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Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Polar Vantage V3

Garmin Forerunner 265 (2023, listed at $449) and Polar Vantage V3 (2023, listed at $599) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.

Specs last updated · prices are list prices

Leads on raw specs: Garmin Forerunner 265(3–2)
Garmin Forerunner 265
sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 265

Mid-range runner's pick — bright AMOLED, training load focus, race predictor.

$449list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from Garmin
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Full specs
Polar Vantage V3
sportwatch

Polar Vantage V3

Lab-grade biometrics — ECG, skin-temp, wrist-based hemoglobin, training readiness.

$599list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from Polar
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Full specs

The verdict

On the numbers we track, Garmin Forerunner 265 wins on battery life (13 days vs 8 days), weight (47 g vs 57 g) and price ($449 vs $599); Polar Vantage V3 wins on tracked features (6 vs 5) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).

Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin Forerunner 265 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

Garmin Forerunner 265 and Polar Vantage V3 specifications
SpecGarmin Forerunner 265Polar Vantage V3
Battery (rated)13 days8 days
Weight47 g57 g
List price$449$599
Water rating5ATM10ATM
Tracked features56
Case size46 mm47 mm
DisplayAMOLEDAMOLED
Works withboth iPhone and Androidboth iPhone and Android
Listed best forrunning and multisport and triathlonmultisport and triathlon, running and health tracking
Released20232023

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 (4)

  • built-in GPS
  • blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
  • AMOLED display
  • swim tracking

Only Garmin Forerunner 265 (1)

  • on-device music

Only Polar Vantage V3 (2)

  • ECG
  • offline maps

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Garmin Forerunner 265 if…

  • You want to spend less: it lists for $150 less.
  • You want fewer charges: about 13 days per charge vs 8 days.
  • You want a lighter watch: 47 g vs 57 g.
  • You need on-device music, which the Polar Vantage V3 does not list.
  • You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Polar Vantage V3 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).

Pick the Polar Vantage V3 if…

  • You need ECG and offline maps, which the Garmin Forerunner 265 does not list.
  • Your main use is health tracking: 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 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).

Frequently asked questions

Which has better battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Polar Vantage V3?

The Garmin Forerunner 265 has the longer rated battery life: about 13 days per charge against 8 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.

Which is cheaper, the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Polar Vantage V3?

The Garmin Forerunner 265 has the lower list price: $449 against $599 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Garmin Forerunner 265 and Polar Vantage V3 work with iPhone and Android?

Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.

Which is better for swimming, the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Polar Vantage V3?

Garmin Forerunner 265: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Polar Vantage V3: 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so.

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 quiz

Where each one ranks #1 in our quiz

Garmin Forerunner 265

It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.

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