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Home / Electronics / Smartwatches / Garmin Forerunner 265
7.9 Tested Aug 25, 2026 by Team RankingRight

Garmin Forerunner 265 (46 mm) review 2026

A running watch with an AMOLED screen, dual-band GPS that never drifted in our tests, training readiness and 13 days of battery — for either phone

PriceFrom $449.99 · checked Sep 11, 2026
HR error vs strap1.8 bpm
Battery (measured)11 days

Is the Garmin Forerunner 265 Worth It?

Best smartwatch for running. For anyone who trains, the Forerunner 265 is the watch: accurate, analytical, and it lasts a fortnight. As a phone on the wrist it is a generation behind Apple and Samsung, and it does not try to be one.

Garmin Forerunner 265 Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Most accurate GPS in the test — dual-band held the line under trees and buildings
  • Training load, readiness and race predictor that runners use
  • 11 days measured with daily GPS runs
  • Works with any phone; music storage
Cons
  • Basic notifications; no replies on iPhone, no third-party apps to speak of
  • No ECG
  • Plastic case at $450

Garmin Forerunner 265 at a Glance

7.9 Editor Score
Health & fitness accuracyHeart rate against a chest strap on runs and intervals, GPS distance against a reference on a measured 5K, sleep staging consistency, ECG and SpO2 where offered.
29/30
BatteryMeasured days per charge with always-on display and daily 30-minute GPS workout.
18/20
Smart features & ecosystemNotifications and replies, payments, apps, calls, phone compatibility, safety features.
12/20
Design & displayScreen brightness and readability outdoors, size options, materials, water rating, comfort in sleep.
8/10
ValuePrice and any subscription needed for headline features.
12/20
Reader ratingNo reader ratings yet — not part of the score
–
Own one? Rate it:

Rubric v1: Health & fitness accuracy 30 · Battery 20 · Smart features & ecosystem 20 · Design & display 10 · Value 20. Score = Σ ÷ 10, locked Sep 11, 2026. How we rank.

Where to buy — prices checked Sep 11, 2026

Amazon — $449.99

Best priceSee Price

Garmin — $449.99

Also sold atSee Price

Garmin Forerunner 265 specifications

Works withiPhone and Android
Battery (measured)11 days
GPSMulti-band GNSS
ECGNo
LTE optionNo
Water rating5 ATM
DisplayAMOLED
Sizes42 / 46 mm
Subscription for featuresNone (Connect+ optional)

Why it scored 7.9

For anyone who trains, the Forerunner 265 is the watch: accurate, analytical, and it lasts a fortnight. As a phone on the wrist it is a generation behind Apple and Samsung, and it does not try to be one.

Where it loses

Smart features.

Still the right pick for

Runners and cyclists.

Changelog: Sep 11 — rank 2 → 3 · all changes

Garmin Forerunner 2657.9 · $449.99
See Price