If you’re looking for a reliable running watch that focuses on performance, health data, and battery life, without unnecessary smartwatch distractions, the Garmin Forerunner 165 deserves your attention.
In this in-depth review, you’ll learn what the Garmin Forerunner 165 does well, where it falls short, who it’s best for, and whether it’s a smart purchase in 2025.
What Is the Garmin Forerunner 165?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a GPS running watch designed for people who take fitness seriously, especially runners, but still want a device that works well in daily life.
It focuses on:
- Accurate fitness and running metrics
- Long battery life
- AMOLED display with excellent visibility
- Strong health tracking without smartwatch overload
This watch is about training smarter, not checking social media.
Garmin Forerunner 165: Key Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
- Display: 1.2″ AMOLED touchscreen
- Resolution: 390 × 390 pixels
- Case Size: 43 mm
- Weight: Approx. 39 g
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM (swimming safe)
- Battery Life:
- Up to 11 days (smartwatch mode)
- Up to 19 hours (GPS mode)
Sensors & Health Tracking
- Optical heart rate sensor
- Pulse Ox (SpO2)
- Accelerometer
- Sleep tracking & sleep score
- Stress tracking
- Body Battery energy monitoring
Connectivity
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
- Bluetooth
- Garmin Connect app integration
Running & Fitness Features That Matter
This is where the Forerunner 165 truly shines.
You get:
- Pace, distance, and cadence tracking
- VO2 Max estimates
- Training effect & recovery time
- Daily suggested workouts
- Race prediction and performance insights
If you run consistently, these tools actually help you improve, not just collect data.
Garmin Forerunner 165 for Daily Use
Yes, it works well beyond workouts.
For everyday life, it offers:
- Notifications for calls and messages
- Clean, always-readable display
- Lightweight comfort for all-day wear
- Excellent battery life (no daily charging anxiety)
However, keep expectations realistic:
- No app store like Apple Watch
- No full voice assistant
- Limited third-party smartwatch apps
This is a fitness-first watch that behaves well as a daily companion.
Garmin Forerunner 165: Battery Life Experience
One of its biggest strengths.
From real-world use:
- Easily 7–10 days with regular workouts
- No stress about charging every night
- GPS tracking doesn’t drain battery aggressively
If battery life is a pain point for you, this watch feels refreshing.
Garmin Forerunner 165 Price: Is It Fair?
Approximate market price (2025):
- USD $249 – $299, depending on retailer and promotions
For what it delivers, AMOLED display, serious training tools, and long battery life, the pricing is very competitive in the running watch category.
Who Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 Best For?
This watch is ideal for:
- Runners (beginner to intermediate)
- People focused on fitness progress
- Users who value battery life over apps
- Anyone tired of daily charging
It may not be ideal if:
- You want a full smartwatch experience
- You rely heavily on third-party apps
- You prefer touch-heavy navigation only
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Bright AMOLED display
- Excellent battery life
- Accurate GPS and running metrics
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Strong health tracking
Cons
- Limited smartwatch features
- No music storage (depending on version)
- Not designed for extreme sports
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 good for beginners?
Yes. It’s very beginner-friendly. The daily workout suggestions and clear metrics help new runners stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Can I swim with the Garmin Forerunner 165?
Absolutely. With 5 ATM water resistance, it handles swimming and sweaty workouts without any issues.
3. How accurate is the GPS?
From practical use, GPS tracking is fast and consistent, even in urban areas or tree-covered routes.
4. Is it good for everyday wear?
Yes. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and the display is easy to read indoors and outdoors.
5. Is it better than a smartwatch like Apple Watch for fitness?
For pure fitness and running, yes. For apps and lifestyle features, no. It depends on your priorities.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 Worth It in 2025?
If your main goal is fitness performance, reliable tracking, and long battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is absolutely worth it.
It doesn’t try to be everything, and that’s exactly why it works so well.
This watch feels like it was built by people who actually run.
Checking current prices and availability can help you decide if this is the right moment to buy.
Before You Decide…
If you’re still comparing fitness-focused watches with more smartwatch-style options, it’s worth exploring how Garmin stacks up against Apple’s lineup.
You may also want to check out our full Apple Watch comparisons, where we break down differences in usability, health features, and daily convenience across models.
This will help you choose the watch that truly fits your lifestyle, not just your workouts.
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