Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Suunto Vertical
Garmin Forerunner 265 (2023, listed at $449) and Suunto Vertical (2023, listed at $629) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices

Garmin Forerunner 265
Mid-range runner's pick — bright AMOLED, training load focus, race predictor.

Suunto Vertical
Adventure-class Suunto — offline topo maps, dual-band GPS and up to 60-day solar battery.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin Forerunner 265 wins on weight (47 g vs 74 g) and price ($449 vs $629); Suunto Vertical wins on battery life (30 days vs 13 days) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).
Bottom line: there is no clear winner on specs (2 to 2). Decide on phone support, how often you are willing to charge, your main sport and your budget, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Suunto Vertical |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 13 days | 30 days |
| Weight | 47 g | 74 g |
| List price | $449 | $629 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 5 | 5 |
| Case size | 46 mm | 49 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running and multisport and triathlon | outdoor adventure, multisport and triathlon and running |
| Released | 2023 | 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 (4)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Only Garmin Forerunner 265 (1)
- on-device music
Only Suunto Vertical (1)
- offline maps
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 265 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $180 less.
- You want a lighter watch: 47 g vs 74 g.
- You need on-device music, which the Suunto Vertical does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Suunto Vertical 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 Suunto Vertical if…
- You want fewer charges: about 30 days per charge vs 13 days.
- You need 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 swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 49 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You want something light enough to sleep in — it weighs 74 g.
- • You are watching your budget — the list price is $629.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Suunto Vertical?
The Suunto Vertical has the longer rated battery life: about 30 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 Forerunner 265 or the Suunto Vertical?
The Garmin Forerunner 265 has the lower list price: $449 against $629 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin Forerunner 265 and Suunto Vertical 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 Suunto Vertical?
Garmin Forerunner 265: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Suunto Vertical: 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 quizRelated comparisons
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