Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular vs Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS Running Watch (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular

9.3/10 Excellent

4.7★ (3,800 owners)

Titanium, 60hr battery, dual-frequency GPS, 100m waterproof, Action Button. Apple's sport flagship.

Full Review

Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS Running Watch

9.2/10 Excellent

4.5★ (8,400 owners)

AMOLED display, dual-band GPS, 13-day battery, HRV status. The serious runner's smart watch.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular	Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS Running Watch
247Verdict Score	9.3/10	9.2/10
Owner Rating	4.7★ (3,800)	4.5★ (8,400)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent
Battery	60 hours	13 days / 20hr GPS
GPS	Dual-frequency L1+L5	Dual-band L1+L5
Water	100m	5ATM
Display	Brightest	AMOLED 1.3"

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular: Titanium, 60hr battery, dual-frequency GPS, 100m waterproof, Action Button. Apple's sport flagship. Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS Running Watch: AMOLED display, dual-band GPS, 13-day battery, HRV status. The serious runner's smart watch. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular

60-hour battery in low-power mode for ultra marathons
Dual-frequency GPS L1+L5 most accurate Apple Watch
100-metre water resistance for ocean and cliff diving
Action Button customisable for gloved use
Brightest Apple Watch display in sunlight

£799 — most expensive Apple Watch, iPhone only
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar has indefinite solar battery
Not for Android users

Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS Running Watch

AMOLED display is the clearest running watch screen available at this price
Dual-band GPS (L1+L5) delivers within 1% distance accuracy on technical routes
13-day battery in smartwatch mode, 20 hours GPS — enough for ultra-marathon training
Morning Report with HRV status and Body Battery guides daily training intensity
Training Readiness score prevents overtraining by analysing load vs recovery

13-day battery drops to 20 hours in GPS mode — fine for most, limiting for ultramarathon racing
No maps (topo maps are in the Fenix range)
AMOLED reduces battery vs transflective displays in previous Forerunner models

FAQ

Which is better, Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular or Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS?

Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular worth the extra cost?

Yes — Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular scores higher at 9.3/10 vs 9.2/10.

Who is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular best suited to?

Titanium, 60hr battery, dual-frequency GPS, 100m waterproof, Action Button. Apple's sport flagship.

Who is the Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS best suited to?

AMOLED display, dual-band GPS, 13-day battery, HRV status. The serious runner's smart watch.

What are the main downsides of each?

Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular: £799 — most expensive Apple Watch, iPhone only; Garmin Fenix 8 Solar has indefinite solar battery. Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS Running Watch: 13-day battery drops to 20 hours in GPS mode — fine for most, limiting for ultramarathon racing; No maps (topo maps are in the Fenix range).

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular sits at 4.7★ from 3,800 verified Amazon owners, and Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS Running Watch at 4.5★ from 8,400.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.