Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Polar Vantage V3

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Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin

Garmin Forerunner 965

vs
Polar Vantage V3
Polar

Polar Vantage V3

LoveBar
50%
50%
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💕 LoveBar Verdict

Garmin leads in health, battery, and features. Polar counters with sleeker design and better value.

How They Compare

The things that actually matter 💅

💓 Body Whisperer
Garmin Forerunner 965 wins
💡 Garmin's ecosystem gives health data more context
🔋 Charge & Forget
Garmin Forerunner 965 wins
💡 Garmin stretches further between visits to the charger
✨ Wrist Candy
Polar Vantage V3 wins
💡 Polar's lighter, slimmer build feels less bulky on the wrist
🧠 Smart AF
Garmin Forerunner 965 wins
💡 Garmin's map and music support add practical utility
💸 Worth Strapping?
Polar Vantage V3 wins
💡 Polar packs advanced sports science at a lower price

Pick Your Side 💜

Which one stole your heart?

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You picked! The LoveBar is updating 🎉

Which One Is For You?

Two amazing products, two different vibes ✨

💙
The All-Terrain Runner
Garmin Forerunner 965 lover
  • You run roads and trails and need maps for both
  • You want the most established running platform available
  • You need music on your wrist for phone-free runs
💜
The Science-Backed Athlete
Polar Vantage V3 lover
  • You trust Polar's sports science heritage for training guidance
  • You want a multisport watch that feels light on the wrist
  • You prefer spending less while still getting premium features

The Full Story

LoveBar's deep-dive, written for humans 💕

Two names that have been in the running game since before running watches were cool. The Garmin Forerunner 965 is the complete package: maps, music, training load analysis, and a battery that does not flinch during the heaviest training weeks. Garmin Connect ties it all together with a platform that millions of runners trust. Polar approaches the same problem differently with the Vantage V3. It is lighter, more comfortable, and leans heavily on sports science features like running power, leg recovery tests, and sleep-based recovery tracking. The training insights feel more scientific and less gamified. Plus, it costs less. If you want the watch that does everything and has the biggest ecosystem behind it, Garmin is the safe bet. If you value precision coaching and comfort over bells and whistles, Polar's pedigree speaks for itself.