Choosing running watches & heart-rate gear often starts with a mismatch: do you want a wrist device centered on workout metrics, or audio hardware for running, cycling, and swimming? Garmin Forerunner 235 and Mpow Swimming headphone Wireless Open Earphone solve different problems. Decide whether training data or listening matters more before comparing the price.
Quick verdict
Garmin is the better match for training data, while Mpow is the better match for workout audio. The listed price spread is $23.31, but that gap does not make them direct substitutes: one is a GPS running watch and the other is a wireless open-ear earphone.
At a glance
| Comparison | Garmin Forerunner 235 | Mpow Swimming Open Earphone |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 59.40 | USD 36.09 |
| Condition | Used | New |
| Product format | GPS running watch | Wireless open earphone for running and cycling |
Where each product wins
Garmin wins for training metrics
Garmin wins when a workout needs watch-based metrics. It combines GPS, wrist-based heart-rate monitoring, distance traveled, and calorie monitoring, with an alarm also included. Those are concrete fitness-tracking functions rather than audio features, making the Forerunner 235 the more natural pick for someone following run data on the wrist. This is the right lane for the phrase "GPS running watch," especially when heart rate is part of the shopping brief.
Mpow wins for workout audio
Mpow wins when the workout is about listening across land and water. Its open-ear, bone-conduction, wireless, and waterproof configuration matches the running, cycling, and swimming focus, while MP3 mode matters because Bluetooth does not work underwater. This is the more direct fit for running headphones or swim audio. It is a listening-focused choice rather than a watch-centered training device.
Product notes
Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Running Watch
For shoppers who want a watch-centered routine, Garmin has two concrete draws beyond its role: battery life up to seven days and wrist placement. The product is marked Used, and visible light wear is present on the strap and bezel. A charging cable is not included, which is the main practical limitation before use. Its listed silicone strap and plastic housing complete the configuration. Choose the Garmin when the GPS running watch and heart-rate monitor functions will drive regular training decisions. If the priority is simply listening during a run or swim, the watch format is less aligned with that job than Mpow's earphone design.
Mpow Swimming Wireless Open Earphone
The Mpow earns its place when one pair of earphones needs to cover running, cycling, and swimming. Built-in 32GB memory gives the audio-first format a concrete reason to choose it, while magnetic charging and a two-hour charging time define how it is powered. The limitation is specific to pool use: Bluetooth does not work underwater, so swimming playback requires switching to MP3 mode. The New condition is another clear distinction from Garmin, but the deciding question remains whether you need headphones rather than watch-based metrics. Choose Mpow for the running-headphones brief; choose Garmin when wrist training data comes first.
Final choice by use case
- Marathon-training watch or GPS running watch: Choose the Garmin Forerunner 235.
- Running headphones, cycling audio, or swimming playback: Choose the Mpow Swimming Wireless Open Earphone.
The simplest decision is role-based: Garmin is for runners who want metrics on the wrist, while Mpow is for shoppers whose priority is open-ear listening across workouts.
