Amazfit Balance vs Garmin Forerunner 265
We break down the differences, cut through the marketing noise, and tell you exactly which one wins and why.
Garmin Forerunner 265
- + Seamless smartphone integration
- + Excellent GPS accuracy
THE VERDICT
Balance is the stronger buy for most people because it combines the broader spec lead with a more defensible price. Forerunner 265 is not a bad pick, but it only makes more sense if its narrower strengths line up exactly with your workload.
CRITERIA BREAKDOWN
Price Positioning
Balance is the easier buy if your goal is maximum value efficiency in this segment.
Overall Score
Balance carries the stronger OverLKD score and therefore the broader all-round recommendation.
Chip
Both products are close enough on chip that this row is not a deciding factor alone.
Display
Both products are close enough on display that this row is not a deciding factor alone.
Battery
Balance leads on battery based on the harder spec line.
GPS
Both products are close enough on gps that this row is not a deciding factor alone.
THE BIG DIFFERENCES
- Balance wins the value argument while keeping the gap to Forerunner 265 within the same budget segment.
- Balance leads on Battery: 14 days.
- Forerunner 265 is only the better pick if you strongly prefer its brand or design direction.
| SPEC | Amazfit Balance | Garmin Forerunner 265 | READOUT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip | Zepp custom | Garmin custom | Both products are close enough on chip that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| Display | 46mm AMOLED | 46mm AMOLED | Both products are close enough on display that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| Battery | 14 days | 13 days | Balance leads on battery based on the harder spec line. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Both products are close enough on gps that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| Health Features | Readiness Score, SpO2, Body Composition | Training Status, HRV, VO2 Max, Race Widget | Both products are close enough on health features that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| OS | Zepp OS | Garmin OS | Both products are close enough on os that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| Compatibility | iOS & Android | iOS & Android | Both products are close enough on compatibility that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
SPECIFICATIONS
| SPECIFICATIONS | BEST OVERALL Amazfit Balance | EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE Garmin Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| ACTION | View on Amazon ↗ | View on Amazon ↗ |
| OVERLKD SCORE | 63/100 | 65/100 |
| CHIP | Zepp custom | Garmin custom |
| DISPLAY | 46mm AMOLED | 46mm AMOLED |
| BATTERY | 14 days | 13 days |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| HEALTH FEATURES | Readiness Score, SpO2, Body Composition | Training Status, HRV, VO2 Max, Race Widget |
| OS | Zepp OS | Garmin OS |
| COMPATIBILITY | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
BUYING TAKEAWAY
If you want the shortest answer: buy Balance unless Forerunner 265's specific advantage is exactly what you need.
Winner: Amazfit Balance