Garmin Forerunner 265 Review - Is It Worth the Upgrade from 255?

Since its debut in 2003, the Garmin Forerunner series has been a trusted choice for runners worldwide. In 2023, marking its 20th anniversary, Garmin released the brand-new Forerunner 265, less than a year after the Forerunner 255. This model keeps the powerful running and triathlon features of its predecessor while adding an AMOLED display and a smoother user interface, making it stand out among mid-range running watches.

The Forerunner 265 offers dual-frequency GPS, accurate heart rate tracking, offline music, and multiple outdoor sports modes, striking the perfect balance between style and performance. Positioned as a mid-range AMOLED sports watch, it appeals to both serious athletes and everyday fitness users. If you’re considering upgrading your running watch, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is one of the most exciting choices of 2023 - read on to discover why this watch might be your perfect training companion.

You can explore the article of Garmin Forerunner 570 vs Forerunner 265 to know more information.

Garmin Forerunner 265 Review - Design and Wearability

Design and Materials

The Forerunner 265 is available in 46mm standard and 41mm 265s small version, weighing 47g and 39g, respectively. The lightweight design makes it comfortable for long-term wear. The case is made of plastic composite, and the screen uses Gorilla Glass 3, providing scratch resistance while keeping the watch light. The quick-release silicone strap is soft and easy to swap. With 50 meters of water resistance, the watch is suitable for swimming and daily showers, though not ideal for intense water sports.

Buttons and Touch Controls

The watch retains Garmin’s classic five-button layout, offering clear and responsive feedback. The touchscreen and buttons work interchangeably, making operation easy even when wearing gloves or during sweaty workouts. Users can customize shortcut keys for quick access to frequently used functions. In sports mode, the touchscreen can be disabled to prevent accidental touches, ensuring stable operation during runs.

Wearability and Durability

The ergonomic design fits the wrist comfortably, reducing fatigue during long activities. While the watch is lightweight and convenient, the plastic case does not support ECG functionality, and Gorilla Glass 3, though scratch-resistant, is less durable than sapphire glass. This means caution is needed in extreme environments. For most runners and casual users, the Forerunner 265 balances comfort, durability, and usability effectively.

Rating: 4.5/5

Reason: The Forerunner 265 earns a 4.5/5 for its lightweight design, comfortable wear, and intuitive button operation. Its slightly limited durability in extreme conditions prevents a perfect score.

Garmin Forerunner 265 Review - A Stunning AMOLED Display

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a big step forward for the Forerunner series. Its most noticeable upgrade, compared to the Forerunner 255 and 245, is the brand-new AMOLED display. Bright, colorful, and smooth, it makes every glance at your wrist feel more modern and premium.

What’s New on the Forerunner 265 Display?

• AMOLED screen replaces the old MIP display
• Brighter and richer colors, clear both indoors and under sunlight
• High-contrast black UI design that also saves battery
• Larger fonts and redesigned icons for easier data reading
• Touchscreen plus five buttons for flexible control
• Two sizes available: 46mm (1.3-inch) and 42mm (1.1-inch)

Everyday Experience

Using the Forerunner 265 feels smooth from the start. Menus swipe quickly, widgets pop with color, and workout stats are easier to read during a run. Whether at night or in bright daylight, the display stays sharp.

Yes, AMOLED uses more power than MIP. But Garmin still delivers up to 13 days of normal use or 5–6 days with heavy GPS and always-on display. That’s far better than most competitors.

If you’re upgrading from the Forerunner 245 or 255, the screen alone makes the 265 feel like a new generation. It’s a balance of style, clarity, and functionality that running enthusiasts will appreciate.

Rating: 4.5/5

Reason: The AMOLED display is the Forerunner 265’s biggest win: clear visuals, smooth interface, and a huge leap in usability.

Garmin Forerunner 265 Review - Battery Life Performance

Battery Overview

Charging Experience

• Fast charging: 60% → 100% in about 20 minutes
• Convenient to charge during showers or daily breaks

Practical Performance

• Despite the AMOLED high-definition touchscreen, real-world battery life easily supports multiple days of daily use and training
• Compared with the Apple Watch Series 9 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, the Forerunner 265 has a clear battery advantage in smartwatch mode, reducing the need for frequent charging

Rating: 4.5/5

Reason: Battery life is stable and charging is quick; even with a bright AMOLED display, it easily supports several days of continuous use.

Garmin Forerunner 265 Review - Health & Fitness Features

Comprehensive Health Monitoring

The Forerunner 265 offers 24/7 heart rate tracking, blood oxygen (SpO₂) monitoring, step counting, floors climbed, intensity minutes, Body Battery energy levels, Health Snapshot, and sleep tracking including sleep stages and scores. While it does not support ECG, these features provide a full picture of your health, helping you track daily activity, recovery, and overall wellness.

Diverse Sports Modes

The watch supports over 30 sports modes, including running (outdoor, indoor, trail, ultra), cycling (road, mountain, e-bike, indoor), swimming (pool/open water), triathlon, skiing, rowing, strength training, HIIT, yoga, and more. Each mode is highly customizable, allowing users to adjust data screens, metrics, alerts, automatic lap timing, and pause functions according to their preferences.

Training Readiness & Running Dynamics

A standout feature is Training Readiness, which integrates sleep quality, HRV, recovery time, and training load into a single score, helping you plan workouts scientifically and avoid overtraining. The watch also collects running dynamics data-including cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time-directly from the wrist, without extra sensors, giving runners a complete view of running efficiency.

Post-Workout Analysis

After each session, the watch provides detailed reports on pace, distance, calories burned, VO₂ Max, training status, and race prediction. Using the Garmin Connect app, users can track history, set personalized training plans, and share achievements. Sleep and HRV analysis supports long-term recovery monitoring, and female users can track menstrual cycles and pregnancy, with recommendations for workouts and nutrition.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Reason: The Forerunner 265 excels in health and fitness tracking with comprehensive features and smart training insights. The lack of ECG and some high-end durability features slightly limits its score.

Garmin Forerunner 265 Review - GPS and Heart Rate Performance

GPS Accuracy

The Forerunner 265 features dual-frequency multi-GNSS (L1+L5) and Satiq smart positioning technology, maintaining stable and reliable tracking in urban high-rises, forests, and track environments.

In real-world tests, running routes were nearly identical to the Phoenix 7, with highly accurate distance and pace measurements. GPS connection speed is slightly slower but typically locks in under one minute. Even in dense city areas, open fields, or wooded trails, the GPS tracks remain smooth without noticeable gaps or deviations.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The Forerunner 265 uses the 4th-generation optical heart rate sensor, offering all-day monitoring and VO₂ Max estimation.

It performs reliably during running, cycling, and indoor workouts, with data closely matching professional chest strap devices like the Polar H10. Minor delays may occur during interval training or high-vibration activities, but overall, the data is suitable for scientific training analysis.

The built-in altimeter accurately tracks elevation gain, providing reference for a variety of outdoor sports.

Running Dynamics

The watch natively collects running dynamics data, including:

• Stride length
• Vertical oscillation
• Vertical ratio
• Ground contact time

This allows comprehensive analysis of running efficiency without additional sensors, supporting professional running and triathlon training.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Reason: GPS and heart rate monitoring are precise and reliable, with detailed running and dynamics data, making it ideal for most runners and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Garmin Forerunner 265 Review - Smartwatch Features Performance

Feature Highlights & Experience

• Improved touchscreen experience with smooth scrolling and convenient operation
• Comprehensive smart notifications reduce the need to frequently check your phone during workouts
• Offline music and payment functions are practical for running or commuting
• While not as extensive as Apple Watch in apps and ecosystem, it is fully sufficient as a sports-focused smartwatch

Rating: 4.0/5

Reason: Smart features are well-rounded and responsive; music and payment functions are practical, though ecosystem and app expansion are slightly behind top-tier smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 8.

Garmin Forerunner 265 Review - Price and Version

Price Information

• US Price: $449
• UK Price: £429.99
• About $50 more expensive than the 255 Music, but the upgrade in features and display justifies the price

Versions and Sizes

• Available in two sizes: Standard 265 and smaller 265s
• No longer offers separate Music/Non-Music versions; all models support music playback (Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music)

Value Analysis

• Compared with the 245 and 255 series, the price has increased, but the new AMOLED display and Training Readiness feature enhance the overall experience
• For users seeking advanced sports features and a clear, vibrant display, the price remains reasonable

Rating: 4.5/5

Reason: Slightly higher price is justified by the upgrades, making it a solid choice for those who want an AMOLED display and full-featured sports smartwatch.

Garmin Forerunner 265 Review - Scorecard

Garmin Forerunner 265 Review - Summary & Recommendation

Pros:

• AMOLED high-resolution display, smooth touch
• Multiple sports modes & professional training data
• All-day heart rate & health tracking
• Training Readiness guidance
• Long battery life & lightweight design

Cons:

• Navigation less advanced than Fenix
• AMOLED uses more battery in strong sunlight
• Some features require Garmin Connect App
• Wrist tattoos may affect heart rate readings

Recommended For:

• Runners seeking detailed training insights
• Multi-sport enthusiasts (cycling, swimming, yoga)
• Health-conscious users
• Mid-range budget users wanting high value

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Garmin Forerunner 265 combines accurate sports tracking, advanced training analysis, and a vibrant AMOLED display. It’s ideal for mid-tier runners and triathletes looking for a reliable, feature-rich sports smartwatch. For those considering higher-end options like the Garmin Forerunner 970 or Garmin Forerunner 965, or even comparing it with the versatile Garmin Forerunner 570, the 265 stands out as a strong balance between performance and value.