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)

I reeeally wanted something like the Vivoactive when I was last watch shopping - mainly because of the appearance + size, even the 265S (which is what I ended up with) still feels pretty chunky on my wrist.  However, the Vivoactive doesn’t support custom structured workouts, which is a must for me. Hoping they add that feature to their more casual lines going forward! 

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 mean I wouldn’t get the 965 because it is too big for my wrist, unfortunately garmin forgets some of us, mostly women also love to run….but tbh I don’t see any advantage of this over my 265s, less battery life, same music, etc, and I am fine not taking calls during my runs thank you…especially since I have an iPhone, I had an Apple Watch already and never used the microphone there anyways.

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.

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!