Forerunner 265S

I opted for the 265s just because i prefer the smaller size. It works well with runna.

265 series can download from spotify and has a solid heart rate sensor.

Garmin 265s or if you could get a Epix Pro 42mm for a decent price would have everything you could wish for, including the latest HR Sensor v.5 If you don't want AMOLED screen then the Fenix 7 Pro 42mm would also be perfect. Also consider the Epix pro and Fenix Pro have a flashlight. Sound useless, but comes in handy from nightly toilet visits, camping or just as a strobe while running (can set it up so it auto turns on and blinks when running after sunset)

265. Battery degradation is a thing and the 265 has a newer HR sensor. Also whole watch is lightet and for me vetter suited for Running

I have the 265s in pink and i love it

This is the one I have myself and I love it!

I have a Garmin 955 solar my daughter has the 265s but my wife is much less into running than we are and she has the Fitbit versa four or three I forget which one whatever the latest one is, you could probably get by with the Fitbit and pro tip you can pick up new ones all the time on Facebook marketplace for like $60 versa four we got for $60 you can find Fitbit charge 6 for $60 all over the place at least where I'm located. The one I bought for my wife was brand new in the box $60

I switched from an AW to a gr265s two years ago. Would never go back! Aw’s battery sucked (couldn’t handle my long runs) and sure it is a cellphone in my wrist but I don’t want a bad cellphone on my wrist. Half of the shit didn’t even work well because I use mostly WhatsApp and google voice. I did like getting my notifications, having Spotify and Apple Watch though so that is why I went garmin and not coros. The only thing I miss is having audible but even Spotify works better in garmin. I would however say that if you don’t care for the smart phone functionality I would probably go coros over garmin. Garmin for me is the perfect balance: 5+ days of battery life, the main smart watch functionalities and an amazing sports watch! Have never used garmin+ and don’t plan to ever.

I bought the 165 at first. Unfortunately I haver very small wrists which meant the watch moved around and due to how the hr sensor is located it got cadence lock every time. So I returned it and got the 265s, which is smaller and due to a flatter design just works better for my wrist. In addition as it was an olde remodel I managed to get it 20% off (and that was 1.5 yrs ago, so you definetly can get it cheaper now) so the price difference was small. Honestly it ha s a lot of extras like much better gps, better battery life by a long shot and all have music. I love it and it still feels brand new!!!

Go for the 165 you can get it around that same price (check out the optometry discount) and that way you at least get decent music capabilities. But if you can get the 265-265s!

Let me confuse you a bit more😅 I got Garmin 265s, the waiting period for Pace 4 back then was 4 weeks, and ai couldn’t wait that ling after paying. Yes 265s is about $50 more than Pace 4, but I enjoy the watch.  It has option for garmin pay (had use for it only once, when my phone died, but feels good to have an option) And the music support is good Yeah, in my opinion 265 > Pace 4 > 165