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

This model is a solid choice. My first choice for an update to my Forerunner 35 (still functional and a great watch) was a more expensive model. The display was completely illegible. Returned it. Then I tried going low end: the 165. A faulty accelerometer had that watch not waking up. So back it went. Now the 265: winner winner chicken dinner. A bright Amoled display and a better accelerometer. Yes it’s an amazingly complex menu. But once you get it, you get it. Things I didn’t know I needed: automatically tracking my walk/run segments yet tracking it as a “run.” The watch did exactly what I wanted without my knowing it was possible. Sleep insights: the watch is making solid recommendations for improving my life through sleep. A coach in my ear while listening to Apple Music has me staying aerobic. The form fit is nice too. The body of the 165 was like something out of a Cracker Jack box. The 265 has metal buttons and a cool solid feel to the strap and body. Rolex on my left wrist, Garmin on my right. I struggled for so long and I’ve finally ended up with the perfect pick. Save yourself time and money and go with the 265. I’m going 5 stars even though it did not come with a USB C power block to charge the watch. Come on Garmin how much could it cost? Upon reflection I guess it allows the watch to be sold internationally without including it. Also I won’t ding you for the short little power cord. Come on Garmin stop being so damn cheap.

My main reason for buying a Garmin watch rather than an Apple Watch was the battery life, and it didn't disappoint! I record ~5-7 workouts per week, and so far have had to charge it once a week.The running, walking, biking stats are extensive, there are many training options and programs available.There is a learning curve to get used to the buttons and how to access and navigate the different features, but once you get the hang of it, not a problemI would definitely recommend this watch.

Amazing watch for runners looking for advanced stats. Very accurate GPS and HRM. Even running on a treadmill it’s accurate. Connects to my phone without issue and the garmin app talks to the strava and Nike Run Club apps without issue as well. Very light and size is good for any wrist. Easy to use and battery life is good. I charge mine a lot, usually in the car cause I’m not moving at that point. I like to keep a good charge so I don’t have it die mid run. Love it. Good for any advanced runner, swimmer, cyclist

El mejor Garmin. Para runners que he tenido hasta ahora. Muy completo y fácil de usar.

i like this watch as it has cool features that hold me accountable!

Excellent

I've had for about 2 months now and really like the watch. It took me about a week to get comfortable with the navigation and idiosyncrasies of the watch (like needing to use the buttons when running).It's very light and comfortable on my wrist, so i wear it often. I also wear it to bed so it tracks my sleep and gives me a report in the morning (and reprimands me for not getting enough sleep). The only activity I track is running. I haven't used it for music.I downloaded and used a "Data Field" (a custom screen) from the Garmin site, which took some googling to figure out. However, this added a nice run/walk tracker that worked well. There are a lot of other apps, data fields, watch faces, etc. I still need to explore. I'm confused why there are two apps (Connect, and Connect IQ) apps for my phone.After about a week, the watch is down to about 40% so i recharge it (it recharges very quickly).I also tried the FR965, which is a tiny bit thicker (but about the same), has a slightly nicer looking bezel, has maps, has more memory and slightly better battery, and is about $150 more. I decided those features were not worth an extra $ to me. Note, the FR265 has a running route tracker that shows you the shape of your run (a line on a black background), but does not show it on a map. There has been one run since I've had the watch where I thought having the map would be nice, but I still don't regret choosing the 265.I tried the EPIX Gen2 because the white version was on a big discount, but I couldn't stomach the white (even with a replacement band).

Great, at the sale price of 350 it is a good value not sure at 450 there may be better options. Great watch for running, cycling, planning workouts and races. Garmin connect features are provided at no cost or annual fee (for now -- knock on wood) - compare to 80/yr for strava pro or similar services. Ok for trail running/hiking. If you are planning to use GPS to navigate a trail you need to set up a route ahead of time - but it works well, it will give you an arrow to find your way. Was able to navigate back to my car after getting off route due to a impassable stream crossing -- it's reliable. Garmin explore feature is not included - that is only for hiking specific models this is targeted specifically for runners. Need spotify premium for music/podcasts. Very comfortable, easy to use/read interface, ok size - fits fine on small wrist. Battery lasts a little less than a week for me. HR monitor is ok - I ended up buying the Garmin strap as it seems to be subjectively more accurate.