Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Polar Vantage V3
Garmin Forerunner 965 (2023, listed at $599) 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
Garmin Forerunner 965
Best AMOLED running watch — full-color maps, training readiness and 23-day everyday battery.
Polar Vantage V3
Lab-grade biometrics — ECG, skin-temp, wrist-based hemoglobin, training readiness.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin Forerunner 965 wins on battery life (23 days vs 8 days), weight (53 g vs 57 g) and tracked features (7 vs 6); Polar Vantage V3 wins on water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).
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 Forerunner 965 | Polar Vantage V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 23 days | 8 days |
| Weight | 53 g | 57 g |
| List price | $599 | $599 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 7 | 6 |
| Case size | 47 mm | 47 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running and multisport and triathlon | multisport and triathlon, running and health tracking |
| 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 (5)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- AMOLED display
- offline maps
- swim tracking
Only Garmin Forerunner 965 (2)
- on-device music
- contactless payments
Only Polar Vantage V3 (1)
- ECG
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 965 if…
- You want fewer charges: about 23 days per charge vs 8 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 53 g vs 57 g.
- You need on-device music and contactless payments, 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 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
Pick the Polar Vantage V3 if…
- You need ECG, which the Garmin Forerunner 965 does not list.
- Your main use is health tracking: 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 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 965 or the Polar Vantage V3?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 has the longer rated battery life: about 23 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 965 or the Polar Vantage V3?
They have the same list price ($599) in our database. Check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin Forerunner 965 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 965 or the Polar Vantage V3?
Garmin Forerunner 965: 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 quizWhere each one ranks #1 in our quiz
Garmin Forerunner 965
It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.
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