Okay, here’s my take on the Garmin Forerunner 265 vs. Venu 3, told from a personal, hands-on perspective:
So, I’ve been on this fitness tracking kick lately, trying to get a better handle on my workouts and overall health. I’d been using an older Garmin, and it was… fine. But I felt like I was ready for an upgrade, something with a bit more oomph. That’s when I started looking at the Forerunner 265 and the Venu 3. Both looked pretty sweet, but choosing between them? That was a whole thing.
The Initial Research & Dilemma
First, I dove into online reviews, specs, and comparisons. You know, the usual obsessive deep-dive you do before dropping a few hundred bucks on something. The Forerunner 265 seemed like the real deal for runners – training metrics galore, super accurate GPS, the whole nine yards. The Venu 3, on the other hand, was pitched as more of an all-arounder, with a gorgeous AMOLED display and some extra smartwatch features. It had that “lifestyle” vibe, which, I admit, appealed to my non-running self.
Getting My Hands on Them
Reading about them wasn’t enough, though. I needed to feel them. So I hit up a local store that had both models on display. The Forerunner 265 felt… solid. Like a serious piece of kit. The buttons were clicky and responsive, and even though the screen wasn’t as flashy as the Venu 3’s, it was perfectly readable, even in direct sunlight. I messed around with the menus, checked out the different workout profiles, and imagined myself pounding the pavement with this thing strapped to my wrist.
Then I tried the Venu 3. Wow. That screen. It’s like night and day compared to the Forerunner 265’s. Colors popped, everything looked crisp and modern. It felt a bit lighter on my wrist, too. I swiped through the interface, checked out the animated workouts, and even played around with the music controls. This was definitely a watch I could see myself wearing all day, not just during workouts.
The Workout Test
I tried my best to replicate the store visit with the watches I bought.
I took the Forerunner 265 out for a few runs. The GPS locked on fast, and the data fields were super customizable. I could see everything I wanted at a glance – pace, distance, heart rate, cadence, even some more advanced stuff like running dynamics. The training readiness score was kinda cool, too. It gave me a rough idea of how hard I should push myself on a given day, based on my sleep, recovery, and previous workouts.
Next up was the Venu 3. I did a similar run, and honestly, the GPS accuracy seemed just as good. The screen was definitely easier on the eyes, especially when I was glancing at it mid-stride. It did lack some of the running-specific metrics of the Forerunner, but it still gave me the basics, plus some extras like animated workouts and muscle maps. I also used it for a yoga session, and the guided breathing exercises were a nice touch.
Daily Usage and Smartwatch Features
I wore each watch for a week straight. I didn’t expect there would be big differences, given they are both garmin watches.
The Forerunner 265, while primarily a running watch, held its own as a daily wear. It tracked my steps, sleep, and stress levels, and I got all my phone notifications without any issues. Battery life was great – I could easily go several days without charging, even with regular GPS use.
The Venu 3, unsurprisingly, felt more like a smartwatch. The AMOLED display made everything look better, from notifications to watch faces. I appreciated the extra features like the built-in speaker and microphone for calls. The Venu 3 felt more integrated into my daily life. Battery life was still pretty good, though not quite as long as the Forerunner 265’s, probably due to that power-hungry screen.
- Forerunner 265: around 13-15 days without GPS mode.
- Venu 3: about 10-14 days without GPS mode.
The Verdict (For Me)
After all that testing, I was still a bit torn. Both watches were excellent, but they catered to slightly different needs. Ultimately, I decided to stick with the Forerunner 265. As much as I loved the Venu 3’s screen and smartwatch features, my primary focus was on running and training, and the Forerunner 265 just felt like the better tool for the job. If I were more of a casual exerciser or someone who prioritized smartwatch features over in-depth training metrics, I might have gone with the Venu 3.
It really comes down to your priorities. If you’re a serious runner, the Forerunner 265 is probably the way to go. If you want a more balanced mix of fitness tracking and smartwatch features, the Venu 3 is a fantastic choice.
The most important thing is not be lazy, workout is all you need.