What makes it so hard for me to leave Garmin is the daily suggested runs. I dont have to worry about finding training plans (or paying for them), or figuring out what heart rate my runs should be in. As someone who is not good at these things, this feature has become invaluable!
@@kipponi sadly, not that I've found (I also was looking at trying to do that). But it is dynamic in that every day it figures out what you should do. So if you skip a run one day, it will usually give you the same run the next day (or a slightly modified version). If you skip a couple days, it may give you a different kind of run all together. You can also pick a different day's run to do (though you can only see up to a week's worth of workouts at a time). So if you know you are going to miss your tempo run day, you can do it earlier in the week. And then the next morning, it recalculates everything again. I've honestly changed my running because of the daily suggestions. I used to only run 2-3 days a week and wasn't seeing much progress. Now I'm running 4-5 days and my easy pace has decreased by 30 seconds in 4 months.
Strange that. It's one of the reasons I moved on from Garmin. Itsuggested runs that were doing me no good at all...well Garmin said for a month or so I was unproductive after using their suggested daily runs.
Google ”runna vs garmin daily suggested workout” and you will find some reviews. I’ve tried both and think both can work fine. But I would probably pick Runna because you can get strengh training programmed which Garmin DSW lacks.
I'm new to this kinda thing, should we pay for a training plan in runna or they're like garmin that shouldn't pay more bcs we already bought the watch?
Former Garmin user. Present Corus user. The best thing about the Corus Pace is that more than Garmin the feature set keeps getting substantially upgraded with every firmware version. My Corus watch now is quite a different watch than when I bought it a year ago.
As a Garmin user for 18 months now, updates are very frustrating. There is almost never a new functionality. New features that are purely software are only available on the next version of the watch or on watches with higher price tag.
Have the coros pace 3. Simple. Cheap. Accurate. Had it for about a year and its always worked great for my use. Using it for my half marathon training currently.
Garmin 955 is basically all features of the 965, but incredibly cheaper. So if you are looking to save some money (at the cost of a less premium screen) and have a super functional watch, I would really recommend it
@@markhill8590 for me it lasts 4-5 days but because I'm training daily and use it on walking activities as well. Recharge is really quick though like the other Garmin watches
Yes. 255 if you’re fine with breadcrumbs navigation and don’t need maps. But personally I love my 965 and the amoled display is much nicer to use than MIP.
Awesome timely video! I’ve been scoping the Coros Pace 3 for a while as an entry level watch/runner. Your video just confirmed it for me. Looks like I’ll be picking it up soon.
I got one like a month ago as my first 'nice' running watch and have no regrets. Thing is a beast and the online dashboard stats display is really good.
I guess I’m not really a runner, but more of a exercise fanatic. So I went with the Garmin Forerunner 265. Only because it wasn’t super expensive and it gives to me the most important data - the VO2 max. Better VO2 the longer & better life you’ll have. Thanks guys you have great info and are entertaining!!❤️👍🙏🏼
It has breadcrumb trailing, not mapping. You can plan a predefined route and follow it with turn cues, but not go from Point A to point B on the fly. Or when you deviate off the course, it doesn't recalculate your route.
I use Polar devices since 2006 (If I recall well my first one was the RS200) and I used the M200, M400, M430, Vantage M and now I'm using the Pacer Pro. The main reason is the accuracy of the HR Monitoring rather than the other metrics, because at the end I only use HR and Pace as metrics :)
Not me over here wearing my Garmin to every fancy event I've been invited to for the past decade 😂 what do you mean fluorescent yellow doesn't fit a black tie dress code?
I would love a Coros, but until it tracks menstrual cycles I'll be sticking to my Garmin, that feature alone has helped me so much to manage my training and my period to see when I need to dial back or ramp up my training, also the reminders are helpful, "your period is due to start soon", that explains why I'm really hungry, emotional and irritable then! 🙃🙃🤪🤪
I love my Garmin 265. I've also had the Garmin Venu, which is great if you want something that looks classier for work but never want to take off your running watch. I've had Garmin for years so all my PRs are in there and I can't imagine switching!
My trusty old Polar Vantage M measures heart rate, speed and distance just fine and that's all I need. It was off by 0.01km on the last 8k race and its heart rate monitor on me shows the same as a chest strap.
epix pro is sick but i just prefer the MIP display - even if AMOLED catches up to MIP in terms of battery life with always on, i just prefer the MIP aesthetic and im not sure why had a fenix 7 pro arrive from an exchange with garmin recently and im loving it - i need something with that indestructable sapphire screen 😅 it certainly cant match the mapping loveliness of the epix pro due to the resolution, but its something that doesnt bother me too much
@@runningchanneldefenitely, i had a fenix 6 sapphire and was absailing when i slipped and smashed the screen against the rock - after rubbing the dust off with my shirt the screen was still as new. can't ever go back from sapphire now
Good to see that the Coros Pace 3 got good reviews. My Wahoo Rival needs an upgrade and the Pace 3 is the one I'm considering. Why didn't you include any of the other Coros watches?
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music has been serving me well for years and is more than enough for running. I'd like the hiking and pay features so next one would be the latest 900 series.
I love my Garmin Fenix 7X pro Solar Sapphire. The large face helps with my less than perfect vision. The battery life is around 23 days. It integrates with my Garmin Neo 2T smart trainer, allowing me to simulate the hills I've just run on a hilly course. I've got tons of music, maps of the entire world, great apps for parkruns, etc..
Just moved go Coros Pace 3 from Garmin Forerunner 55 due to smashing the screen on the Garmin. So far so good. Really loving the different features on the Coros. Pricepoint is spot on. Agree forerunner 55 is a great entry level watch if you dont want toomany metrics whilst running and also looks great.
So pleased to see affordable watches in this comparison: I see so many people on Facebook running groups asking:" I started running 2 days ago, and I need a watch: should I get the garmin Epix , or the 965" 😅
Apple Watch Ultra, I can run without my phone,still have Apple Pay,music,record all my stats, it just works, the only ever downside was the battery life which is still improving and plenty good enough for a marathon which is more than far enough for me!
Great review guys. Here's a question: As a long-distance runner and triathlete on a low budget (yay, shout out to the Turkish economy), I use an old Garmin 910xt (yes, still). It's a hunky chunky triathlon watch, but most significantly, the screen is super easy to read on the fly. As a bloke in his late 50s, I need reading glasses just to read food labels, but not for distance sight, so in my sports I wear just shades; meaning that reading anything small on a watch face is a non-starter. Obviously, I can't stop in a half Iron-distance race or a marathon and fish out my reading glasses just to check my pace, distance, HR zone, etc... what do you recommend for us half-blind oldies as a budget-friendly sports watch?
Funny I watched your 2023 "Best Watches" video 2 weeks ago and bought me the 965 as I wanted to move away from Apple finally. And now you bring the 2024 version of this video out haha.. but at least I bought the right watch :) awesome watch and super fun so far.
I just switched from an Apple Watch (SE) to a Garmin 265S and it makes a phenomenal difference for running! The Apple Watch battery would die within 30 minutes of a track session in winter, making it useless for interval training, and it was always really hard to lap workouts on the AW - you do it by double tapping the screen, which is v difficult in gloves or when super sweaty. What I miss the most is Apple Pay and my iPhone alarm going off on my watch... now my partner is woken by my alarm every morning!
Bought my new Garmin FR 955 at about £200, I won't chase the latest model whereas paying much higher price, instead I usually buy models which already in market 1-2 years for their stability. So far I am so happy with the Garmin 955 which I found huge improvement compare to my very old 935 😂
I'm convinced that I run and work out more because I have my watch. Tracking the data and seeing progression helps me. But it's also the little things that I love as well. I've added a tides app because we go to the beach quite often and it let's me plan when the tides will be right for beach running or kayaking.
yes, the sapphire/soft-gold/silver versions of the Fenix/Epix pro are the only ones of all these (other than the apple ultra maybe) that actually pass the wedding test, but $1000? And then while a thousand dollar mechanical watch might last a lifetime or even several generations, these digital watches will get obsoleted in a few years. 😮 Venu 3s is the other option for a nice-looking sub $500 Garmin, but I don't like being forced to use touch-screen for some functions.
@@ajasen ok, $1000 for a few years. How much money does one spend on running shoes over the same course of time? My running jacket was $100. Shorts, $75. Socks $25. Shirt, $75. Hat, $30. Sunglasses, $150. We’re already at like $450. New pair of shoes every 300 or so miles is $160, give or take. I run 30 miles a week and go through a pair of shoes in 2.5 months. Let’s say 4 pairs a year for 640. We’re already over $1000. The watch is arguably the most important piece of gear so $1000 stretched out over 3 years isn’t as bad as you think. And you’re not just using it for runs, you use it all the time. Receives texts and emails, has a flashlight, has a map function, checks for afib. And it will last longer than “a couple/few years.” I hear they even let you know what time it is.
I've got the 165 and some of the features you mention only in the 965 are also in the 165 like the sleep coach function. I have found the 165 the perfect watch to help me step up my running, especially combined with the Runna app.
@@sanketssc my 165 tells me how much sleep I need and adjusts it based on my activities from the day. I also get a sleep report every morning that tells me how much sleep I had, the types of sleep and gives me a score.
Totally agree in working out what you need in a watch. For me it is about recording running/training. Don't need a watch to tell me when to go to the loo!!!! But on the other hand that could be useful.
I have an Apple Watch and have used it for marathons. But sometimes in different cities things go wrong. I like it because I can wipe the back sensor And I can order different interchangeable straps w Velcro that I can clean.
Could you review them based on something that isn't on the specifications list, but is important, please? I'm talking about the tanlines the watches leave on your wrist, of course. Thank you!
I have the Garmin Instinct 2x solar. Has the torch and everything :-) but much cheaper than the ones shown here. Probably because of the non-colour screen - but I quite like that, and the huge (phenomenal) battery life is a definite plus. Also friends with touch screen watches tell me they don't mix that well with watersports, so I'm happy without. Something I'd quite like to see is a comparison of the different makes' online apps - what stats they give you, ease of use, quality and detail on graphs, cooperation with ither apps like Strava, etc. And especially how easy it is to extract data! (The workout notes in particular.) I've lost so much data with switching watch types, it's really frustrating. Plus having it all online means no internet, no data. The old Polar used to have an offline app which I've never seen bettered for its graphs, though admittedly it's so long ago that most of the flashy new features like body battery hadn't even been dreamt of yet...
Im a previous Garmin User that had switch to COROS because of the more advanced Gps mapping system and BATTERY LIFE. Garmin got nothing on Coros if what we talk about is fitness and running features alone (which what the watch is for). COROS > Garmin. Take it from a Man who had used both for years. Cheers mate. Nice Video.
Not mentioned but i have the garmin forerunner 965. Its supposed to be for triathlon, but all the running stats added compared to the 955, it is sooooooo worth it!
For apple watch, you have to consider the fact that it works only with an iphone. So for someone who does not use an iphone, that cost gets added as well. And that makes even an entry level apple watch a very expensive one .
While everyone in the US seems to have an iPhone, in Europe this is indeed quite different meaning that for a large portion of people, the Apple watches simply aren't even an option they can consider.
Great comparison. I double wrist. It’s embarrassing. Garmin on one and Ultra 2 on the other. Very in depth. Except at 8:10 (on the first take) you still made a mistake . It is Apple Ultra 2 and Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2. You said Apple Ultra Gen 2. lol! Great job on the video. Love the channel.
Got a Garmin 165. Does everything I need it to do plus has Garmin Pay which means I can get a coffee at the end of the run without needing a card or phone!
I’m looking to get my first Garmin and I am in between two watches: the Venu S3 and the Forerunner 945. I’m into holistic health, fitness, and running. I also do Pilates - mat and reformer. I love the holistic approach and features of the Venu S3 like skin temperature, meditation, as well as the smaller size, but I also would love the data like training readiness and race predictions from the Forerunner 945. My ideal watch would be a combination of the two! Any experiences, suggestions, or thoughts would be much appreciated! ☺️
What's the point of having a 165 and 965 in an all-round competition? Bar the price the 965 is better in every category, and as it's an all-round competition then clearly price isn't *the* deciding factor
Fact check: forerunner 165 does have mapping, as well as race prediction, sleep coach, recovery, etc. not to rank it above others, but accuracy matters when listing features
I prefer the Fenix line over the Epix. I’m not a fan of OLED screens for watches due to battery life concerns and visibility in sunlight. I don’t need to view detailed data on my watch; my phone or computer works well for that. This could be why there’s speculation that the Epix line may end with the next Fenix release, as they seem to be pushing OLED screens with an option for a translucent display.
@@H0A0B123 I use my watch for all my activities, and the Fenix lineup has proven to be incredibly durable. I’m the type of person who dives into things without taking the watch off-I could be working on a car one moment and heading out for a run or mountain bike ride the next. I’ve had a Forerunner 935 and a Fenix 5, and I also tried several other watches, like Samsung and Fitbit, before settling on the Fenix. I’ve even compared the Fenix to the Apple lineup, and in my opinion, the Fenix is far superior as a fitness watch. Apple makes great smartwatches, but they don’t compare in terms of fitness functionality. For smart features, I rely on my phone.
There will be a Fenix 8 and a Fenix 8 E, E standing for Epix or Enduro as they are simply joining the Fenix and Epix line under one name. It'll be MIP and AMOLED.
Apple Ultra 2 best watch I’ve had including my luxury watches it’s all I wear. People can hate on Apple all they want I have it and know how great it is nothing comes close
Have a lovely Forerunner 265 but am finding the screen too small. Yes Im getting old and need a bigger screen. I think Ill be jumping to the 965 before my marathon in October.
I'm a Garmin 965 user. I'm happy with it, but should have gone for the Fenix or Epix. It's good the Forerunner has all the features you'll ever need and that is so light, but the other two just look more premium. Even with other bands, the Forerunner looks like every other smartwatch. The plastic just makes it feel cheap. Other than that, it's a great watch.
I have a Garmin 265, and while there is nothing wrong with it, I wouldn't buy it again. The Coros Pace 3 with a chest strap would be an ideal combo for me.
I love my Forerunner 255, and have been following its daily workouts for the last few weeks with some really positive results. The 965 looks great but it's a lot pricier and I am not sure if it'd be worth it to upgrade. Should my 255 ever die I might give it a thought.
You say Apple Watch doesn’t have native mapping like it’s a negative - the vast number of apps that you can use for mapping are significantly better than the mapping on the other watches - footpath for example is phenomenal, you can do mapping with Strava, etc etc. Would be nice to point this out because the main reason i wouldn’t switch to Garmin is because im locked into their mapping then which I don’t think is as good as many of the Apple Watch mapping apps..
I switched from an Apple Watch to Garmin almost two years ago, I know Apple’s made a lot of progress, but there’s no way I could go back any time soon.. Garmin is just too good at what they do
I use an Amazfit, which I bought of Amazon hoping for the best. GPS is dead accurate, battery last about 15 hours with GPS on (more than enough for me!), and it has enough info while running (time, distance, pace, HR, etc) to help me track a workout. I paid around $100CAD (around 70GBP) and it’s still going strong 3 years later. I know there’s better options, but I’d rather spend the money saved on shoes!
Use and love my Coros Pace 3, the watch is amazing and the training hub is soooo good. Plus: you can share your training results to anyone; checked with a Garmin friend: she’s only able to share the summary, with Coros you get a full screenshot of all details (or share it in the social medias). Is TRC attending the Berlin Marathon this year? I’d love to say hi. Or how about some tips for the perfect shake out run spots?
A good part of what I use with a watch is the stars and info I can look at after, as well as compatibility with Stryd for example. I've been Garmin since I got into running and all my history and data and everything is in that. Would be interested to see something on other watches ecosystems, how they compare, and other than using Strava for example is it possible to carry in your stats and history across to another? Using Garmin Forerunner 245 & 745 running, 965 for my every day/night currently
Amazfit Bip - 3-4 weeks battery, GPS (albeit slow to latch on) - not the best integration to any running app, but for the price (~£50), plus the great battery should definitely make it in for a super budget option!
I'm still a walker, not yet a runner, so my FR55 is quite enough for me. However, I get a bit surprised that only Apple takes advantage of the larger area you get for the display by having a square/rectangular one compared to the round ones.
James has a favourite word - fun game, how many times does he say "phenomenal" in this video? 😂
A drinking game for the next time - 11 shots if its phenomenal. :)
@@bhavishb I was going to say exactly the same thing. Every time James say "phenomenal," drink a shot.
The way it caught on to sarah and she said it too 😭😭
What makes it so hard for me to leave Garmin is the daily suggested runs. I dont have to worry about finding training plans (or paying for them), or figuring out what heart rate my runs should be in. As someone who is not good at these things, this feature has become invaluable!
It is but I run 4days/week and Garmin suggested 7days training. Cant change it ?
@@kipponi sadly, not that I've found (I also was looking at trying to do that). But it is dynamic in that every day it figures out what you should do. So if you skip a run one day, it will usually give you the same run the next day (or a slightly modified version). If you skip a couple days, it may give you a different kind of run all together. You can also pick a different day's run to do (though you can only see up to a week's worth of workouts at a time). So if you know you are going to miss your tempo run day, you can do it earlier in the week. And then the next morning, it recalculates everything again.
I've honestly changed my running because of the daily suggestions. I used to only run 2-3 days a week and wasn't seeing much progress. Now I'm running 4-5 days and my easy pace has decreased by 30 seconds in 4 months.
@kipponi You can select which days you are available to run in the Daily Suggestion settings.
Garmin never suggests 7 days a week for me. Interesting
Strange that. It's one of the reasons I moved on from Garmin. Itsuggested runs that were doing me no good at all...well Garmin said for a month or so I was unproductive after using their suggested daily runs.
Can we get a Runna Training Plan vs Garmin Suggested Workout for marathon prep video? It’s so hard to know which one I should be using 😫
Google ”runna vs garmin daily suggested workout” and you will find some reviews. I’ve tried both and think both can work fine. But I would probably pick Runna because you can get strengh training programmed which Garmin DSW lacks.
I'm new to this kinda thing, should we pay for a training plan in runna or they're like garmin that shouldn't pay more bcs we already bought the watch?
@@ardkf I don’t understand what you mean. Runna is a different company and they sell running training plans.
Former Garmin user. Present Corus user. The best thing about the Corus Pace is that more than Garmin the feature set keeps getting substantially upgraded with every firmware version. My Corus watch now is quite a different watch than when I bought it a year ago.
As a Garmin user for 18 months now, updates are very frustrating. There is almost never a new functionality. New features that are purely software are only available on the next version of the watch or on watches with higher price tag.
Have the coros pace 3. Simple. Cheap. Accurate. Had it for about a year and its always worked great for my use. Using it for my half marathon training currently.
Right on! 🙌
Garmin 955 is basically all features of the 965, but incredibly cheaper. So if you are looking to save some money (at the cost of a less premium screen) and have a super functional watch, I would really recommend it
@@Shigi_ was looking at that what the battery life like with it
@@markhill8590 for me it lasts 4-5 days but because I'm training daily and use it on walking activities as well. Recharge is really quick though like the other Garmin watches
Yes. 255 if you’re fine with breadcrumbs navigation and don’t need maps. But personally I love my 965 and the amoled display is much nicer to use than MIP.
@@brum293the 955 has fullmaps. It's the same as the 965 but MIP not AMOLED.
@@markhill8590 ten days or so with all features on.
Not mentioned the 255 which has everything for me. It's a brilliant watch and I got it for £175 in the sale.
And MIP > amoled for runners aswell, imo
The FR255 is never mentioned, it's such a great watch, i love mine and it's very much underrated.
i just bought it for 264 euros and it is perfect !
I have no reason to move away from Garmin. Love my Epic Pro 51mm and the all the software.
The FR965! It just keeps getting better with each upgrade!❤
@@allanahmet there Is the same HR sensor of fr955?
I have the 255 of Garmin, I bought for just above 300 euro's now it's below 300. It has everything I need. Upgraded from the Forerunner 45.
55 you mean? People expect 65, but it doesn’t exist
Including the used market the 255 is easily the best bang for your buck you can get as a runner.
@@KnigthMare69 Sorry, it was the 45 not 65, edited my post. Thanks.
Awesome timely video! I’ve been scoping the Coros Pace 3 for a while as an entry level watch/runner. Your video just confirmed it for me. Looks like I’ll be picking it up soon.
Let us know how you get on with it!
I got one like a month ago as my first 'nice' running watch and have no regrets. Thing is a beast and the online dashboard stats display is really good.
I guess I’m not really a runner, but more of a exercise fanatic. So I went with the Garmin Forerunner 265. Only because it wasn’t super expensive and it gives to me the most important data - the VO2 max. Better VO2 the longer & better life you’ll have.
Thanks guys you have great info and are entertaining!!❤️👍🙏🏼
Using Garmin Forerunner 255 since two years and i love it , helped me run my first marathon and now going towards my second marathon in oct 2024
good luck! how accurate were their predicted race times?
Got the Coros Pace 3 for a few months now and I can confidently say it's a great watch at an affordable price.
It’s a great buy isn’t it?
Love my FR 165. It actually HAS mapping and also the sleeping adviser.
@@Jetiexperte I'm very surprised it didn't make the list
Love mine too! Good watch 😊
It has breadcrumb trailing, not mapping. You can plan a predefined route and follow it with turn cues, but not go from Point A to point B on the fly. Or when you deviate off the course, it doesn't recalculate your route.
I use Polar devices since 2006 (If I recall well my first one was the RS200) and I used the M200, M400, M430, Vantage M and now I'm using the Pacer Pro. The main reason is the accuracy of the HR Monitoring rather than the other metrics, because at the end I only use HR and Pace as metrics :)
Garmin 965 is a wonderful bit of kit. Garmin 255 was my first watch and that was brilliant too to get me hooked
Good pick Sarah! I bankrupted myself for the FR965 and never looked back. It has EVERYTHING - and the perfect lighter weight upgrade to the Fenix 6.
Not me over here wearing my Garmin to every fancy event I've been invited to for the past decade 😂 what do you mean fluorescent yellow doesn't fit a black tie dress code?
Yeah it’s nice to have a pop of colour to a black tie event!
Same 😂😂
I even combined my bright yellow Garmin with a suit and a pair running shoes recently 😂
I would love a Coros, but until it tracks menstrual cycles I'll be sticking to my Garmin, that feature alone has helped me so much to manage my training and my period to see when I need to dial back or ramp up my training, also the reminders are helpful, "your period is due to start soon", that explains why I'm really hungry, emotional and irritable then! 🙃🙃🤪🤪
Watching this video i have ordered Coros Pace 3 for me. Looks likes a wonderful running watch for a good price😃
Pace 3, nuff' said.
Just picked up the Garmin 965 for 50% off through a work discount. Cant wait to try it out
Amazing! Let us know what you think!
Love my Coros Pace 3. So easy to program workouts to it and can add your parkrun barcode. Did need a TH-cam video to show me how to do that though.
I love my Garmin 265. I've also had the Garmin Venu, which is great if you want something that looks classier for work but never want to take off your running watch. I've had Garmin for years so all my PRs are in there and I can't imagine switching!
Lot of people saying Coros watch are poor's man garmin.
But I love my Coros P3
For the price, Coros Pace 3
My trusty old Polar Vantage M measures heart rate, speed and distance just fine and that's all I need.
It was off by 0.01km on the last 8k race and its heart rate monitor on me shows the same as a chest strap.
Have you seen our video about which watch GPS is the most accurate?
I don't understand why they use the Polar vantage v3 in the premium line up I thought the Polar Grit X2 Pro would be more appropriate.
I mean if you like to hear the word phenomenal every 5 seconds you'll love this vid
Yeah we think James may have had too many coffees that day 😂
epix pro is sick but i just prefer the MIP display - even if AMOLED catches up to MIP in terms of battery life with always on, i just prefer the MIP aesthetic and im not sure why
had a fenix 7 pro arrive from an exchange with garmin recently and im loving it - i need something with that indestructable sapphire screen 😅
it certainly cant match the mapping loveliness of the epix pro due to the resolution, but its something that doesnt bother me too much
Yeah having an indestructible watch is great to know when you’re taking it everywhere and anywhere!
@@runningchanneldefenitely, i had a fenix 6 sapphire and was absailing when i slipped and smashed the screen against the rock - after rubbing the dust off with my shirt the screen was still as new. can't ever go back from sapphire now
Coros pace 3 is all anyone would ever need
Speak for yourself bum
Speak for yourself bum
Good to see that the Coros Pace 3 got good reviews. My Wahoo Rival needs an upgrade and the Pace 3 is the one I'm considering.
Why didn't you include any of the other Coros watches?
We had the Vertix in there!
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music has been serving me well for years and is more than enough for running. I'd like the hiking and pay features so next one would be the latest 900 series.
The hiking features are a great update that I’ll think you’ll really enjoy!
I love my Garmin Fenix 7X pro Solar Sapphire. The large face helps with my less than perfect vision. The battery life is around 23 days. It integrates with my Garmin Neo 2T smart trainer, allowing me to simulate the hills I've just run on a hilly course. I've got tons of music, maps of the entire world, great apps for parkruns, etc..
Coros pace 3 is the best watch for the normal runner, and I'm a garmin user
I have the Coros Pace 3.
I love it so much ❤
Sat smiling with the Forerunner 965 on my wrist, I knew it was gunna come out on top 😂
Bonus points for using the House Focus playlist :) this was a great video!
Glad you liked it!!
Suunto rase s ❤❤❤❤
same here, race s
Can't believe they didn't include the race s in this 🥲
Just moved go Coros Pace 3 from Garmin Forerunner 55 due to smashing the screen on the Garmin. So far so good. Really loving the different features on the Coros. Pricepoint is spot on. Agree forerunner 55 is a great entry level watch if you dont want toomany metrics whilst running and also looks great.
Coros Pace 3 is my fav!
So pleased to see affordable watches in this comparison: I see so many people on Facebook running groups asking:" I started running 2 days ago, and I need a watch: should I get the garmin Epix , or the 965" 😅
Apple Watch Ultra, I can run without my phone,still have Apple Pay,music,record all my stats, it just works, the only ever downside was the battery life which is still improving and plenty good enough for a marathon which is more than far enough for me!
Great that you’ve found a watch that works for you!!
Great review guys. Here's a question: As a long-distance runner and triathlete on a low budget (yay, shout out to the Turkish economy), I use an old Garmin 910xt (yes, still). It's a hunky chunky triathlon watch, but most significantly, the screen is super easy to read on the fly. As a bloke in his late 50s, I need reading glasses just to read food labels, but not for distance sight, so in my sports I wear just shades; meaning that reading anything small on a watch face is a non-starter. Obviously, I can't stop in a half Iron-distance race or a marathon and fish out my reading glasses just to check my pace, distance, HR zone, etc... what do you recommend for us half-blind oldies as a budget-friendly sports watch?
2 and a half years into my Forerunner 55 and love it! Have run a 5k and 10k with it. However looking at stepping up soon 😊
Funny I watched your 2023 "Best Watches" video 2 weeks ago and bought me the 965 as I wanted to move away from Apple finally. And now you bring the 2024 version of this video out haha.. but at least I bought the right watch :) awesome watch and super fun so far.
Haha yes you still brought the right one!
I just switched from an Apple Watch (SE) to a Garmin 265S and it makes a phenomenal difference for running! The Apple Watch battery would die within 30 minutes of a track session in winter, making it useless for interval training, and it was always really hard to lap workouts on the AW - you do it by double tapping the screen, which is v difficult in gloves or when super sweaty.
What I miss the most is Apple Pay and my iPhone alarm going off on my watch... now my partner is woken by my alarm every morning!
I love my garmin 955 it was expensive, but it was worth it.
Bought my new Garmin FR 955 at about £200, I won't chase the latest model whereas paying much higher price, instead I usually buy models which already in market 1-2 years for their stability. So far I am so happy with the Garmin 955 which I found huge improvement compare to my very old 935 😂
I used a Forerunner 45, 55, and now 245. I’ll be getting the 965 next. I end up giving away my older watches to friends and family.
I'm convinced that I run and work out more because I have my watch. Tracking the data and seeing progression helps me. But it's also the little things that I love as well. I've added a tides app because we go to the beach quite often and it let's me plan when the tides will be right for beach running or kayaking.
Having a watch definitely helps with motivation!
I sold my FR265, getting rid of all the bells and whistles and got a Pace 3. Now I have a peaceful mind, and all I need to focus on is training.
The Garmin Epix Pro is the bomb. It’s changed my life.
The price is a big gap compare to other
@@pn7005 True. I think it’s worth holding out and saving the extra coin to level up your watch though. You use it every day.
yes, the sapphire/soft-gold/silver versions of the Fenix/Epix pro are the only ones of all these (other than the apple ultra maybe) that actually pass the wedding test, but $1000?
And then while a thousand dollar mechanical watch might last a lifetime or even several generations, these digital watches will get obsoleted in a few years. 😮
Venu 3s is the other option for a nice-looking sub $500 Garmin, but I don't like being forced to use touch-screen for some functions.
@@ajasen ok, $1000 for a few years. How much money does one spend on running shoes over the same course of time? My running jacket was $100. Shorts, $75. Socks $25. Shirt, $75. Hat, $30. Sunglasses, $150. We’re already at like $450. New pair of shoes every 300 or so miles is $160, give or take. I run 30 miles a week and go through a pair of shoes in 2.5 months. Let’s say 4 pairs a year for 640. We’re already over $1000. The watch is arguably the most important piece of gear so $1000 stretched out over 3 years isn’t as bad as you think. And you’re not just using it for runs, you use it all the time. Receives texts and emails, has a flashlight, has a map function, checks for afib. And it will last longer than “a couple/few years.” I hear they even let you know what time it is.
I've got the 165 and some of the features you mention only in the 965 are also in the 165 like the sleep coach function. I have found the 165 the perfect watch to help me step up my running, especially combined with the Runna app.
Sleep coach, sleep tracking and sleep insights are 3 different things I don't think 165 has sleep coach even 265 doesn't have it
@@sanketssc my 165 tells me how much sleep I need and adjusts it based on my activities from the day. I also get a sleep report every morning that tells me how much sleep I had, the types of sleep and gives me a score.
@@RallyMichael75 I am thinking of buying 265 but all comparison videos with 965 never told this also their website don't have this thing mentioned
Definitely the Suunto Race S. Unbeatable value for money
Would anyone recommend 265 or is the 275 about to come out? Current price is $649 AUD.
I feel like I’m at the watch Oscars (I have the Garmin Forerunner 55). I’m just happy to be nominated!
Hahahaha
For me it comes down to where you have all your stats. I’ve been wanting to try Coros, but 10 years of stats in Garmin are hard to ignore
The 965 baby. The 965. I am staying this even better I watch the video
🙌🙌🙌
@@runningchannel 🙌🙌🙌
For me 200 being entry level is still too much, more like 50
Totally agree in working out what you need in a watch. For me it is about recording running/training. Don't need a watch to tell me when to go to the loo!!!! But on the other hand that could be useful.
Suunto Race best watch, does everything you need, at a reasonable price, you should compare this with the price equivalent Garmin👍
I have an Apple Watch and have used it for marathons. But sometimes in different cities things go wrong. I like it because I can wipe the back sensor And I can order different interchangeable straps w Velcro that I can clean.
As the owner of a Fenix 7x pro, I am deeply saddened that it was neither included in the premium group or either the endurance section. 💔🥺😿
Sorry! It is still a great watch that many of us in the office use
What I love about Garmin is I don’t need any payed 3rd party apps. I can make routes and have schedules available all for free.
Could you review them based on something that isn't on the specifications list, but is important, please? I'm talking about the tanlines the watches leave on your wrist, of course. Thank you!
Hahaha all watches leave tan lines if you wear them out in the sun
What the hell 😂
Rocking the Apple Watch Ultra 1 with Watchletic 🏅
Wicked video team ❤️
Thanks 🔥
Garmin 965
I have the Garmin Instinct 2x solar. Has the torch and everything :-) but much cheaper than the ones shown here.
Probably because of the non-colour screen - but I quite like that, and the huge (phenomenal) battery life is a definite plus. Also friends with touch screen watches tell me they don't mix that well with watersports, so I'm happy without.
Something I'd quite like to see is a comparison of the different makes' online apps - what stats they give you, ease of use, quality and detail on graphs, cooperation with ither apps like Strava, etc.
And especially how easy it is to extract data! (The workout notes in particular.) I've lost so much data with switching watch types, it's really frustrating. Plus having it all online means no internet, no data.
The old Polar used to have an offline app which I've never seen bettered for its graphs, though admittedly it's so long ago that most of the flashy new features like body battery hadn't even been dreamt of yet...
Im a previous Garmin User that had switch to COROS because of the more advanced Gps mapping system and BATTERY LIFE. Garmin got nothing on Coros if what we talk about is fitness and running features alone (which what the watch is for).
COROS > Garmin. Take it from a Man who had used both for years. Cheers mate. Nice Video.
Great that you've found one that works for you!
Not mentioned but i have the garmin forerunner 965. Its supposed to be for triathlon, but all the running stats added compared to the 955, it is sooooooo worth it!
My favorite is the apple watch i already own. Would love toget a garmin, but money.
The FR 55 is my entry level watch and I love it!
Great video. Do you have a video review of the Garmin Forerunner 265?
We don’t I’m afraid but should we do one?
Definitely check out any of these channels for reviews on just about Garmin watch. Desfit, DC Rainmaker, Chase The Summit, Matt Legrand.
I’ve got a ageing fénix 5. It’s never let me down.
Think a lot of the expensive watches are overkill, just my opinion 👍
For apple watch, you have to consider the fact that it works only with an iphone. So for someone who does not use an iphone, that cost gets added as well. And that makes even an entry level apple watch a very expensive one .
While everyone in the US seems to have an iPhone, in Europe this is indeed quite different meaning that for a large portion of people, the Apple watches simply aren't even an option they can consider.
Great comparison. I double wrist. It’s embarrassing. Garmin on one and Ultra 2 on the other. Very in depth. Except at 8:10 (on the first take) you still made a mistake . It is Apple Ultra 2 and Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2. You said Apple Ultra Gen 2. lol! Great job on the video. Love the channel.
Got a Garmin 165. Does everything I need it to do plus has Garmin Pay which means I can get a coffee at the end of the run without needing a card or phone!
Yeah James I'm really looking forward to that 720h test.
He might die…
I’m looking to get my first Garmin and I am in between two watches: the Venu S3 and the Forerunner 945. I’m into holistic health, fitness, and running. I also do Pilates - mat and reformer. I love the holistic approach and features of the Venu S3 like skin temperature, meditation, as well as the smaller size, but I also would love the data like training readiness and race predictions from the Forerunner 945. My ideal watch would be a combination of the two! Any experiences, suggestions, or thoughts would be much appreciated! ☺️
What's the point of having a 165 and 965 in an all-round competition? Bar the price the 965 is better in every category, and as it's an all-round competition then clearly price isn't *the* deciding factor
Absolutely, it's like comparing the iphone se with the iphone pro. Obviously the expensive one is going to be better.
Fact check: forerunner 165 does have mapping, as well as race prediction, sleep coach, recovery, etc. not to rank it above others, but accuracy matters when listing features
I prefer the Fenix line over the Epix. I’m not a fan of OLED screens for watches due to battery life concerns and visibility in sunlight. I don’t need to view detailed data on my watch; my phone or computer works well for that. This could be why there’s speculation that the Epix line may end with the next Fenix release, as they seem to be pushing OLED screens with an option for a translucent display.
I have an Epix pro 2 and I can read the numbers even at noon, but I don't know how it compares with the fenix
I second this. I use my enduro 2 as a bike computer on my handlebar. Sun visibility without backlight is king in that use case.
@@H0A0B123 I use my watch for all my activities, and the Fenix lineup has proven to be incredibly durable. I’m the type of person who dives into things without taking the watch off-I could be working on a car one moment and heading out for a run or mountain bike ride the next. I’ve had a Forerunner 935 and a Fenix 5, and I also tried several other watches, like Samsung and Fitbit, before settling on the Fenix. I’ve even compared the Fenix to the Apple lineup, and in my opinion, the Fenix is far superior as a fitness watch. Apple makes great smartwatches, but they don’t compare in terms of fitness functionality. For smart features, I rely on my phone.
There will be a Fenix 8 and a Fenix 8 E, E standing for Epix or Enduro as they are simply joining the Fenix and Epix line under one name. It'll be MIP and AMOLED.
Apple Ultra 2 best watch I’ve had including my luxury watches it’s all I wear. People can hate on Apple all they want I have it and know how great it is nothing comes close
Brilliant that you’ve found one that works so well for you!!
My Fenix 7 Is brilliant, the torch is a great feature.
Have a lovely Forerunner 265 but am finding the screen too small. Yes Im getting old and need a bigger screen. I think Ill be jumping to the 965 before my marathon in October.
Let us know how you find the 965! And good luck for the marathon 🎉
I'm a Garmin 965 user. I'm happy with it, but should have gone for the Fenix or Epix. It's good the Forerunner has all the features you'll ever need and that is so light, but the other two just look more premium. Even with other bands, the Forerunner looks like every other smartwatch. The plastic just makes it feel cheap. Other than that, it's a great watch.
I have a Garmin 265, and while there is nothing wrong with it, I wouldn't buy it again. The Coros Pace 3 with a chest strap would be an ideal combo for me.
I love my Forerunner 255, and have been following its daily workouts for the last few weeks with some really positive results. The 965 looks great but it's a lot pricier and I am not sure if it'd be worth it to upgrade. Should my 255 ever die I might give it a thought.
You say Apple Watch doesn’t have native mapping like it’s a negative - the vast number of apps that you can use for mapping are significantly better than the mapping on the other watches - footpath for example is phenomenal, you can do mapping with Strava, etc etc. Would be nice to point this out because the main reason i wouldn’t switch to Garmin is because im locked into their mapping then which I don’t think is as good as many of the Apple Watch mapping apps..
I switched from an Apple Watch to Garmin almost two years ago, I know Apple’s made a lot of progress, but there’s no way I could go back any time soon.. Garmin is just too good at what they do
I use an Amazfit, which I bought of Amazon hoping for the best. GPS is dead accurate, battery last about 15 hours with GPS on (more than enough for me!), and it has enough info while running (time, distance, pace, HR, etc) to help me track a workout. I paid around $100CAD (around 70GBP) and it’s still going strong 3 years later.
I know there’s better options, but I’d rather spend the money saved on shoes!
Thanks what do you think about Samsung pro5
Use and love my Coros Pace 3, the watch is amazing and the training hub is soooo good. Plus: you can share your training results to anyone; checked with a Garmin friend: she’s only able to share the summary, with Coros you get a full screenshot of all details (or share it in the social medias).
Is TRC attending the Berlin Marathon this year? I’d love to say hi. Or how about some tips for the perfect shake out run spots?
A good part of what I use with a watch is the stars and info I can look at after, as well as compatibility with Stryd for example. I've been Garmin since I got into running and all my history and data and everything is in that.
Would be interested to see something on other watches ecosystems, how they compare, and other than using Strava for example is it possible to carry in your stats and history across to another?
Using Garmin Forerunner 245 & 745 running, 965 for my every day/night currently
I use the torch on my Fenix 7X everyday. The touchscreen is off and is set to only come on when I'm using maps.
one thing that bothers me in all of those watches is the abysmal refresh rate. You can see the frames chopping when scrolling down
What watch do you tend to use? If any
@@runningchannel i have a Xiaomi mi band 3 looking to upgrade maybe
Amazfit Bip - 3-4 weeks battery, GPS (albeit slow to latch on) - not the best integration to any running app, but for the price (~£50), plus the great battery should definitely make it in for a super budget option!
I'm still a walker, not yet a runner, so my FR55 is quite enough for me.
However, I get a bit surprised that only Apple takes advantage of the larger area you get for the display by having a square/rectangular one compared to the round ones.