Garmin Forerunner 265
2023 · Fitness + health
Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band)
2022 · Fitness + health
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Garmin Forerunner 265 lands at 86 and Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band) at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Garmin Forerunner 265 if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Pick Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band) if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testDisplay
TieCompared on the display sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Fitness
TieCompared on the fitness sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Durability
TieCompared on the durability sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band) |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2023 | 2022 |
Garmin Forerunner 265
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band)
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
FAQ: Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band)
Which is better, Garmin Forerunner 265 or Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band)? +
Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Garmin Forerunner 265 worth the price? +
At $449, Garmin Forerunner 265 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in battery.
Is Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band) worth the price? +
At $429, Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in display.
Does Garmin Forerunner 265 or Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.