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Garmin Forerunner 965 and Garmin Venu 3 are two top fitness smartwatches for advanced tracking, durability, and long-lasting performance. Garmin Forerunner 965 is the newer and more advanced option with AMOLED display, dual-frequency GPS, and advanced training tools. Garmin Venu 3 focuses on lifestyle and wellness with fitness tracking, smartwatch functions, and premium AMOLED visuals. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
- Garmin Forerunner 965 features a high-performance Garmin chipset that processes maps and training data quickly for smoother activity tracking.
- Garmin Venu 3 uses an optimized processor suitable for everyday smartwatch and fitness functions.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 965
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Multi-band GPS :
- Garmin Forerunner 965 supports multi-band GNSS with SatIQ that adjusts GPS accuracy and battery usage automatically during activities.
- Garmin Venu 3 has multi-band GNSS but without adaptive SatIQ power management.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 965
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Built-in Topo Maps:
- Garmin Forerunner 965 includes preloaded full-color topo maps that allow navigation without relying on a connected phone.
- Garmin Venu 3 requires smartphone connectivity for detailed mapping.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 965
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Battery Life:
- Garmin Forerunner 965 has a battery that lasts up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode to reduce charging frequency.
- Garmin Venu 3 lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours in GPS mode.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 965
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Wrist-based Running Dynamics & Power:
- Garmin Forerunner 965 supports running dynamics and power measurement from the wrist to track performance without external sensors.
- Garmin Venu 3 records standard running metrics but does not natively measure power.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 965
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Training Load Metrics:
- Garmin Forerunner 965 features advanced training load tracking that evaluates short, medium, and long-term activity strain.
- Garmin Venu 3 has basic training feedback without detailed load analysis.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 965
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Workouts & Training Readiness:
- Garmin Forerunner 965 includes daily workout suggestions and a readiness score that guides training based on recovery, load, and sleep.
- Garmin Venu 3 provides workout suggestions without readiness scoring.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 965
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Titanium Bezel:
- Garmin Forerunner 965 has a titanium bezel that provides durability with reduced weight for comfort in long activities.
- Garmin Venu 3 has a stainless steel bezel.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 965
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Stamina Metric:
- Garmin Forerunner 965 features a stamina metric that estimates remaining energy during endurance workouts.
- Garmin Venu 3 does not include stamina tracking.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 965
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Incident Alerts & Live Tracking:
- Garmin Forerunner 965 has incident alerts, LiveTrack, and GroupTrack that improve safety and location sharing during activities.
- Garmin Venu 3 has incident alerts and LiveTrack but no GroupTrack feature.
Winner:
Garmin Forerunner 965
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Garmin Forerunner 965 |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Display |
1.4-inch AMOLED, 454×454 resolution |
1.4-inch AMOLED, 454×454 resolution |
| Battery Life |
Up to 23 days smartwatch mode, 31 hours GPS |
Up to 14 days smartwatch mode, 26 hours GPS |
| Processor |
Latest Garmin high-performance chipset for faster mapping & metrics |
Optimized chipset for smooth UI and smart features |
| GPS |
Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ for accuracy & battery efficiency |
Multi-band GNSS without SatIQ optimization |
| Maps |
Preloaded full-color topo maps with turn-by-turn navigation |
Basic maps via connected smartphone only |
| Training Metrics |
Training Load, Training Readiness, Stamina, Running Dynamics & Power |
Basic training metrics and running dynamics support |
| Safety Features |
Incident detection, LiveTrack, GroupTrack |
Incident detection, LiveTrack |
| Build |
Titanium bezel, lightweight polymer body |
Stainless steel bezel, fiber-reinforced case |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 965 if you:
- Need advanced training tools for running, cycling, and triathlons
- Want built-in topo maps and navigation without a phone
- Require multi-band GPS with SatIQ for optimal accuracy and battery life
- Value features like Training Readiness, Stamina, and ClimbPro for endurance events
- Prefer a lightweight titanium build with premium durability
Check Garmin Forerunner 965 Best Price
Buy the Garmin Venu 3 if you:
- Want a fitness smartwatch with strong lifestyle and wellness features
- Prefer a simpler interface without advanced performance metrics
- Use GPS mostly for casual runs, walks, or gym workouts
- Value a premium AMOLED display for everyday wear
- Want a slightly lower-priced Garmin with a balance of health and smart features
Check Garmin Venu 3 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Multi-band GPS (SatIQ) |
Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Built-in Topo Maps |
Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Battery Life |
Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Wrist-based Running Dynamics & Power |
Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Training Load Metrics |
Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Suggested Workouts & Training Readiness |
Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| ClimbPro Route Guidance |
Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| Incident Alerts & Live Tracking |
Garmin Forerunner 965 |
FAQ
Which watch has better battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 965 or the Garmin Venu 3?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 lasts up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode, while the Garmin Venu 3 lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours in GPS mode, giving the Forerunner 965 a clear advantage in endurance.
Does the Garmin Venu 3 have built-in topo maps like the Forerunner 965?
No, the Garmin Venu 3 does not have built-in topo maps and relies on a connected smartphone for detailed mapping, whereas the Forerunner 965 comes preloaded with full-color topo maps for standalone navigation.
Which model supports multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology?
Only the Garmin Forerunner 965 supports multi-band GPS with SatIQ, which intelligently adjusts GPS settings to balance accuracy and battery life.
Can both watches measure running power from the wrist?
No, only the Garmin Forerunner 965 can measure running power directly from the wrist without external sensors, while the Garmin Venu 3 tracks standard running metrics without native power measurement.
Do both watches include the Stamina metric for endurance tracking?
No, the Stamina metric is exclusive to the Garmin Forerunner 965, providing real-time estimates of remaining energy during long workouts.
Which watch is better for advanced training load analysis?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is better for advanced training load analysis as it tracks short, medium, and long-term training strain, while the Garmin Venu 3 offers more basic activity feedback.
Does the Garmin Venu 3 support ClimbPro like the Forerunner 965?
No, ClimbPro is only available on the Garmin Forerunner 965, showing detailed elevation profiles for planned routes to assist in pacing climbs.
Do both models have safety features like incident detection and LiveTrack?
Yes, both the Garmin Forerunner 965 and Garmin Venu 3 include incident detection and LiveTrack, but the Forerunner 965 also adds GroupTrack for group activity location sharing.
Which watch has the more premium bezel material?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 has a titanium bezel that is lighter and more durable, while the Garmin Venu 3 uses a stainless steel bezel.
Which watch is better for someone focused on competitive running and triathlons?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is better suited for competitive athletes due to its advanced training features, built-in maps, multi-band GPS with SatIQ, and endurance-focused metrics.