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Garmin Forerunner 165 Review

The Forerunner 165 is one of the best all-around GPS units for daily health tracking and athletic pursuits
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Garmin Forerunner 165 Review
Credit: Garmin
Price:  $250 List
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Manufacturer:   Garmin
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 3, 2024
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 16
  • Accuracy - 30% 9.3
  • Activity Use - 20% 6.5
  • Everyday Use - 15% 7.0
  • Extra Features - 15% 7.5
  • Wearability - 10% 8.0
  • Battery Life - 10% 4.6

Our Verdict

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is another mid-tier option from Garmin that closely resembles the Vivoactive 5. The 165, however, is more adapted towards athletes and includes an altimeter, barometer, and compass. The model also contains navigation back-to-start features and breadcrumb mapping. Its AMOLED display looks great, and while there are other models with better battery, 19 hours of GPS tracking should be enough for most users. If you're looking to upgrade and need a solid GPS watch but don't need multi-day GPS battery life, we highly recommend this model. Take a look at our best GPS watch review to see how it compares to others.
REASONS TO BUY
Great for running
Slim design
Affordable
AMOLED
REASONS TO AVOID
Breadcrumb mapping only
Smaller screen is harder to read

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Bottom Line We prefer a slightly larger screen for enhanced readability, those with smaller wrists will love the Forerunner 165Great craftsmanship and design with an updated UI, menu, and AMOLED displayThis watch excels as an affordable GPS companion, offering value and dependable accuracyAn entry-level GPS watch that does everything you need without the advanced features found on the most premium modelsLacking an always-on display is a huge bummer for those who like their like the watch face to be viewable to others, still, this is an acceptable option
Rating Categories Garmin Forerunner 165 Suunto Race Coros Pace 3 Garmin Forerunner 55 Amazfit Active Edge
Accuracy (30%)
9.3
9.3
9.0
9.0
7.5
Activity Use (20%)
6.5
8.5
7.5
6.0
6.5
Everyday Use (15%)
7.0
7.5
7.0
7.0
5.0
Extra Features (15%)
7.5
6.5
5.0
5.5
5.0
Wearability (10%)
8.0
9.5
7.5
6.5
6.0
Battery Life (10%)
4.6
6.3
5.4
4.6
4.5
Specs Garmin Forerunner 165 Suunto Race Coros Pace 3 Garmin Forerunner 55 Amazfit Active Edge
Measured Main Body Size (Diameter) 43.0 mm 49.0 mm 41.9 mm 42.0 mm 46.5 mm
Measured Thickness 11.6 mm 13.3 mm 11.8 mm 12.5 mm 12.0 mm
Measured Screen Width 30.4 mm 36.0 mm 31.0 mm 26.5 mm 33.5 mm
Measured Weight 1.40 oz 2.93 oz 1.50 oz 1.31 oz 1.90 oz
Screen Type AMOLED AMOLED MIP MIP TFT
Measured Charging Time 103 min 84 min 113 min 111 min 120 min
Battery Life Claims by Manufacturer Smartwatch mode: Up to 11 days;
Battery Saver Smartwatch mode: Up to 20 days;
GPS-Only GNSS mode: Up to 19 hours;
All-Systems GNSS mode: Up to 17 hours
In time mode: 26 days
With 24/7 Tracking and Mobile Notifications: 12 days
Training Mode with GPS: 40h / 50h / 70h / 120h
Full GPS: 38 hours - 10 hours with music; All Systems On: 25 hours - 9 hours with music; Dual Frequency: 15 hours - 7 hours with music; Daily Use: 17 days - 15 days with daily stress monitors Smartwatch mode: 2 weeks;
GPS: 20 hours
Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days; Battery Saver Mode: Up to 24 days; Heavy Usage: Up to 10 days;
GPS: Up to 20 hours
Measured Battery Life with GPS 19 hours 50 hours 34 hours 19 hours 18 hours
Sensors Included Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, blood oxygen level Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, blood oxygen level Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, blood oxygen level Heart rate Heart rate, blood oxygen level
Navigation Breadcrumb, back to start Detailed, back to start Breadcrumb, back to start None Breadcrumb, back to start
Music Options Control only Control only Downloaded control, storage Control only Control only
Touchless Payment Yes No No No Yes - limited
Sleep Tracking Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Water Resistance (Max Depth) 50m 100m 50m 50m 100m
Main Software App Garmin Connect Suunto Coros App Garmin Connect, widgets for other features Zepp App
Compatible with Other Software Ecosystems Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Watch Face Material Chemically strengthened glass Sapphire crystal Mineral Glass Chemically strengthened glass Glass
Battery Type Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion
Bezel Material Fiber reinforced polymer Stainless steel Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Stainless steel Dual-color plastic
Case Material Fiber reinforced polymer Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Dual-color plastic
Strap Material Silicone Silicone Silicone Silicone Semi-transparent TPU
Tools Required to Change Band No No No No Yes
Model Tested Standard Stainless steel Standard Standard Standard
Size Tested One size only One size only One size only One size only One size only
Warranty Offered 1 year 2 year 2 year 1 year 1 year

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Forerunner 165 is a great lightweight option that offers many features athletes may appreciate, and the smaller display may be appealing to those with smaller wrists. It also comes at a great price.

Performance Comparison


garmin forerunner 165 - the garmin forerunner 165 is highly affordable. it's a seriously...
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is highly affordable. It's a seriously great watch with an excellent screen and form factor.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Accuracy


Our accuracy assessment involved testing both the GPS chipset and the heart rate sensor and scoring for accuracy accordingly. To evaluate GPS accuracy, each watch was taken through a predetermined 2.8-mile course, and their total distance was compared to the actual distance. For heart rate assessment, we wore a watch on each wrist while running 0.5 miles, comparing their readings to those of our scientifically validated Polar H10 chest strap. To be sure there would be as little inconsistency due to weather as possible, we tested the GPS capabilities of these watches on the same day. To ensure consistent heart rate testing, we made sure to tighten each watch to the same fit. Timestamped data from both the chest-worn heart rate monitor and GPS watch were exported for an equitable comparison.

garmin forerunner 165 - heart rate analysis between the garmin forerunner 165 and the polar...
Heart rate analysis between the Garmin Forerunner 165 and the Polar H10 chest strap.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

As with all of the Garmin units we tested, the accuracy was very good compared to our control H10 polar chest strap. The watch provided heart within +/-0.30 BPM, and the GPS was similarly impressive, +/-0.03 miles of our final 2.8-mile distance. For a watch of this price, these accuracy scores are hard to beat; across our lineup, it's hard to beat the accuracy of the Garmin sensors. While this model doesn't have multi-dual frequency, the GPS was still excellent, and in most cases, we don't find this added feature essential.

garmin forerunner 165 - the forerunner 165 did great in our gps accuracy test, even on hilly...
The Forerunner 165 did great in our GPS accuracy test, even on hilly and windy tracks.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Activity Use


The Forerunner has long been a favorite of the running community. Its thin design makes it one of the lightest in our test group and, therefore, one of the best for high-arm movement activities. While it's not as rugged as other options, we have no durability concerns and are always impressed with the Garmin build quality. The AMOLED display looks great during activities but we still prefer MIP. One of our biggest pet peeves is that the display, unless set to always on, takes a second to wake up when raising your wrist. During activity, we have always-on set. Keep in mind this will use more battery but we find it absolutely essential. If you're an athlete concerned with battery life, we'd opt for a MIP display.

garmin forerunner 165 - we love the smaller format of the 165 and we could easily see...
We love the smaller format of the 165 and we could easily see ourselves having it as a supplement to heavier watches if you wanted something nimble and light feeling.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

There aren't detailed maps on the 165, but there are breadcrumb maps and loadable GPX files, which have long felt more than good enough, especially if you use a phone to do more complex navigation. The Forerunner series continues to be among the best running watches on the market.

The touchscreen works in a wide range of conditions and works almost perfectly even if the touchscreen and your finger are wet.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Everyday Use


There are a host of tools and metrics to give you insights about your day. Items like step count, daily HR, stress levels, and sleep scores. These health tracking features can let you know when to take it easy or when your body could be ready for more effort. By connecting your phone to the mobile companion app, you can view a suite of data on your iPhone or Android. By linking your phone, you can turn on notifications and access functions like Find My Phone or Find My Watch. The Garmin Connect application recently saw a major update, which changed many of the items on the home screen, making it easier to use and understand. We use a Garmin watch in our daily lives and find it to have a great combination of datasets and usability. The Garmin toolbar and glances give you easy access to on/off settings, and there are loads of helpful widgets like weather, altitude, and compass.

garmin forerunner 165 - the garmin connect app is a great way to view your latest health and...
The Garmin Connect app is a great way to view your latest health and workout data. The home screen is now improved making it easier to use and understand your metrics.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Extra Features


As with all Garmin models, there are a host of extra features on devices, including ones that can be added via 3rd party widgets. The ConnectIQ store allows you to download 3rd party watch faces, data screens, and more. We haven't found this to be super useful, but it's available to you if you choose. The widgets and tools offered are similar to other Garmin options things like Garmin Pay, safety and tracking features. Where the Forerunner 165 saves costs is by reducing the amount of training and recovery metrics.

garmin forerunner 165 - garmin includes a wide range of health features and training targets...
Garmin includes a wide range of health features and training targets that let you know your status and fitness levels.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Wearability


We like the design of the Forerunner series, and while we prefer a larger display, the Forerunner 165 is a great watch for loads of people. The design is slim and fits under a variety of layers and doesn't call a ton of attention by being overly built or rugged. The dedicated buttons are less likely to be bumped; therefore, a screen lock isn't necessary. Other options with scroll wheels need a screen lock to prevent inadvertent touches. There are many options for different watch straps, which are easily removed for cleaning or changing out. One downside of the AMOLED display is that the time isn't always displayed unless you turn on always-on. We like the look and function of the watch face and the time being present even when you aren't interacting with the device. If you are the same way, we'd opt for an AMOLED device with a larger battery or use an MIP device, which is our favorite.

garmin forerunner 165 - the forerunner 165 is light and unassuming, perfect for smaller...
The Forerunner 165 is light and unassuming, perfect for smaller wrists or those that want their GPS watch to make less of an impression on their wrist.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Battery Life


The Forerunner 165 gave us 19 hours of GPS recording time and took roughly 100 minutes to fully charge. If you plan on using the always-on-display, you may consider a watch with more battery. We enjoy being able to see the time at a variety of wrist angles; this means you don't always have to raise your arm to wake your display. You can expect roughly 11 days of smartwatch mode if you aren't using the GPS heavily. For ultra athletes or those doing many multi-hour activities a week, you may consider a larger model that will provide more battery.

garmin forerunner 165 - the amoled screen on the forerunner 165 takes a battery life hit...
The AMOLED screen on the Forerunner 165 takes a battery life hit, especially if we keep the always-on display setting on, which we do. Something to keep in mind when debating AMOLED vs MIP
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Should You Buy the Garmin Forerunner 165?


We are really impressed with the value and price of the Forerunner 165; this is one of the best in our lineup. If you are looking for a Garmin model but don't want to spend a ton, this is a great option for you. We prefer a slightly larger display, but for smaller wrists or those who want a smaller display, don't overlook this model.

Between the Coros Pace 3 and Forerunner 165 we'd opt for the Coros for battery life and Forerunner 165 for the display and features.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

What Other GPS Watches Should You Consider?


If you want an increased battery and a larger display but still like the thin nature of the Forerunner 165, we'd recommend the Garmin Forerunner 965; for a similarly priced option with great performance, we'd recommend the Coros Pace 3. If you want a watch with less activity focus and more smartwatch features, check out the Garmin Vivoactive 5.

The price range of this watch is excellent you can be confident that this model will provide years of accurate GPS tracks and daily health metrics.
Credit: Matthew Richardson


Matthew Richardson