If you’re looking for a running watch that balances advanced features with a friendly price tag, the Garmin Forerunner 165 smartwatch might just be your next training partner. This watch is a standout because it brings that vibrant, easy-to-read AMOLED display, usually found on much pricier models like the Garmin Forerunner 265, down to a more accessible price point. It’s perfect if you’re a road runner, whether you’re just starting out or you’re aiming for your next marathon and want to step up your training game without breaking the bank. The Forerunner 165 delivers a comprehensive suite of run-tracking tools, recovery insights, and even smart features like podcast storage and contactless payments on the Podcast version, making it a genuinely valuable tool for most runners. It sits comfortably in Garmin’s lineup, offering a compelling upgrade from the basic Garmin Forerunner 55 while providing a similar core running experience to its more expensive siblings. You’re getting a reliable and feature-rich tracker that offers excellent value, making it a strong contender for your wrist.
When it comes to picking a running watch, you’ve got a ton of options out there. But for many runners, especially those who want a brilliant display and solid tracking without spending a fortune, the Garmin Forerunner 165 has really caught my eye. This isn’t just another gadget. it’s a dedicated running companion that distills a lot of Garmin’s best tech into a more budget-friendly package. Let’s dig into what makes this watch tick and if it’s the right fit for your runs.
First Impressions: A Bright Start
Right off the bat, the most striking thing about the Forerunner 165 is its display. We’re talking about a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen that’s incredibly bright, colorful, and responsive. If you’ve ever wished for that vibrant, modern smartwatch look but preferred Garmin’s sports-first approach, this is it. It’s a huge leap from the more muted, transflective displays found on older entry-level Garmins, offering fantastic visibility whether you’re checking your pace in direct sunlight or glancing at your stats during an evening run.
The watch itself is pretty lightweight and feels comfortable on the wrist, which is crucial for long runs. It maintains Garmin’s classic five-button layout, meaning you can navigate through menus and control your activities even when your hands are sweaty or you’re wearing gloves. But, you also get the convenience of a touchscreen for daily use and swiping through widgets. Garmin gives you the best of both worlds here: use the buttons for precise control during a workout, or tap and swipe when you’re just checking notifications or daily stats.
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Core Running Features: Everything You Need to Hit the Pavement
The Forerunner 165 might be more affordable, but it doesn’t skimp on the essentials that runners care about most. It’s packed with a comprehensive array of features designed to track your runs and help you improve.
GPS Accuracy and Tracking
For any running watch, accurate GPS is non-negotiable, right? The Forerunner 165 uses a multi-satellite system GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo to lock onto your location, which generally means better accuracy, especially compared to older single-GPS models. While it doesn’t have the “dual-band” GPS found in premium watches like the Garmin Forerunner 265 or Garmin Forerunner 965, reviews show it holds its own remarkably well, even in tricky environments like city streets or under tree cover. You can expect reliable data for distance, pace, and route mapping for every single run. One reviewer found its GPS accuracy to be within +/- 0.03 miles over a 2.8-mile distance, which is pretty impressive for this price point.
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Heart Rate Monitoring
Underneath, the Forerunner 165 features Garmin’s Elevate V4 optical heart rate sensor. This sensor is crucial for not only tracking your effort during runs but also for monitoring your overall health. I’ve found optical heart rate sensors to be quite reliable on steady runs. While they might occasionally have a rogue spike during intense intervals compared to a dedicated chest strap like the Polar H10, the Forerunner 165’s performance is generally on par with pricier Garmin models.
This wrist-based heart rate data feeds into a lot of other useful metrics:
- Heart Rate Variability HRV Status: This gives you insights into how your body is coping with stress and training.
- Heart Rate Zones: Helps you train at the right intensity for your goals.
- Recovery Time: A simple hourly countdown that tells you when you’re ready for your next hard workout.
On-Wrist Running Power
This is a big one for many runners! The Forerunner 165 offers onboard running power, meaning you can track how much effort you’re putting into your runs directly from your wrist, without needing external sensors. Power is an excellent metric for gauging your effort, especially on hilly terrain or when your pace might fluctuate.
Training Tools and Metrics
The 165 comes loaded with Garmin’s intelligent training tools to help you get fitter and faster.
- Daily Suggested Workouts: This feature is awesome. It adapts to your performance and recovery, giving you workout recommendations tailored to your current fitness level and recent activity.
- Garmin Coach: If you’re training for a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon, these adaptive training plans provide structured guidance right on your watch.
- Race Predictor and PacePro: Get estimated finishing times for different race distances and use PacePro to create a pacing strategy for your runs and races, taking into account elevation changes.
- VO2 Max: The watch estimates your VO2 Max, a key indicator of your cardiovascular fitness.
- Training Effect: This metric tells you how each workout impacts your fitness and recovery.
Navigation Features
While you won’t find full, color maps like on some higher-end Forerunners, the 165 still provides helpful navigation. It offers breadcrumb mapping and a “back-to-start” feature, which can be a lifesaver if you get turned around on a new route. You can also sync courses from the Garmin Connect app to follow pre-planned routes. Microsoft surface laptop 13 inch review
Smart Features: Beyond the Run
A running watch isn’t just for running anymore, and the Forerunner 165 definitely steps up its game in the “smart” department.
Podcast Storage and Playback
If you go for the Forerunner 165 Podcast version, you can download up to 500 songs directly to your watch. This means you can leave your phone at home and still enjoy your playlists by connecting your Bluetooth headphones sold separately. This is a fantastic feature for staying motivated without the bulk of a phone.
Garmin Pay
Another great convenience is Garmin Pay, Garmin’s contactless payment solution. Imagine finishing a long run and being able to grab a drink or a snack without needing to carry your wallet or phone. It’s super handy for those impromptu stops.
Daily Wellness and Notifications
The 165 isn’t just for workouts. it’s a capable daily health tracker. It monitors your steps, calories burned, and stress levels throughout the day. You’ll also get: Nymble Robot Chef (Now Posha) Smart Kitchen Cooking Machine Review
- Advanced Sleep Tracking and Nap Detection: Detailed insights into your sleep stages and quality, plus it can even detect naps.
- Body Battery: This Garmin metric shows your energy levels, helping you understand when you’re ready for activity or when you need to rest.
- Pulse Ox Sensor: Monitors your blood oxygen saturation, providing another layer of health insight.
- Morning Report: A favorite feature for many, this gives you a quick summary when you wake up, including your sleep score, HRV status, daily suggested workout, and weather.
- Smartphone Notifications: Stay connected with alerts for calls, texts, and app notifications delivered right to your wrist.
Battery Life: Keeping You Powered Up
Battery life is always a big concern, especially with those bright AMOLED screens. The Forerunner 165 does a respectable job here.
- Smartwatch Mode: You can expect up to 11 days of battery life, or around 4 days if you use the always-on display.
- GPS-Only GNSS Mode: Up to 19 hours.
- All-Systems GNSS Mode: Up to 17 hours.
- GPS Mode with Podcast: This will naturally drain it faster, giving you around 6.5 to 7 hours.
In real-world testing, many users report getting between 5-8 days of general training usage, with about 5-6 hours of GPS run time included. This is usually enough for most runners to get through daily runs and even a marathon without needing a mid-activity charge. Keep in mind that using the always-on display will shorten this significantly, but having the option to turn it off or use gesture mode helps extend its life.
How the Forerunner 165 Stacks Up: Comparisons
It’s always helpful to see how a watch fits into the broader market. Let’s compare the Forerunner 165 to some popular alternatives.
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs. Forerunner 55
The Garmin Forerunner 55 has long been the entry-level go-to, but the 165 is a significant step up. The biggest difference is the 165’s AMOLED display compared to the 55’s transflective MIP screen. The 165 also brings:
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- An upgraded Elevate 4 heart rate sensor and more comprehensive GNSS support.
- A barometric altimeter for more accurate elevation data something the 55 lacks.
- Pulse Ox, nap detection, advanced Body Battery, HRV tracking, and Garmin Pay.
For just a bit more money, the Forerunner 165 offers a much richer experience and is generally considered the better option for most runners looking at an entry-level Garmin.
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs. Forerunner 245
The Garmin Forerunner 245 was a long-standing favorite, but the 165 improves on it in several ways. The 165 has that beautiful AMOLED touchscreen the 245 has a MIP display, a barometer, altimeter, and compass, plus Garmin Pay and a newer HR sensor. While the 245 also offers HRV tracking, the 165’s newer sensor and enhanced features like running power give it an edge. The 245 might have slightly better GPS battery life due to its display type, but the 165 generally feels like a more modern and capable device for runners.
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs. Forerunner 265
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a step up in Garmin’s lineup, often seen as the “next level” Forerunner. The 165 borrows heavily from the 265’s design and core running experience, especially with that AMOLED screen. However, the 265 offers more advanced features like dual-band GPS for superior accuracy in challenging areas, a larger display 1.3-inch vs 1.2-inch, more memory 8GB vs 4GB, and crucial training metrics like Training Status, Training Load, and Training Readiness. If you’re a serious athlete who needs every possible training insight, the 265 is the winner. But if you want a reliable and accurate run tracker with an amazing screen without those advanced analytics, the 165 is a fantastic money-saving alternative.
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs. Apple Watch SE/Series 10
This is a classic debate! Generally, a Garmin watch like the Forerunner 165 is built as a sports-first device with smart features, while an Apple Watch is a smartwatch-first device with fitness tracking capabilities.
- Battery Life: Garmin wins hands down, especially for GPS tracking. You’ll charge a Garmin far less often than an Apple Watch.
- Running Metrics: The Forerunner 165 offers deeper, more focused running metrics, coaching, and recovery insights.
- Smart Features: Apple Watch excels in seamless integration with your iPhone, app ecosystem, and communication features calls, texts directly from the watch.
- GPS Accuracy: For basic models, Garmin generally offers more reliable GPS for running. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has dual-band GPS, but that’s a much higher price point.
If your priority is running and fitness tracking, the Forerunner 165 is likely the better choice. If you want a full-fledged smartwatch that also tracks workouts, and you don’t mind daily charging, an Apple Watch might be for you.
How to Get Started with Your Garmin Forerunner 165 for Running
Getting your Garmin Forerunner 165 ready for your first run is pretty straightforward. Here’s a quick guide:
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- Charge It Up: Make sure your watch is fully charged before you start.
- Pair with Garmin Connect: Download the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone and pair your watch. This is where all your data syncs, and you can customize settings.
- Choose Your Activity: From the watch face, press the START/STOP button the top right one, often a different color. This will bring up a list of activity profiles. Select “Run” or “Track Run.”
- Wait for GPS Signal: If you’re running outdoors, step outside and wait a few moments for the watch to acquire a GPS signal. You’ll usually see a green indicator when it’s ready.
- Start Your Run: Once the GPS is locked, press the START/STOP button again to begin recording your activity.
- Customize Data Screens: During your activity, you can swipe up or down, or use the UP/DOWN buttons on the left to cycle through different data screens. You can customize these screens in the settings to show metrics like pace, distance, heart rate, lap time, running power, and more.
- End Your Run: When you’re done, press the START/STOP button again to pause the activity. You’ll then get options to “Resume,” “Save,” or “Discard.” Choose “Save” to save your run data and view a summary.
- Sync and Review: Your run data will automatically sync with the Garmin Connect app, where you can delve into detailed stats, maps, and insights.
Remember, you can also long-hold the middle-left button to access the settings menu and customize almost everything, from watch faces to alerts and sensors.
Final Thoughts: Is the Forerunner 165 Right for You?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 smartwatch is a seriously impressive piece of kit for its price. It truly bridges the gap between Garmin’s entry-level and mid-range offerings, giving you that beautiful AMOLED display and a ton of valuable training features without the premium price tag.
It’s an excellent choice if you’re a dedicated runner, whether you’re working towards a 5K or a full marathon. You’ll get accurate GPS and heart rate data, smart training tools like daily suggested workouts and Garmin Coach, and handy smart features like Garmin Pay and optional podcast storage. While it skips some of the very advanced analytics and dual-band GPS found on the pricier Forerunner 265 or 965, for the vast majority of runners, the 165 offers more than enough to track, analyze, and improve your running. It’s comfortable, reliable, and provides an engaging user experience thanks to that vibrant screen. If you’re looking for a watch that feels premium for running but won’t completely drain your wallet, the Forerunner 165 is definitely worth a closer look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Garmin Forerunner 165 and 165 Podcast?
The primary difference is that the Garmin Forerunner 165 Podcast includes onboard podcast storage up to 500 songs and Wi-Fi connectivity for easy syncing of podcast and data. The standard Forerunner 165 does not have these features, relying on your phone for podcast playback. The Podcast version usually costs about $50 more.
Is Garmin Forerunner 165 good for beginners?
Absolutely! The Garmin Forerunner 165 is often recommended as the best Garmin for beginner runners. It provides essential running metrics like pace, distance, and heart rate, along with user-friendly features like Daily Suggested Workouts and access to Garmin Coach adaptive training plans. Its vibrant AMOLED display makes it easy to read, and the combination of buttons and touchscreen is intuitive to learn.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 165 have a barometric altimeter?
Yes, unlike its predecessor, the Forerunner 55, the Garmin Forerunner 165 does include a barometric altimeter. This is important for more accurate elevation data during runs, especially on hilly or trail routes, as it measures changes in atmospheric pressure rather than relying solely on GPS.
Can I use Garmin Pay with the Forerunner 165?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 165 supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments. This means you can store your credit or debit card information on the watch and make purchases at compatible terminals without needing your phone or wallet, which is incredibly convenient for post-run snacks or emergencies.
How accurate is the GPS on the Forerunner 165?
The GPS on the Garmin Forerunner 165 is generally very accurate for its price point. It uses a multi-satellite system GPS, GLONASS, Galileo for improved signal acquisition and tracking. While it lacks dual-band GPS found in higher-end models, tests show it holds up well against more expensive watches, even in areas with some signal interference like urban environments or tree cover. One review found its GPS to be accurate within +/- 0.03 miles over a nearly 3-mile distance. Weber smoque pellet smoker review
Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 waterproof for swimming?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 165 has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM. This means it’s suitable for swimming, showering, and general water activities. It even includes activity profiles for pool swimming and open-water swimming.
Does the Forerunner 165 offer training status and load metrics?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 provides Recovery Time and Training Effect metrics, which are helpful for understanding your workout’s impact and when you’re ready for your next session. However, it does not include the more advanced training insights like Training Status, Training Load, or Training Readiness that you’d find on higher-end Garmin watches such as the Forerunner 265 or 965. These are typically reserved for more serious athletes who need a deeper analysis of their performance over time.
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