Wear Radar

Xiaomi Smart Band 10vsGarmin Forerunner 965

$549
price gap
Xiaomi Smart Band 10 cheaper
37g
lighter
Xiaomi Smart Band 10
3
more health sensors
Garmin Forerunner 965
Xiaomi Smart Band 10
Buy/Wait:bad

Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming

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Garmin Forerunner 965
Buy/Wait:superseded

This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 970.

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Xiaomi Smart Band 10Garmin Forerunner 965
Pricing
Starting price$50$599
Subscription✓ Noneℹ️ Optional — $70/yr
Hardware
Weight16g53g
Water resistance5ATM5ATM
Battery21 days23 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS & Android
TierFitness TrackerSports GPS
Buy timing
ReleasedJun 30, 2025Mar 1, 2023
Cycle advicebadsuperseded
Deals advicegoodclearance
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Health Sensors

Xiaomi Smart Band 10 only
1 exclusive sensor
Sleep TrackingMonitors sleep stages: light, deep, and REM
Both
3 shared
Heart RateContinuous or on-demand pulse tracking
SpO2Blood oxygen saturation, tracked during sleep
Stress TrackingStress estimate from HRV and physiological signals
Garmin Forerunner 965 only
4 exclusive sensors
HRVHeart rate variability — stress & recovery scores
Body BatteryGarmin's energy reserve — how much fuel left in the tank
Training ReadinessDaily recovery score — how ready you are to perform
Running DynamicsCadence, ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation

Why buy each?

Xiaomi Smart Band 10

Brighter AMOLED at under $40

The Smart Band 10's 1.72" display peaks at 1500 nits — 200 nits brighter than the Band 9 — making it more readable in sunlight, all for around $40.

21-day battery with health monitoring

Continuous heart rate, SpO2, stress, and sleep tracking — all running for 3 weeks before charging. Seven more days than the already impressive Band 9.

Works with iPhone and Android

Full functionality on both platforms via the Mi Fitness app, including notifications, sleep analysis, and health trends. Bluetooth 5.4 for improved connection stability.

Garmin Forerunner 965

Full color topographic maps

Turn-by-turn navigation on full TopoActive maps — essential for trail running and mountain racing.

Running dynamics metrics

Cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and running power.

23-day battery and 31h GPS

Enough for week-long trail ultras without a charge.

Quick Winner

The right pick depends on what you optimize for.

For the budget
Xiaomi Smart Band 10 wins

$50 vs $809 over 3 years · no required subscription.

For battery life
Garmin Forerunner 965 wins

23 days vs 21 days battery.

For health depth
Garmin Forerunner 965 wins

7 sensors.

For daily comfort
Xiaomi Smart Band 10 wins

16g · no required subscription.

Bottom Line

Technical gaps
  1. Smart Band 10-only sensors: Sleep Tracking.
  2. Forerunner 965-only sensors: HRV, Body Battery, Training Readiness, Running Dynamics.
  3. Weight. Smart Band 10 is 37g lighter — relevant for all-day comfort and sleep.
Commercial gaps
  1. Hardware cost. Smart Band 10 is $549 cheaper upfront ($50 vs $599).
Pick the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 if…

Anyone who wants basic health tracking — steps, sleep, heart rate, SpO2 — without spending more than $40 or carrying a bulky watch. Works with both iPhone and Android. A popular choice for kids, older adults, and budget-conscious fitness beginners who want the world's top-selling fitness band.

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Pick the Garmin Forerunner 965 if…

Competitive runners, triathletes, and ultramarathon runners who want full maps, running dynamics, and premium build.

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