Garmin Venu 3 vs Forerunner 265 In-Depth Comparison - 20+ Differences!

[@SangeenQazi]

Great comparisons, thank you. But please start adding chapters or bookmarks (or whatever they are called) to your 20min+ videos. Would really help a lot of us

[@42647795]

I agree, please add time stamps or chapters so we can skip to relevant area/s.

[@hdmedia7404]

The comparison I've been waiting for 💪🏼✔️

[@DesFit]

Boom!

[@SimpleiTech]

Same!

[@adimperial]

Yes!

[@jroa8209]

​@@SimpleiTech1 will q with q11qq1 questions¹1111q😊

[@aglees2b]

The segmentation between these watches insane. How to make customers feel like they've made the wrong purchase or had to make uncomfortable trade-offs between your own products.

[@marlo_0]

yeeep couldn decide between v3 and fr265 cuz trade offs and i go with Amazfit balance maybe less acurate but at least do not need to chose.

[@Anakena3]

Résume workout being one of the most injustified imo

[@amacoutdoors2076]

Right. I want a forerunner 265 but it doesn't have the new heart rate monitor to have the ECG and the advance body battery. But Idk I want the Venu 3 instead because it doesn't a bunch of workout modes I need and I need the buttons.

[@Real28]

@@marlo_0 lol this is the most ridiculous logic. You are so cooked if this is that big of a deal.

[@marlo_0]

@@Real28 sarcasm? (price was a main factor ofc) btw Balance is quite good for that price ;)

[@nnjjee1]

Just discovered this gesture: palm cover the entire watch and it’ll return to the watch face. Helpful when you’re deep in a menu or in notifications

[@Christian-cs3hs]

Finally the comparison is there, thanks for the detailed and well-done video! (I even had notifications turned on for new videos so I wouldn't miss it). :) I think I will choose the Venu 3.

[@DesFit]

Enjoy!

[@6472986]

Thanks for this. I have tried both and I agree with your review. It's 265 for me. I can't give up the Training Readiness metric. If Garmin folks are reading this, we need Training Readiness on Venu 3!

[@TheChronicKarma]

They could easily add all of the training features to the venu but they feel the need to artificially segment their product lines to justify all their models. They should really consolidate into 2-3 models and pack them with all the same features and UI, this is what most other watch companies have learned is better so they don't have to support 7-10 watch models and software etc..

[@BobbyWoody429]

@@TheChronicKarmawould make it far easier for buyers when there aren’t as many models to choose from. It’s terrifying going onto the website and looking through all the models… yes it’s great to have options, but for example, what’s the point of a vivoactive and a venu? Very minimal differences that just confuse people

[@peterullinger2814]

I find it strange that Garmin not only has two, but three OLED-UI-designs (EPIX vs. Forerunner vs. Venu lines) in addition to two MIPS-UI-designs (Fenix line vs Vivo/Forerunner design). The amount of additional work is really something you have to WANT to invest.

[@jerrywilkin8096]

Thanks for getting this video out - was worth the wait! I ordered the Venu 3 (upgrading from Venu 1). It has newer tech and nothing I would miss from the 265. The clincher for me was the large fonts feature - I have 'old man eyes' so I expect this will be very helpful.

[@badgsten]

I'm only 27 but I also struggle with my eyes, so font size options are a huge plus

[@AeroEng123]

Thanks, I was waiting for this video to drop. I was leaning toward the Venue 3 for smartwatch targeted feature. However, I just can't give up training status, readiness, run dynamics, etc. So it looks like I'll be getting a 265 instead. It seems like such an unnecessary division in their product line. I guess it is too much to ask for them to make a forerunner w/ a speaker& mic. Or just add the forerunner software features to the venue.

[@dark_knight439]

FR165

[@shoesupsleevesdown]

i found my way here at the suggestion of a post i stumbled across while researching the differences. excellent breakdown. the time and effort is greatly appreciated. my vivosports best days are behind it and it looks like the 265 is for me. smart watch things are cool/handy, but im more in it for the fitness aspects and insights. thanks again, have a nice day.

[@therealchickentender]

Thanks for all you do. These are always ridiculously informative. I've a Venu 2 and have been considering a move, but after watching this, wound up with a FR955. :) As an aside, as the sports activity list continues to grow and grow to the extreme, I can't figure out why they dont develop a fully native Jump Rope activity mode - it's such an important part of *many* peoples' training and has only grown more popular recently (dare I say trendy). The existing Garmin app is better than nothign but not really any better than the couple 3rd part options. Would love to see some dev time from Garmin to bring a quality mode to the ecosystem.

[@MikeyD64]

I was so stuck trying to find what I wanted to. I have a Forerunner 955 coming tomorrow, but I'm more an average fitness person, cycling, walking, hiking. I keep thinking I should have gotten the Venue 3 or just a Vivoactive.

[@TheKarenjh]

This is phenomenal. Thank you. I haven't found anything else like this and appreciate the work.

[@DesFit]

You're very welcome!

[@johnwhitesides566]

Excellent comparison, Des. Two additional differences that could matter during, say, an interval workout are the wrist gesture sensitivity and the font legibility. The V3 affords the ability to adjust sensitivity and font size, whereas the 265 does not. My questions are (a) whether the large font choice, plus the larger screen size and higher resolution, of the V3 give it a noticeable advantage over the 265 when you are using a three or four data field screen, and (b) whether the sensitivity of the V3 set on high surpasses that of the 265 so that the gesture need not be as pronounced. Thank you!!

[@ebikelife55]

Thank you. I like the fact that your reviews are not sponsored & are honest. I have just bought the 2S and am reassured that I won’t regret spending more for the 3S. Greetings from Glasgow, Scotland ❤

[@DesFit]

Thanks and enjoy your new watch!

[@digidork4]

The swimming features are also different. The forerunner 265 can identify drills and strokes automatically if I remember correctly. While the venue three cannot. I still haven't made my mind up on these yet.

[@scherry2900]

Thanks for the video. Im happy with my 265. Training readiness is the game changer for my training.

[@caribe81]

If it weren't for training readiness, I would go with venu3

[@ag.mortgagegroup]

This is my most recent compromise in my research

[@scherry2900]

@@ag.mortgagegroup In my opinion it is easy. If you are a runner which runs 3-4 times a week (my Usercase) take the Forrunner. If not than take the Venu or no SmartWatch at all. I Just need my watch for sport and recovery tracking.

[@d1ndark25]

Is training readiness really the deal breaker. I mean, can't you tell with your own body if you're ready to train lol

[@scherry2900]

@@d1ndark25 Depends on your personal use case. For me it is really helpful to structure my training intensity cause i train 5 to six days a week in different sports and in the last year my watch really helped me structuring the intensity. So get not insured, which happened before. You don't need a Sport watch Like this for 2 days running a week. For that purpose Apple watch or even just a app is enough.

[@DavidStephens]

Awesome comparison, thank you. Thought I wanted the Venu 3, now looking at the 965!

[@Anakena3]

Market team goes « weah!! »😂

[@johncrocker2949]

I got the Venu 3 yesterday. I've also had the 265. So far I'm not liking the Venu 3. They did something weird with the apps/glances. It just looks weird. It's like they tried to make it more like a smart watch with apps but comparing it to the apple watch it just looks cheap. The apps/glances are bigger but they just looked zoomed in compared to other Garmin watches. I'll proably return this and go back to the 265. Edit: Also hard to navigate. Some of the screens only use the touchscreen.

[@wesleyverity7310]

Thanks for your input, I was already leaning towards the 265

[@adithyalal489]

How do you feel now regarding the 265?

[@johncrocker2949]

@@adithyalal489 The 265 is great. Has tons of features. They even have the 165 now which is very similar. I would probably go with that for most people.

[@sparshchugh]

How did it go with 265?

[@d1ndark25]

Update with the 265?

[@Rocketed12]

Bought a 265 last week, sent it back after a good look at it. Then bought Venu 3 and am extremely happy with it, for various specific reasons 👍

[@laad]

Why do you like venu more?

[@Rocketed12]

​@@laadMenu layout, bold thicker fonts, (my eyesight), I don't need skiing, mountain climbing, etc additions, as just I run and cycle mainly. Plus highly possible ecg coming to the Venu 3 which is something I would like. Venu 1 was my previous watch.

[@Asdfghjkl-w3j]

Can you please tell me the lug to lug length of the watch?

[@kacpersurf]

Do you know if you can record notes through the assistant? I used to be a garmin person but moved away to samsung few years ago as it was so well integrated with the phone. To me one of the most used functions is being able to do voice recording on the watch which is automatically sent to phone and one drive so can go through all the 'one million dollar' ideas that come to mind during running and other activities during the day. Google keep being also the one I use so much on the watch. Although I miss very much the reliability of garmin and its long battery life, but until garmin is able to do all that what samsung can I choose to sacrifice these.

[@vicentepastorfrances9543]

In 265 the gps is much better? Is multiband. I own venu 2 and I want to buy venu 3

[@NicholasA1747]

I just got rid of my Apple Watch Series 4 to get a Forerunner 265. Although, it’s a 2023 watch, it feels snappy and looks great. The battery life is insane, and I love the training features. Was going between this and the Venue 3 as well, but I was leaning away from smartwatches and wanted more of a training watch with smartwatch features. The lack of phone features isn’t a big deal, I’m an iPhone user, so the notifications I get is all I need!

[@BiteYoFace]

Is it fair to say that the Venu 3 is a better pick over the 265 for someone that does an equal mix of HIIT sprinting/weight lifting/cycling/walks ? It seems like its more of an all-rounder versus the 265 which is very running centric. The 5th gen HR monitor looks like a big upgrade for accurately tracking HR for HIIT hill sprints and weight lifting.

[@nicoleandrews3294]

This was by far the most helpful information I have found! Thank you!!!!

[@DesFit]

Happy to help!

[@Runstrong_Chris]

Just ordered the Venu 3. I weight lift and run primarily. Wished the Venu 3 had track run just to have the option, although I mainly just run on the road or treadmill. Coming from an Apple Watch (series 3, hey it did the job lol) I like the ability to talk on the watch. Aesthically, it's more versatile than the 265 and I wanted the watch I didn't feel the need to take off depending on the occasion I was getting dressed for. Nevermind wanting the newer, shinier toy available lol

[@N13J]

Are you satisfied with the Venu 3 so far? I’m planning to move from AW Series4 as well since mine has almost nonexistent battery life. I enjoy everything AW has to offer except the terrible battery life. I just want the same functionality without having to charge my watch everyday.

[@Runstrong_Chris]

@@N13J I love it. It lasts 7-9 days on 1 charge and that’s with using it 4 days a week at the gym and wearing through the night for sleep tracking. Plus it looks amazing and the Garmin app is really nice to use. I can see text notifications and reply by voice assistant if need be and accept calls when my phone is not in my hand (happens a lot with an almost 1yr old baby crawling around).I highly recommend it coming from an Apple Watch as it has some similarities.

[@N13J]

@@Runstrong_Chris Thank you for the answer. Definitely will pick up 👍

[@averagedonnie7858]

Thank you for the reply. Im coming from a series 4 as well and was on the fence but wanted the same things you did. Will def place an order now@@Runstrong_Chris

[@johnmanley4528]

If you are mostly a runner, you can’t track tennis natively by getting the 265. If you are mostly a tennis player who would not mind training load metrics, you can’t get the Venu 3. If you want all those, you have to go top of the line 965/Fenix/Epix. Except, none of the top of the line options have a speaker/microphone. Seems bizarre to me. 🧐

[@matthewloftondotcom]

Can’t get any more in depth than this. Great video.

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@RafaelMoralesjr73]

Ty Des For the review and taking the time to offer your insight into the comparison. Excellent as always! Right now because the information and fitness characteristics of the watches, I’m leaning more towards the 265. It is strange that when they do the upgrade why they didn’t included Gen5 HR sensor, but well 🤷🏻‍♂️. And since the 265 is close to 965 why they didn’t include the maps another head scratcher! Beyond that, I feel that with the training readiness and the runner “trainer” modes it seals the deal for the 265!

[@fallofshadows2209]

Thanks for this in depth comparison! I’m mildly active (rock climbing and disc golf would be my two main sports) and I wanted a smart watch that would help track my general fitness a little bit better than my Apple Watch. I ended up ordering a Venu 3s Today, and your video confirmed that it’s the perfect watch for me right now. I know very little about the Garmin lineup, so videos like these are super helpful!

[@ted363636]

Great comparison as always :) Lack of Resume Later and physical buttons in Venu series is a deal breaker for me - a skier and a hiker.

[@DesFit]

The buttons certainly work better for your activities. Thanks!

[@KillerKaler]

I think a good general way to look at it is - venu 3 is more like a smartwarch whereas the forerunner is more of a fitness outdoors watch

[@Tom-Tom30]

Thank you for your comparison, so I ordered the Venu 3 :)

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome and enjoy your new watch!

[@bike314]

This is a great video... It's so odd to me that Garmin hasn't done a new LTE watch since the 945lte

[@fabioverissimosantos]

They did! Garmin Bounce :D

[@bike314]

@@fabioverissimosantos Watch targeting adults lol

[@fabioverissimosantos]

@@bike314, I know my friend, just messing with you. I was also expecting a LTE Venu, to compete with the Apple watch... have a great day!

[@dmtrscful]

I was waiting for this for days! Let’s go!! 🎉

[@DesFit]

Boom!

[@adamcurpier]

Been looking for this comparison, well done, and TY!!!

[@DesFit]

Very welcome!

[@withrahul]

A great video as always, may I give a feedback though? I think it'd be great if you can add Video Chapters in your videos, it will give us audience a good overview of what to expect next. Been missing that in your videos.. Your content is top notch as always though, can't complain!

[@DesFit]

I sometimes go back and add chapters later on down the road - I'm generally just in a mode of "get the video out!" 😂 so that's something that can slip through the cracks. Thanks!

[@-7077]

Hi Des, grate video, only one mistake, swimming activity is saved on the upper Butten, and not on touch screen as other activities, i almost did not by the v3 because of it, i took my risk because swimming is my favorite sport, and i am very pleased so far withe the V3

[@AndreaMalta]

Hey there, swimming is also my preferred activity and looking to buying the V3. Anything I should know before buying it? Thanks :)

[@lozovic]

Finally, been waiting for this!!! Thanks a lot for the detailed comparison

[@DesFit]

Very welcome!

[@Pbat23]

Thank you for the comparison! I was on the fence if I should return my FR965 for the Venu 3, but after watching the video, I decided to keep it!

[@MihaiGanea-c4x]

There is no 765 😅

[@Pbat23]

@@MihaiGanea-c4x my typo, I meant 965! Thanks

[@GiuseppeSavo]

a definitive guide to the choice of the right device.

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@LuggageChestHead]

The screen on the venue looks a bit more crisp and the colours more vivid side by side. A shame that it gets scratched so easily. Between these two it’s the venue for me, or has anyone ever took any real value of things like ground contact time? Accuracy of the hr sensor and gps and the smaller footprint with a bigger, crisper screen seems way more relevant. Ian gonna save up for an epic though I think, I want sapphire crystal.

[@mekdidthat216]

Just picked up the three. Can't wait to listen to this!

[@DesFit]

Enjoy!

[@thuhoang4885]

This was a fantastic video with lots of helpful information and visuals 👏

[@DesFit]

Happy to help!

[@geraner]

Awesome comparison and so much requested by many I guess! Thanks DesFit! 👍

[@lordgonzo.]

Brilliant video. Going to cancel my Venu 3 order for the 265.

[@ranxxx6448]

how do you love 265?

[@gs4729]

Great video! Can someone explain the difference between Training Readiness and Boddy Battery? It is a bummer that the Venu 3 doesn't have Training readiness.

[@causeydawg]

Thanks for these comparisons. Answer a lot of questions!

[@DesFit]

Very welcome!

[@peterasigbetse5959]

@Desfit Great video. Can you shed some light on whether the 265 is purely for runners? I like the training readiness feature and was waiting for that to come to the Venu 3 but sadly no. So do you still get the full benefit of training readiness if you're not a runner? Awesome videos by the way, this and the Venu 3 one.

[@stephenraefontanilla4377]

I'm not a runner and have the F265. You still get the training readiness benefit and even recovery time from other workouts. But I did try to run my first 5k and it showed a lot of stats I really liked when it comes to analyzing even my running power.

[@196184508]

Very good video with great in depth information. Thank you!

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome!

[@Anakena3]

Awesome work! Lean on the venue would say but not easy pick. Also some functions are added along the way

[@antoniofantini4539]

All the time I was watching the video I've been thinking how much effort it took! The result is amazing though, very helpful and it opened my mind to things I did not consider before! Thank you. Do you happen to know whether the wheelchair profile will be rolled to other models?

[@DesFit]

They will be gauging interest on the wheelchair features before rolling them out to other devices, so definitely provide your feedback to them!

[@cyberlion17]

Another major difference between the two would be the daily suggested workouts from the forerunner 265 wherein the venu 3 does not have this feature. This has been a game changer for me. The forerunner 265 suggests you to run (steady/intervals) based on either pace or heart rate depending on your current fitness level (determined by wearing your watch daily).

[@ChrisCollins-Oakland]

Yes, this is my question too.

[@MihaiGanea-c4x]

It suggests you just running workouts?

[@SanelessOne]

My question too. If it's just running then it has no use

[@cyberlion17]

Suggests daily workouts for running and cycling. Very helpful for me. I crosstrain with weights and it adjusts if it knows i did a hard effort with weight lifting.

[@SanelessOne]

@@cyberlion17 great, thank you. I do neither of those so it's not a feature I'll miss

[@silvinafino6096]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge! Very helpul!👏

[@DesFit]

Very welcome!

[@rockinfreakapotamuxs]

Amazing review and comparison, great video, you definitely never disappoint

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@arkhamian7586]

I am looking into buying a watch and these videos are great for deciding on one. Thanks!

[@DesFit]

You're very welcome!

[@jasonlevine2430]

Great video as always. I've read that the Venu 3 has the hardware for both ECG and body temperature sensing but Garmin hasn't received regulatory approval for either yet (but the expectation is that both will be added once they receive regulatory approval). Is this something the 265 will be capable of adding?

[@bastiaan-st]

No unfortunately not, since the 265 hasn't got a metal bezel or metal backplate. So that's an advantage of the Venu 3.

[@abalem]

I've just got the Venu 3, and I'm quite pleased with it so far! I had a bit of a dilemma choosing between these two models, primarily due to the "resume later" function on the 265 and the absence of VO2 max data for cycling on the Venu 3. However, I mainly use my Edge 830 for cycling, so stopping for lunch isn't really an issue. I'll reserve the Venu 3 for training on the cycling track, where I don't take breaks. As for VO2 max, well I'll just do without it. The other features are quite impressive, though. There's now HRV, a sleep coach that considers naps, and meditation for my morning routine. Oh, and just to clarify, I don't do any running ;)

[@Peechaable]

Why didn't you go for the new Amazfit Balance? Better specs at half the price.

[@abalem]

Mainly because I use an Edge 830 for cycling and can broadcast HR on it, among other things.@@Peechaable

[@Peechaable]

@@abalem I see, hard to get out of ecosystem :) Amazfit does have bluetooth HR broadcast. Edge 830 supposed to have ANT+ and BT pairing for wireless sensors. So in theory, it should be able to pair.

[@mdrkd]

​@@Peechaablemay I know why you are suggesting the amazfit balance? I'm looking into jumping to garmin from amazfit, i am using the band 5. I just do dumbells and occasional running/sprint on treadmill. These 2 models intrigue me, but the lower price of amazfit seems the better choice as i am not a real athlete of any sort 😅

[@osterlitz1]

I saw the Fitness age data on the Venu 3 as you were going through the screens. Does the 265 have this also? I really enjoy your videos as you do not talk over the heads of people like me who don't understand the highly technical information but want to upgrade our systems. Thank you.

[@S.Kemerink]

Thank you for your video's! For the last couple of years I've had the Garmin 645 and I have been very happy with it. I especially liked the looks of that watch and it was the first sports watch i've been wearing 24/7. Unfortunately, the strap of my watch broke of when I was playing around with my daughter. It can't be fixed since something broke of. The sports I do: I run a couple of times a week, I do inline skating, fitness exersizes such as jumping rope, I love cycling, I like to go walking /hiking in the mountains in my summer holiday. Sometimes I do to much so i like the idea of a morning report and sports advice. For the sports I do : garmin 265 would be a super watch but I have to say: i don't really like the looks of both the 965/265 because of the black watch face and they are also quite big. The size of garmin 265s would be better but the thing i like about the 265 is that i could use the straps I have from my garmin 645! (and I also don't really like the looks of the 265s. either) I think the Venu3 is a lot nicer to see but I worry that I'd might miss the sportfunctions of the 265. In your video you mentioned that with garmin venu3 you won't be able to pause and resume an activity - and I do use that a lot when i'm hiking. Do you think it's worth while waiting for the fenix? I've also been looking at the polar vantage 3. I like the looks of that watch a lot but it's also quite big and expensive comparing to what you get. What would you advise me to buy.

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

Super detailed! Great work Des! 💪

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@ToModorNottoMod]

Amazing review. In a positive way I am tired after watching it. Wow there is a lot to unpack. The only feature holding me back from getting the Venu is the Training readiness.

[@takyiyakvsi]

Cool! thanks for a detailed review. Lots of useful staff to know between these two devices

[@DesFit]

Very welcome!

[@yvonnelei5711]

Training Readiness is really something i would lit to have. But i ordered Venu 3s yesterday given the look and hope i could use Body Battery instead.

[@adithyalal489]

How does it feel now?

[@nycabilifeisgreat9768]

Thanks man ! U have certainly been my go2 reviewer 4 everything GARMIN over the years ! LOL ! I'm a lifetime runner and biker and been using my vivoactive 3 for far too many years! LOL ! in addition, over the last 2 years I've started to use my vivoactive 3's Golf activity feature..... Of course, the battery only last about 9 holes ! LOL ! Would you know if the Golf features of the Venu 3 are on par with Garmin's dedicated Golf watches ? Thanks for your help !

[@TerminatriX86]

Hard decsison... i love the sport based analysis for the 265, but also the health function on venu3 and the sports are more what i prefer like bouldering, strength training, hiit, yoga.... but i also like soccer... it is pretty hard descision to make... but v3 has new sensors... 😅 i will sleep some nights over this hahaha

[@How2g]

Did you make a decision? I want to upgrade my Venu and am having the same predicament! 265 or venu3?

[@NFS-shade]

I always come to comment section for des and dc rainmaker to see educated comments while listening the author narrates

[@DesFit]

Appreciate it!! 👍

[@leewilliamson7110]

I have a 265 and got a Venu 3 for the ECG (I have afib). However, the Venu doesn't measure AFIB if you HR is over 120bpm, which mine genrally is, so it was a waste of time for afib. Took it back and sticking with the 265. If you have neither, I would probably just get the Venu 3.

[@lindokuhlefakude3425]

Great video. The buttons were the decider for me, the venu3 buttons just felt a bit too flimsy for me.

[@MichaelMarino-k4p]

Fantastic video, thank you. After a few years of having the Fitbit charge 4, I realized how poorly it measure data. I recently purchased a COROS pace 3. I was very disappointed by the screen. It was extremely dim, and I have very good vision. this video helped me make up my mind as I was torn between the venue and the forerunner. Thanks very much.

[@thomasvignolo8940]

Maybe I’m missing an update but I can’t find any of the specific activities that you’re quoting on my 265 such as badminton, tennis, rugby or more. Great video and I love your work tho

[@DesFit]

The 265 update should have been just released.

[@korg2]

so how is it going? have TABLE TENNIS appeared as an activity?

[@nicolawhite3891]

Really assisted me in making a decision. Thank you 😊

[@DesFit]

Glad it helped. Enjoy your watch!

[@paulchin345]

can you do a comparison with the forerunner 265 and the coros pace 3?

[@phejom]

So fr265 for me. Was waiting for comprehensive comparison. The trainjng readiness and vo2max for cycling are what sway me. Whilst i prefer the thinner metal bevel of the venu3 have to think of the usability and i dont need a speaker of mic on my watch! 😂

[@neutr1no]

Very thorough comparison, thanks a lot for that

[@DesFit]

👍

[@kantarjiev]

Seems like the Venu 3 has upgraded HR sensors and the possibility of ECG in the future, which seems worth a lot to me.

[@lorenzoknox2945]

But the Venu 2+ has ECG already & for someone looking for that feature the Venu 2 + plus would be their need to purchase now watch

[@mmcewen9789]

@@lorenzoknox2945 Unless they want cycling power or outdoor swimming. The V2+ does not offer those, while the V3 does. I switched to a Fenix for those reasons but may switch back to a 3 for the ECG function with those features added.

[@josejr.8671]

i don't need chapters or bookmarks. Love the video very informative and precise .

[@DesFit]

Thanks so much!

[@OskaRusty]

Hello from Australia, Des. I bought a Venu2 20 months ago and used your reviews (and DCR) in my purchasing decision (I bascially wanted a fitness orientated smart watch with better battery life than a samsung). Ive tracked over 550 exercises in it now and wear it every day, only taking it off for charging and during shower. When I first purchased it I did put a protective cover over the glass as I knock my watches around a bit and it has held up great since purchase. Only issue I have with it is that the heart rate tracking can be way off during exercises - once heart rate spikes during exercise it can take quite awhile for it to drop back to a lower rate on display even though my heart rate has dropped notably, this has been going on for months now. Apart from that its been great and I've had no issues with it, battery lasts as long now as it did when I got it. I'll probably look to upgrade in another 12 months or so but it gets an 8/10 from me. Thanks for the reviews.

[@johannesb6725]

Perfect comparison! Thank you very much

[@DesFit]

Very welcome!

[@YOURhimera]

omg)) I've just played with these 2 and have no idea what to choose😁 your awsome review didn't make it easier) Didn't you notice 265 screen scroll is slower (not as smoth as venu3)?? I think i can see it even in the video. The only big thing to think is a new sensor I guess as we all want more accuracy in any condition>>>

[@pcostarg]

Great comparison! Many thanks! Still undecided. I'm usually a very techy person. So the possibility to use Assistant and answer calls from the wrist is great. On the other hand I like stats, though I am amateur sports person, so much of the stuff I would not know what to do with it. Still... would love more data. I noticed on one of the side by side comparison when starting a running workout there was an animation of a running person. On the 265 it seemed more sluggish. Don't know if it is because of chipset used or if it is because of simple software animation is not so good on the 265. Which one seemed more responsive and faster?

[@V_1999]

Thanks for taking the time to make this, would you know which one is better at trracking how many calories you are actively burning throughout the day through activity? I know smart watches aren't 100% accurate when it comes to this but I'm looking for a watch that comes close enough within a 10% range. I was thinking maybe because the Venu 3 has a new gen of HR monitor it might be better for tracking active calories but not entirely sure.

[@faran1684]

Hard to pick one

[@imsaraooi]

Thank you for the sharing DesFit!

[@DesFit]

👍

[@angelal6814]

Really great video! Thank you so much for making it! I was wondering if the touchscreen on the Venu 3 can be switch off during activities? If not, is there is a chance an activity could unintentionally be stopped during a work out?

[@DesFit]

You can lock the device via the controls menu at any time, including workouts 👍

[@chahem]

Training readiness vs body battery?

[@botakpower13]

just the video that i was looking for. i'm giving away my 265 to my wife (quite an avid runner too) since i've been diagnosed with slipped disc recently. chances are i would not be running for quite some time for my recovery. or even worse that i may be not be running forever depending on chances of my recovery. therefore i'm searching for a new fitness watch to replace my 265 and venu 3 seems to be the perfect choice. however i really miss the training readiness, status, suggestion and pacepro etc on 265 that were absent on venu 3. it's a hard choice as i really love the amoled screen but buying the same watch (265) again would be weird.

[@jimdimo692]

Very nice! Which one for open water swimming?

[@hornsteinhof7592]

Good comparison. I still feel like those watches are really similar. Time would have probably been invested better in coming up with a real Coros Pace 3 competitor at 250 euro.

[@mt_front]

Voice assistant is a deal breaker for me. Very useful for setting timer & alarm. Been waiting for it to come to the smaller s variant since Venu 2 Plus came out and now finally got it.

[@AeroEng123]

Voice assistant is a feature I really want but I can't give up the additional metrics (training load, readiness, run dynamics, etc.) of the forerunner 265. I really wish they had a more unified software platform between the watches and just differentiated based on Hardware (with / with mic for example) and styling (plastic, stainless, titanium, ...).

[@bobbyzzzz]

It would be good but,from my experience, it doesn't work.

[@mt_front]

@@bobbyzzzz sadly doesn't work for me too :(

[@aikapa]

Excellent Videos as Always!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@KW-gk9ix]

I'm still hesitating between these two watches. I mainly bike and have a Garmin edge 840 for that. I don't run, although there are other physical activities, such as kayaking, hiking or weightlifting at the gym. I'm more leaning towards Venu 3 due to the possibilities of the smartwatch, such as conversations, texting, or the ability to display images sent in messages. Will these sports functions in the forerunner 265 change something for me enough to choose this smartwatch? Bearing in mind that I use a Garmin edge for the bike.

[@adithyalal489]

What did you end up doing?

[@anthonydoherty6232]

Great review, just wondering if the Venu 3 has the daily suggested workout feature?

[@TheValonquar]

No

[@fabgrz]

It’d be great to see a comparison with Apple Watch ultra vs Venu 3. Both are on the smartwatch & Health data watches range. Different price range but Garmin is stepping up on this smartwatch game.

[@DesFit]

That sort of video will have to wait until after next weeks Apple keynote 😉

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Shocking how they don't make an LTE version. You'd think that type of subscription model would make the company salivate, in addition to just making consumers happy for a truly independent communication device.

[@87togabito]

That moment when two watches, that should have similar features, suddenly no longer do because a new firmware update unlocks new features that are exclusive to some models.

[@Samadria]

You can have maps on the Venu 3 with Komoot for example

[@gergofekete58]

Have you tried it, does it work?

[@rickjaramillo2288]

Wish i wouldve seen this before buying the venue. The training load and status would have steered me to the forerunner

[@CricketStudio]

Which should I buy Forerunner 265 or Forerunner 955?

[@Neukids]

Thanks for the amazing info loaded review. Question: Just to confirm , Venu 3 won’t even have the bread crumps style maps once a gpx format map is loaded to it ? Will have to get forerunner series then.

[@mohdshakir2075]

Well explained. Thanks Bro!

[@DesFit]

🤙

[@anneb2765]

Only thing keeping me from Venu 3 is the touch screen. My first garmin is the 265s coming from apple and I prefer the buttons and time always viewable.

[@E620SE]

It's a shame there's no breadcrumb navigation on the Venu. In my opinion that's super basic (I think even the coros Pace 3 has it)