One day, I’d prefer to ask Garmin’s engineers how they launch so many watches in speedy succession. As to how the Garmin Forerunner 265 shipped lower than a yr after its predecessor, although, the reply is apparent: they slapped a brand new AMOLED coat of paint on the Forerunner 255 show, added a few new options so nobody would get suspicious, and altered the quantity.I’m being each reductive and facetious, however the level stands that the Forerunner 265 is an iterative improve made to handle Garmin customers’ frustration with memory-in-pixel shows — not as a result of the Forerunner 255 is all of the sudden out of date. So apart from a few cool new perks pinched from the Forerunner 955, the Forerunner 265 is not a revolutionary launch. It would not should be, with a stable 255 basis to construct upon.Instead, the Forerunner 265 is an odd hybrid between a Forerunner and Venu, with out the approach to life perks like a mic and speaker that the latter often has. It’s a distinct segment that the Forerunner 965 fills higher as a result of it makes use of its AMOLED show for full-color mapping, whereas the 265 would not have any “killer apps” to justify it; you are paying additional for readability and appears. For some folks, that is greater than sufficient purpose to purchase the Garmin Forerunner 265, even at such a excessive worth. Let’s dive in and see in case you’re considered one of them.Garmin Forerunner 265 at Jenson USA for $450 (opens in new tab)Garmin Forerunner 265 worth and availability(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)The Garmin Forerunner 265 and 265S each retail for $449.99. That’s $50 greater than the Forerunner 255 Music, $50 lower than the Forerunner 955, and $150 lower than the Forerunner 965. Unlike the 255, the Forerunner 265 comes with music storage by default.You’ll discover each Forerunner 265 fashions on Garmin’s web site and some outside retailers like REI and Backcountry; they don’t seem to be on digital retailers like Amazon or Best Buy but, however they possible shall be later in 2023.Both the 46mm 265 and 42mm 265s are available in three finishes. The Forerunner 265 is available in Whitestone with White/ Tidal Blue band; Black with Black/ Powder Gray band; and Aqua with Black/ Aqua band.The Forerunner 265S ships in Black with Black/ Amp Yellow band; Whitestone with White / New Tropic inexperienced band; and Pink with Light Pink/ Whitestone band.Today’s finest Garmin Forerunner 265 dealsAMOLED show(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Anyone contemplating shopping for the Garmin Forerunner 265 after skipping (or proudly owning) the Forerunner 255 has one purpose for doing so: the AMOLED show. Because in any other case, these two watches barely differ from each other. So let’s not waste any time and discuss that new show!Garmin gave the Forerunner 265 the identical show because the Venu 2 Plus: a 1.3-inch touchscreen with 416 x 416 decision. Both watches simply fight direct daylight with brilliant, dense textual content and vivid colours. For instance, once you swipe onto a widget, you will see a neat sliding gradient impact that matches the widget’s coloration — and it’s extremely satisfying and accessible for the visually impaired.While the 260 x 260 Forerunner 255 show seems to be brilliant sufficient exterior, I famous in my overview that memory-in-pixel (MIP) shows “remain fairly dim indoors in low light.” That, mixed with the low pixel-per-inch (PPI) density, means it’s a must to carry the watch nearer to your face to comfortably learn notifications for the reason that textual content itself is boring and a bit blurry across the edges.Anyone upgrading from an older Forerunner mannequin will recognize the 265’s extra vibrant watch faces and its means to pack info into smaller fields with out dropping any crispness. The Garmin Forerunner 265 AMOLED show is an non-compulsory improve because it would not add new performance over the 255, however runners with poor eyesight may have hassle going again to MIP shows.Plus, after all, you get the advantage of a touchscreen. While it is fairly superfluous throughout runs — sweaty fingertips and contact shows by no means combine effectively, and it’s a must to manually allow contact for particular actions — I do recognize the choice throughout common watch navigation, because the Up and Down buttons stay as squishy and gradual to make use of as ever.If the Forerunner 265 show has a noticeable flaw, it is the refresh fee: chances are you’ll discover an occasional stutter when scrolling via content material or watching an animated train. But I think that is extra to do with a price range processing chip than the show itself. It’s the one method health manufacturers could make their watches final for weeks.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)My different criticism is that Garmin solely gave this watch Gorilla Glass 3. The Forerunner 955 and 965 every get GG 3 DX, which provides you higher anti-reflective glass. But I’d even favor that, at this worth, you get correct sapphire glass safety, or at the least the extra scratch-resistant GG DX+. If you are paying additional for an AMOLED, it might be good to have extra peace of thoughts that it will keep scratch-free.I’ll spoil the Software part beneath a bit: Garmin would not use its AMOLED show for something new that an MIP cannot do. You’ll want to purchase the Garmin Forerunner 965 to get its full mapping software program, which seems to be incredible on an AMOLED in comparison with the Forerunner 955 MIP. The additional $100 you’d spend over the Forerunner 255 is for an “optional” improve, at the least in its capability as a operating watch. But it is actually a significant visible enchancment for day-to-day use, and it is tough to consider going again to an MIP-era Forerunner after my eyes have gotten spoiled with this AMOLED.Design and {hardware}(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Without turning on the shows, you would be hard-pressed to inform the Garmin Forerunner 265 and 255 aside. Both have that signature Garmin look: Plastic bezels and casing for a uniform, rugged look, a silicone strap, and a five-button structure. The variations are refined. Both the top-right button and finish of the silicone strap have the phrase “RUN” embedded, which is a cute contact. I care extra that the 265 RUN button — which begins or pauses exercises or selects menu objects — is wider than earlier than, with room on your index finger to relaxation and a extra satisfying click on.As for the opposite 4 buttons, they’re pretty squishy, a criticism I had with the 255. On that watch, the buttons have a metallic sheen that makes them stand out; the 265 buttons have a extra matte end that blends into the case extra uniformly, which you will or could not favor.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)You’ll additionally discover this era’s two-toned silicone straps extra trendy than earlier than. The secondary coloration peeks via the band’s lug holes for a bit of additional persona. And though I can not fairly articulate why, I discover this band barely extra comfy than the final generations’ bands. Maybe it is a bit softer.Still, you are shopping for the Garmin Forerunner 265 for a show improve, not a design improve. Nearly each watch within the $400-and-up class makes use of aluminum or titanium, making Garmin’s habit to “fiber-reinforced polymer” on high-end fashions a bit unlucky. But long-time Garmin customers most likely do not care a few svelte look, since solely hybrid or price range fashions just like the vívomove Trend are particularly trendy.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)If you are not used to Garmin watches, needless to say they’re typically thick and heavy, as a way to pack in a hefty battery and full sensor suite. The Forerunner 265 isn’t any completely different. At 12.9mm thick, it is noticeably thinner than the Forerunner 955 (14.4mm) or COROS APEX 2 (14.6mm); however in case you’re used to one thing like an 11mm Apple Watch, you most likely will not just like the match.I discover the Forerunner 265 comfy for operating, however I do discover it on my wrist after a protracted workday; after I take it off within the night, I’ll discover the sensor suite has often left a crimson round indent in my pores and skin. That’s not irregular, however different watches have a wider sensor that places much less stress on one spot; Garmin has to go away room for its charging port subsequent to the sensors, and that impacts the consolation stage.Garmin calls this watch the “Forerunner 265 Large” within the Garmin Connect app, and it is an apt identify. I like the massive show, but when I had been shopping for it for myself, I’d strongly take into account the 1.1-inch Forerunner 265S.It weighs 8g/ 0.3oz lower than the Forerunner 265, making the 265S extra comfy for every day put on. Whereas the Forerunner 255S’ petite MIP show was an actual trade-off, the 265S’ pixel-rich AMOLED handles small textual content much better, so the visible downgrade is not almost as pronounced. Plus, as a result of AMOLEDs eat a lot battery life, the smaller Forerunner 265S really lasts longer than the 265, which is fairly uncommon for watches that cater to smaller wrists.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryGarmin Forerunner 265 (and 265S)SuppliesFiber-reinforced polymerDisplay1.3-inch (416 x 416) or 1.1-inch (360 x 360) AMOLED showBands22mm or 18mm (industry-standard)Dimensions46.1 x 46.1 x 12.9mm (265); 41.7 x 41.7 x 12.9mm (265S)Weight47g (265); 39g (265S)Protection5ATM; Gorilla Glass 3SensorsGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, HRM, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, ambient gentle sensor, SpO2ConnectivityGarmin Pay, Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-FiMusic Storage8GBColorsWhitestone, Black, Aqua (265), Pink (265S)Both the Forerunner 265 and 255 pack an equivalent, complete suite of instruments that runners want: the three major GNSS choices, an altimeter for correct elevation and energy measurement, a compass for rudimentary navigation instruments, the identical Elevate v4 coronary heart fee sensor that we have discovered extremely correct in earlier evaluations, and blood oxygen monitoring for improved sleep knowledge. I additionally recognize getting each an accelerometer and gyroscope, for the reason that latter usually is not included in operating watches. Together, they’re helpful for extra correct cross-training knowledge with actions like swimming or HIIT. Plus, you get direct Wi-Fi downloads as an alternative of counting on Bluetooth and your telephone to add exercise knowledge or obtain updates, in addition to NFC tap-to-pay.Its 8GB of storage for watch faces and music is double what the 255 Music had, so you possibly can squeeze in lots of extra songs. I exploit my very own music information uploaded by way of Garmin Express, however you possibly can add playlists via Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music.What’s lacking when it comes to Garmin Forerunner 265 {hardware}? Pretty a lot the whole lot you’d get with the Garmin Venu 2 Plus. You will not discover an ECG app for AFib detection, nor a mic and speaker for answering telephone calls and chatting with your linked telephone assistant. The Forerunner 265 places extra emphasis on health than on being a smartwatch.Nor does Garmin have any LTE improve choice. You’ll should step again to the Forerunner 945 LTE to securely go away your telephone behind.Battery life and GPS accuracyAs I discussed above, the Garmin Forerunner 265 falls barely in need of the 265S when it comes to battery life — and neither match the Forerunner 255. Both are effectively above common for AMOLED watches, ignoring Amazfit and COROS watches because the long-lived exceptions. But you do have to just accept the inevitable trade-off that comes with abandoning the dim, economical MIP show.Swipe to scroll horizontallyBattery modeGarmin Forerunner 265Garmin Forerunner 265SSmartwatch mode13 days15 daysGPS solely20 hours24 hoursAuto-select GNSS (SatIQ)16 hours18 hoursAll-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band14 hours15 hoursGPS with music7 hours7 hoursAll-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band with music6 hours6 hoursThe default SatIQ setting is what most individuals will use, so preserve these numbers in thoughts. It can “determine when Multiband GNSS is needed, like near tall buildings or in a dense forest, or when a low power GPS mode can achieve the same accuracy, like in more open areas,” as Garmin describes it. SatIQ appears to work as meant for obstacle-heavy runs, although I’ve no method of testing how usually it switches from one satellite tv for pc characteristic to the subsequent. But I additionally rapidly determined to modify to probably the most correct setting (all GNSS techniques plus dual-frequency GPS) as a result of it solely makes use of two additional hours of battery. The mixture of its attractive AMOLED show and ultra-accurate multi-band monitoring makes the Forerunner 265 extra middle-of-the-road (although nonetheless good) for battery life.GPS-only monitoring provides you a largely correct distance-to-effort ratio, however your maps ceaselessly present you drifting into site visitors or pure obstacles, and these discrepancies can result in inaccurate mile instances. Even with a number of GNSSs or dual-frequency energetic, some health watches fail to trace correctly.With Multi-Band energetic, I ran three mile-long loops round my neighborhood, taking care to run on completely different sides of the sidewalk or on the street at particular factors to see if my Forerunner 265 may precisely observe my place.Thankfully, the Garmin Forerunner 265 proved to be simply as correct because the 255 and 955 — which is to say, extraordinarily correct. It virtually at all times exhibits my precise path round street-hogging canine walkers and into the street round dangerous drivers making rolling stops, traces staying constant even below dense tree cowl.The solely drawback is, in case you end a couple of hours of dual-frequency GPS-tracked runs every week as I did, along with steady coronary heart fee monitoring and checking notifications, you are going to fall effectively in need of the 13-day estimate. Per week is extra possible, give or take a day, relying on how energetic you’re. For me, that is lengthy sufficient that I will not get aggravated by the frequency. Especially as a result of Garmin included a USB-C charging cable with the Forerunner 265, which quickens the recharge time so you will not be saved ready too lengthy. But in case you’re used to a watch just like the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar or COROS APEX 2 Pro with a month-long battery, then an AMOLED show is probably not the appropriate alternative for you. Features and software program(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Succinctly overlaying each software program software in a Garmin watch is a idiot’s errand. If you are unfamiliar with Garmin software program, suffice it to say that the Forerunner 265 has all of the options you’d want to carry your hand in your couch-to-5K journey or to hit a PR in a half marathon. If you’re aware of Garmin software program, then there is not any level harping on long-time instruments like every day instructed exercises, Garmin Coach, restoration time, Body Battery, acute load, Pacepro, VO2 Max, and race time predictions that you just’re already aware of. In essence, the Forerunner 265 tells you ways in form you’re, how arduous to run on a given day, measures your coaching effort and impact after a run, tells you ways lengthy it is advisable to recuperate, and makes use of your sleep, stress, and coronary heart fee variance (HRV) scores to find out how a lot power you’ve got recovered.Training Readiness and on-wrist Running Dynamics are the 2 major “exclusives” for the Forerunner 265, however I think the 255 will get TR ultimately, and RD is a distinct segment characteristic.With that preamble out of the best way, I’ll deal with what’s new (and what’s lacking). The largest addition is Training Readiness, a revamped model of Body Battery that not solely components in sleep, stress, and HRV but additionally consists of your acute load and restoration time knowledge. It fixes the issue of your Body Battery displaying you stuffed with power for a exercise when your muscular tissues aren’t prepared for what your coronary heart can deal with.As I mentioned after I reviewed the 955, coaching readiness is “helpful and intuitive,” with a easy rating that ought to reaffirm how your physique is feeling and push you again out onto the road once you’re prepared. (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)You additionally get wrist-based operating dynamics, that means you possibly can see your cadence (steps per minute), stride size, and vertical ratio/ oscillation (how excessive and for a way lengthy you push above the bottom). Normally, you want the $80 Running Dynamics Pod accent or a dearer coronary heart fee monitor strap just like the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus with the identical tech. I in contrast my wrist-based Running Dynamics scores to the extra dependable Pod knowledge and located them to be in the identical ballpark, however not precisely the identical. And it would not register floor contact time steadiness between your left and proper foot, which you get with the Pod. While I recognize having operating type data with out having to fret about by chance washing the Pod with my shorts (sure, I’ve finished this earlier than), I additionally by no means actually know what to do with this knowledge. I do know each my common cadence and stride size are beneath what on-line operating guides advocate, however I additionally know that making an attempt to actively change your operating type with out direct teaching can result in harm and take you out of the zone. So whilst you could discover this knowledge helpful, I largely ignore it and deal with enhancing my total stamina.I think Garmin could carry coaching readiness to the Forerunner 255 ultimately because it has HRV knowledge and all the opposite instruments wanted to calculate it; plus, Garmin does are likely to help its older watches after launch with newer software program. So upgrading to the 265 may have restricted returns until you care about operating dynamics. That being mentioned, anybody with an older Forerunner or a non-Garmin watch ought to have only a few complaints. And the AMOLED show does increase some outdated options: I a lot favor doing HIIT exercises on the 265, just because the animated train guides look so a lot better and are simpler to observe.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)The major options you acquire from the Forerunner 965 over the 265 are topographical maps, ClimbPro, and real-time stamina. I did like seeing Garmin’s estimates throughout a run for what number of miles my physique may nonetheless deal with, in order that’s one purpose to improve. And whereas I not often run in areas the place I’d get misplaced, runners who want instruments like round-trip routing will not be happy with the 265’s fundamental line-on-a-blank-screen maps.I additionally want the Forerunner 265 had extra watch faces that benefit from its finest instruments; the 955 permits you to see your coaching standing or acute load with out having to scroll via menus, whereas I can not discover these knowledge fields on Forerunner 265 watch faces. But that is a minor criticism.CompetitorsThe Garmin Forerunner 265 (left) and 255 (proper) (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)If you do not care about music storage or an AMOLED show, then you should purchase the Garmin Forerunner 255 for $100 much less and obtain 90% of the identical software program and a lot better battery life. $350 is already on the higher finish of what some runners will wish to pay, so that you should not really feel pressured to upsell your self to the 265 if you cannot afford it and also you’re used to memory-in-pixel shows.Since I have not reviewed the Forerunner 965 but, I can not choose it as a “rival” fully. But just like the 955, it is heavier and thicker in your wrist, with a 1.4-inch show that is much less pixel-dense at 454 x 454. You’ll recognize the titanium case and 10 additional days of battery life, to not point out these tempting topographical maps. But its worth takes you into Fenix territory, which is simply an excessive amount of for many runners.Among one of the best operating watches not made by Garmin, you will wish to look into COROS and Polar. Both manufacturers have an identical Garmin ethos with free operating coaching software program and long-lasting batteries, however neither has made the swap to AMOLED shows but. (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)If you desire a fitness-focused watch that really makes use of its AMOLED show to full impact, chances are you’ll wish to look into one of many huge two wearable manufacturers: Apple or Samsung. The Apple Watch has added a ton of helpful operating knowledge since watchOS 9, together with coronary heart fee zones, mapped routes, customized exercises, operating energy, type metrics like cadence and stride size, and so forth. You can subscribe to Fitness+ for cross-training, however it’s non-compulsory. The major draw back is the necessity for every day expenses and simply 7 hours max of GPS knowledge.Android customers ought to take into account the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, which matches the Forerunner 265 with 20 hours of GPS monitoring and the identical $450 price ticket. It makes use of its Exynos chip and Wear OS 3 software program for a a lot smoother and extra helpful interface exterior of operating. Much heavier and thicker than Garmin’s watch, the Pro would not have the identical operating instruments in Samsung Health, so you will should depend on third-party Wear apps or simply be extra self-guided in your exercises. But you possibly can obtain GPX maps. Garmin Forerunner 265: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)You can purchase this if…You’re a severe runner who cares extra about teaching and steering than third-party apps.You need Forerunner-quality software program with a Venu-quality show.You want the best-possible accuracy for coronary heart fee and GPS monitoring knowledge.You should not purchase this if…You wish to take full benefit of an AMOLED show with maps or apps.You need the very best battery life.You’re on a decent price range.While I like the Garmin Venu 2 Plus as an all-around health smartwatch, it is tough for me to take pleasure in utilizing it now that I’ve gotten accustomed to Forerunner software program, with all of the perks and steering that it provides runners. The Garmin Forerunner 265 is the closest I’ve seen to a correct melding between the 2, because of the AMOLED show. I would not be shocked if a future 275 or 975 added a mic and speaker for a extra full machine. I’m frightened about how a lot such a tool would price, however that is a hypothetical to fret about later.For now, a lot of my favourite Garmin units — the Venu 2 Plus, Instinct 2 Solar, and Forerunner 265 — all hit this similar $450 worth level whereas focusing on several types of athletes. While the Forerunner 255 is the higher cut price, the 265 is much extra accessible than headache-inducing MIP shows for normal use.
Like the 255, the Forerunner 265 has almost the complete Garmin runner’s toolbox that can assist you to resolve when to push arduous or relaxation, measuring the whole lot from sleep and coronary heart well being to your operating type and sure race instances. And whereas it is largely a superficial replace, the AMOLED contact show simply makes the watch extra satisfying to make use of.
Garmin Forerunner 265: Price Comparison