Garmin fēnix 8 vs Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin fēnix 8 (2024, listed at $1099) and Garmin Forerunner 965 (2023, listed at $599) 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 965
Best AMOLED running watch — full-color maps, training readiness and 23-day everyday battery.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin fēnix 8 wins on water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM); Garmin Forerunner 965 wins on battery life (23 days vs 16 days), weight (53 g vs 73 g) and price ($599 vs $1099).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin Forerunner 965 leads 3 to 1, 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 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 16 days | 23 days |
| Weight | 73 g | 53 g |
| List price | $1099 | $599 |
| Water rating | 10ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 7 | 7 |
| Case size | 47 mm | 47 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 (7)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- on-device music
- contactless payments
- AMOLED display
- offline maps
- swim tracking
Only Garmin fēnix 8 (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Garmin Forerunner 965 (0)
Nothing unique.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin fēnix 8 if…
- Your main use is outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Garmin Forerunner 965 is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 965 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2024 vs 2023).
- You swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.
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 965 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $500 less.
- You want fewer charges: about 23 days per charge vs 16 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 53 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 47 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 965?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 has the longer rated battery life: about 23 days per charge against 16 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 965?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 has the lower list price: $599 against $1099 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin fēnix 8 and Garmin Forerunner 965 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 965?
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 965: 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 965
It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.