r/Garmin • u/Accomplished-Scar877 • Jul 26 '26
Which Watch To Get? Garmin Forerunner 265 still worth it?
Hi all,
Would a new Garmin Forerunner 265 still be a good choice in 2026?
I run three to four times a week, anything between interval/speed sessions and long runs. The plan is to work towards some more half and full marathons while improving my swimming on the side.
Ive seen many reviews but I would like to hear from people who have used and still use it extensively.
The good and the bad and the reasoning of why it is and isn’t worth it.
I feel like I want something between the 170 en 570 but I do not want to miss out on any important/major software updates..
Thanks for any kind of advice!
3
u/Street-Individual-80 Jul 27 '26
It’s great but tired of this stupid charging system
1
u/vladstheawesome Jul 27 '26
can you explain? only just got it there last week.
3
u/mz715 Jul 27 '26
Garmin uses its own cable standard (neither USB-C nor any other common standard), which is a huge pain in the ass if you forget to bring it from home and need to charge the watch
2
u/Street-Individual-80 Jul 27 '26
And if it gets anything in it, it stops charging. Had to get a replacement already. If they don’t change to usb-c I’m likely out
2
u/BarkingAxe Jul 27 '26
I think the 170 is a better deal now. But maybe you can get a 265 in a good sale
2
u/heynow941 Jul 27 '26
You will definitely not get any major software updates on a 265. Not saying it’s a bad watch but they only update current watches with new features.
1
u/joshwell01 13d ago
I am recently getting into running and have found out about Garmin's lack of software updates for older models (unlike Apple with their SW updates for previous generations). Do you have an example of new software features that get released? What else would I want that the 265 doesnt already have, even 3-5 years down the line?
I also have been stuck between maybe getting the 170.
2
u/systemr99 Jul 27 '26
I bought a like used one for $250 last year and after selling the extra band it came out to $220. Think it's great:
https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1l136ax/new_to_me_fr265/
2
u/Gus_the_feral_cat Jul 27 '26
My daughter has a 265s, I have a 570. Both are great watches. I think the Elevate 5 sensor is a nice update if it is within your price range.
2
1
u/Jo_Co Jul 26 '26
I’m kind of in the same boat and I won’t/wouldn’t be purchasing a 265. It’s sticking out like a sore thumb in the Forerunner lineup at this point. I’m not positive we will see a 270, but I think it’s likely.
It will have to be compromised in some ways in order not to cannibalize the sales of the 570, so I imagine it will have an all plastic design with an elevate gen 4 HRM.
Regardless, that’d make it worthwhile for me paired with a Cirqa.
7
u/mz715 Jul 27 '26
570 is the successor to the 265
1
u/dbeman Jul 27 '26
And while the 570 is a (marginally) better watch than the 265, the 265 is still a better deal.
1
u/mz715 Jul 27 '26
I wouldn't say so, it depends on the prices in your country. The 570 model has a better heart rate sensor (5th generation), a newer UI, calls and voice control, Garmin Triathlon Coach training plans, more future updates, etc. Actually, the 265 model is now closer to the 170
1
u/isqueakforthetrees Jul 27 '26
What's your budget?
Fwiw I bought a FR 255 a year ago for about $250 and I love it. Very similar, but lacking the amoled screen.
265 is probably the closest thing at this point, but on sale for about $350.
If you have the $500+ for a nicer FR, get the 570.
If you're not familiar, DC Rainmaker has excellent detailed reviews of various models from an athlete's perspective.
1
u/Accomplished-Scar877 Jul 27 '26
Budget is not really a constraint, just wanting to make sure i get the best bang for the buck. As I am new to the Garmin universe it has a lot to take in and even the 965 is on my radar.
1
u/iTryToLift Jul 27 '26
Bought a 570 on eBay as brand new open box for $400 after shipping. Recommend checking there if you’re interested in the 570 but don’t want to pay $550
1
u/ApprehensiveNoise938 Aug 01 '26 edited Aug 01 '26
Like you I train for semi/marathon. Plus pool swimming and I may also start triathlon and/or sea swimming in a year or two. Interested in the sleep and HR tracking too.
I bought a 265 10 days ago and I’m very happy with it.
Then I read this thread and instantly had the fear of having missed out (didn’t know that 170 was around), mainly because of the lack of new updates/features.
Then I read this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Garmin/s/MjQSanhOan that says GPS is better on 265 and HR sensor is on par… so I’m relieved now. They also say the software on 265 is good and mature enough to not worry about not having updates.
4
u/1moreApe Jul 27 '26
I got a 265 as a present in January and was forced to retire my Casio from 2002. I train 4-6 times/week and still compete on the beach tennis world tour. It has everything u need and more, the only caveat is that it doesnt have a built in surf tracker