Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Withings ScanWatch 2
The Verdict
Garmin's Forerunner 265 excels as a dedicated fitness watch with its vibrant 1.3-inch AMOLED display, built-in GPS for accurate tracking, and robust 20-hour GPS battery life,ideal for serious runners and athletes. Withings' ScanWatch 2 takes a refined approach, prioritizing elegance with its hybrid analog-digital design, lighter 39g build, and exceptional 30-day battery in smartwatch mode. Health tracking favors Withings with ECG and skin temperature monitoring versus Garmin's SpO2 focus. For fitness-first users demanding GPS navigation and detailed training metrics, Forerunner 265 delivers superior value. However, those seeking a sophisticated everyday wear smartwatch with medical-grade features and minimal charging will prefer ScanWatch 2's elegant execution and $100 price advantage. Choose Forerunner 265 for athletic performance; choose ScanWatch 2 for lifestyle integration and health insights.
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 2 if…
- →30-day battery life is unmatched — charge monthly, not daily
- →Looks like a luxury analog watch — no one will know it's smart
- →Medical-grade ECG, SpO2, and respiratory rate monitoring
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 2
Pros
- 30-day battery life is unmatched — charge monthly, not daily
- Looks like a luxury analog watch — no one will know it's smart
- Medical-grade ECG, SpO2, and respiratory rate monitoring
- Skin temperature tracking for early illness detection
- Stainless steel build is genuinely elegant
Cons
- No GPS — phone required for route tracking
- Tiny OLED sub-display limits notification readability
- No NFC for contactless payments
- No third-party apps — health tracking only
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Withings ScanWatch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) | Withings OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 47 g | 39 g |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Stainless steel |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| 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) | 42 mm |
| Type | AMOLED | Hybrid analog + OLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 416 x 416 | Hybrid analog with OLED sub-display |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom processor | Withings proprietary |
| 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 2.