This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 970.
Best for: Competitive runners, triathletes, and ultramarathon runners who want full maps, running dynamics, and premium build.
Full details →Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming
Best for: Serious endurance athletes — particularly runners and triathletes — who want Polar's unmatched training load science and recovery guidance, combined with ECG health monitoring and running power in a premium package.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 965 | Polar Vantage V | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 23 days | 8 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamics | ecg, hr, spo2, hrv, running power, skin temp |
| Released | Mar 1, 2023 | Oct 4, 2023 |
| Cycle length | 806 days | 1063 days |
| Cycle advice | superseded | bad |
| Deals advice | clearance | good |
| Next model | — | Polar Vantage V4 (2026) |
Turn-by-turn navigation on full TopoActive maps — essential for trail running and mountain racing.
Cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and running power.
Enough for week-long trail ultras without a charge.
Polar Vantage V3 is one of the few sports GPS watches with on-demand ECG — usually only found on lifestyle smartwatches.
Running power measurement without a foot pod or chest strap — a significant training metric for pacing effort on hills and varied terrain.
The most detailed training load analysis in any sports watch: muscle groups targeted per session, recovery status per muscle, and long-term load trends.