This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 970.
Full details →| Polar Vantage V | Garmin Forerunner 965 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $599 | $599 |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 39g★ | 53g |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Battery | 8 days | 23 days★ |
| Always-on display | ✅★ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Oct 4, 2023 | Mar 1, 2023 |
| Cycle advice | bad | superseded |
| Deals advice | good | clearance |
| Next model | Polar Vantage V4 (2026) | — |
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.
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.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$599 vs $809 over 3 years · no required subscription.
23 days vs 8 days battery.
7 sensors.
39g · no required subscription.
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 →Competitive runners, triathletes, and ultramarathon runners who want full maps, running dynamics, and premium build.
Full details →