Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Garmin Forerunner 965 review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£?Screen size:1.4 inchBattery life:23 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Garmin Forerunner 965 Review: Compare 127 technical specifications, 41 expert and video reviews and 7 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Garmin Forerunner 965
8.6/10

Overall score

Score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

8.3

Technical score

30%

8.3

List score

25%

8.7

Reviews score

10%

10

Sentiment score

★Better than 97% of smartwatches
?

Value for money

Value for money
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.6

Overall score

30%

?

Price

Price not known yet
8.3

Technical score

Technical score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

24%

8.0

Health

21%

9.7

Fitness

16%

8.0

Battery

14%

8.6

Smart features

12%

7.7

Connectivity

9%

8.4

Display & Design

4%

3.7

Hardware

★Better than 90%
8.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

9.1

Popularity

Grades by review (41)
5 reviews + 36 videos, average 8.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
★Better than 97%
8.3

List score

List score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (7)
List score: in 7 of 121 lists (6%)
★Better than 93%
Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Smartwatches model ranking

Ranked #27 of 777 models in Smartwatches (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Forerunner 965

Technical score
Technical score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

24%

8.0

Health

21%

9.7

Fitness

16%

8.0

Battery

14%

8.6

Smart features

12%

7.7

Connectivity

9%

8.4

Display & Design

4%

3.7

Hardware

8.3
Reviews score
8.7
List score
8.3
Value for money
Value for money
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

8.6

Overall score

30%

?

Price

9.0
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 30.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 49.5% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports HRV tracking. 54.9% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
?
Cadence sensor
?
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
23 days
This smartwatch lasts 23 days on a charge, which is longer than 93% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
31 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 31 h on a charge, which is longer than 75.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.5% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
31 h
This smartwatch lasts 31 h with GPS on, which is longer than 74.7% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
?
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS, which is more advanced than the system in 70.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 9.2% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 54% of smartwatches and equal to that of 40.2% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 56.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
yes
Garmin Forerunner 965 supports dual-frequency GPS. 85% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.4 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen, which is larger than 48.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 6.7% of Smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses AMOLED, which is more advanced than the screen in 46.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 53.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
454x 454
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 454x454 which is higher than that of 76.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 7% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
459 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 459 ppi, which is higher than 78.7% of Smartwatches and equal to 1.2% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
32 GB
This smartwatch has 32 GB of internal storage, which is more than 81.3% of Smartwatches and equal to 15% of Smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Forerunner 965 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 16 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (23 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    23 days vs 7 days
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • Readiness score
    This smartwatch supports readiness scores, the average smartwatch does not. 19.8% of smartwatches support readiness scores.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • 24.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    9.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (41)
    5 reviews + 36 videos, average 8.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.7 vs 7.0
  • 33.3% higher sentiment score
    10.0 vs 7.5
  • 16% better value for money
    Garmin Forerunner 965 has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (9 vs 7.8).
    9 vs 7.76
  • 5.1% higher list score
    List score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (7)
    List score: in 7 of 121 lists (6%)
    8.3 vs 7.9
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • Readiness score
    This smartwatch supports readiness scores, the average smartwatch does not. 19.8% of smartwatches support readiness scores.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44.1% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • 2 years newer
    This smartwatch was released more recently than the average smartwatch (2023 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    2,023 vs 2,021
  • Perspiration monitoring
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 15.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • 16 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (23 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    23 days vs 7 days
  • 10 h longer GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer with GPS on than the average smartwatch (31 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    31 h vs 21 h
  • 11 h longer training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (31 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    31 h vs 20 h
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 13% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Supports dual-frequency GPS
    Garmin Forerunner 965 supports dual-frequency GPS, while the average smartwatch does not. 15.1% of Smartwatches support dual-frequency GPS.
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX vs mineral glass
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses titanium for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    titanium vs polycarbonate
  • 133 ppi sharper screen
    This smartwatch has a sharper screen than the average smartwatch (459 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    459 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • Higher resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 454x454, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    454x454 vs 360x360
  • 15 °C higher heat tolerance
    This smartwatch tolerates a higher temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch is rated up to 45.0 °C.
    60 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    occasional vs ended
  • 8x more internal storage
    This smartwatch has more internal storage than the average smartwatch (32 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage.
    32 GB vs 4 GB
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 1.5 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (13.2 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    13.2 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 60 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (30 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    30 vs 90
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • 8 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (53 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    53 g vs 45.0 g
  • 4.6 mm wider case
    This smartwatch has a wider case than the average smartwatch (47.1 mm vs 42.5 mm). The average smartwatch measures 42.5 mm across.
    47.1 mm vs 42.5 mm
  • 60 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (30 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    30 vs 90
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 1.5 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (13.2 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    13.2 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 8 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (53 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    53 g vs 45.0 g
  • 4.6 mm wider case
    This smartwatch has a wider case than the average smartwatch (47.1 mm vs 42.5 mm). The average smartwatch measures 42.5 mm across.
    47.1 mm vs 42.5 mm
  • 2.1 mm taller case
    This smartwatch has a taller case than the average smartwatch (47.1 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45.0 mm tall.
    47.1 mm vs 45.0 mm
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Verified Reviews
≈ estimated
25/01/2026
Hands-on review · weeks of training, GPS and battery tests
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 965 is easy to recommend for runners and triathletes who want accurate GPS, maps and adaptive coaching.
9.0
Gman.Fitness
≈ estimated
16/10/2025
Long-term test · about a year of daily training use
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 965 is still his main training watch after a year, though it isn't worth upgrading to the 970 yet.
8.0
NextTech Reviews
≈ estimated
23/05/2025
Long-term review · a few months of training use
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 965 is a solid pick for serious athletes who want durable tracking, though the interface, Garmin Pay and track mode have drawbacks.
9.0
Alex Reader
≈ estimated
07/03/2025
Long-term test · 1 year of heavy use
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 965 is worth the investment for heavy trainers, especially for recovery tracking and HRV insights.
9.0
Smartwatch Tutorials
≈ estimated
01/03/2025
Feature tour · trail maps, sleep and training tests
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 965 earns a strong recommendation for its light, comfortable build, long battery life and reasonable price for its features.
9.0
Alex Reader
≈ estimated
12/07/2024
Long-term review · six months of daily use
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 965 is pricey but a strong, comfortable daily fitness watch; the cheaper 955 is nearly as good.
9.0
Matt LeGrand
≈ estimated
08/10/2023
Long-term test · 100 days of swimming, cycling and running
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 965 holds up well after 100 days and is a strong pick for swimmers, cyclists and runners.
8.0
Shervin Shares
≈ estimated
15/07/2023
Long-term use · a few weeks of daily wear
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 965 is one of the better watches you can buy if you have the budget and want the latest features.
9.0
Chase the Summit
≈ estimated
04/07/2023
Real-life battery test · GPS and ultra marathon settings
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 965's battery claims hold up, and with the right settings it can last a 100-mile ultra.
8.0
The Quantified Scientist
✓ explicit
04/06/2023
Scientific review · GPS, heart rate and sleep tests
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 965 is enjoyable to use with strong GPS, though heart rate and sleep tracking are only rough.
7.0
Matt LeGrand
≈ estimated
11/05/2023
Long-term review · over a month of triathlon use
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 965 is largely a refreshed 955 with few new features, but it remains a capable triathlon watch.
9.5
The Run Testers
≈ estimated
28/04/2023
Hands-on review · running performance and comparisons
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 965 is an excellent running watch; if you don't need AMOLED, the cheaper 955 is enough.
More graded video reviews (9)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

What reviewers agree on

Based on 5 · 12

Reviewers like the bright display, accurate GPS and full maps, but battery and heart-rate tracking split opinion, and it's barely an upgrade.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.6
220triathlon.com
✓ explicit
21/01/2026
Hands-on review · Triathlon watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 965 has a much brighter AMOLED screen than the 955, but is hard to justify as an upgrade if you already own one.
8.6
horloge-du-coureur.fr
✓ explicit
11/12/2025
Hands-on test · Triathlon watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a light, accurate watch for serious runners who use its analysis tools, though it's overkill for basic tracking.
8.5
runmorph.com
✓ explicit
24/07/2026
Full review · Triathlon watch with maps
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 965 suits triathletes and runners who want maps and offline music, but its 31-hour GPS battery falls short on ultra trails.
9.0
istintosportivo.com
≈ estimated
21/09/2026
Review · Multisport training watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a strong pick for runners and triathletes, with a bright AMOLED screen and built-in maps, though its glass scratches more easily.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Garmin Forerunner 965

  • 23 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.
  • TopoActive maps with Europe preloaded help with route planning.
  • 32 GB of storage holds music for offline listening.
  • Running dynamics come from the wrist, so no extra pod is needed.
  • Dual-frequency GPS adjusts its mode to suit the terrain.
  • Body Battery rates energy from 0 to 100 using HRV, stress and sleep.

What we don't like about Garmin Forerunner 965

  • The 47.1 mm case is large, and there is only one size.
  • Its 31 h of GPS time is short for ultras of 40 hours or more.
  • Always-on mode cuts the battery to about a week.
  • Wrist heart rate can lag during short, intense reps.
  • Little has changed from the 955 apart from the screen.

Verdict

Anyone who trains for long events and wants offline maps on the wrist should look at the Garmin Forerunner 965. It lasts 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 h with GPS on. A bright AMOLED screen with 459 ppi shows maps and graphs sharply, and the 32 GB of storage holds music for offline listening. Body Battery and a readiness score show how much effort your body can take on a given day. The 47.1 mm case is large, and at 13.2 mm thick it sits high on the wrist. Its 31 h of GPS time falls short for ultras that run 40 hours or more. Always-on mode cuts the battery to about a week. It suits a triathlete or runner who wants plenty of data and does not mind a large watch.

Compare Garmin Forerunner 965 with other Smartwatches

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Garmin Forerunner 965 and other Smartwatches

No results found