Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a remarkable iteration in Garmin’s flagship Forerunner series, offering a stunning AMOLED touchscreen and several impressive features that make it one of the best running watches on the market.

Pros:

Cons:

Features & Functionality

Image credit: Garmin

The Garmin Forerunner 265 introduces several notable features and improvements:

The AMOLED touchscreen is a game-changer, offering vibrant and detailed visuals. It significantly enhances the overall user experience, making it more appealing for everyday use.

The Training Readiness score and Morning Report features provide valuable insights into your fitness and recovery, helping you optimize your training regimen. These features were previously available on higher-end Garmin watches, making their inclusion in the 265 a noteworthy upgrade.

The inclusion of music storage in all models of the updated Forerunner line is a convenient addition. It allows users to carry their favorite tunes without needing a separate music-only model.

Despite these additions, the Forerunner 265 manages to retain all the essential features that have made Garmin a go-to choice for runners, including VO2 max, weather and tide information, and advanced running metrics. It’s a complete package for fitness enthusiasts.

Power & Performance

Image credit: Garmin

The Garmin Forerunner 265 delivers impressive performance. The AMOLED screen not only enhances visual appeal but also makes it easier to read data during runs. The use of color in data representation is a notable improvement, as scientific research suggests it’s more effective for conveying information.

The watch excels in activity tracking and GPS accuracy. It offers precise data for route and time, making it reliable for outdoor activities. It’s also water-resistant, making it suitable for open-water swims.

The inclusion of Training Readiness and Morning Report adds a new layer of utility to the watch, helping users understand their fitness and recovery levels. This feature is particularly valuable for those engaged in intense training regimens.

The watch is comfortable to wear, thanks to its soft silicone strap and lightweight design. The larger “Run” button is easy to operate during workouts, even when wearing gloves. It’s an intuitive enhancement for fitness enthusiasts.

The Forerunner 265 offers impressive battery life, especially considering the AMOLED screen. It can last up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. The smaller 265S model extends the smartwatch mode to 15 days and GPS mode to 24 hours. These claims are backed up by real-world testing, where the watch proved to be long-lasting even during heavy use.

Compatibility & Connectivity

Image credit: Garmin

The watch comes with standard connectivity options, including Bluetooth, ANT+, and Wi-Fi. This ensures seamless integration with various devices and apps. It also supports smartphone notifications for added convenience, although you can’t respond to messages directly from the watch.

What’s the Alternative?

Image credit: Fitbit

For those considering alternatives to the Garmin Forerunner 265, the Fitbit Charge 6 emerges as a worthy contender, particularly for users seeking a comprehensive fitness tracker with a focus on health metrics and affordability. While the Forerunner 265 boasts a stunning AMOLED touchscreen and advanced running features, the Charge 6 offers a solid battery life, Google Maps integration, and a diverse range of health metrics that cater to both Android and iPhone users.

One of the Fitbit Charge 6’s standout features is its extensive suite of health metrics, including blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, and ECG readings for irregular heart rhythms. Additionally, its Google integration provides practical tools such as turn-by-turn directions with Google Maps and contactless payments through Google Wallet. However, users may encounter occasional connectivity issues, which can detract from the overall experience.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Garmin Forerunner 265?

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a remarkable running watch with several standout features. It’s a significant improvement over its predecessors, thanks to the introduction of the AMOLED touchscreen, Training Readiness score, and Morning Report. While it comes at a slightly higher price point and may have a small impact on battery life, the overall experience it offers is well worth the investment.

Should you buy the Garmin Forerunner 265? If you’re a keen runner, looking to upgrade your old Garmin, or seeking an Apple Watch competitor, the Forerunner 265 is an excellent choice. Its AMOLED screen, long battery life, and fitness-focused features make it a top contender in the running watch category.

However, if you already own the Forerunner 255, the differences may not justify the upgrade. Additionally, if you require full-color TopoActive maps, you’ll need to explore higher-end models like the Forerunner 965. Keep in mind that the Forerunner 265 excels under running conditions, so if you’re not a runner, it might not be the ideal choice for your needs.

In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is an impressive running watch with a beautiful screen and valuable fitness features, making it a strong contender for both dedicated runners and those seeking a capable smartwatch alternative to the Apple Watch.