The Verdict
The sweet spot in Garmin's lineup for runners and triathletes who want comprehensive HRV tracking without paying Fenix prices. Same HRV Status feature as flagship models at nearly half the cost.
Pros
- Excellent AMOLED display
- Full HRV Status and Training Readiness
- Great value for features
- Lighter than Fenix
Cons
- No maps/navigation
- Shorter battery than Fenix
- Still large for smaller wrists
- Garmin ecosystem lock-in
Same HRV as Fenix
The Forerunner 265 includes the same HRV Status algorithm as Garmin's top-tier watches. You get 7-day HRV trend analysis, Training Readiness scores, and sleep HRV tracking without the premium price.
AMOLED Display
The vibrant AMOLED screen makes data easy to read in any lighting and shows detailed sleep and HRV graphs. The touch interface works alongside physical buttons for flexible navigation.
Running Focus
Optimized for runners with specific features like race predictor, PacePro pacing strategies, and running power estimation. If running is your main sport, this offers more value than the Fenix.