This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 570.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 265 | Apple Watch SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $449 | $249★ |
| Subscription | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 47g | 26g★ |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 50m |
| Battery | 13 days★ | 18h |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ✅★ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS only |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Smartwatch |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Mar 1, 2023 | Sep 19, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | superseded | good |
| Deals advice | clearance | neutral |
| Next model | — | Apple Watch SE 4 (Expected fall 2027) |
L1+L5 multi-band GPS reduces position drift in urban canyons and dense forest.
Daily score combining HRV status, sleep, acute load, and recovery time.
Estimates finish time for 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon based on current fitness.
Access the entire watchOS app ecosystem, Apple Pay, Siri, and Family Setup — for $150 less than the Series 11.
Emergency SOS, fall detection, and Crash Detection give real safety value even without premium health sensors.
Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED with a wide range of Apple Watch-compatible bands.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$249 vs $659 over 3 years · no required subscription.
13 days vs 18h battery.
6 sensors.
26g · no required subscription.
Regular runners who race 5K to marathon distances and want accurate GPS and detailed training load management.
Full details →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.
Full details →