Garmin Forerunner 265 Drops to $395 at Amazon as 12% Discount Saves Over $50

Q: With newer tech available, is the discounted Forerunner 265 still the best value for runners today?

Probably not for most runners, though it remains a strong buy for a specific group. At $395, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is still a very capable running watch. It offers dual-band GPS, advanced training metrics, HRV, training readiness, strong battery life, and Garmin’s mature Connect platform. Reviewers and experienced runners continue to rate it highly, and its core running experience is close to more expensive Garmin models. For road runners and marathoners who want Garmin’s ecosystem, it is still a solid deal. But “best value” is harder to defend in 2026. Newer rivals such as the Coros Pace 4 and Coros Pace Pro deliver AMOLED displays, dual-band GPS, long battery life, and deep training tools at meaningfully lower prices. Several reviewers now frame those watches as better value-per-dollar options, especially for runners who do not need Garmin-specific analytics or multisport depth. The Forerunner 265 also faces pressure from newer Garmin models. Reports indicate Garmin is shifting attention to newer Forerunners, which means the 265 may see fewer future feature updates even if support continues. That weakens its long-term value compared with newer devices at similar sale prices. The discounted 265 still makes sense if you want Garmin’s software, proven GPS accuracy, and triathlon or advanced training features in a lightweight watch. For most runners focused on pure value, however, newer lower-priced competitors now offer more for the money.

3 articles · Updated · Mashable · Jul 1

$395 is the new Amazon price for the Garmin Forerunner 265 as of July 1, down 12% from its $449.99 list price.
The Forerunner 265 targets runners with advanced metrics, accurate GPS tracking, structured training tools, and performance stats including training readiness and training status.
Garmin pairs an AMOLED touchscreen with physical buttons, while the watch also tracks sleep, heart rate, HRV status, cadence, steps, floors climbed, and weather.
Battery life reaches up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode, making the discount notable for users training for longer races.