Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Withings ScanWatch
The Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 265 and Withings ScanWatch target different priorities within the smartwatch category. Garmin excels for serious runners and athletes with built-in GPS, NFC payments, and AMOLED display offering 416x416 resolution and 13-day battery in smartwatch mode (20 hours with GPS active). Its Garmin OS integrates seamlessly with Connect IQ apps and provides extensive sports tracking capabilities. Withings ScanWatch takes a hybrid approach, combining analog watchface appeal with PMOLED digital capabilities while omitting GPS entirely, making it less suitable for outdoor training. However, Withings delivers exceptional 30-day battery life and includes ECG functionality that Garmin lacks, valuable for comprehensive heart health monitoring. At $299, ScanWatch costs $150 less and suits users prioritizing everyday smartwatch aesthetics and health insights. Forerunner 265's 47g polymer build feels lighter than ScanWatch's 58g stainless steel construction. Choose Forerunner 265 if you run, cycle, or need GPS-dependent workouts plus contactless payments. Select ScanWatch for refined design, medical-grade ECG, and minimal charging hassles throughout monthly use.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 265 if…
- →Vibrant AMOLED display is a massive upgrade over the 255's MIP screen
- →Training Readiness and Morning Report provide actionable fitness insights
- →Multi-band GPS delivers extremely accurate pace and distance tracking
Buy the Withings ScanWatch if…
- →30-day battery life eliminates daily or weekly charging
- →Medical-grade ECG and SpO2 monitoring for clinical health insights
- →Classic analog watch design looks professional and stylish
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Garmin Forerunner 265
Pros
- Vibrant AMOLED display is a massive upgrade over the 255's MIP screen
- Training Readiness and Morning Report provide actionable fitness insights
- Multi-band GPS delivers extremely accurate pace and distance tracking
- 13-day battery with AMOLED is exceptional — best in its class
- Race Widget helps plan pacing strategy for upcoming events
Cons
- No built-in maps — only breadcrumb trail navigation
- No music storage on the base model (265 Music has it)
- No cellular connectivity — phone required for notifications
- Proprietary charging cable is easy to forget when traveling
Withings ScanWatch
Pros
- 30-day battery life eliminates daily or weekly charging
- Medical-grade ECG and SpO2 monitoring for clinical health insights
- Classic analog watch design looks professional and stylish
- Sapphire crystal is highly scratch resistant
- Sleep tracking with breathing disturbance detection
Cons
- Tiny PMOLED screen limits smart features and notifications
- No GPS — relies on phone for location tracking
- No NFC for contactless payments
- Very limited smart features compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS
- No third-party app support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Withings ScanWatch |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) | Withings proprietary (Health Mate app) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 47 g | 58 g (42mm) |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Stainless steel with sapphire crystal |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM (50m) |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 13 days (smartwatch), 20 hrs GPS | Up to 30 days |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46mm (1.3 inches) | 42mm |
| Type | AMOLED | Hybrid analog + PMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 416 x 416 | Analog dial with PMOLED digital display |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom processor | Withings custom low-power SoC |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Garmin products or all Withings products. View full details for the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Withings ScanWatch.