Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Garmin Forerunner 265

Comparing the Garmin Forerunner 165 (88 MetaScore, $249) against the Garmin Forerunner 265 (90 MetaScore, $449), the Garmin Forerunner 165 earns the stronger overall recommendation for most smartwatch and wearable buyers.

Garmin Forerunner 165: The review score is high relative to street price. Prioritise seasonal deals and bundle discounts. It posts a 100/100 value score based on critic consensus and street price.

Garmin Forerunner 265: The review score is high relative to street price. Prioritise seasonal deals and bundle discounts. It posts a 94/100 value score in its price segment.

Pick the Garmin Forerunner 165 for the stronger all-around balance of critic consensus, sensor accuracy, and price-to-performance ratio. Choose the Garmin Forerunner 265 if its specific GPS training tools, battery profile, or street price ($449) fits your priorities better.