This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 570.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 265 | Polar Vantage V | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $449★ | $599 |
| Subscription | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 47g | 39g★ |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Battery | 13 days★ | 8 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅★ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Mar 1, 2023 | Oct 4, 2023 |
| Cycle advice | superseded | bad |
| Deals advice | clearance | good |
| Next model | — | Polar Vantage V4 (2026) |
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.
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.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$599 vs $659 over 3 years · no required subscription.
13 days vs 8 days battery.
6 sensors.
39g · no required subscription.
Regular runners who race 5K to marathon distances and want accurate GPS and detailed training load management.
Full details →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 →