<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Size and display<\/strong><\/h3>Credit: Helen Webster<\/figcaption><\/figure>
I had the slightly larger 46mm size. Initially I found it felt a bit light and unsubstantial after my usual chunky metal Fenix (and the 965, which has a chunkier titanium case and only comes in 47mm), but if you like a barely-there feel and a watch that doesn\u2019t make its presence known, it will suit you well.<\/p>
Anecdotally, some swim friends prefer a lighter watch for swimming with, too (see our list of the best swimming watches<\/strong><\/a> for options for that).<\/p>
The screen is also marginally smaller on the 46mm 265 versus the 47mm 965 and it\u2019s worth noting that neither version is yet available with solar charging which, coupled with the AMOLED screen, will affect battery life \u2013 plus the resolution is lower on the 265.<\/p>
There\u2019s also 8GB of storage here, versus 32GB on the 965 (important if you like your music and maps!).<\/p>
Battery life<\/strong><\/h3>
The 265 is waterproof and has swim and multisport features, but crucially for triathletes training hard, the battery life is much lower here \u2013 up to 15 days in smartwatch mode vs 23 days in the 965, and 14 hours vs 19 hours with full multi- band GPS.<\/p>
That may be enough for a full Ironman depending on how quick you swim, bike and run.<\/p>
In use, I found that with one or two hours training per day on average, plus with the \u2018shake to wake\u2019 function on the screen to tell the time, I was charging about once per week.<\/p>
Training features<\/strong><\/h3> $\"Garmin$
Credit: Helen Webster<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In terms of running features both the 265 and 965 watches are similar. It\u2019s elements like preloaded maps where they differ, so if you\u2019re into exploring and trails, the 965 may be more fit for purpose.<\/p>
The training and health monitoring functions are all you would expect from Garmin, with heart rate monitoring (including heart rate variability<\/strong><\/a>, resting and weekly average), stress and sleep monitoring, and training load combining to give useful feedback on training readiness.<\/p>
In a busy work week with a step up in training, the watch warned me I was \u2018overreaching\u2019 and this felt accurate and was reflected in my swim times.<\/p>
The morning reports are a handy and engaging feature (though we would always advise listening to your body too, rather than being a slave to tech!).<\/p>
Suggested workouts and training plans are a nice feature too \u2013 though most triathletes will invariably have their own in mind.<\/p>
This version includes multisport options (which you don\u2019t get on some of the more entry-level models) as part of 30 activity profiles you can track, plus the option to build your own (handy if you are wanting to track brick sessions) so it will serve you well on race day.<\/p>
In training I had no issues with the multi-band GPS and, even on my more remote runs or open-water swims, it gave me accurate readings.<\/p>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>Garmin Forerunner 265 verdict<\/strong><\/h3> $\"Garmin$
Credit: Helen Webster<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Over the three months I used this watch it was reliable and a handy partner for my training.<\/p>
While I missed the chunkiness of the Fenix<\/strong><\/a> I soon found I wouldn\u2019t want to lose the AMOLED screen (if for visibility in open water alone).<\/p>
We\u2019re watching this space for a Fenix with this screen and\/or a solar version to help with the battery life\u2026<\/p>
Verdict:<\/strong> Garmin quality, but for a little more spend the Forerunner 965 feels more developed.<\/p>
Score:<\/strong> 85%<\/p>
For more buying advice, see our lists of the best triathlon watches<\/a> and the best Garmin watches for running<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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Training features<\/strong><\/h3>Credit: Helen Webster<\/figcaption><\/figure>In terms of running features both the 265 and 965 watches are similar. It\u2019s elements like preloaded maps where they differ, so if you\u2019re into exploring and trails, the 965 may be more fit for purpose.<\/p>

Garmin Forerunner 265 verdict<\/strong><\/h3>Credit: Helen Webster<\/figcaption><\/figure>Over the three months I used this watch it was reliable and a handy partner for my training.<\/p>