Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Polar Pacer Pro: The battle to be the best watch for runners

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Polar Pacer Pro: The battle to be the best watch for runners
Gorka Cabañas
Gorka Cabañas
Journalist and RUNNEA content director
Posted on 05-07-2023

In the world of sports and physical activity, choosing the right heart rate monitor can radically change in the way we train and monitor our progress. Today at RUNNEA we bring you two of the most popular heart rate monitors among runners: the Polar Pacer Pro and the Garmin Forerunner 265. Both are exceptional options, but each has its own advantages that may make it more appropriate for certain types of users and sports disciplines... And they also vary in price, so let's see whether or not either is worth the investment.

The Polar Pacer Pro is a rugged and reliable heart rate monitor, perfect for athletes looking for a simple to use yet efficient device. With its wide range of training functions and long battery life, it is ideal for disciplines such as running, cycling and swimming. In addition, its affordable price makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality heart rate monitor without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is a high-end heart rate monitor packed with advanced features. It's perfect for the most committed athletes and sports enthusiasts looking to take their training to a new level. With its ability to display maps and connect to multiple satellite systems for greater GPS accuracy, it is ideal for outdoor sports such as running or trail running, hiking and mountain biking. Although it is priced higher than the Polar Pacer Pro, its extensive functionality and sleek design may justify the additional outlay for those looking for the absolute best.

Next, let's dive into the specific features of these two heart rate monitors to help you decide which one is right for you.

Polar Pacer Pro vs Garmin Forerunner 265

Features

The Polar Pacer Pro is a sports watch that offers a wide range of training features. It has a heart rate monitor, calorie counter, and offers real-time speed and distance data. In addition, it has an interval training function and offers sleep and recovery analysis.

On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is a multisport watch that offers advanced training features. It has a heart rate monitor, calorie counter, and offers real-time speed and distance data. In addition, it has an interval training function, offers sleep and recovery analysis, and also includes navigation features such as TrackBack and Point-to-Point Navigation.

GPS

The Polar Pacer Pro has a built-in GPS receiver that provides real-time speed and distance data. It also allows for real-time route creation and tracking.

The Garmin Forerunner 265, on the other hand, is distinguished by its ability to connect to multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) for more accurate speed, distance and route data. In addition, it enables real-time routing and tracking, and offers advanced navigation features such as TrackBack and Point-to-Point Navigation.

Battery

The Polar Pacer Pro has a battery life of up to 7 days in watch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS training mode.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 has a battery life of up to 2 weeks in watch mode and up to 24 hours in GPS mode.

Display

The Polar Pacer Pro features a high-resolution color display that offers excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Polar Pacer Pro: Battle for the best watch for runners

The Garmin Forerunner 265, on the other hand, is distinguished by its high-resolution color AMOLED display that not only offers excellent visibility even in bright sunlight, but also provides superior image quality and more vibrant colors.

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Polar Pacer Pro: Battle for the best watch for runners

Price

The Polar Pacer Pro has a recommended retail price of 289.00 GBP.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 has a recommended retail price of 429.99 GBP.

Design

The Polar Pacer Pro has a robust and durable design with a comfortable and adjustable silicone strap. It is available in several colours.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 has a sleek and resistant design with a comfortable and adjustable silicone strap. It is available in a variety of colours.

Maps

The Polar Pacer Pro allows for real-time route creation and tracking.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 allows real-time routing and tracking, and offers advanced navigation features such as TrackBack and Point-to-Point Navigation.

Who do we recommend each watch for?

The Polar Pacer Pro is an ideal watch for those looking for a complete training device at a more affordable price. It is perfect for runners, cyclists and swimmers looking to monitor their performance and improve their fitness. Thanks to its heart rate monitor, calorie counter, and sleep analysis and recovery functions, this watch is an excellent tool for keeping detailed track of your progress.

On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is a multisport watch that adapts to the needs of the most demanding athletes. It is ideal for those who practice outdoor sports such as hiking, trail running or mountain biking, thanks to its advanced navigation functions. In addition, its heart rate monitor, calorie counter and sleep analysis and recovery functions will allow you to keep detailed track of your performance and improve your physical condition.

Final verdict

Both the Garmin Forerunner 945 and Polar Pacer Pro watches are excellent choices for runners and athletes. However, each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a high-end multisport watch that offers a wide range of features and functionality, including colour maps, music, Garmin Pay and exceptional battery life. However, it is priced significantly higher than the Polar Pacer Pro.

On the other hand, the Polar Pacer Pro, while not introducing anything new in terms of software, has significant hardware improvements and offers additional features found on higher-end models. In addition, its priced very competitively in terms of value for money.

If you're looking for a watch with a wide range of features and functionality and don't mind paying a higher price, the Garmin Forerunner 945 may be the choice for you. However, if you are looking for a watch with good features and a more affordable price, the Polar Pacer Pro may be an excellent choice.

Read more news about: Running Training

Gorka Cabañas

Gorka Cabañas

Journalist and RUNNEA content director

Director of contents at RUNNEA. Graduate in Information Sciences from the University of the Basque Country. He has worked at El Mundo Deportivo, Grupo Vocento (El Correo) and collaborated for several specialized sports publications.