Garmin Forerunner 265 Review - All You Need to Know

We tested every feature every hour of every day for months! So you don't have to. How to use the watch, what we at Running Shoes Guru found vs the advertisment, major pros and cons, and which kind of runner this Garmin Forerunner 265 is for.

Timestamps:
00:00 - 00:25 Garmin FR 265
00:26 - 02:29 Unboxing and first impressions
02:30 - 02:51 Battery life
02:52 - 03:24 Sport profiles and activities
03:25 - 04:45 Pros
04:45 - 07:22 Cons
07:23 - Who is it for

Disclaimer: We purchase all the shoes/watches we review at retail with our own money. We never accept free products or any compensation in exchange for a review. Unbiased, expert, independent. Real runners, real reviews.

[funkyfragrancelover]

All watches including Apple Watch, Coros etc have similar issues as tattoo ink absorbs light which hinders the heart rate sensor. From looking at your tattoos you are pretty much going have to rely on a chest strap heart rate sensor whatever fitness watch you get if you want accurate readings. The TracBack feature uses the internal compass to workout which way you are facing, it takes a while for it to stabilise. Because you are wearing the watch upside down and constantly flipping your wrist to view it that might be confusing the watch directions as the compass won’t have had enough time to settle.

[Nicor.r]

Finally a video with all my questions answered in one time! Thanks, very complete 👍🏼

[joshuaward]

Thank you for the review. I had a forerunner 55. This is everything I need and more. The problems you have are nothing thatbwould bother me. Thank you for differntiating the difference between needs and spending too much money.

[JasonRaneses]

Thank you for mentioning the domed screen, fingers crossed Garmin goes back to flat on the next generation.

[vpnconsult]

Like your intro. And am happy with my 965.

[mjpower]

Great review with insight and info - Tried the 265 but not for me and moved up to 965. Now that is prob too much watch for me but much improved build quality compared to the 265.

[robhunt]

Nice review. It really is a lot of money for what's being offered here. For the price I'd like a smaller bezel and a completely flat display. The UI looks childish to me but that may be simple matter of taste.

In the end yes it will track your runs and your heart rate but so will a four-year old 245 for a fraction of the price.

[chriscarpunky]

I recommend the Coros arm strap. Comfortable, quick to put on and accurate. It’s only $79

[phoenixnmhesq]

I just purchased mine today. It recorded the first run then got stuck on a screen and WILL NOT correct no matter how many restarts. Will be returning this.

[highstakesr]

what would you recommend as a better alternative for that price or cheaper, if you are saying that you would go with something else?

[DavePatricios]

Hi Thanks for your super reviews. Will you be reviewing the Garmin Forerunner 965?

[oliviaolivia]

Is their a watch for less that offers the same stats for someone who isn’t a beginner runner but also definitely not an experienced runner

[MS-yetg]

Thank you for your complaining. I don't get enough of that through my day

[ishanparekh]

I am thinking of getting a used fr 265 for $260. Still contemplating if its a good deal or not?

[beats]

Thank you, but I would have much preferred if you had left that loud soundtrack out. Very distracting and did not add anything of value for me.

[ajo]

That's the S version, smaller than the 265 so surely has confused people with the video title

[widjisantoso]

Don't make regret when decided to buy this watch 😢

[panioloprep]

OH MY GOD is every one so enthralled with the "pretty" crap that no one covers how to use the damn thing? Got mine today for christmas and all I need to learn is the basics of how to use it. The fluff stuff I can figure out later. Out of 5 videos so far no body does anything for new owners/users. i am coming from using my old 920 xt which was ugly and bulky but it worked fine for years. And it did not have a 128 page users manual

[BikeRunTech]

What a strange way of reviewing. You already know that the watch offers only breadcrumbs navigation right? If you want full turn by turn step up the ladder and buy the epix/fenix/955 or 965. Furthermore Garmin can’t help you painted your arm dark and now you complain about that the watch can’t read trough the ink 😂😂😂

[Cyprusmichalis]

Wow, it's Garmins fault you want to destroy your body with ink ?