PR Nerd
PR Nerd
Training plans, running advice, and more.
← Back to comparisons
Head to Head

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Ultra vs Garmin Forerunner 265

The Cheetah 2 Ultra reaches max-tier analytics for $151 more, but the 265's training-tier depth already covers most runners' needs and rates far higher in practice.

Amazfit Cheetah 2 UltraAmazfit

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Ultra

4
Garmin Forerunner 265Garmin

Garmin Forerunner 265

4.7
Best Overall Runner
$600
MSRP
$449
Lower price
Full Smartwatch
Watch Type
Semi-Smart
Maximum Depth
More data
Training Data
Solid Training Data
iOS & Android
Phone
iOS & Android
4
Rating
4.7
Higher rated
60 hrs
Longer battery
GPS Battery Life
20 hrs
Dual-Band
GPS
Dual-Band
65g
Weight
47g
Lighter
48mm
Case Size
42/46mm
Yes
Takes calls
Wrist Calls
No
Yes
Has maps
Offline Maps
No
Local files only
Offline Music
Spotify/Amazon Music
More music options
10 ATM
More water resistant
Water Resistance
5 ATM
—
Notable For
Best Overall Runner
Best For
  • •You specifically need max-tier analytics for ultra-distance trail efforts
  • •A bigger screen for reading maps is worth the premium and lower rating
  • •You want Garmin's highly-rated, AMOLED training watch for less
  • •Training-tier analytics already cover what most runners need
The Full Story

The Cheetah 2 Ultra targets mountain ultrarunners specifically, with a bigger screen for reading maps and enough battery to cover long efforts without a mid-race charge. A legitimate alternative to Garmin's Enduro or Suunto's Vertical, at a lower price.

The 265 pairs a bright touchscreen with real training-load and recovery metrics, without pushing into flagship pricing. It remains one of the most recommended running watches on the market for good reason: it just covers the bases extremely well.

*Estimated — this model's exact GPS battery life isn't published by the manufacturer. All figures are standard GPS mode, midsize case, no solar boost.

†Estimated — this model launched too recently to have an established customer rating yet.

This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Not sure either of these is right?

Answer four quick questions and get matched from every current watch we track.

Try the Watch Finder →