Key Differences Between The Garmin Forerunner 265 And 965

Today we're comparing the Garmin Forerunner 265 and the Forerunner 965. Here's what you need to know.
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[@DrewK9121]

Your videos are awesome! Beautifully shot B roll, and great commentary and reviews. Thanks for what you do!

[@mlegrand]

Wow, thank you Drew. Super nice of you to take the time to say that. 🙏

[@JasonRaneses]

Seriously look forward to your reviews and comparisons as an evergreen fitness watch enthusiast. Well done.

[@mlegrand]

Wow, thank you Jason! I don't think there's a ton of us fitness watch enthusiasts out there. We need to stick together. Thanks for taking the time to watch this one. 👌

[@PeterHerget]

Your intros, thumbnails, and content keep improving ~ well done! I have the Forerunner 955 Solar and now I want another :)

[@mlegrand]

You'd like the 965. It's a really nice watch! Thanks for the kind words Peter!!!

[@tylerharralson7288]

Incredible video! So well made. Great job and thank you!

[@mlegrand]

You are very welcome Tyler. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@yevinn-]

Great video as always

[@mlegrand]

Thanks so much Yevinn!!!

[@rodrigosantos4633]

This video helped me a lot. Thank you!

[@mlegrand]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@fitgearhunter]

Love this! Funny enough I'm gonna do a review of the 265 versus the Epix watch soon!

[@mlegrand]

That'll be a great one. They're two very different price points but the feature set is surprisingly similar. And I've been meaning to reach out and check on you. Hope all is well! 👍

[@fitgearhunter]

@@mlegrand been on hiatus because of "writers block" with a new set up or idea backdrop, but thankfully I feel like I may have that solved finally! And generally it has been hard to get back in the saddle with getting content produced

[@WayeOfLife]

Great vid. And . You saved me.. just doing the dishes while watching this when you started talking about battery life.. "omg. I need to charge my watch!!".. phew.. I can quickly charge and head out for my run still

[@mlegrand]

Awesome! Glad this video can serve as a small reminder. Hope you had a good run!

[@user-uf8zp5up2e]

Great video Matt. 965 for me.

[@mlegrand]

Nice call Troy! Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@phehibs]

Good video, both good watches. I was going to buy one of these but just feel garmin will be releasing a new version soon so was holding off incase I like that better if not the price will hopefully drop. Cheers for the review.

[@mlegrand]

Good call! If you can wait, it's typically a good idea. You can see what's next and if it's not amazing, you'll be able to get this at a better price. Or there's always Holiday deals 🤷🏻‍♂️. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@0xjdion]

After purchasing both watch models, I conducted a thorough comparative analysis by wearing them at the same time with identical configurations. My findings indicate that while the model 265 outperforms in battery longevity, maintaining its charge commendably over extended periods, the model 965 excels in display quality. The screen of the 965 is notably more legible in outdoor conditions, thanks to its superior screen and glass composition, enhancing visibility even under bright sunlight.

[@mlegrand]

Wait, you're getting longer battery life from the 265? I'm also doing the duel watches on each wrist but that hasn't been my experience when it comes to battery life. Either way, thanks for watching and posting this comment. 👌🏻

[@Harrythehun]

Are both using amoled screens?

[@mlegrand]

@@Harrythehun - yes

[@handhikayp]

What a great and in depth comparison, but did you ever compared 965 vs fenix 7. If no, I can't wait about it

[@mlegrand]

I don’t currently have a Fenix 7. Otherwise I’d love to compare those two watches. But my watch habit is going to break my wallet. 😬

[@lhzsdgsfbvv]

Love the titanium bezel of the 965.

[@mlegrand]

Me too. It’s small but it looks really nice. 👍

[@runkostyan]

265 it’s amazing! I bought it and compared to my previous Coros Pace 2 watch, it's just a different level!

[@mlegrand]

It really is! I still think the Pace 2 and now the Pace 3 are great value watches but the 265 provides a lot more functionality and that screen is brilliant! 👌🏻 Thanks Konstantin!

[@marco.__-.-__4711]

Awesome video again! By the way: wrong display sizes shown in the video at 1:48. he tells the right but the text is wrong in the picture

[@mlegrand]

Oh no!!! I was having some trouble with that overlay animation when making this and I must have mixed it up while fixing it. Super frustrating because I can't fix it in post. Thanks for the pointing that out Marco. I'll try to be more careful in the next one.

[@Panos_79]

Thanks Matt, nice comparison. I was between the two and finally decided on the 965 for the better battery life, bigger screen and titanium bezel (which in the long run is important as the plastic bezel is very prone to scratches/accidental hits). Their price is a little close, I think the 265 should have been 50 dollars/euros cheaper, a 200 dollar/euro difference would be more optimal.

[@mlegrand]

I agree. At the end of this video, I waver on the price a bit. At $150, I think I'd spring for the 965. But that's just me. Everyone is different and $450 might already be a stretch for some people. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@mpthree101]

Coming from an Apple watch Ultra user, I love my Garmin 965.

[@mlegrand]

Awesome!!! 👏

[@brianmaxwell472]

I have the 265 and 965, I am probably going to return the 965 simply because I am a runner (marathons and half marathons), not an ultra runner. Therefore I feel that 965 is a bit of overkill for me and I have a small wrist. Great video Matt

[@mlegrand]

Thanks Brian! Cool that you have had both. It's good to hear your perspective. 👌

[@SpeedGio]

Hey Matt, cheers from Colombia, great content as always. I really can't understand Garmin's watch lineup. As an ironman Myself, I normally change my watch every time a new one comes (always use the Forerunner), but when I got the 965, it really was a disappointment, the battery is a bummer, and I never liked the wrist move to get the screen on, so having it on all the time, kills it every 6 to 7 days. It was so bad, that I trained last year with an Apple Watch Ultra, and never went back to my FR965. The 955 is a way better watch IMO.

[@mlegrand]

I think the 955 is a phenomenal option. It's also at a better price point. I haven't done an Ironman in a few years but I don't know if I'd choose the Apple Watch Ultra for it if I needed a watch. Other than that, it's great. It's a very smart smart watch. 👌🏻

[@SpeedGio]

@@mlegrand Yep, I agree. The 955 its great! And I started using the Ultra last year, because I focussed my training on running through the whole year; having my Audible app, credit cards, and music on the same watch, is amazing. For an Ironman, I'll choose my Forerunner in a heartbeat.

[@Thatsmantas]

It'd cool to see Forerunner 165 in this comparison when it comes out.

[@mlegrand]

Garmin has told me nothing so I guess I'm free to speculate. I'm guessing it'll be similar to the 265 but without training readiness. If so, I'd be right here close to the 255 or Coros Pace 3. It'd also be an easy recommendation for all of the runners I coach. Maybe we'll know something tomorrow or sometime in the next few weeks. 🤷‍♂️

[@Thatsmantas]

Yes, it won't have Training Readiness score, only Recovery time tracking with morning report and will only feature GNSS. But AMOLED screen and 19h GPS will make it the best entry-level watch for 250£ @@mlegrand

[@bonn1771]

Great video Matt Battery life I will pay extra for the stamina and training readiness are key for my next watch. Once my Felix 3 dies or I am doing a long distance tri

[@mlegrand]

That Fenix 3 has done well over the years. 🙌

[@teeramate]

I'd take 955 with a huge discount instead of both.Great Vid Matt !

[@mlegrand]

Good call Ryan! Thanks for checking this one out!

[@hemilyutida5337]

I just found your videos and it’s being great bc my boyfriend is falling in love with running and I want to support him as I’m a monster that dislike running 💀 He is planning on doing a Triathlon in a couple years and I want to give him something that will stay with him for a long time. There’s a sale going on and I don’t know what go get him fr 265 or fr 955. What do you recommend?

[@mlegrand]

That's a hard call. Those are both awesome options. He'd be perfectly fine with either. The trade off is maps and longer battery life on the 955 vs the very nice bright beautiful screen on the 265. If he works outdoors or something like that, I'd go for the 955 because the screen does well in that scenario, otherwise I think I'd go for the 265. You're a very kind monster to be buying a nice watch for your boyfriend 😂 but you should try walk/jogging. 3 minutes running, 2 minutes walking. I bet you would be very surprised to see how well you would do in your small local 5k (3 mile) fun run. Best of luck to you both!

[@hemilyutida5337]

@@mlegrand thank you so much!! I went for the 955, I’ll let you know if he likes it. I’ll try jogging and I’ll be back at the end of the year 😂 thank you for your help

[@jervinreyes21]

Great video man! As casual runner and do gym workout side by side 6x a week, 265 is more than enough. 965 have huge price difference unless there's sale ongoing then get it. But also as someone just few months bought 955 for $430 and recent just switch to Fenix 7s PRO SS because of steal price $530, just buy what makes you happy (think later your sad wallet haha) 😁

[@mlegrand]

Good point Jervin! I always mention suggested retail prices in these videos but you can some times find amazing deals on the high end options. 🙌 Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@jaemylez]

Wow..where did you find a fenix 7 pro at that price. I have a 955 and I am contemplating on getting the fenix 7 pro myself.

[@jervinreyes21]

@@jaemylez Its not brand new but only bought last December with 2yrs warranty. I get lucky that some rich dude selling it for bargain price, he has collection of watches. Try to look at your local markets, there are people especially rich one that impulsely buy things and sell it when they get enough of it 😁.

[@jervinreyes21]

@@jaemylez But from my Exp, there's not much change from 955 (which I own prior) going to 7 Pro series. You are definitely just paying for Premium build and material. But metrics its all the same and even the HR sensor I dont see much difference. Buuut what I definitely notice is how Heavy it is and that for 7s Pro (42mm) only, probably regular 7 Pro would weight more. I suggest keep your 955 if there's no issue and wait for discounted price or good deal for 7 Pro to come out.

[@jaemylez]

@@jervinreyes21 Thanks for the response. Makes alot of sense. I definitely prefer the size and weight of my 955.

[@Korhona]

the monster says : it's not about hating running....it's about runners :D :D :D. joke aside. Thanks a lot for your video mate. it's helping a lot that focus on the differences and what's right for who. thanks.

[@mlegrand]

😆 Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@brannyxx]

Thanks for the update. My 935 is dying after 8 faithful years. But having a look back. I’m really wondering whether it’s worth the extra money. I think your video clears shows to me who is a runner and hiker. For 90% of my tracking activity that the 265 is more than enough. 965 might be good if I was a triathlete or ultramarathoner. Thnaks. For the clear differences.

[@mlegrand]

You’re very welcome! Hope you enjoy your new watch!

[@MonticArckeys]

Would love to see chapters on your videos.

[@mlegrand]

I can add those in post. KZbin will actually do it automatically after a few days. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@MonticArckeys]

​​@@mlegrand thank you. For runners, do you think it's worth considering any other watches? You also didn't mention display differences in terms of glass, so is the glare a non-issue? Leaning towards 265 for price but I'd love the 965.

[@mlegrand]

​@@MonticArckeys - I'd be confident with the 265. It's a great option. I do have a full video about that specific watch if you want to check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4SaqmmgZtmKi8U Another watch to consider would be the more affordable new Forerunner 165. It actually came out 2 days after this video and I've yet to review it. It should be a great option for runners but it is missing a few things. Triathlon, Training Readiness Score, etc. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@taminepatino1776]

Planning on buying the 965 but the size might be too big for my wrist. So thinking of getting a 265 instead. What do you think?

[@mlegrand]

My wrists are tiny and I’ve gotten used to the 965. It’s a beautiful watch but there’s nothing wrong with the 265 if you prefer that watch instead. They’re both pretty similar in size.

[@ickatsilly]

As much as my 965 is big on my wrist. I quite enjoy the big screen. I will never go small.

[@TheREALLibertyOrDeath]

What would you gain jumping to the Fenix 7 pro models?

[@mlegrand]

Nicer material and an excellent flashlight built into the watch body! 👌 🔦

[@jaemylez]

I'm thinking about it..coming from 955

[@mavicone5845]

Ok so I have a question… as a forensic scientist I need a watch that will accurately pin point my location and confirm that I was in that location at that specific time.. will this watch do that for me ?

[@mlegrand]

Ok, this is an awesome question. Garmin devices allow you to save your location at any time. It's an option within their quick menu system which could be a nice quick way to do this. It could have issues locating satellites or it could be slow to load satellites if you're inside. By default the "waypoint" has lat/long and elevation. It also names the waypoint by date and time. That name is editable so I'm not sure if that would cover what you're looking to do. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@chrisprinsloo2614]

Do you need to wear a chest heart rate monitor for these 2 watches??

[@mlegrand]

They both have optical heart rate sensors built into the back of the watches. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@jeffhallman676]

How rugged do you feel These watches are? Most of my running is on trails and I’m a bit clumsy. 😂 I like the Fenix but the cost keeps me away. Thanks!

[@mlegrand]

The last three here are pretty durable. I also have a video about the Suunto Race coming up. Anything with a sapphire lens seems to hold up well. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@jeffhallman676]

Neither of these have the sapphire lens tho correct? I’d assume the 965 might be a bit more durable with the titanium bezel? My only other concern is how the screen of these is pretty in line with the bezel while some other models seem to be “sunk in” a bit to protect the lens. Thanks again for your videos. They’re very good!

[@mlegrand]

@@jeffhallman676 - right. Both of these have the same Gorilla Glass but I typically recommend a lens protector just in case. The Fenix is the one that has a sapphire lens.

[@jeffhallman676]

@@mlegrand Thx!

[@alanreymercado2665]

can you change the watchface without the button?

[@mlegrand]

Not that I know of. You can't swipe between Watchfaces like you can in some other devices.

[@exa0247]

Not too much difference in price, so definitely 965 for a bit more

[@mlegrand]

Nice call Exa! Thanks for watching this one!

[@johnmanley4528]

Put on some romantic music so that the Venu 3 and 265 can make a baby 😂

[@mlegrand]

😆

[@paulkline3011]

And now they have a 165. 😮

[@mlegrand]

Yes. And I think it's a really good option for people who don't need triathlon and training readiness. Hopefully I'll review it in the next few months. 🤷‍♂️

[@brigitteboulais5474]

I love my 965 , I choose it after quite a few of your videos! At first try in the store I thought it was too large but after going shopping a few times (my family was going crazy with my tergiversations 🤣) I went for it and I have zero regrets! It keeps me so motivated loving the badges and the levels and the Garmin coach etc! Thanks for your informative videos!