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| The smaller 42 mm FR265S looks subtle yet sporty in this black-and-yellow colourway. |
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your running watch, today might be the day. The highly-regarded Garmin Forerunner 265—along with its slightly smaller 42 mm Forerunner 265S variant—has just received a stunning 33% price cut on Amazon, bringing it down to just $299. This isn't just a small sale; it’s the lowest price we’ve ever seen for this model, pushing it firmly into impulse-buy territory for fitness enthusiasts and everyday athletes alike.
Why all the excitement? Since its launch over two years ago, the Forerunner 265 has consistently been a top pick for runners. It strikes a rare balance between high-end features and mid-range affordability, earning glowing reviews for its performance, clarity, and battery life. Now, at under $300, it represents exceptional value.
What Makes the Forerunner 265 Special?
Positioned just above Garmin’s entry-level Forerunner 165, the 265 packs features that serious runners love into a relatively lightweight design. The standout is its brilliant 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen (1.1-inch on the 265S), which offers crisp, vibrant visuals even in direct sunlight. It also includes:
- Multi-Band GPS: For superior accuracy in challenging environments like dense tree cover or urban canyons with tall buildings.
- Music Storage: Load up your favorite playlists and connect to Bluetooth headphones for phone-free listening on the go.
- Garmin’s Advanced Training Metrics: This is where Garmin shines. You get in-depth tools like Training Readiness, which tells you how prepared your body is for a hard effort, plus VO2 Max tracking, performance condition scores, and structured workout support.
- Impressive Battery Life: A major advantage over many smartwatches. You can expect 13-15 days in smartwatch mode or up to 24 hours in continuous GPS mode with music.
For runners stepping up from an entry-level watch, the Forerunner 265 is the perfect "sweet spot." It offers a significant upgrade in tracking accuracy and analytical depth without the flagship price tag.
Ready to see the deal for yourself? Check the latest price for the Garmin Forerunner 265 on Amazon here. (https://amzn.to/4pHPDQJ)
Prefer the smaller 42mm size? Find the Forerunner 265S listing here. (https://amzn.to/4pFPQUu)
Forerunner 265 vs. The Newer Forerunner 570: Which is Right for You?
It’s important to note that Garmin has since released the Forerunner 570, a more premium successor. The 570 adds features like a built-in microphone and speaker for taking phone calls directly from your wrist, an upgraded heart-rate sensor, a skin temperature sensor, and a slightly larger display with an aluminum bezel.
These upgrades nudge the 570 closer to a full smartwatch, but they also push the price up to around $450. If making calls from your watch isn’t a priority, the 570 might be overkill. Additionally, the 570’s battery life is slightly lower at 10-11 days in smartwatch mode.
The Verdict: The Forerunner 570 is for the athlete who wants the absolute latest tech and smart features. The Forerunner 265, especially at $299, is for the runner who wants top-tier performance tracking, excellent battery life, and a brilliant AMOLED screen without the extra cost.
Interested in comparing with the newer model? You can view the Garmin Forerunner 570 on Amazon here. (https://amzn.to/4pH50ZM)
A Mature, But Far From Outdated, Platform
Despite being on the market for a couple of years, the Forerunner 265 is far from obsolete. Garmin is known for its strong, long-term software support, and the 265 continues to receive regular updates that add new features and refinements. It remains a incredibly well-rounded device that excels at its core mission: providing runners with accurate data, insightful feedback, and the motivation to improve.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Garmin Forerunner 265 at This Price?
Absolutely. A price this low on a watch of this caliber is uncommon. Whether you're a dedicated marathoner, a triathlete, or someone who simply wants a reliable fitness companion with great battery life, the Forerunner 265 delivers.
This discount likely signals that retailers are making room for newer models, but for the athlete seeking a proven, runner-focused smartwatch at a now-accessible price, this $299 deal is arguably the best opportunity yet to own one.
Bottom Line: The Garmin Forerunner 265 at $299 is a standout deal for any runner looking to upgrade their gear without breaking the bank. Its combination of a gorgeous AMOLED display, multi-band GPS, comprehensive training metrics, and outstanding battery life is unmatched at this new price point.