its battery life is very good. For example, the 265S has a great battery life of 15 days in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode without music. The 265 can stay charged for 13 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode without music. Interestingly, the larger 265, with its bigger and brighter screen, needs to be charged a little earlier than usual, which goes against the usual trend of bigger watches having longer battery lives.
Garmin Forerunner 965: Pros
- Two sizes available
- Bright, beautiful AMOLED screen
- Accurate GPS
- Advanced training metrics
Garmin Forerunner 965: Cons
- More expensive than 255
- Still not a huge amount of smartwatch features
Garmin Forerunner 265: Pros
- Bright, beautiful AMOLED display
- Accurate GPS
- Accurate heart rate monitoring
- Excellent Garmin Connect app
Garmin Forerunner 265: Cons
- No ECG sensor
- No wireless charging
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 265: which one should you buy?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 and the Garmin Forerunner 265 are both great GPS multisport watches, but which one is best for you will depend on your needs and preferences. The Forerunner 265 is a good choice for people who want a reliable and inexpensive GPS multisport watch. The Forerunner 965 is a more advanced and feature-packed watch.
FAQs
The Elevate V4 sensor on the Forerunner 265 checks the heart rate, Pulse Ox levels, breathing rate, HRV, and stress levels.
The Forerunner 265 does not have full mapping features like the Forerunner 965. Users can, however, add routes to the watch.
