Garmin Forerunner 165 Review: Can It Save You Money?
Running watches have become essential tools for athletes and fitness lovers. The Garmin Forerunner 165 stands out as a game changer in the running watch market.
This watch brings premium features at a price point that makes sense for most runners. You get a bright AMOLED display, accurate GPS tracking, and advanced training metrics without spending a fortune.
The Forerunner 165 fills a sweet spot in Garmin’s lineup. It sits between the basic Forerunner 55 and the advanced Forerunner 265. You get modern technology wrapped in a lightweight package that weighs just 39 grams.
Key Takeaways
- The Garmin Forerunner 165 delivers exceptional value for runners who want premium features without the premium price tag. Here are the most important points you need to know:
- Outstanding display quality stands as the main highlight of this watch. The AMOLED screen technology brings bright, colorful visuals that make checking your stats a pleasure. You can see everything clearly even in direct sunlight. The touchscreen works smoothly and responds quickly to your touches.
- Comprehensive training features help you become a better runner. The watch provides daily workout suggestions based on your fitness level. You get detailed metrics about your running form, training load, and recovery time. The HRV status monitoring gives you insights into your overall health and readiness to train.
- Long battery life means you spend less time charging and more time training. The watch lasts up to 11 days with regular use. Even with GPS tracking during runs, you get 19 hours of continuous use. This makes it reliable for ultra marathons and multi day adventures.
- Lightweight and comfortable design ensures you barely notice the watch on your wrist. At just 39 grams, it feels natural during runs and daily activities. The slim profile works well for smaller wrists. You can wear it all day without discomfort.
- Affordable price point makes premium running technology accessible to more people. At around $250, you get features that usually cost $400 or more in other Garmin models. This represents excellent value for money.
Garmin Forerunner 165 Running Smartwatch
The Garmin Forerunner 165 represents a major leap forward in affordable running watches. This device brings together cutting edge technology and practical features that runners actually need.
The watch works great for beginners who want to improve their running. It also satisfies experienced runners who demand accurate data and detailed metrics.
The AMOLED display changes everything about how you interact with your watch. Previous budget Garmin watches used basic LCD screens that looked dull and hard to read. The Forerunner 165 gives you a screen that rivals expensive smartphones.
Colors pop, numbers stand out, and you can read everything at a glance. The touchscreen adds modern convenience while traditional buttons still work for those who prefer physical controls.
GPS accuracy performs excellently in this watch. Garmin uses multiple satellite systems including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. This means the watch locks onto your position quickly and tracks your route accurately.
You get reliable distance measurements and pace calculations. The improved GPS chipset works better than older Forerunner models.
Design and Build Quality
The Forerunner 165 features a compact and lightweight design that appeals to runners of all sizes. The watch measures 43mm in diameter, making it suitable for different wrist sizes. The fiber reinforced polymer case keeps weight down while maintaining durability. You get a device that can handle tough training sessions and daily wear.
Comfort ranks as a top priority in this design. The watch sits flat on your wrist without creating pressure points. The silicone band feels soft against your skin. You can adjust the fit easily to find your perfect comfort level. Many users report they forget they are wearing the watch during runs.
The build quality exceeds expectations for a watch in this price range. Garmin used quality materials that feel solid and reliable. The watch carries a 5 ATM water rating. This means you can swim with it and run in heavy rain without worry. The screen uses strong glass that resists scratches from daily use.
AMOLED Display Technology
The 1.2 inch AMOLED screen stands out as the star feature of this watch. AMOLED technology offers several advantages over traditional LCD displays. You get deeper blacks, brighter colors, and better contrast. The screen delivers 390 x 390 pixel resolution that makes text and numbers crisp and clear.
Brightness levels reach up to 800 nits at maximum setting. This high brightness makes the display readable even in direct sunlight. You can easily check your pace and distance during midday runs. The display also dims nicely for nighttime use without being too bright.
The always on display option lets you see the time and basic stats without raising your wrist. This convenience feature draws minimal power thanks to AMOLED efficiency. You can customize what information shows on the display. Choose from different watch faces and data fields to match your preferences.
Top 3 Alternative for Garmin Forerunner 165
Battery Life Performance
Battery life delivers solid performance for a watch with an AMOLED display. Garmin claims up to 11 days in smartwatch mode. Real world usage typically gives you 7 to 10 days depending on your settings and usage patterns. This still beats most smartwatches that need daily charging.
GPS mode battery life reaches up to 19 hours with standard GPS tracking. This gives you plenty of power for long runs, marathons, and ultra distance events. If you need more battery during activities, you can switch to UltraTrac mode. This extends battery life to 25 hours by reducing GPS ping frequency.
The Music edition consumes more battery when playing songs. You get about 7 hours of GPS tracking with music playback. This still covers most training runs comfortably. The battery charges quickly using the included USB cable. A full charge takes about an hour.
Training and Performance Features
The Forerunner 165 packs advanced training features that help you improve as a runner. Daily suggested workouts provide personalized training recommendations. The watch considers your current fitness level, recovery status, and training history. You get workouts that challenge you appropriately without causing overtraining.
Training metrics give you detailed insights into your performance. You can track your VO2 max, which indicates your aerobic fitness level. The watch calculates your training load and recovery time. These metrics help you balance hard training with adequate rest. The training effect feature shows how each workout benefits different aspects of your fitness.
Running power measurements work without extra sensors. The watch calculates your power output based on pace, vertical oscillation, and other factors. This gives you another metric to gauge your effort and track improvements. You can use power zones for more precise training.
Heart Rate Monitoring and Health Tracking
Wrist based heart rate monitoring works accurately on the Forerunner 165. Garmin uses its latest optical heart rate sensor. The sensor tracks your pulse throughout the day and during activities. You get continuous heart rate data that helps you understand your cardiovascular health.
HRV status monitoring adds valuable health insights. Heart rate variability indicates how well your body handles stress and recovers from training. The watch measures your HRV during sleep and provides a status score. This helps you decide when to push hard and when to take it easy.
Sleep tracking monitors your rest quality each night. The watch tracks different sleep stages including light, deep, and REM sleep. You get a sleep score that rates your rest quality. The watch also tracks naps, giving you a complete picture of your recovery.
GPS and Navigation Features
The GPS system uses multiple satellite networks for accurate tracking. You can choose between GPS only mode, GPS plus GLONASS, or all systems mode. The all systems option uses GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for the best accuracy. This works great in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons.
Route tracking shows your path on a simple breadcrumb map. While not as detailed as topographic maps on premium models, it helps you navigate back to your starting point. The back to start feature provides turn by turn directions to guide you home. This proves useful when exploring new running routes.
Pace alerts help you maintain your target pace during runs. You can set pace ranges and the watch vibrates when you go too fast or too slow. Virtual pacer shows a runner icon on the screen. This visual cue helps you stay on track for your goal time.
Activity Profiles and Sports Modes
The watch includes over 25 activity profiles for different sports. Running modes cover road running, trail running, track running, and treadmill running. You also get profiles for cycling, swimming, strength training, yoga, and more. Each profile tracks relevant metrics for that specific activity.
Swimming features work well for pool and open water swimming. The watch tracks your laps, stroke type, and SWOLF score. The 5 ATM water rating ensures reliable performance in the water. Auto rest detection pauses timing when you stop at the wall.
Cycling metrics include speed, distance, and elevation. The watch can connect to external sensors for cadence and power data. You get detailed insights into your cycling performance. The activity profiles make this watch versatile for multi sport athletes.
Smart Features and Connectivity
The Forerunner 165 offers essential smart features that keep you connected. You receive smartphone notifications directly on your watch. Text messages, calls, and app alerts show up on the display. You can read messages and see who is calling without pulling out your phone.
Music storage comes only with the Forerunner 165 Music edition. This version costs about $50 more than the standard model. You can store up to 500 songs on the watch. This lets you run without carrying your phone. The music edition supports Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music downloads.
Garmin Pay enables contactless payments from your wrist. You can load your credit cards into the watch. This feature works at stores that accept contactless payments. It adds convenience when you want to grab a drink after your run.
Comparing Forerunner 165 vs Forerunner 265
The Forerunner 265 costs about $200 more than the 165. The extra money gets you several premium features. The 265 includes full color topographic maps for detailed navigation. You get triathlon and multisport modes that the 165 lacks. The 265 also provides more advanced training metrics like training readiness and race predictions.
Battery life on the 265 lasts slightly longer. You get 13 days in smartwatch mode compared to 11 days on the 165. GPS battery life reaches 20 hours on the 265 versus 19 hours on the 165. These differences matter for ultra runners and adventure athletes.
Most recreational runners find the Forerunner 165 offers better value. You get the same AMOLED display quality and core training features. The 165 provides everything most runners need at a significantly lower price. Save the extra money unless you specifically need maps and multisport modes.
Pros and Cons
Advantages of the Forerunner 165 include its stunning AMOLED display that makes viewing data enjoyable. The lightweight design ensures comfort during long runs and all day wear. You get comprehensive training features that rival expensive watches. The battery life provides excellent performance for a display this bright. GPS accuracy works reliably in various conditions.
Limitations exist in this price range watch. The 165 lacks topographic maps found on higher end models. No triathlon or multisport modes limit appeal for triathletes. Music storage requires buying the more expensive Music edition. Some advanced metrics like training readiness are missing. The battery life falls short of watches with traditional LCD displays.
Who Should Buy the Forerunner 165
Recreational runners who train several times per week will love this watch. You get professional grade features without the professional price tag. The training metrics help you improve while avoiding injury. The comfortable design makes it easy to wear all day for activity tracking.
First time running watch buyers find the 165 perfect for getting started. The interface is easy to learn and the features are not overwhelming. You get room to grow into advanced features as your running improves. The value proposition makes trying a GPS running watch less risky.
Runners upgrading from basic fitness trackers will appreciate the detailed data. The GPS accuracy and training insights surpass what basic trackers offer. You can take your training more seriously without making a huge financial commitment. The AMOLED display feels like a major upgrade from basic tracker screens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the GPS on the Garmin Forerunner 165
The GPS accuracy on the Forerunner 165 performs very well in testing. The watch uses multiple satellite systems including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. This multi system approach provides accurate distance and pace measurements. Users report the watch locks onto satellites quickly, usually within 10 to 15 seconds. The improved GPS chipset delivers more consistent tracking than previous budget Garmin models. You can expect distance measurements within 1 to 2 percent of actual distance in most conditions.
Can you listen to music on the Garmin Forerunner 165
Music playback requires the Forerunner 165 Music edition, which costs about $50 more than the standard version. The Music edition stores up to 500 songs directly on the watch. You can download playlists from Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music. This lets you leave your phone at home during runs. Connect Bluetooth headphones to the watch for wire free listening. The standard Forerunner 165 cannot store or play music, though it can control music on your connected smartphone.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 good for swimming
Yes, the Forerunner 165 works well for swimming activities. The watch carries a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming and water sports. You get dedicated swimming profiles for both pool and open water swimming. The watch tracks laps, distance, pace, and stroke type. Auto rest detection pauses timing when you stop. The SWOLF score helps you measure swimming efficiency. However, heart rate monitoring does not work underwater with wrist based sensors.
What is the difference between Forerunner 165 and 165 Music
The main difference is music storage capability. The Forerunner 165 Music edition includes 4GB of storage for up to 500 songs. You can download music from streaming services and play it through Bluetooth headphones. Both versions share identical training features, display quality, and battery life specifications. The Music edition costs approximately $50 more than the standard version. Choose the Music edition only if you want to run without carrying your phone for music.
How long does the battery last on the Forerunner 165
Garmin rates the battery at up to 11 days in smartwatch mode with activity tracking and notifications enabled. Real world usage typically delivers 7 to 10 days depending on your settings. With GPS tracking during activities, you get up to 19 hours of continuous use. This covers marathons and ultra distance events comfortably. UltraTrac mode extends GPS battery to 25 hours by reducing tracking frequency. The Music edition gets about 7 hours of GPS time with music playback.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 165 have maps
No, the Forerunner 165 does not include topographic maps. You get a basic breadcrumb trail that shows your route path. The watch provides a back to start feature with turn by turn directions to guide you to your starting point. For full color topographic maps, you need to upgrade to the Forerunner 265 or higher models. The lack of detailed maps keeps the price down and focuses the watch on core running features.
