Wear Radar

Garmin VenuvsGarmin Forerunner 265

Garmin Venu
Buy/Wait:good

Early in release cycle

Best for: Users who want Garmin's best health analytics and sports tracking on a stylish AMOLED watch for everyday wear. Works equally well for Android and iPhone. The Venu 4 adds ECG and a flashlight to the formula — ideal for anyone who wants a capable lifestyle watch with genuine health monitoring depth.

Full details →
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Buy/Wait:superseded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 It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 570.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.

Full details →
Garmin VenuGarmin Forerunner 265
TierSmartwatchSports GPS
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS & Android
Battery12 days13 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorsecg, hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, nap detectionhr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness
ReleasedSep 22, 2025Mar 1, 2023
Cycle length746 days806 days
Cycle advicegoodsuperseded
Deals adviceneutralclearance
Next model

Why buy each?

Garmin Venu

ECG and Garmin Body Battery

The Venu 4 adds on-demand ECG (a first for the Venu line) alongside Garmin's signature Body Battery energy score — combining health monitoring and daily readiness in one watch.

Built-in flashlight and speaker

A white/red LED flashlight and a speaker/microphone for hands-free calling — practical features that set the Venu 4 apart from the Venu 3.

Multi-band GPS, 12-day battery

SatIQ multi-band GPS for precise tracking in cities and trails, with up to 12 days of battery life in the 45mm model — significantly more than any comparable smartwatch.

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.