When I started reviewing the Garmin Forerunner 165, I used to be frightened that it will really feel an excessive amount of like a downgrade in comparison with my long-time Forerunner 965 watch. I advised myself to not maintain any shortcomings towards it since Garmin designed it as a finances working watch.Instead, I discovered that the Forerunner 165 outperforms its worth; it hardly feels low-cost in any respect. Garmin’s first makes an attempt at sub-$300 watches with AMOLED shows — the Venu Sq 2 and Vivoactive 5 — put extra emphasis on a mainstream design that appealed to non-Garmin followers. The Garmin Forerunner 165 appears cheaper, but it surely feels extra like a watch constructed for Garmin followers who wish to avoid wasting cash, and it is that distinction why it is already on our checklist of one of the best Garmin watches right this moment.That being stated, Garmin did disable a working characteristic on the Forerunner 165, almost definitely to make its $449 Forerunner 265 look extra interesting. Whether it can save you cash with the 165 or not will depend upon how a lot of a data-driven runner you’re. Garmin Forerunner 165: Price, fashions, and bands(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Released on February 20, 2024, the Garmin Forerunner 165 prices $249.99, whereas the Forerunner 165 Music prices $299.99. The latter model consists of 4GB of music cupboard space and Wi-Fi help—the bottom 165 depends solely on Bluetooth—however has no different variations. For context, the 165 Music has about 3.5GB of precise area in your Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music playlists — or your MP3 information. I might match about 500 songs from my private library by way of the Garmin Express desktop app. However, this may range primarily based on the dimensions and high quality of your music information. If you need more room, the Forerunner 265 Music has 8GB of storage, whereas the Forerunner 965 has 32GB for music and maps.Both variations of the Forerunner 165 ship in Black or Mist Gray circumstances, with dual-tone Slate Gray or Whitestone silicone bands, respectively. Only the Forerunner 165 Music has extra colourful choices: a Berry case with a Lilac strap or a Turquoise case with an Aqua strap. Garmin makes use of 20mm Quick Release bands for the Forerunner 165, that means they’re simply swapped out by pulling a tab. You should purchase substitute straps of any colour in silicone ($39.99 every), nylon ($69.99), or leather-based ($69.99) from Garmin immediately, or have a look at third-party choices. Garmin Forerunner 165 specsSwipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryGarmin Forerunner 165Display1.2-inch (390 x 390) AMOLED touchscreenMaterialsFiber-reinforced polymer, chemically strengthened glassStrap20mm Quick Release siliconeWater resistance5ATMSensorsElevate v4 HRM, Pulse Ox, accelerometer, altimeter, ambient mild, compassGPS trackingGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, All-systems GNSSConnectivityBluetooth, ANT+; Music version: Wi-FiMusic storage4GB (Music version solely)Battery life11 days; 19 hours (GPS); 17 hours (All-systems GNSS); 6.5 hours (All-Systems + music streaming)Dimensions43 x 43 x 11.6mm, 39g/ 1.38ozSport modesRunning (Outdoor Track, Trail, Ultra, Treadmill, Indoor Track, Virtual), Hiking, Biking, Indoor Biking, Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Walking, Pilates, Yoga, Strength, HIIT, Cardio, Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Tennis, Pickleball, PadelKey featuresDaily prompt exercises, Garmin Coach, Pacepro, Track working, Race adaptive coaching, Training Effect, Morning Report, Body Battery, Sleep monitoring, Nap detection, HRV Status, Recovery time, wrist-based working dynamics, Intensity Minutes, StayTrack, Garmin PayGarmin Forerunner 165: What you may love(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)If you have owned a Garmin Forerunner watch prior to now, you usually know what to anticipate from the 165. It’s straightforward to take Garmin’s algorithm as a right, however you continue to will not discover rival manufacturers that may advocate a custom-made day by day run that takes your present health and fatigue ranges under consideration.In my case, I not often choose day by day prompt exercises just like the one above as a result of I like having a bit of flexibility with out the Forerunner watch buzzing my wrist if I’m going off-pace. But it nearly all the time conjures up my alternative of how arduous to run and whether or not to stay to my neighborhood, jog to the observe, or take an extended route loop.To get this steerage in a $250 working watch with no month-to-month subscription is especially particular, figuring out that almost all Garmin watches have the sturdiness and post-launch software program help to make them final for just a few years, at the very least. Case in level, the 2015 Forerunner 235 and 2019 Forerunner 245 are nonetheless the most well-liked watches on Strava.I predict that the Forerunner 165 might finally take that spot for plenty of causes — beginning, clearly, with the low worth in comparison with most Garmin watches.Prioritizes consolation, however nonetheless long-lasting(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)The Forerunner 965 has been my day by day look ahead to a couple of 12 months, and I’ve gotten used to its weight and thickness in alternate for the 23-day battery life and a 1.4-inch show. Once I switched to the Forerunner 165, which is half an oz lighter and 1.6mm thinner, I instantly remembered why I choose lighter watches throughout lengthy runs. The Forerunner 165 design is not what I’d name trendy, however that is true of most Garmins, and I care extra that my wrist feels pleasantly mild carrying it. I turn into extra conscious of the 965 each time I maintain my wrist as much as test my tempo, however the 165 falls out of my notion extra rapidly.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)I’m additionally a fan of its lug-heavy silicone band for a safe and breathable match that is not overly tight — even when I’ve observed that the 965’s silicone band appears barely softer and extra versatile. One might want that Garmin provided a nylon improve at checkout as an alternative of creating you pay an additional $70, however I’ve gotten used to this moisture-wicking possibility.The Forerunner 165’s skinny measurement and AMOLED show do have an effect on its battery life, however I’ll level out that loads of previous Forerunners just like the 245 and 745 — which price the identical or extra — solely lasted per week per cost, regardless of the MIP shows. The Forerunner 165’s 11-day battery with a extra readable show is certainly an enchancment, inside the typical vary for most inexpensive health trackers.I’ll admit that 17 hours of all-systems GNSS monitoring is on the low facet for a Garmin watch, and it does require extra frequent charging than I’ve grown accustomed to with day by day runs or walks. But it is about context: it’s going to nonetheless really feel game-changing to non-Garmin customers, there is not any doable manner it’s going to die on you throughout a race, and you’ll all the time pay for pricier Forerunners if the additional battery is a necessity.Major upgrades over the Forerunner 55(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)If you personal the Forerunner 55, Forerunner 745, or every other Forerunner quite a lot of years previous, then the Forerunner 165 will really feel correctly next-generation, with {hardware} upgrades that any runner would respect.For starters, you turn from a memory-in-pixel (MIP) non-touch show to a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen with superior decision — 390 x 390 versus 208 x 208 with the Forerunner 55. While this does minimize three days of battery, I discover that studying notifications and health charts with out squinting turns into considerably simpler, particularly indoors, the place MIP shows look dim except you crank the backlight.More importantly, you get the Elevate v4 sensor, which is able to registering coronary heart price variability (HRV) for stress and extra purposeful Body Battery recharge knowledge. Yes, it isn’t the newer v5 sensor of the Venu 3 with ECG and pores and skin temperature, however that is a tall ask for a less expensive watch. As far as I’ve seen in assessments towards chest coronary heart price straps, Garmin’s v4 and v5 tech are comparable for core coronary heart price accuracy, and different (costlier) Forerunners just like the 965 use v4 as nicely. The AMOLED show, correct GNSS monitoring, and dependable coronary heart price knowledge make the Forerunner 165 really feel actually next-gen in comparison with previous Forerunners. Plus, after all, Garmin gave the Forerunner 165 entry to an all-systems GNSS mode that pulls from GPS, GALILEO, and GLONASS concurrently. Having two satellite tv for pc indicators prevents inaccurate exercise knowledge in most contexts, even when it might probably’t pinpoint fairly in addition to dual-frequency GPS on the pricier Forerunners. If you have made do with GPS-only up till now, it’s best to respect the improved outcomes (which I’ll focus on within the subsequent part). (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)The updates do not cease there: the Forerunner 165 has an altimeter for judging elevation achieve, one thing lacking from the Forerunner 55 and more moderen Vivoactive 5. It’s vital for runners since inaccurate elevation knowledge means your watch cannot attribute increased coronary heart charges to hills, skewing your VO2 Max outcomes. In addition, if you happen to prefer to obtain GPX information for offline programs, solely the Forerunner 165 has a compass for breadcrumb navigation. There is not sufficient room for topographical maps just like the Forerunner 965 has, however Garmin treats that as a premium characteristic, so the 265 would not have this both.On the software program facet, the Forerunner 165 is not that completely different from the 55; loads of my favourite Garmin coaching metrics require a 265 or 965 improve. You do, at the very least, see post-run Training Effect knowledge exhibiting its cardio or anaerobic impression, and you’ll cross-train with indoor exercises. You even get wrist-based working energy and type evaluation, which is not particularly useful for amateurs except you’ve a working coach or professional group to contextualize the info. I’m extra grateful that the Forerunner 165 added audio prompts, shouting out mile instances so you are not consistently checking your wrist.Garmin Forerunner 165: GPS/ HRM accuracy check(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Last month, I examined the Forerunner 165 towards COROS and Fitbit trackers for GPS, elevation, step, and coronary heart price accuracy. I’m going to summarize the outcomes right here, together with some supplemental information. For step depend, it tracked 6,016 steps after 6,000 precise steps, tracked with a bodily pedometer. The subsequent closest was the COROS PACE 3 (91 steps above), with the Fitbit Charge 6 almost 200 steps quick of the particular whole. It proved that the Forerunner 165 does one of the best for fundamental monitoring if you happen to’re obsessed with getting 10,000 steps a day.For GPS accuracy, I weighed its All-Systems GNSS mode towards the COROS PACE 3 dual-frequency mode, which (on paper) must be extra correct. My run maps above disabused this notion: my Garmin Forerunner 165 (pink) constantly stayed on the path more often than not, whereas the COROS PACE 3 (orange) continuously strayed off the trail. Their final distance end result — 5 miles for Garmin, 5.02 for COROS — wasn’t that completely different, nonetheless.(The Fitbit Charge 6’s “Dynamic GPS,” which mixes outcomes from its built-in satellite tv for pc and my cellphone location knowledge, was so erratic that I did not hassle cluttering my maps with the outcomes).Image 1 of two(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)During a subsequent mile-long observe run within the third lane, the Garmin Forerunner 165 measured the right 1,660-meter distance, whereas the precise GPS line had me drifting into left lanes earlier than turns, filling the protection hole. Again, COROS seemed considerably worse on the map however had an identical distance whole, whereas Fitbit’s wonky GPS-only knowledge (blue) was each inconsistent and 35 meters quick.Analyzing these outcomes, it is clear that Garmin’s mid-tier location tech is healthier than its rivals’ top-tier outcomes. I am unable to say whether or not Garmin’s GPS-only watches are as unreliable because the Fitbit Charge 6 was, however assuming they’re, your post-run tempo and distance could be considerably off. The Forerunner 165 and its All-Systems GNSS might make an actual distinction in un-skewing your coaching knowledge.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)As for coronary heart price accuracy, you’ll be able to test how the Forerunner 165 outcomes in comparison with the Polar H10 chest strap throughout a five-mile run (above) and through a observe exercise (beneath). For a normal run, the Forerunner 165 was constantly correct for almost your complete run, with the identical common and minimal coronary heart charges and solely a 1 bpm distinction for max coronary heart price. It stored up with the Polar H10 when my coronary heart price rose rapidly on hills however did lag barely at catching my falling coronary heart price on downhills.The Garmin Forerunner 165 vs. the Polar H10 for HR accuracy throughout a one-mile observe run. (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)For the observe run, I alternated between sprints and jogs to see how nicely the Forerunner 165 might deal with speedy modifications in coronary heart price — an issue with wrist-based optical sensors.The Forerunner 165 common bpm was solely 1 bpm increased than the Polar H10, and the chest strap had a visual glitch with deflated outcomes early within the exercise, so I’d say they have been very shut. That stated, you’ll be able to positively see how the Forerunner 165 lagged behind the Polar H10 throughout these sudden modifications, each for coronary heart price will increase and reduces.I will not embrace the opposite coronary heart price charts right here, however the Fitbit Charge 6 stayed principally in lockstep with the chest strap throughout each runs, beating the Forerunner 165, whereas the COROS PACE 3 matched Garmin through the five-mile run however lagged even worse through the observe run.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Overall, you’ll be able to’t fault these leads to a $250 watch, particularly the steps, elevation, and GPS distance. Weeks of Forerunner 165 testing have me assured that it is as correct for coronary heart price and GPS knowledge as costlier working watches.Only Fitbit does higher on this worth vary for coronary heart price, however the poor location monitoring offsets the advantages. I have not discovered that the pricier Forerunners are any extra correct for coronary heart price, both, and though the Forerunner 165 lags a bit for speedy coronary heart price modifications, it averages out to the right end result ultimately. If you need extra correct coronary heart price outcomes than this, do not have a look at pricier working watches: Look on the Polar H10 or the COROS coronary heart price monitor. Image 1 of two(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)For additional context, I completed a 5K run of my neighborhood loop carrying the Forerunner 165 and 965 to test the hole in outcomes between the $250 and $600 fashions. As you’ll be able to see, my coronary heart price common was equivalent, a predictable however welcome end result provided that each use the Elevate v4 sensor. Location accuracy is the minor sticking level. The Forerunner 165 measured an additional 0.02 miles after 3.1 miles, which skewed my tempo by a second. It’s truthful to imagine the Forerunner 965 is extra correct due to dual-frequency monitoring, but it surely’s additionally truthful to notice that this hole is minimal in comparison with GPS-only watches that’ll be off by half a minute per mile.Unless you continuously run close to tall buildings or underneath dense foliage — which might make dual-frequency GPS particularly useful — I’d say you could in all probability make do with the Forerunner 165’s all-systems GNSS.Garmin Forerunner 165: What you will not like(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)If you’ll be able to’t already inform, I actually just like the Garmin Forerunner 165, and I believe most runners will, too. That stated, it has loads of compromises in comparison with the pricier fashions, with Garmin tantalizing you with lacking options and cutbacks to improve to the 265. On the design facet, its polymer supplies are rugged and light-weight, however you will not get an MIL-STD-810G ranking just like the Instinct 2X Solar, and its “chemically strengthened glass” is not as scratch-proof because the 265’s Gorilla Glass 3 therapy, nor as resistant to reflections because the 965’s Gorilla Glass DX. More importantly, its plastic, button-heavy look is not engaging; that additionally applies to different Forerunners, to be truthful, however I wish to make that clear for individuals who have not grown accustomed to the Garmin aesthetic and like aluminum or metal casing.Visually, the 1.2-inch show is vivid sufficient, and since Garmin’s UI would not do something sophisticated, the Forerunner 165’s thick bezel is extra of an aesthetic situation than a purposeful one. With its focus solely on well being, sleep, and health monitoring, the Forerunner 165 will really feel substandard to anybody who likes highly effective smartwatches just like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, which prices $50 extra and offers you a full sequence of apps, together with third-party working apps like Strava or Nike Run Club. Training load deal with the Forerunner 265 (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Moving away from common downgrades to lacking Garmin options, the Garmin Forerunner 165 would not observe coaching load or load focus. Technically, it might probably register post-run load, however you may solely see it within the Garmin Connect app if you happen to personal a pricier Forerunner just like the 265 with coaching load knowledge. Training load issues as a result of it helps me decide whether or not I’m over- or undertraining in comparison with previous weeks and which kind of run (low cardio, excessive cardio, or anaerobic) I have to do subsequent to enhance my VO2 Max over time. I wrote final month that this lacking characteristic, purposefully excluded by Garmin, is the explanation why I am unable to exchange my Forerunner 965 with the 165.Without Training Load and Status, it is more durable to verify if you happen to’re enhancing or deteriorating as a runner. This knowledge might be enlightening or discouraging, and whereas data-driven runners will miss this, others will wish to keep away from the distraction.Other absent options embrace Training Status, which basically summarizes whether or not your health is enhancing primarily based in your Training Load, and the corresponding VO2 Max chart exhibiting your altering rating in latest weeks. You additionally lose Training Readiness, which works past your Body Battery and estimated restoration time to guage your stamina stage earlier than a exercise. Even if you happen to’re absolutely recovered out of your final run, you continue to won’t be “ready” on account of stress, poor sleep, or different elements.I might proceed to checklist options like Performance Condition, a lactate threshold check, multisport actions for triathletes, and others that solely include the Forerunner 265. In the top, you may should determine if you happen to want all of those ancillary options, which might imply upgrading to the Forerunner 265. Garmin Forerunner 165: CompetitorsThe COROS PACE 3 (left) and Garmin Forerunner 255 (proper) (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)As must be apparent from studying this overview, different Garmin Forerunner watches are one of the best competitors to the Forerunner 165. The Forerunner 255 and 265 price $100 and $200 extra, respectively. The Forerunner 255 offers you Training Status and Load knowledge, plus dual-band GPS monitoring and an additional three days of battery life; in alternate, it’s important to settle for an MIP show. The Forerunner 265 has the identical options with Training Readiness added, plus a 13-day battery life. If you wish to look outdoors of Garmin watches, the COROS PACE 3 is the obvious rival. It prices $20 much less, with instruments like coaching plan calendars, post-run coaching impact, and restoration time that the Forerunner 165 has. Plus, it has the coaching standing and coaching load knowledge that Garmin restricts, a 24-day battery life, and an identical weight and measurement. Negatives embrace its low-cost look and uninteresting MIP show, together with the truth that it misplaced to the Forerunner 165 in my accuracy check.Garmin Forerunner 165: Should you purchase?The Garmin Forerunner 165 and 965 (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)You can buy the Garmin Forerunner 165 if…You’re a runner who wants personalised exercise recs and correct post-run knowledge.You’re utilizing a last-gen Forerunner and desire a {hardware} improve — however you are pleased with the software program.You cannot afford the pricier Forerunners.You should not purchase the Garmin Forerunner 165 if…You want Training Load knowledge in your coaching schedule.You’d somewhat prioritize battery life over an AMOLED show.Since I moved away from New York City and its many working golf equipment — proper in time for a world pandemic — I’ve turn into extra of a solitary, data-driven runner. The Garmin Forerunner 165 checks most of my packing containers, primarily with its exercise strategies that take my fatigue, coaching load, and upcoming races under consideration.Because I examined the Forerunner 265 and 965 first, I’ve turn into accustomed to seeing my coaching load knowledge and VO2 Max graph for myself as a benchmark for whether or not I’m staying on observe. But if I’d by no means used these watches, I would not know what I used to be lacking. I might merely obtain a Garmin marathon coaching plan to my calendar or use Garmin Coach and belief in my effort with no need an algorithm to show my progress.The Garmin Forerunner 165 will prime my private checklist of one of the best working watches of 2024, however I’d solely be capable of use it if I took a unique philosophical strategy to my working. Whether you purchase it would depend upon the identical factor: If you do not want Training Load, then do not upsell your self to a pricier Garmin, and purchase the wonderful Forerunner 165.
Best finances possibility
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is among the many model’s most inexpensive choices, and whereas meaning accepting some compromises, loads of runners will fortunately achieve this — particularly if they have been utilizing the Forerunner 55, 245, or different older fashions with last-gen software program. The 165 upgrades the GPS & coronary heart price accuracy and provides helpful new sensors like an altimeter and compass, whereas preserving the identical core metrics and coaching instruments.