Withings ScanWatch 2 42mm vs Garmin Forerunner 265
We break down the differences, cut through the marketing noise, and tell you exactly which one wins and why.
Withings ScanWatch 2 42mm
- + Long battery life
- + Seamless smartphone integration
Garmin Forerunner 265
- + Seamless smartphone integration
- + Excellent GPS accuracy
THE VERDICT
ScanWatch 2 42mm 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
ScanWatch 2 42mm is the easier buy if your goal is maximum value efficiency in this segment.
Overall Score
ScanWatch 2 42mm 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
Forerunner 265 leads on display based on the harder spec line.
Battery
ScanWatch 2 42mm 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
- ScanWatch 2 42mm wins the value argument while keeping the gap to Forerunner 265 within the same budget segment.
- ScanWatch 2 42mm leads on Battery: 30 days.
- Forerunner 265 still has a case if you care more about display than balanced value.
| SPEC | Withings ScanWatch 2 42mm | Garmin Forerunner 265 | READOUT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip | Withings custom | Garmin custom | Both products are close enough on chip that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| Display | 42mm Hybrid OLED | 46mm AMOLED | Forerunner 265 leads on display based on the harder spec line. |
| Battery | 30 days | 13 days | ScanWatch 2 42mm leads on battery based on the harder spec line. |
| GPS | No | Yes | Both products are close enough on gps that this row is not a deciding factor alone. |
| Health Features | ECG, SpO2, Temperature, Sleep Apnea Detection | 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 | Withings 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 Withings ScanWatch 2 42mm | EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE Garmin Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| ACTION | View on Amazon ↗ | View on Amazon ↗ |
| OVERLKD SCORE | 62/100 | 65/100 |
| CHIP | Withings custom | Garmin custom |
| DISPLAY | 42mm Hybrid OLED | 46mm AMOLED |
| BATTERY | 30 days | 13 days |
| GPS | No | Yes |
| HEALTH FEATURES | ECG, SpO2, Temperature, Sleep Apnea Detection | Training Status, HRV, VO2 Max, Race Widget |
| OS | Withings OS | Garmin OS |
| COMPATIBILITY | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
BUYING TAKEAWAY
If you want the shortest answer: buy ScanWatch 2 42mm unless Forerunner 265's specific advantage is exactly what you need.
Winner: Withings ScanWatch 2 42mm