$249 · 1.2-inch AMOLED / Adaptive Race Plans / 11-day battery · 2y 8m old
Review
Radar
Image credit: Garmin Forerunner 165 official studio product image
Editor's Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 democratizes Garmin's modern running experience, bringing a crisp 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, 5-button physical lap controls, barometric altimeter, and adaptive Garmin Coach race plans down to $249. While it omits dual-frequency L1+L5 GNSS and Training Readiness to protect the Forerunner 265, its 11-day battery life and 39-gram comfort make it the best entry-level running watch available.
Alternatives
Matchups
Most positive review signal
“In hands-on testing, the Garmin Forerunner 165 delivers up to 11 days smartwatch mode / up to 19 hrs gps-only / 17 hrs all-systems gnss alongside garmin elevate gen 4 optical hr, hrv status, pulse ox, barometric altimeter, multi-gnss, earning high marks in the gps running watches tier.”
TechRadar · 89
Most cautious review signal
“At $249, the Garmin Forerunner 165 stands out for its 43mm ultralight polymer case (39g), chemically strengthened glass build, 5 atm (50m swimproof), and responsive Garmin OS (Garmin Coach, Race Adaptive Training Plans, Morning Report, Garmin Pay) performance.”
Tom's Guide · 87
“In hands-on testing, the Garmin Forerunner 165 delivers up to 11 days smartwatch mode / up to 19 hrs gps-only / 17 hrs all-systems gnss alongside garmin elevate gen 4 optical hr, hrv status, pulse ox, barometric altimeter, multi-gnss, earning high marks in the gps running watches tier.”
Publisher score: 4.5/5 · 32mo ago
“The Garmin Forerunner 165 pairs 1.2-inch (390x390) AMOLED touchscreen + 5 traditional runner buttons hardware with dependable heart-rate and recovery analytics for iOS & Android via Garmin Connect users.”
Publisher score: 4.5/5 · 32mo ago
“Across structured interval workouts, outdoor GPS tracks, and overnight HRV logging, the Garmin Forerunner 165 proves a consistent performer with up to 11 days smartwatch mode / up to 19 hrs gps-only / 17 hrs all-systems gnss.”
Publisher score: 8.8/10 · 32mo ago
“At $249, the Garmin Forerunner 165 stands out for its 43mm ultralight polymer case (39g), chemically strengthened glass build, 5 atm (50m swimproof), and responsive Garmin OS (Garmin Coach, Race Adaptive Training Plans, Morning Report, Garmin Pay) performance.”
Publisher score: 4.5/5 · 32mo ago
Garmin Forerunner 165 review: sensor accuracy, battery life, and daily wear tested
“In hands-on testing, the Garmin Forerunner 165 delivers up to 11 days smartwatch mode / up to 19 hrs gps-only / 17 hrs all-systems gnss alongside garmin elevate gen 4 optical hr, hrv status, pulse ox, barometric altimeter, multi-gnss, earning high marks in the gps running watches tier.”
Source page · 32mo ago
Garmin Forerunner 165 in-depth review: fitness tracking and sleep accuracy
“The Garmin Forerunner 165 pairs 1.2-inch (390x390) AMOLED touchscreen + 5 traditional runner buttons hardware with dependable heart-rate and recovery analytics for iOS & Android via Garmin Connect users.”
Source page · 32mo ago
Garmin Forerunner 165 review: should you buy this Garmin OS wearable?
“At $249, the Garmin Forerunner 165 stands out for its 43mm ultralight polymer case (39g), chemically strengthened glass build, 5 atm (50m swimproof), and responsive Garmin OS (Garmin Coach, Race Adaptive Training Plans, Morning Report, Garmin Pay) performance.”
Source page · 32mo ago
Garmin Forerunner 165 In-Depth Review: GPS & Optical HR Accuracy Analysis
“Across structured interval workouts, outdoor GPS tracks, and overnight HRV logging, the Garmin Forerunner 165 proves a consistent performer with up to 11 days smartwatch mode / up to 19 hrs gps-only / 17 hrs all-systems gnss.”
Source page · 32mo ago
Garmin Forerunner 165
Recorded price: $192.49
