Garmin Forerunner 265: specs, who it fits and compatible phones
Garmin Forerunner 265 is a smartwatch released in 2023 that works with iPhone and Android. It lists Multi-system GNSS, 5ATM and Garmin Pay.
Specifications
| Release year | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Case size | Not listed |
| Display | AMOLED |
| Battery as listed | Up to 13 days · 20 hours GPS |
| Water rating | 5ATM |
| Glass | Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Case material | Reinforced polymer |
| GPS type | Multi-system GNSS |
| Operating system | Garmin OS |
| Works with | iPhone and Android |
| Connection | None |
| Contactless wallet | Garmin Pay |
| Plan needed | None |
| Health sensors | SpO2, HRV, Readiness score |
| Safety features | SOS |
Who it fits
- Works with iPhone and Android.
- Lists a battery above the median of 89 listed smartwatch models.
- Lists SOS or fall detection, see our guide for older adults.
How it compares
Closest models from Garmin
| Model | Release year | Case size | Battery as listed | Water rating | GPS type | Works with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Tactix 7 AMOLED | 2023 | 51 mm | Up to 31 days · 82 hours GPS | 10ATM | Multi-system GNSS | iOS and Android |
| Garmin Enduro 2 | 2022 | 51 mm | Up to 34 days · 46 solar · 110 hours GPS | 10ATM | Multi-system GNSS | iOS and Android |
| Garmin Venu 3 | 2023 | - | Up to 14 days (5 with always-on display) | 5ATM | Standard GPS | iOS and Android |
Closest models from other brands
| Model | Release year | Case size | Battery as listed | Water rating | GPS type | Works with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garett Compass GPS | 2024 | 48 mm (approx.) | 470mAh · up to 5 days · 10 standby | 5ATM | Multi-system GNSS | iOS and Android |
| Amazfit Active | 2023 | - | Up to 14 days | 5ATM | Standard GPS | iOS and Android |
| Amazfit Balance | 2023 | 46 mm | Up to 14 days | 5ATM | Dual-band GNSS + maps | iOS and Android |
Compared with Garmin Tactix 7 AMOLED, Garmin Forerunner 265 lists a lower ATM rating (5 against 10), Reinforced polymer case material, where Garmin Tactix 7 AMOLED lists Titanium and Gorilla Glass 3 glass, where Garmin Tactix 7 AMOLED lists Sapphire.
Compared with Garmin Enduro 2, Garmin Forerunner 265 lists a lower ATM rating (5 against 10), a newer release year (2023 against 2022) and Reinforced polymer case material, where Garmin Enduro 2 lists Titanium.
Compared with Garmin Venu 3, Garmin Forerunner 265 lists Reinforced polymer case material, where Garmin Venu 3 lists Fiber-reinforced polymer with a stainless steel bezel.
Compared with Garett Compass GPS, Garmin Forerunner 265 lists an older release year (2023 against 2024) and a contactless wallet (Garmin Pay), which Garett Compass GPS does not list.
Compared with Amazfit Active, Garmin Forerunner 265 lists Reinforced polymer case material, where Amazfit Active lists Aluminum and a contactless wallet (Garmin Pay), which Amazfit Active does not list.
Compared with Amazfit Balance, Garmin Forerunner 265 lists Reinforced polymer case material, where Amazfit Balance lists Aluminum and a contactless wallet (Garmin Pay), which Amazfit Balance does not list.
Only values listed exactly are compared.
Phone compatibility and plan
No plan is listed as needed.
Sensors and features are listed as the maker names them and are not medical measurements.
Related guides and lists
- Battery life explained
- Phone compatibility
- Water resistance ratings
- Sensors explained
- Garmin smartwatches
- All models
Last verified September 26, 2026
Features change with updates. Check the maker's current details. See our methodology