The Garmin Forerunner® 965 Running Smartwatch from Garmin offers runners a premium experience with a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen, advanced training metrics, and remarkable battery life of up to 23 days. Featuring a lightweight titanium bezel and built-in color maps with multi-band GPS, it helps you tackle any route confidently. Stay on top of your game with personalized workout suggestions, training readiness scores, and wrist-based running dynamics—all in a sleek, durable design. Elevate your performance and recovery with this cutting-edge smartwatch, perfect for dedicated athletes seeking next-level insights.
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running smartwatch – Complete Review 2025
The running smartwatch has rapidly become a must-have device for athletes in 2025, redefining what’s possible from your wrist. This product, specifically the Garmin Forerunner 965, shines with its blend of stunning AMOLED display, robust fitness tracking, and advanced multisport features.
From casual joggers to elite triathletes, this model supports your routine with dependable GPS navigation, recovery insights, and training readiness data. It delivers industry-leading battery life, ensuring you spend more time running and less time charging.
According to Garmin, every aspect is optimized for performance—from the lightweight titanium bezel to comprehensive wrist-based sensors. It’s designed to empower your best, whether you’re chasing new PRs or managing recovery.
Key Features of the running smartwatch
- AMOLED display and button controls: Enjoy a brilliant, always-on 1.4″ touchscreen plus reliable physical buttons for any weather.
- Exceptional battery life: Up to 23 days in smartwatch mode, or 31 hours in continuous GPS tracking—among the best in its class.
- Advanced training metrics: Tracks HRV status, training readiness, daily suggested workouts, and more.
- True multisport watch: Seamlessly switch between running, triathlons, swimruns and more with the press of a button; customize profiles for any activity.
Additional highlights include full-color built-in maps, multi-band GPS for accuracy, and durable construction. Perfect for anyone prioritizing reliability, performance, and actionable data.
Real-World Performance Testing
During hands-on testing, the running smartwatch excelled in key areas like GPS accuracy, multisport transitions, and battery performance. Testers found the wrist-based sensors reliable for monitoring heart rate and daily statistics.
This product maintained precise GPS readings within ±0.05 miles, outperforming many competitor models. The device lasted a full week of daily tracking (around 7-9 days) with typical multisport activity, even when push notifications and maps were active.
Training readiness metrics—including sleep quality, HRV status, and recovery insights—provided clear actionable guidance for daily planning. While the AMOLED display offers striking visuals, intensive use (maps and full brightness) reduces battery life to around 3-4 days. In standard use, the endurance is among the highest ranked by reviewers at Trail & Kale and Runner’s World.
Some limitations exist: music controls work best with local files, and the lack of a built-in microphone means you can’t take calls. For athletes seeking a dedicated multisport tool, these are minor compared to the value provided. If you’re also interested in tracking support gear, read our running watch review or explore smart fitness upgrades in our smart treadmill guide and AI personal trainer overview.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When set against competitors like the Apple Watch Ultra and Polar Vantage V3, this tool stands out for battery life, built-in maps, and robust recovery insights. The Apple Watch Ultra offers cellular connectivity and a more versatile app ecosystem, but its battery typically lasts only two days with heavy GPS use.
Polar’s Vantage V3 is praised for deep training metrics but lacks the vibrant AMOLED screen and easy-to-navigate button controls. Garmin wins on multisport versatility, GPS navigation, and readability in sunlight. Pricewise, it sits between Apple and Polar, with a more athletic focus than both.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This model is ideal for dedicated runners, triathletes, and adventure seekers who demand accurate tracking and actionable feedback. If you regularly train outdoors or engage in multisport competitions, its features are purpose-built for you.
Casual users who want basic fitness tracking or frequent call/text integration may prefer a simpler fitness tracker or smartwatch. Those with smaller wrists may find the 47mm case slightly large, and users requiring extensive media or third-party app support might lean toward other brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does it support music playback during workouts?
Yes, it stores local music files and supports controls for compatible apps, though streaming is not available without a phone. - How accurate is the heart rate and GPS for multisport activities?
Optical HR and multi-band GPS are highly accurate for most users, even in challenging environments. Fine-tuned wrist-based sensors provide detailed stats for running, cycling, and swimming. - Can I use this with third-party apps or accessories?
Garmin Connect syncs with multiple training platforms and supports Bluetooth/ANT+ accessories. Always check compatibility before purchase. - Is the running smartwatch suitable for smaller wrists?
While it’s lightweight, the 47mm case may be large for petite wrists. Consider fit before purchase for daily comfort. - What is the best feature for serious athletes?
Many users love the training readiness and recovery insights on the running smartwatch, making it perfect for optimizing high-performance training cycles.
In summary, the running smartwatch remains our top recommendation for 2025, blending power, precision, and ease of use into a single wearable—perfect for anyone looking to take their fitness to the next level.
