Wear Radar

Garmin Forerunner 265vsApple Watch SE

Garmin Forerunner 265
Buy/Wait:superseded

This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 570.

Best for: Regular runners who race 5K to marathon distances and want accurate GPS and detailed training load management.

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Apple Watch SE
Buy/Wait:good

Early in release cycle

Best for: iPhone users who want Apple Watch's core experience — activity tracking, notifications, crash detection, and Apple Pay — at a lower price point. Ideal for kids, teens, or anyone upgrading from a much older watch without needing the advanced health sensors.

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Garmin Forerunner 265Apple Watch SE
TierSports GPSSmartwatch
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS only
Battery13 days18h
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorshr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readinesshr, irregular rhythm, crash detection, fall detection
ReleasedMar 1, 2023Sep 19, 2025
Cycle length806 days1098 days
Cycle advicesupersededgood
Deals adviceclearanceneutral
Next modelApple Watch SE 4 (Expected fall 2027)

Why buy each?

Garmin Forerunner 265

Multi-band GPS accuracy

L1+L5 multi-band GPS reduces position drift in urban canyons and dense forest.

Training readiness score

Daily score combining HRV status, sleep, acute load, and recovery time.

Race time predictor

Estimates finish time for 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon based on current fitness.

Apple Watch SE

Full watchOS at a lower price

Access the entire watchOS app ecosystem, Apple Pay, Siri, and Family Setup — for $150 less than the Series 11.

Crash and fall detection

Emergency SOS, fall detection, and Crash Detection give real safety value even without premium health sensors.

Aluminium in four colours

Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED with a wide range of Apple Watch-compatible bands.