Train brilliantly with the smaller-sized Forerunner 265S GPS running smartwatch. Its colorful AMOLED touchscreen display stands out while the training readiness feature — which tells you when you’re primed for a productive session — helps you crush your goals. Wake up to your morning report with HRV status to see health insights alongside an overview of sleep, recovery and training outlook (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked). Plan your race strategy with the race widget, which enables personalized daily suggested workouts that adapt to performance, recovery, the race you’re running and its course. Get ready to make the most of every run with wrist-based running power and multi-band GPS. And when you want to switch it up with cross training, choose from more than 30 activity profiles, including triathlons, cycling, swimming and more. Get a more complete picture of your health, not just a glimpse, from your Forerunner 265S with up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.
Q: Why does the smartwatch have a multi-band GPS?
A: The Forerunner 265S smartwatch features multi-band GPS to help you make the most of every run.
Q: What is the battery life of the smartwatch in smartwatch mode?
A: The Forerunner 265S smartwatch has a battery life of up to 15 days in smartwatch mode.
Q: What is the maximum depth of water resistance for the smartwatch?
A: The maximum depth of water resistance for this smartwatch is 164 feet.
Q: Does the smartwatch have a built-in music player?
A: This smartwatch does have a built-in music player.
Q: Can you use the smartwatch for activities other than running?
A: This smartwatch can be used for triathlons, cycling, swimming, and more.
Q: What is the purpose of the race widget?
A: The race widget enables personalized daily suggested workouts that adapt to performance, recovery, the race you’re running and its course.
Q: How does the training readiness feature help you achieve your fitness goals?
A: The training readiness feature tells you when you’re primed for a productive workout session, which helps you crush your fitness goals.
Q: Does the Garmin Forerunner 265S have text/call notifications
A: Yes! you just cannot text back/talk on it because there is no audio.

Train brilliantly with the smaller-sized Forerunner 265S GPS running smartwatch. Its colorful AMOLED touchscreen display stands out while the training readiness feature — which tells you when you’re primed for a productive session — helps you crush your goals. Wake up to your morning report with HRV status to see health insights alongside an overview of sleep, recovery and training outlook (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked). Plan your race strategy with the race widget, which enables personalized daily suggested workouts that adapt to performance, recovery, the race you’re running and its course. Get ready to make the most of every run with wrist-based running power and multi-band GPS. And when you want to switch it up with cross training, choose from more than 30 activity profiles, including triathlons, cycling, swimming and more. Get a more complete picture of your health, not just a glimpse, from your Forerunner 265S with up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.

For performance-driven runners, there’s Forerunner 970 — the premium GPS running and triathlon smartwatch with our brightest AMOLED display, durable sapphire lens and lightweight titanium bezel. Use the built-in LED flashlight for greater awareness when you head out before the sun’s up or stay out past dark. Understand your overall energy efficiency with running economy, and see how much you are slowing down when your foot hits the ground with step speed loss (HRM 600 monitor required; sold separately). Running tolerance helps you understand the real impact running has on your body so you can adjust your training to avoid overload and improve. Use multi-band GPS and full-color, built-in maps plus navigation enhancements to stay on track while you train. Forerunner 970 is ready to go as long as you are, with up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. If you ever go too far, use the built-in speaker and microphone to make a call from your wrist (when paired with your smartphone).

Instinct 3 is the rugged 45 mm GPS smartwatch with a 0.9” display, built-in flashlight and unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging (assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions). With bolted construction, a metal-reinforced bezel and scratch-resistant lens, it can take on your toughest adventures. It’s engineered to MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal and shock resistance and is also 10 ATM water-rated. To keep you on track, the Instinct 3 smartwatch includes a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Plus, multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology delivers superior positioning while also optimizing battery life. Its 24/7 health and wellness features keep you connected to your body with heart rate tracking, advanced sleep monitoring, Pulse Ox and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox not available in all countries). Instinct 3 also includes Garmin Pay contactless payments (with a supported bank).

Know the real you with the Venu 3S smartwatch, the ultimate on-wrist coach designed to support your goals — whatever they may be. Featuring a bright, colorful display and up to 10 days of battery life, this smaller-sized GPS smartwatch is purpose-built with advanced health and fitness features to help you better understand your body. Body Battery energy monitoring helps you keep your energy levels in check with personalized insights based on sleep, naps, stress, workouts and more. Improve the quality of your sleep with personalized sleep coaching and nap detection plus even more details such as HRV status (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked). During the day, switch up your activities with animated workouts and more than 30 built-in sports apps — including for active wheelchair users — plus advanced training features to keep you going strong. With its built-in speaker and microphone, the Venu 3S smartwatch makes it easy to make and take calls right from your wrist when paired to your smartphone — and even reply to texts by using your phone’s voice assistant. Plus, enjoy connectivity features such as music storage, Garmin Pay contactless payments (with a supported country and payment network) and more.
| Pros for Garmin - Forerunner 265S GPS Smartwatch 42 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Black/Light Pink - (2023) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life, Overall Performance, Screen Quality, GPS Accuracy, Weight | Overall Performance, Battery Life, Screen Quality, Flashlight, Features | Battery Life, Overall Performance, Features, Flashlight, Solar Charging | Battery Life, Overall Performance, Features, Design, Sleep Tracking |
| Cons for Garmin - Forerunner 265S GPS Smartwatch 42 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Black/Light Pink - (2023) | |||
| There were no cons for this product— | Sleep Tracking | There were no cons for this product— | App Availability, Connectivity |
Customers have good things to say about the Forerunner 265S GPS Smartwatch, especially highlighting its amazing battery life and excellent overall performance for athletes. Users appreciate its lightweight design, making it comfortable for smaller wrists, and the highly accurate GPS, which is ideal for cross-trainers. The watch also receives positive feedback for its sleep tracking capabilities and great display quality.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Absolutely awesome watch. I have tiny tiny wrists and the S size fits it much better than any smartwatch I’ve had. The tracking stats are fantastic, although the watch has a much heavier emphasis on cardio than anything else. Weightlifting and such will not figure into your training readiness very much, even if you went crazy with it. The charge lasts so long, especially if you turn off the always on display. I wear it night and day, only removing to take showers, and it’s basically an extension of my arm now. I’ve banged it a few times on stuff pretty hard and absolutely no damage. Love it.
This review is from Garmin - Forerunner 265S GPS Smartwatch 42 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Black - (2023)
eliF Posted
The watch is great. I didn’t think I’d like the touch screen but it’s not actually been an issue with the screen changing accidentally. I think the display is much easier to see than the old OLED screen for the 255s. Overall it was a worthwhile upgrade. Very easy decision. Just hope they keep the pink colors for future products! Battery life is great and screen is less susceptible to scratches than old version.
Jordan Posted
Great for running, hiking, etc. The battery life is excellent and it’s comfortable to wear. Like the smaller version for my wrist.
This review is from Garmin - Forerunner 265S GPS Smartwatch 42 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Black/Whitestone - (2023)
NoahK Posted