Garmin 265 vs 965: Which one should I pick? 

Navigating the world of smartwatches can feel like a marathon, especially when faced with top contenders like Garmin's Forerunner series. The Forerunner 265 and 965 are standout options, each packed with features that cater to different lifestyles. 

You'll discover which of these two powerhouse devices is the best fit for your wrist, whether you're a dedicated runner looking to improve your personal best, a health enthusiast monitoring your heart rate, or just someone looking for a reliable tech companion.

Garmin 265 vs 965: The Verdict

Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 965

If you’re looking for a feature-packed, all-in-one smartwatch that offers comprehensive health monitoring, advanced fitness tracking, and a high-resolution display, the Garmin Forerunner 965 stands out as the best overall choice. It’s designed for serious athletes who want top-tier performance metrics and a premium build quality.

Best by Price: Garmin Forerunner 265

For those who want a capable smartwatch without breaking the bank, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is the more affordable option. While it may not have all the advanced features of the 965, it still offers excellent fitness tracking, GPS accuracy, and health monitoring features, making it a great value for money.

Best for Health Monitoring: Garmin Forerunner 965

When it comes to health monitoring, the Forerunner 965 takes the lead. It includes more advanced metrics like HRV (Heart Rate Variability) and stress tracking, which are crucial for understanding your overall health. The 965’s detailed sleep tracking and recovery metrics also provide a deeper insight into your wellness.

Garmin 265 vs 965: Detailed Comparison

Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of these two models, comparing them across several critical aspects: design and display, health and fitness tracking, battery life, and additional features.

Design and Display

Garmin Forerunner 265: The Forerunner 265 comes with a 1.3-inch AMOLED display, which is a significant upgrade from its predecessors. The vibrant colors and sharp resolution make it easy to view your stats even in direct sunlight. The design is sleek and lightweight, making it comfortable for all-day wear. The 265 is available in various colors, allowing users to choose a style that fits their personality.

Garmin Forerunner 965: On the other hand, the Forerunner 965 sports a larger 1.4-inch AMOLED display, offering even more screen real estate and better visibility. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, making it more durable and resistant to scratches. The overall build is robust, with a titanium bezel that adds to its premium look and feel. The 965 is designed for durability and can withstand the rigors of intense training sessions.

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965 While both models have impressive displays, the Forerunner 965 edges out the 265 with its larger screen and more durable design, making it the better option for those who prioritize build quality and display size.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Garmin Forerunner 265: The Forerunner 265 offers comprehensive fitness tracking features, including GPS, heart rate monitoring, and VO2 max estimation. It supports a wide range of sports modes, making it versatile for various activities. The 265 also includes sleep tracking and stress monitoring, helping users stay on top of their health. Its health tracking features are robust, though slightly less detailed compared to the 965.

Garmin Forerunner 965: The Forerunner 965 takes health and fitness tracking to the next level. It includes everything the 265 offers but adds more advanced metrics like HRV (Heart Rate Variability), Body Battery energy monitoring, and more detailed sleep analysis. It’s equipped with Garmin’s latest Elevate V4 sensor, providing more accurate heart rate and blood oxygen measurements. The 965 also includes Garmin’s Training Readiness score, which helps users understand when they’re ready for a hard workout or need more rest.

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965 For those who need advanced health metrics and more detailed insights into their fitness and recovery, the Forerunner 965 is the clear winner. Its additional features provide a deeper understanding of your health and training progress.

Battery Life

Garmin Forerunner 265: Battery life on the Forerunner 265 is solid, with up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode. This is more than enough for most users, making it a reliable companion for daily wear and long training sessions.

Garmin Forerunner 965: The Forerunner 965 offers slightly better battery life, with up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and up to 36 hours in GPS mode. Despite having a larger screen and more features, it manages to optimize power consumption effectively.

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965 Although both models offer impressive battery life, the Forerunner 965’s extended battery makes it the better choice for users who need a watch that can last longer between charges, especially during extended activities like ultramarathons.

Additional Features

Garmin Forerunner 265: The Forerunner 265 includes smart notifications, music storage, and Garmin Pay, allowing for contactless payments. It also supports incident detection and assistance, which can notify emergency contacts in case of an accident. While it covers most of the essential smartwatch features, it doesn’t have the depth of functionality seen in the 965.

Garmin Forerunner 965: The Forerunner 965 offers all the features of the 265 but adds several high-end functionalities. It includes built-in maps and navigation, which are crucial for outdoor adventurers. The 965 also supports Garmin’s ClimbPro feature, which provides real-time information on current and upcoming climbs, making it ideal for trail runners and cyclists. Additionally, the 965 integrates with third-party apps like Strava and TrainingPeaks, offering a more connected experience for serious athletes.

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965 When it comes to additional features, the Forerunner 965 stands out with its advanced navigation tools, deeper integration with fitness apps, and a broader range of functionalities that cater to professional athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

Alternatives to Garmin 265 and 965 That Might Fit Better to Your Needs

While the Garmin Forerunner 265 and 965 are both excellent choices, they may not be the perfect fit for everyone. If you’re looking for something slightly different, consider the following alternatives:

1. Aether X – Powered by TikTik – Aether X Limited Edition Designer Smartwatch

Why Consider It: The Aether X smartwatch offers a blend of style and functionality. It’s designed for those who want a high-end, aesthetically pleasing device without compromising on performance. With its customizable interface, advanced health tracking features, and integration with popular fitness apps, the Aether X is a strong contender for those who want something more fashionable.

Key Features:

• High-resolution AMOLED display
• Customizable watch faces and bands
• Advanced health metrics, including heart rate, sleep, and stress monitoring
• Integrated with popular fitness apps like Strava and MyFitnessPal
• Long battery life, comparable to the Garmin Forerunner 965

Drawbacks:

• Limited availability as it’s a limited edition model
• Higher price point compared to the Garmin 265

2. Apple Watch Series 8

Why Consider It: The Apple Watch Series 8 is an excellent alternative if you’re deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. It offers seamless connectivity with other Apple devices and boasts comprehensive health and fitness tracking features. The Series 8 is known for its polished user experience, reliable performance, and extensive app support.

Key Features:

• ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and advanced sleep tracking
• Wide range of apps and customizations
• Always-on Retina display with a sleek design
• Fall detection and emergency SOS
• Seamless integration with iPhone and other Apple devices

Drawbacks:

• Shorter battery life compared to Garmin models
• Expensive, especially when considering cellular versions

3. Suunto 9 Peak

Why Consider It: For outdoor enthusiasts, the Suunto 9 Peak is a rugged alternative with a focus on durability and long battery life. It’s designed for adventurers who need a watch that can withstand harsh conditions and offer reliable GPS tracking and navigation.

Key Features:

• Up to 170 hours of GPS tracking with battery management options
• Titanium build for added durability
• Barometric altitude and weather tracking
• Water-resistant up to 100 meters
• Robust outdoor navigation features, including breadcrumb trails

Drawbacks:

• Interface is less intuitive compared to Garmin and Apple devices
• Fewer third-party app integrations

Conclusion

Choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 265 and 965 boils down to your specific needs and budget. The Forerunner 265 is a great option for those who want a capable, affordable smartwatch with solid health and fitness tracking features. On the other hand, the Forerunner 965 is the superior choice for users who require advanced metrics, longer battery life, and a more robust feature set.

There are several alternatives to these models that can meet different preferences, whether it is the design, the durability outdoors, or the integration with other devices that are most important to you. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your lifestyle, fitness goals, and the features you value most in a smartwatch.