| Manufacturer | Garmin |
|---|---|
| Type | Mid-range AMOLED GPS running and triathlon watch |
| Series | Forerunner |
| Released | 2 March 2023 (announced 2 March 2023) |
| Price at launch | Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 265S: GBP 429.99 / USD 449.99 / EUR 499.99 |
| Predecessor | Forerunner 255 |
| Successor | Forerunner 570 |
| Sizes | 42mm (small), 46mm (medium) |
| Variants | Forerunner 265S (42mm); Forerunner 265 (46mm). Music, Wi-Fi and 8GB storage on both |
| Colours | 265 (46mm): Black/Powder Gray, Whitestone/Tidal Blue, Aqua/Black. 265S (42mm): Black/Amp Yellow, Whitestone/Neo Tropic, Light Pink |
Specifications as at launch. Features and activity profiles reflect the latest Garmin software.
Expert opinion | What’s new | Specifications | Battery life | Features | Activity profiles | Comparisons | Quick answers | Further reading
Expert opinion
Garmin’s first mid-range Forerunner with an AMOLED touchscreen pairs a vivid display with battery life that still outlasts an Apple Watch. The screen is the main reason to move from the Forerunner 255, with Training Readiness the other draw for anyone who sleeps in the watch.
The 42mm 265S brings the full feature set to smaller wrists, and both sizes cover core triathlon needs. Resting heart rate also holds up well against a chest-strap reference.
Garmin Forerunner 265
GPS running watch
What’s new versus the Forerunner 255
Hardware
- AMOLED display with optional always-on mode, replacing the 255’s MIP display
- Touchscreen alongside five buttons
- Higher resolution: 416 x 416 on the 265, up from 260 x 260; 360 x 360 on the 265S, up from 218 x 218
- Music, Wi-Fi and 8GB storage on every model, where the 255 had them on the Music editions only
- Lighter 46mm case at 47g, against 49g for the 255; the 265S matches the 255S at 39g
- Longer smartwatch battery on the 265S at up to 15 days, against 12 days for the 255S; the 265 lists 13 days and 20 hours GPS, against 14 days and 30 hours for the 255
Software
- Training Readiness score
- Running dynamics measured from the wrist, with no pod or chest strap needed
- Touch interaction across the interface
Specifications
The Forerunner 265 (46mm) figures are shown in the table as the headline size. Differences for the other size are noted below.
Forerunner 265S (42mm, small): 41.7 x 41.7 x 12.9mm, display 28.1mm (1.1″) at 360 x 360, weight 39g, 18mm quick release band, fits wrists of 115 to 178mm.
| Specification | Forerunner 265 46mm |
|---|---|
| Display | |
| Display type | AMOLED, always-on option |
| Display size | 32.5mm (1.3″) |
| Resolution | 416 x 416 pixels |
| Lens | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Touchscreen | Yes, plus five buttons |
| Physical | |
| Case size | 46mm (medium) |
| Dimensions | 46.1 x 46.1 x 12.9mm |
| Weight | 47g |
| Bezel material | Fibre-reinforced polymer |
| Band | 22mm quick release, industry standard, silicone |
| Wrist fit | 135 to 205mm |
| Water rating | 5 ATM |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
| Sensors and positioning | |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou, multi-band with SatIQ |
| Heart rate | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 |
| Pulse Ox | Yes, spot check, with optional all-day and sleep tracking |
| Other sensors | Barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, ambient light sensor |
| Connectivity and storage | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| NFC (Garmin Pay) | Yes |
| Storage | 8GB |
| Music | Yes, music storage and playback on the watch |
| Navigation | Breadcrumb trail, courses, back to start and TracBack |
| Battery and charging | Lithium ion, Garmin proprietary plug charger |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
Battery life
Battery figures for both sizes, as listed by Garmin.
| Mode | Forerunner 265S 42mm | Forerunner 265 46mm |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch | Up to 15 days | Up to 13 days |
| GPS Only | Up to 24 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Auto Select (SatIQ) | Up to 18 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| All Systems + Multi-band | Up to 15 hours | Up to 14 hours |
| GPS Only + Music | Up to 7.5 hours | Up to 7 hours |
| Auto Select + Music | Up to 7 hours | Up to 6.5 hours |
| All Systems + Multi-band + Music | Up to 6 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | ||
Features
A full breakdown of Garmin platform features is available at Garmin features explained.
Plan
- Daily Suggested Workouts for running and cycling
- Garmin Coach running and cycling plans, with Garmin Run Coach integration added by software update
- Garmin Coach strength plans, added by software update
- Cardio, strength, HIIT, yoga and Pilates workouts with on-screen animations
- Muscle maps for HIIT, cardio and Pilates workouts, added by software update
- Race Widget and race predictor
- Morning Report
- PacePro pacing strategies
Prepare
- Training Readiness, Training Status, Training Load and Load Ratio
- HRV Status
- Recovery Time
- Body Battery energy monitoring
- Sleep score, sleep coach and advanced sleep monitoring
- Nap detection, added by software update
- All-day stress and respiration tracking
- Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation
- Health Snapshot
- Jet Lag Adviser, added by software update
- Meditation activity, added by software update
Perform
- VO2 max for running and trail running
- Wrist-based running power and running dynamics
- Grade-adjusted pace and trail run auto climb
- Lactate threshold, with automatic estimates added by software update
- Up Ahead for aid stations and checkpoints
- Power curve and FTP workouts with a compatible power meter, with automatic FTP estimates added by software update
- Pool swim workouts, with pace alerts and critical swim speed added by software update
- Underwater wrist-based heart rate
- Multisport auto transition
- Breadcrumb navigation, courses and TracBack
Connect
- Smart notifications, with text replies and notification images on Android
- Garmin Pay contactless payments
- Music storage and playback
- Incident detection and assistance during select activities
- Live event sharing
- Find My Phone during GPS activity, added by software update
- Compatible with the Garmin Messenger app, added by software update
- Connect IQ Store on the watch
- Red Shift mode and large font option, added by software update
- Device passcode, added by software update
- Varia radar, lights and smart trainer control
Activity profiles
| Category | Profiles |
|---|---|
| Running | Running, Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Ultra Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Virtual running |
| Cycling | Biking, Mountain Biking, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Indoor Biking |
| Swimming | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming |
| Multisport | Triathlon |
| Gym and fitness | Strength, HIIT, Cardio and Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor rowing, Boxing, Mixed martial arts, Walking, Pilates, Yoga |
| Outdoor | Hiking, Inline Skating |
| Other | Winter sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing | Water sports: Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing | Team sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Football, American Football, Lacrosse, Rugby, Ultimate Disc, Cricket, Softball, Baseball | Racket sports: Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis, Padel, Platform Tennis, Racquetball |
Garmin Forerunner 265
GPS running watch
Comparisons and upgrade guides
- Garmin Forerunner 570 compared with the Forerunner 265, the successor and the upgrade case
- Garmin Forerunner 165 compared with the Forerunner 265S, the cheaper AMOLED option against the 265S
- Triathlon battery life: 965, 745, 265 and 265S, race-day battery across sizes and models
Quick answers
When was the Garmin Forerunner 265 released?
Garmin announced and released the Forerunner 265 and 265S on 2 March 2023. The launch price was GBP 429.99 or USD 449.99 for both sizes.
Is the Forerunner 265 waterproof?
Forerunner 265 has a water rating of 5 ATM. It includes Pool Swimming and Open Water Swimming profiles as well as Triathlon.
Does the Forerunner 265 have music?
Yes, both the Forerunner 265 and 265S have 8GB of storage with music storage and playback on the watch, plus Wi-Fi.
What navigation does the Forerunner 265 have?
Forerunner 265 offers breadcrumb trail navigation, courses, back to start and TracBack.
What sizes does the Forerunner 265 come in?
The Forerunner 265 is 46mm, 12.9mm thick and weighs 47g, with a 22mm band. The Forerunner 265S is 42mm, 12.9mm thick and weighs 39g, with an 18mm band.
How long does the Forerunner 265 battery last?
Garmin rates the Forerunner 265 for up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS-only mode. The 265S lasts up to 15 days and 24 hours.
Further reading
- Garmin Forerunner 265 review
- Forerunner 265 HRV and resting heart rate accuracy study
- Forerunner 265 and 965 features compared
- Garmin watch specifications
- Release Radar: upcoming Garmin watches
Related watches
Predecessor: Garmin Forerunner 255, the MIP-display model with longer GPS battery life.
Successor: Garmin Forerunner 570, the next-generation mid-range AMOLED Forerunner.
Also consider: COROS Pace 4 Pro, an AMOLED running and triathlon watch with offline maps, titanium and sapphire.
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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