Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Garmin Forerunner 265 — 2023 · Fitness + health
Garmin

Garmin Forerunner 265

2023 · Fitness + health

86
/ 100
From $449
VS
Apple Watch Series 8 — 2022 · Fitness + health
Apple

Apple Watch Series 8

2022 · Fitness + health

86
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Garmin Forerunner 265 lands at 86 and Apple Watch Series 8 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 if…

  • ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
  • ✓GPS + heart rate
  • ✓Notification mirroring
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Display

Tie

Compared on the display sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Fitness

Tie

Compared on the fitness sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Durability

Tie

Compared on the durability sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Apple Watch Series 8

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Apple Watch Series 8 more score per dollar ($399 vs $449).

Garmin Forerunner 265 86
vs
86 Apple Watch Series 8

Score breakdown

Garmin Forerunner 265
86
battery 94
display 88
fitness 86
health 84
durability 86
Apple Watch Series 8
86
battery 72
display 88
fitness 86
health 84
durability 86

Specs side-by-side

Garmin Forerunner 265 versus Apple Watch Series 8 — full spec comparison
Spec Garmin Forerunner 265 Apple Watch Series 8
Release year
2023
2022

Garmin Forerunner 265

Pros
  • +Multi-day fitness tracking
  • +GPS + heart rate
  • +Notification mirroring
Cons
  • −Battery life varies dramatically
  • −Companion phone required
  • −Screen-on drains battery

Apple Watch Series 8

Pros
  • +Multi-day fitness tracking
  • +GPS + heart rate
  • +Notification mirroring
Cons
  • −Battery life varies dramatically
  • −Companion phone required
  • −Screen-on drains battery

FAQ: Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Apple Watch Series 8

Which is better, Garmin Forerunner 265 or Apple Watch Series 8? +

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 worth the price? +

At $399, Apple Watch Series 8 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in display.

Does Garmin Forerunner 265 or Apple Watch Series 8 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.

Which is the better value, Garmin Forerunner 265 or Apple Watch Series 8? +

Apple Watch Series 8 — more score per dollar ($399 vs $449). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.