Wear Radar

Garmin Forerunner 265vsPolar Grit X

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Buy/Wait:superseded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 It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 570.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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Polar Grit X
Buy/Wait:bad

Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming

Best for: Trail runners, hikers, and outdoor athletes who want Polar's analytics with significantly longer battery life than the Vantage V3. The titanium case and sapphire glass make it suitable for technical terrain where watch durability matters.

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Garmin Forerunner 265Polar Grit X
TierSports GPSSports GPS
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS & Android
Battery13 days40 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorshr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readinesshr, spo2, hrv, running power
ReleasedMar 1, 2023Apr 11, 2024
Cycle length806 days873 days
Cycle advicesupersededbad
Deals adviceclearancegood
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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.

Polar Grit X

40-day battery for trail and ultra runners

Five times the battery of the Vantage V3 — enough for week-long mountain stages or ultramarathons without charging access.

Hill splitter auto-detection

Automatically segments your run by uphill and downhill sections, calculating pace and power for each — essential for mountain race training.

Wrist running power at mid-range price

Running power without a chest strap or foot pod — Polar's key differentiator versus Garmin at this price tier.