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Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch

Curated from 111 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 22, 2025

Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch

Brand: Garmin

Price: $449

Snoop Score:

8.4

Sentiment

7.8

Popularity

9.3

Technical

8.6

Buy on Amazon for $449 See All GPS Units Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch is designed for fitness enthusiasts, featuring a vivid AMOLED display and advanced training metrics to enhance performance. Users appreciate the reliable GPS tracking, long battery life, and the ability to monitor various activities such as running, cycling, and swimming. As one user noted, "Battery life is fantastic compared to a Samsung I used before," showcasing the watch's durability and efficiency. Many have also praised the smartwatch's user-friendly features, with one stating, "It aut detects them, no fuss pairing," highlighting its seamless integration with other devices. In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is highly recommended for anyone seeking a versatile and reliable smartwatch tailored for fitness tracking and multi-sport activities. Its robust design and excellent functionality make it a top choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Not for you? Check out our other rated GPS Units

I got an Etrex 30 around when they were released and it has been 100% for me ever since.
Positive Feedback

Smart phones do this adequately and arguably better because they can have different apps that look at the data differently.
Negative Feedback

8.4

Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch

Buy on Amazon for $449

Marathon & Road Running

8 / 10

Trail & Ultra Running

6 / 10

Triathlon & Multisport

8 / 10

Everyday Fitness & Wellness

8 / 10

See how this compares to all GPS Units

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Garmin devices are reliable for navigation in rugged conditions

“I got an Etrex 30 around when they were released and it has been 100% for me ever since.”➕

“No regrets.”➕

Garmin's satellite SOS functionality is appreciated

“I carry a physical GPS unit still. Used to be a Garmin GPSMaps 64 and now it's a GPSMaps 67i with the satellite SOS functionality.”➕

Garmin handheld GPS devices are reliable and preferred for outdoor use.

“They're relatively inexpensive, easy to use, lightweight and accurate.”➕

Garmin devices offer free lifetime updates.

“Even if it gets downed there will be huge interest in reviving it by anyone capable of launching more.”➕

“I have 3 and all of them have free lifetime upgrades.”➕

Watch provides functionality as a backup GPS

“Nothing a stand-alone unit can really do better than your phone, unless you want to be able to message with it, and soon phones should be able to use satellite messaging as well.”➕

“The mapping on the Fenix is really just an emergency backup. It works but is hard to navigate well.”➕

Fenix saves battery life on phone and performs well in rain

“I tried fenix 6 with prepared map. It was great, I saved a lot of battery on my phone and it is better in rain.”➕

Long battery life with AA Lithium batteries

“+1 on the eTrex 20. A pair of AA Lithium batteries usually last me a good 32 hours of recording.”➕

Simple interface for following GPX tracks

“I use an etrex20. Simple, follow the purple line when you have an uploaded gpx track.”➕

Dedicated GPS units provide better precision and reliability

“Garmin doesn't need cell coverage or better maps—it's about technical differences that make it more accurate and fast.”➕

“A dedicated GPS unit has benefits over a phone: longer battery life, preloaded maps, larger screens, and better privacy.”➕

Garmin GPS units can preload maps for offline use

“Plenty of map apps can download offline maps to use when you're in areas with bad/no reception”➕

Handheld GPS units are sturdy and waterproof

“The handheld GPSs are quite sturdy and waterproof. The majority of phones are not.”➕

Lifetime map updates appreciated

“Now that Google maps can download maps and work without any mobile data, it pretty much killed the main reason to hold onto an old GPS.”➕

Older Garmin devices can still be usable

“the nuvi 255W is still quite usable today.”➕

Garmin devices have improved reliability compared to older models.

“They used to be horribly unreliable, but I think it's unjustified nowadays.”➕

Useful multiband GPS for navigation

“It does have multiband GPS and downloadable maps using which it can navigate without need of phone.”➕

Customizable watch faces available

“I’ve tried so many faces but keeping coming back to the one OP uses lol.”➕

Pace fluctuations display functionality

“while youre running does it show your pace fluctuations instantly also can i set a pace at which i wish to run and does it tell me if i should go faster or slower to finish in my desired time?”➕

Great battery life

“Amazing battery life (at least 2 weeks with regular rides, nearly 4 without) and great at tracking rides.”➕

“Battery life is fantastic compared to a Samsung I used before.”➕

Durable design

“It's never bothered me in any way. I even sleep with it on.”➕

User-friendly pairing with sensors

“It aut detects them, no fuss pairing.”➕

Great for runners and fitness tracking

“It's quite light on the smart watch functionality, but it's a great runners watch/fitness tracker.”➕

“for runner /fitness tracking it pretty much has everything the same”➕

“265 and below are plastic bezel. The 965 is titanium and significantly more durable.”➕

Long battery life

“Long battery life. This is a huge plus.”➕

“Garmins golf app is pretty good, its great for running and biking as well.”➕

Robust and durable design

“I've got the same watch, does the job for golf, running, cycling, gym, etc.”➕

Great for multi-sport activities

“I have the forerunner 935 which has golf.”➕

“I used an old Vivoactive 3 for both.”➕

Effective golf app integration

“Garmin golf app which is built in on Garmin watches”➕

“Forerunner's golf support is pretty basic but enough for me: distance to pin, layup yardages, shot/score/GPS tracking (I walk and put my golf rounds on Strava).”➕

Button controls favored over touchscreen

“The buttons are solid.”➕

Reliable GPS tracking performance

“My friend also has a Garmin, a cheaper model I may add and it tracks so precise it’s irritating.”➕

Garmin devices offer lifetime map updates

“Is a Garmin gps device a good way to degoogle? I don't want to give all my data to someone else who is functionally the same thing.”➕

“It works great. Mine has lifetime map updates, so everyonce in a while I download the new maps and copy them over.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Smartphones are seen as adequate alternatives to handheld GPS

“Smart phones do this adequately and arguably better because they can have different apps that look at the data differently.”➕

Smartphones provide adequate GPS functionality for most users.

“The GPS functionality on phones is fairly good and will work in most locations so long as you’ve preloaded the maps for locations that have no cell phone coverage.”➕

Older Garmin models can become slow and unusable.

“I have a nuvi 50, and honestly it's slow AF.”➕

Garmin devices eventually reach end of life with no updates.

“Even if it still technically works, it's the manufacturer that determines the end of the device's life.”➕

Limited usability without a paired phone

“I have a Garmin instinct watch. It's pretty much useless without your phone.”➕

Smaller screen is finicky compared to standalone GPS units

“A watch is a much smaller screen and more finnicky to use than a stand alone unit or an app on your phone.”➕

Smartphone apps are seen as adequate alternatives

“Apps on your phone will get that job done.”➕

“I bikepack with my cellphone and apps and a backup paper map.”➕

Limited differentiation between older Garmin models

“I don't really see a difference.”➕

Difficulty acquiring satellites

“Thanks for the comment… I will definitely try. I haven’t been able to get my Garmin to acquire satellites in a while.”➕

“I had the instinct 2 solar and it’s pretty common. Especially if there’s lots of trees that block the signal or if you’re around tall buildings.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch	$449	8.4	Details	Buy
Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Multisport GPS Watch	$559	7.1	Details	Buy
COROS APEX 2 Outdoor GPS Watch	$349	6.9	Details	Buy
Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit	$229	6.8	Details	Buy
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch	$178	6.7	Details	Buy
Garmin 010-02626-10 Instinct 2 Outdoor Watch	$198	6.6	Details	Buy
COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch	$229	6.4	Details	Buy
Garmin Forerunner 165 Running Smartwatch	$249	6.3	Details	Buy
Garmin fenix 6 Pro GPS Watch	$479	6.0	Details	Buy
Garmin Enduro™ 2 Ultraperformance Watch	$667	6.0	Details	Buy
Garmin tactix 7 Pro Ballistics Edition GPS Watch	$1419	5.9	Details	Buy
Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Running Smartwatch	$374	3.9	Details	Buy
Garmin 010-12520-00 Running Dynamics Pod	$59	3.2	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Older Garmin GPS models can still function well.

“Uses less power than a smartphone.”➕

Older devices have single-purpose focus

“Often older GPS devices are more accurate as they were single goal devices and didn’t have to share space and battery power with all other uses.”➕

Standalone GPS units have pre-installed maps, avoiding data usage.

“Standalone GPS units have the maps already installed and those cost a lot of money for companies to create and keep updated.”➕

General enthusiasm for the watch upon purchase

“omg this was me yesterday, the day that I bought this watch ha ha ha”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

GPS devices can complement smartphone navigation for privacy.

“I'm actually thinking about buying one for privacy reasons.”➕

User experiences with watch face customization

“It’s meant to just display a solid color to detect amoled burn in.”➕

Discussion on GPS devices versus smartphone navigation

“What is a good gps to use for SAR”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Preference for Fenix or Epix for navigation over Venu 2

“As far as i know, the venu doesn’t offer the map function, so you should get the fenix or epix.”➕

Preference for simplicity in GPS devices.

“Simpler is better for me though.”➕

“What are you looking to get out of your GPS? Tracking your hikes? Seeing your location on a map?”➕

Discussion on GPS versus smartphone navigation

“Sure, if you can update it’s map data”➕

Discussion around user experiences influencing future purchases.

“experience with a product is really significant in next purchases.”➕

Comparison of Garmin devices with competitors like Wahoo.

“I've been using Garmin for few years and I'm ok with it.”➕

Cost of standalone GPS units includes specialized hardware.

“A Lot of the stand alone units price is for replicated features.”➕

“Some of the hardware is also kind of specialized, which adds cost, even if it seems low tech on the surface.”➕

Standalone GPS units are recommended for long road trips.

“I was very thankful for that feature on my road trip.”➕

Color preference impacts purchase decisions

“Hate the blue color on this device though, but that price difference is huge for me.”➕

“You will wear it all the time. Definitely don’t buy something you don’t like.”➕

“I went for a black 265 because it is neutral and would go with everything.”➕

“If I want color on my watch, I use a colored wristband.”➕

Preference for larger watches for battery life

“I like bulky. Also larger watch has a larger battery, so less charging.”➕

Comparison with other Garmin models

“I use my Garmin Fenix 6. Love it and its 2 week battery life.”➕

“Yep, the 2x has better solar charging and a flashlight compared to the regular instinct.”➕

Comparison of GPS apps and their privacy features

“Magic Earth is the best one I've tried its not foss but its address search is much better than all the foss apps I've tried.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Garmin watches have limitations for navigation

“I still prefer to have everything I need on my wrist for walking / running than have an additional device solely for riding.”➕

“I have needed it once and it was a life saver, but wouldn't want to use it every ride.”➕

Google Maps is not ideal for cycling navigation

“Google is great for driving but pretty terrible for cycling, especially if you are trying to avoid riding on roads.”➕

Physical maps are still valued for navigation.

“GPS probably isn’t going to work forever.”➕

Preference for Fenix series for rugged use

“Super watch for golf and running.”➕

“I use golfshot and I don't think it syncs with Garmin?”➕