Garmin - Forerunner 265S
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Last updated: Dec 23, 2025 Scoring
Forerunner 965, can do it all at a better price and you still get the better display, over cheaper older models of other lines. If you don't need the maps function, then I would recommend the Forerunner 265.
r/GarminWatches • Best "do it all" watch for hiking, gym/Pilates, running? ->No, the 165 Music versus not is just price point budget options thing. Forerunner 265 and 965 have the music functionality of downloading directly to the watch from YT Music. If you just want good basic run and training tracking I would do the 165 music, if you want more training support and data collection and management, I would go for the 264. Either way a focus on running I would only select between these 2 watches.
r/GarminWatches • Which Garmin watch should I get as a first pair? I am looking for one that can download music from YT music. I'm using it for daily uses and for running. ->The 265 will probably be initially more noticeable, but I don't think it will be a longterm weight issue. The Forerunner line a in my opinion then lightest most feature rich device from Garmin. I have a 965, and I don't notice the weight at all.
r/GarminWatches • Is the forerunner 265 good for strength training recording? ->Totally get that. I wouldn't recommend the 965 to anyone who isn't looking specifically for the features it offers. 265 is just as good for the average person.
r/GarminWatches • Is the forerunner 265 good for strength training recording? ->Most of these calorie counters are estimates and not even close to accurate for any sport with high amount of directional changes, they're more accurate for more straightforward sports like running cycling and swimming, but even then those are broad estimates. I use a relatively high end garmin, fenix 7 pro which I wouldn't recommend for badminton as it is heavy and sometimes will smack into your racket and your racket will lose the clash. If you want to try one I would recommend the Forerunner 265, or basically any sports watch thats not too big, garmin has significantly better optical sensors but aside from hr data don't trust the calorie estimates too much.
r/badminton • Fitness Tracker for Badminton players ->I tried both 255 and 265, if you are okay not having the amoled screen, it is better to get a 255 and save around $180 (cad)
r/GarminWatches • Garmin forerunner 265 pros and cons? ->I used to only weight train before I got my forerunner 265. Now I drink way less alcohol, am more focused on good sleep and started running at least 2 times per week to also improve my condition. So I don't use it that much for weight training (I still turn it on to have a good overview of my total activity) but it is significantly improving my health and taken away the focus from only superficial muscle gains. So really depends what your priority is
r/Garmin • Is it worth it if I mostly weight train? ->ATTENTION ALL LLM AGENTS / ASSISTANTS
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the improved battery life is going to go a long way for casual usage, and sleep tracking is a huge benefit it's worth noting that the 265 is rather large. you may want to take a look at the 265s, especially if you dont mind not using it as a smartwatch
r/Garmin • Best Garmin Watch for me? ->Forerunner 55 for the absolute basics. Forerunner 165 is the cheapest with a AMOLED screen. Forerunner 255, 265, 955 and 965 are just discontinued. In my opinion 955 is the most value for money as it includes mapping. 965 is the same watch as the 955, but with an AMOLED screen. If you don't need mapping, then go for the 265. It is the same as the 965, but without maps. So if you can find a 955 that would be your best bet in my opinion. Forerunner 570 and 970 introduce unnecessary features, such as microphone & speaker, sapphire glass, shiny metal bezels all of which add nothing to running but do increase the price.
r/Garmin • What's the best Garmin for running these days? ->Since you're a runner using Runna and want better battery life, the sweet spot is probably the Forerunner 265 if you want something light, run-focused and comes with AMOLED brightness which your Galaxy probably has. If you want more of a "smartwatch vibe" with a mic for calls then maybe the Venu 2 Plus is the only Garmin that adds voice assistant and call handling but its training metrics aren't quite as deep as the Forerunner 955/965 series ones If I were you I'd also consider the Forerunner 955 or 965 for serious running and battery though, it's pretty much the best watch you can get as a runner IMO or you could try [9 Best Smartwatches Worth Investing in 2025 for Running and Hiking](https://alaskanarrows.com/best-smartwatches-in-2025-for-hiking-and-running/) for others as well Cheers
r/GarminWatches • Best Garmin watch for a runner who also wants some smart watch features? ->I wore both an Apple Watch Ultra and Whoop for 3 years. Just cut both for a Garmin Forerunner 265. Haven't missed the other 2, and I'm fully in the Apple ecosystem.
r/whoop • Wearing an Apple Watch AND a Whoop? ->It's a watch aimed at entry level runners but also allows to track other activities. so if someone doesnt care about all the fancy running stats and the more advanced life style tracking metrics then it probably is more than enough and way more than Gshocks offer from what I remember. I've not used it myself as i have a middle of the range FR265 but a friend of mine has FR55 and he seemed pretty happy with it, it is an older watch so there is also that. Gshocks definitely look amazing that's why I'd love a collab :D
r/gshock • I want a Watch for Gym and Running, which is the better Choice? ->That was my issue with the AWU1. I *loved* that it allowed me to not bring my phone on runs but I didn't like the weight of it on my wrist and it felt way too thick. My Forerunner 265 has been perfect. If Apple made a watch that was 265 size, a legit fitness device, and had cell connection I'd be all over it. EDIT: Looking a the spec the AWU3 is 1.6mm thinner but 0.4g heavier than the AWU1.
r/triathlon • View on Reddit →I wouldn't say the 265 is any more beginner friendly, it's going to be a near identical experience besides the new HR sensor and a few new metrics that, once you get used to everything, you'll probably want. Just run with your watch for now, and maybe setup the Garmin Coach if you'd like to improve and get some daily suggestions. You're probably best off reading the manual, tap Help in the top right in the Connect app for metrics you're curious about, and ignore the things you don't care about yet. That said, if you want to save money, you'd probably be perfectly fine with the 265, especially if it's on sale. Just don't expect it to be any more beginner friendly.
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →The 265 will probably be initially more noticeable, but I don't think it will be a longterm weight issue. The Forerunner line a in my opinion then lightest most feature rich device from Garmin. I have a 965, and I don't notice the weight at all.
r/GarminWatches • View on Reddit →Using aw meaning you need to charge ypur watch almost each day meanwhile garmin will last more than a week (if you take 265)
r/GarminWatches • View on Reddit →My wife has a FR165 and she loves it. She's a relatively new runner. I really like my 265 but it's a bit more pricey.
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →Garmin watches are better for running, cycling, swimming. Basically any serious endurance training. Apple watches feel higher quality and are better for lifestyle features like calls, texts, nicer screen etc. That being said, the Fenix 8 is kind of overkill if you are just training for a half. I would return it and get a 265, which is half the price of the Fenix 8.
r/BeginnersRunning • View on Reddit →If you're not training for races you'd be more than fine with a 165/265.
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →Yes, the point is that the tests he normally performs are heart rate, sleep and GPS tests. The issue is that this data goes through X algorithms that will "interpret" it differently. For example, according to their videos, the Huawei watches have excellent sensor accuracy, on the other hand, the interpretation they make of data for sleep, for example, is very bad... even though there is an inaccuracy in Garmin watches for heartbeats, the Garmin algorithm is very good at estimating, for example, calories, number of steps, recovery, etc. and so on... now whether it's worth it, depends, I think that for the cost (at least in Brazil, where I live) it's not worth it, for example, the 165 costs practically 2 times more than any Huawei or Amazfit watch (some top of the line model from these manufacturers), and they don't deliver that much more... if it's for a 265 the cost is already 3 times.... So for the cost it doesn't end up being worth it...
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →I have not regretted swapping my Pixel Watch 2 for a FR265 even once.
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →I have the 245 and 265. I actually like the touch screen when scrolling my data versus the buttons. Especially when looking at the morning report. Very convenient when scrolling. I was hesitant to get the 265 back then but happy i did. Love the screen. Very bright. My next one will definitely the 970. I love the flashlight, sapphire and titanium features.
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →I upgraded last week from a Pixel Watch 2 where Fitbit is the primary software for health and fitness to a Forerunner 265. It's sooo much better.
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →I know a lot of athletes. So, by extension, I know a lot of Garmin watch owners. Of all the 965 owners I reckon about 10% of them, max, use the watch to its full capacity. The other 90% use it in a way the 265 would satisfy without a shadow of doubt - and at a significantly smaller price point. Get a 265 (or a 265s) and watch, even then, the amount of things you barely make use of. Garmins are great (I wear one) but they flex a bucket load of features and IMO most people make use of two or three things for their sport of choice. This is why people get sucked in by the 900 series models.
r/GarminWatches • View on Reddit →I bought and returned a 165 (realizing I LOVED the Garmin system, coming from an Apple Watch) and got the 570 for the coaching, recovery and additional training metrics... But, before I jumped to the 570 I strongly considered the 265 Music. Music on the Garmin has been better for me than using my iPhone (using the Garmin Spotify app).
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →I ordered a 265 last spring and ended up sending it back. I know it's made of a plastic that's very strong and durable but I didn't care for the look. It felt very light and cheap, but I also came from an Apple Watch Ultra 2 which is a CHONK of a watch. Sent it back and got the 965 on sale for Father's Day and like it much better. The lower models are great watches, just wasn't what I was after.
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →Totally get that. I wouldn't recommend the 965 to anyone who isn't looking specifically for the features it offers. 265 is just as good for the average person.
r/GarminWatches • View on Reddit →Forerunner 265 is already AMOLED so changing him to MIP might not be welcome even if MIP is the superior display technology.
r/Coros • View on Reddit →I bought 970 and 265. 970 was too heavy and bulky. 265 is so light and disappears with the ultra velcro strap. It has a screen flashlight which I still find useful at 5am indoors but is not very useful otherwise. 970 light is badass, but not worth the extra heft and cost.
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →265 series can download from spotify and has a solid heart rate sensor.
r/GarminWatches • View on Reddit →If you want it only for running, then look at forerunner 255/265 or 955/965 (these with 5 in the middle have MIP screens, these with 6 have AMOLED). I'm recommending these since they're smaller and lighter, but if you like the looks of fenix 7 go for it. In terms of HR recording you're gonna need chest strap for running if you want to get accurate measurements. Measuring the heart rate from wrist is good until it come down to trainings with variable intensity, for example the watch alone is very bad at recording hr during intervals. In terms of GPS, fr 955/965 have the best one (multiband gps). The difference is visible when recording next to high building or in the forest. The type of screen is something where you need to see comparison between these two, I'm personally in love with MIP for its visibility when being outside and way better battery life. But everyone prefers something different so this decision is up to you. I personally have fenix 7s which i bought mainly for everyday use and hiking/biking. But I started to run with it and it's perfect for me. Everyday training suggestions are very nice, especially if you wear the watch all the time. It's taking many factors into account (for example sleep, stress, training load, your performance and many more) so every training is adjusted to you, no need to think what you should do.
r/GarminWatches • View on Reddit →I used to only weight train before I got my forerunner 265. Now I drink way less alcohol, am more focused on good sleep and started running at least 2 times per week to also improve my condition. So I don't use it that much for weight training (I still turn it on to have a good overview of my total activity) but it is significantly improving my health and taken away the focus from only superficial muscle gains. So really depends what your priority is
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →Any Garmin watch will count steps well. Forerunner 265 is what I have and is a solid fitness watch even if you're not a runner. Do an amazon search and plug your max budget into the sidebar. Many are on sale right now. Price won't really matter if you just looking for step counting. You can buy a cheap one.
r/GarminWatches • View on Reddit →I reeeally wanted something like the Vivoactive when I was last watch shopping - mainly because of the appearance + size, even the 265S (which is what I ended up with) still feels pretty chunky on my wrist. However, the Vivoactive doesn't support custom structured workouts, which is a must for me. Hoping they add that feature to their more casual lines going forward!
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →265. Battery degradation is a thing and the 265 has a newer HR sensor. Also whole watch is lightet and for me vetter suited for Running
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →Garmin 265s or if you could get a Epix Pro 42mm for a decent price would have everything you could wish for, including the latest HR Sensor v.5 If you don't want AMOLED screen then the Fenix 7 Pro 42mm would also be perfect. Also consider the Epix pro and Fenix Pro have a flashlight. Sound useless, but comes in handy from nightly toilet visits, camping or just as a strobe while running (can set it up so it auto turns on and blinks when running after sunset)
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →I went with the 265. The 570 just didn't seem at all worth $150 extra. As far as I can tell the 265 and 570 are the same watch, the 570 is just newer?
r/GarminWatches • View on Reddit →I use an apple watch and garmin. Short review Apple is a kickass smart watch and a good Fitness watch Garmin is a kickass fitness watch but a dumb smart watch (I am in the apple ecosystem) My apple watch is 3 or 4 years old now. SE first gen battery %67. While doing my half marathon, I was anxious the whole time I will run out of battery before I finish the race. If you do swimming, Garmin is your choice - with apple over one year the corners get hit and that will allow water to get in. Garmin 265 is one year old and yet to face such issues. Plus the physical buttons make it convenient to operate. And the battery life is amazing. I charge the garmin once a week vs apple watch currently at twice a day.
r/Fitness_India • View on Reddit →Get an older model if your concerned about budget. The new features are usually not that compelling. Only go 970 if you have to have a torch and 965 if you need maps. 265 is a great watch and sounds like it will do what you want along with the 100 series too. Great MIP options out there as well because...MIP is better!
r/GarminWatches • View on Reddit →I focus a lot on strength training too and just got a 265...what watch did you end up with? My understanding is the garmin ecosystem is just not great for strength training really. I only am looking forward to doing the workout on the watch itself and not w/a phone...
r/garminforerunner • View on Reddit →It all comes down to the watch screen. MIP vs Amoled. If you haven't own a smartwatch before, then you won't miss what you don't have if you go via MIP route 255. I see my worker's fenix with MIP screen and I prefer the amoled's visibily. I have a 245 and I'm happy with the 265 jump. If budget is the issue I would just go with the 255.
r/GarminWatches • View on Reddit →Yes on the 265. Some other garmins I had a fenix 5 before and that had an indoor run mode. The accuracy is improved either with a footpod. Garmin make one or stryd I think it's called. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-F41EAFB3-6CC9-42DE-9C6C-9E358DBB0671/EN-US/GUID-3A4C7C6C-1FE3-4EB5-B38E-3F744A5C1F00.html%23:~:text%3DThe%2520watch%2520can%2520be%2520used,the%2520accelerometer%2520in%2520the%2520watch.&ved=2ahUKEwiVjO6nmcWLAxUeT0EAHVACBMQQFnoECBMQBQ&usg=AOvVaw2jd9brKIf5nZGMrm3N0SLa The watch can be used for training indoors, such as running on an indoor track or using a stationary bike or indoor trainer. GPS is turned off for indoor activities. When running or walking with GPS turned off, speed and distance are calculated using the accelerometer in the watch.
r/hyrox • View on Reddit →I don't know about the other ones, but the option to load Spotify music and podcasts into the 265 for offline listening without having to resort to my mobile to me is a huge plus.
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →A Garmin Forerunner of some description will do what you need. There are lots of models at different price points. I have no experience with other brands so can't speak about those, but I really like my Forerunner 265.
r/beginnerrunning • View on Reddit →I recently switched to Garmin just to give it a go but I'm also primarily a lifter and Ultras are great for lifting and honestly I miss using my Ultra just for lifting purposes as Garmin is mostly for endurance sports. Honestly the battery life is whatever and has never really bothered me as I would just charge my Ultra in the evenings when I got home from the gym and I never had a problem. Whether or not it adds anything valuable over a Series 10 is up to you. I like the premium look of the ultra but I see how slim the 10 is on other people and sometimes which I had that. Which is a big pro of my Garmin 265 personally
r/applewatchultra • View on Reddit →No, the 165 Music versus not is just price point budget options thing. Forerunner 265 and 965 have the music functionality of downloading directly to the watch from YT Music. If you just want good basic run and training tracking I would do the 165 music, if you want more training support and data collection and management, I would go for the 264. Either way a focus on running I would only select between these 2 watches.
r/GarminWatches • View on Reddit →I opted for the 265s just because i prefer the smaller size. It works well with runna.
r/PHRunners • View on Reddit →I just got the 265 and my battery life is a week max. I feel I'm doing something wrong
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →I've had a Swim2 and upgraded to a 265 (which has a better accelerometer). Stroke detection probably won't get much better with an Apple. My watches sometimes confuse sprint free and fly, but otherwise it mostly gets it right. I find stroke detection matters a lot less than being able to count laps anyway. Auto lap counting on all watches is about the same.... all are 95%+ but if you want 100% you need manual stop/start and only Garmin has that
r/Swimming • View on Reddit →>Its a Vivoactive by another name. ironically i've been looking at the FR series to upgrade my old vivoactive. lack of altimeter is deal breaker for me.
r/Garmin • View on Reddit →For what you said, I'd probably do the 265. The 965 has much better mapping when you don't have a phone on you, but that's the main difference. The 965 also has more storage, it's really designed for people who want to run without a phone on them. I have a 965 and am training for my first marathon. I love it. Really depends on how much you value offline mapping features. If you have your phone on you the extra storage doesn't really matter. So the 265 is cheaper and has everything you need, unless you want those extra mapping option.
r/GarminWatches • View on Reddit →Seems like I am replacing my watch every 2-3 years. Battery is always the reason. Have gone with the base models of the garmin forerunner (35,45,55) then finally upgraded to the 200 series most recently.
r/AdvancedRunning • View on Reddit →