Sport Technik · 16/05/2023
Hands-on review · display, battery, sport, GPS, heart rate tests
Garmin Forerunner 265 is more enjoyable to wear daily thanks to its AMOLED display, though few other features are new.
Likes- Bright, colourful AMOLED display
- GPS is very accurate
- Heart rate matches a chest strap well during running
- Reasonable value compared with rival watches
Dislikes- Few new features compared with the 255
- Battery life slightly weaker than the 255
- Wrist heart rate reads off during strength training
connect Tech Channel · 03/05/2023
Hands-on review · lab measurements and app tests
Garmin Forerunner 265 is strong for ambitious athletes; only its all-plastic design and missing metal accent are small drawbacks.
Likes- Bright, sharp display readable in strong sunlight
- Accurate heart rate, distance and step tracking
- Garmin Connect app offers detailed analysis of each workout
- Wide range of sport profiles and health analyses
Dislikes- Case is entirely plastic, with no metal accents
- No offline maps, only routes to follow
- Smart features fall short of an Apple Watch
- Health data can overwhelm beginners
DNA - DailyNerdAlert · 08/04/2023
Hands-on review · training, navigation and feature overview
Garmin Forerunner 265 is the best-value OLED Garmin and worth the extra over the 255, though its navigation is frustrating.
Likes- Sharp, sunlight-readable AMOLED display
- Training readiness widget and detailed daily training guidance
- Wrist-based running efficiency and power values
Dislikes- Off-track navigation alerts and beeping are frustrating
- No climbing activity support
- Wrist-based running dynamics differ from chest strap and pod readings
DNA - DailyNerdAlert · 25/03/2023
Navigation test · route following, GPS tracking and battery
Garmin Forerunner 265 has clean GPS tracking, but missed turn prompts and no maps mean navigation still needs work.
Likes- Clean GPS track in town and under trees
- Route planned in Garmin Connect syncs to the watch
- Multiband GPS gives a very small distance error
Dislikes- Some turn prompts were missed on the route
- No maps, so the watch must be checked often
- Multiband GPS uses the most battery
El Cuantificador · 01/07/2026
Hands-on review · accuracy tests against chest strap
Heart rate is very good for easy and tempo runs; GPS is reliable, with automatic mode recommended.
Likes- Heart rate accuracy close to a chest strap on easy and tempo runs
- GPS excellent on track and solid in the city
- Automatic GPS mode the most reliable overall
Dislikes- Optical sensor lags behind sudden changes in intensity
- Short intervals and explosive efforts need more caution
- City speed jitter in the all-systems GPS mode
- UltraTrac mode too inaccurate for urban running
Running Addict · 10/05/2023
Hands-on review · one month of training use
Garmin Forerunner 265 is a very complete running watch, best for demanding runners who can afford the price.
Likes- Bright, easy-to-read AMOLED screen even in sunlight
- Thorough training analysis with readiness and sleep data
- HRV status shown in clear green, orange and red zones
- Good fitness metrics for running and triathlon
Dislikes- Features come at a high price
- Some indicators, such as VO2 max, can drop even without a real problem
Blog Montre cardio GPS · 06/05/2023
Hands-on review · features, display and price
Garmin Forerunner 265 is a feature-rich high-end watch, though its higher price and handlebar readability are drawbacks.
Likes- Very responsive touchscreen
- Wrist power and running dynamics now available
- Feature set close to high-end Forerunner models
- Clean interface with useful calendar and weather views
Dislikes- Screen is hard to read on handlebars in some light
- Price rose over the previous generation
- Contactless payment limited to a small number of banks
- Navigation shows a track on a black background without maps
Monsport06 · 08/04/2023
Hands-on review · features and comparison with other models
Garmin Forerunner 265 is a good watch with excellent GPS, but it has no map backgrounds and is pricey for its features.
Likes- Strong multiband GPS with very reliable tracking
- AMOLED screen is more comfortable than the transflective one
- Useful navigation features such as backtrack and waypoints
Dislikes- No map backgrounds on this model
- No automatic route creation, unlike the 965
- Fairly expensive for runners who only need basic features
Sport Passion · 16/03/2023
First look · first impressions and opinion
Garmin Forerunner 265 is a beautiful watch with a superb screen, but its higher price and the reviewer's preference for MIP temper enthusiasm.
Likes- Superb AMOLED screen
- Touchscreen responds well
- Wrist gesture to wake the screen works fine
- Attractive design
Dislikes- Higher price than the previous model
- Shorter battery life than the previous model
- Reviewer personally prefers the MIP screen for sports
