electronics

Garmin Forerunner 265 Review - The Best Running Watch Under $450

★★★★½4.6(8,500 reviews)

By MikeUpdated 2026-06-17

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Garmin

$449.99

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⭐ Our Verdict

Best running watch for serious runners who want AMOLED. Apple Watch Ultra is better for smartwatch features. Coros Pace 3 ($229) is better value for pure running.

✅ Pros

✓AMOLED display is gorgeous for a running watch
✓Training Readiness score tells you when to rest
✓13-day smartwatch / 20hr GPS battery
✓Advanced running dynamics (cadence, ground contact)
✓Morning Report summarizes sleep and training

⚠️ Cons

✗$450 is expensive for non-triathletes
✗No maps - only breadcrumb navigation
✗Music requires Spotify Premium
✗Smaller than Fenix - less rugged

The Garmin Forerunner 265 finally brought AMOLED to the Forerunner line. The display is beautiful and Training Readiness actually improved my training by telling me when to rest.

Garmin vs Apple Watch for Running

Garmin: 13-day battery, physical buttons (work with sweaty fingers), Training Readiness, no touchscreen issues in rain. Apple Watch: better smartwatch, touchscreen only, 18hr battery. Serious runners: Garmin. Casual runners: Apple Watch.

Best Price

$449.99 on Amazon. Forerunner 255 (MIP display) is $349.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Garmin 265 vs Coros Pace 3?▼

Garmin: AMOLED, Training Readiness, $450. Coros: MIP display, dual-band GPS, $229. Coros is better value for pure runners. Garmin if you want the AMOLED and smart features.