Garmin fēnix 8 vs Garmin Forerunner 265
Garmin fēnix 8 (2024, listed at $1099) and Garmin Forerunner 265 (2023, listed at $449) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Garmin fēnix 8
Garmin's no-compromise multisport flagship — built-in dive computer, AMOLED, multi-band GPS.
Garmin Forerunner 265
Mid-range runner's pick — bright AMOLED, training load focus, race predictor.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin fēnix 8 wins on battery life (16 days vs 13 days), tracked features (7 vs 5) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM); Garmin Forerunner 265 wins on weight (47 g vs 73 g) and price ($449 vs $1099).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin fēnix 8 leads 3 to 2, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Garmin fēnix 8 | Garmin Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 16 days | 13 days |
| Weight | 73 g | 47 g |
| List price | $1099 | $449 |
| Water rating | 10ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 7 | 5 |
| Case size | 47 mm | 46 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | multisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure and running | running and multisport and triathlon |
| Released | 2024 | 2023 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (5)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- on-device music
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Only Garmin fēnix 8 (2)
- contactless payments
- offline maps
Only Garmin Forerunner 265 (0)
Nothing unique.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin fēnix 8 if…
- You want fewer charges: about 16 days per charge vs 13 days.
- You need contactless payments and offline maps, which the Garmin Forerunner 265 does not list.
- Your main use is outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Garmin Forerunner 265 is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 265 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2024 vs 2023).
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You want something light enough to sleep in — it weighs 73 g.
- • You are watching your budget — the list price is $1099.
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 265 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $650 less.
- You want a lighter watch: 47 g vs 73 g.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin fēnix 8 only works with Android.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 46 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Garmin fēnix 8 or the Garmin Forerunner 265?
The Garmin fēnix 8 has the longer rated battery life: about 16 days per charge against 13 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Garmin fēnix 8 or the Garmin Forerunner 265?
The Garmin Forerunner 265 has the lower list price: $449 against $1099 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin fēnix 8 and Garmin Forerunner 265 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Garmin fēnix 8 or the Garmin Forerunner 265?
Garmin fēnix 8: 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so. Garmin Forerunner 265: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quizWhere each one ranks #1 in our quiz
Garmin fēnix 8
Garmin Forerunner 265
It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.