Garmin Forerunner 165 and 165 Music
Best entry-level GPS watch for runners seeking personalized training guidance.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a purpose-built GPS running smartwatch designed to help you achieve your fitness goals. It features a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED color display and offers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Essential running metrics like pace, distance, and wrist-based heart rate are readily available. The watch provides personalized adaptive training plans through Daily Suggested Workouts and Garmin Coach programs. Users benefit from insights like Training Effect and a Morning Report detailing sleep and recovery status. With over 25 built-in sports apps and both touchscreen and button controls, it supports comprehensive training.
$180.00
More Forerunner Options
Forerunner 745
$434.95
Garmin Forerunner 965 Multisport GPS Smartwatch, Whitestone/Powder Gray
$599.99
Garmin Forerunner 245
$229.99
Garmin Forerunner 970
$749.99
Garmin Forerunner 35
$119.99
Garmin forerunner 265
$349.99
Forerunner 965
$599.99
Garmin Forerunner 255 Music GPS Sport Smartwatch
$229.99
Forerunner 955 GPS Smartwatch
$449.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
40
/ 609
#40 in Smartwatches
Price vs Category Average
-52%
Below average
Display Size
1.2
/ inches
Who it's for
- Runners needing clear visibility in bright outdoor conditions
- Athletes who prefer infrequent charging during busy training weeks
- Dedicated runners seeking data-driven insights to improve performance
Who should skip it
- Trail runners requiring high precision in dense forest cover
- Mountain athletes prioritizing accurate elevation gain and floor tracking
- Music lovers wanting phone-free workouts on a budget
Performance breakdown
Display Vibrancy
The AMOLED screen delivers crisp, punchy visuals in any lighting condition.
Training Guidance
Adaptive coaching tools provide actionable insights for runners of all levels.
Battery Endurance
Eleven days of power keeps you training without constant charging anxiety.
Tracking Precision
Built-in GPS ensures reliable distance and pace data for every run.
Interface Versatility
Dual touchscreen and button controls offer seamless navigation during sweaty workouts.
Wearability
Lightweight construction makes it comfortable enough for 24/7 health monitoring.
Key Specs
Display Size
1.2 inches
Display Type
Color AMOLED
Battery Life
Up to 11 days (Smartwatch Mode)
Controls
Touchscreen and Buttons
Sports Apps
25+ Built-in GPS and Indoor Apps
Connectivity
Built-in GPS, Bluetooth
Water Resistance
5 ATM
Weight
39g
Features
- Personalized adaptive training plans
- Bright AMOLED display for clear visibility
- Up to 11 days of battery life
- Built-in GPS for accurate tracking
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring
- Morning Report for daily readiness
- 25+ built-in sports apps
- Touchscreen and button controls
What customers say
The Garmin Forerunner 165 offers exceptional value, highlighted by its vibrant AMOLED display that provides a premium appearance. Users praise the clear screen, dependable GPS, and impressive battery life, even with the advanced display active. This watch prioritizes essential running metrics for an intuitive user experience, making its AMOLED feature readily accessible. It stands out as a modern, reliable training companion, delivering excellent functionality at a competitive price point. This makes it an outstanding option for new runners looking for a capable and current device.
Know before you buy
The Forerunner 165 Music includes internal storage that allows you to download playlists from services like Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music for phone-free listening. The standard Forerunner 165 does not support onboard music storage.
The watch features both a touchscreen and physical buttons. While the touchscreen is responsive, the buttons are often more reliable for navigating menus or marking laps when your hands are sweaty or you are wearing gloves.
The Forerunner 165 uses built-in GPS to track your distance, pace, and route without needing your phone nearby. It provides reliable data for most outdoor environments, though accuracy can vary slightly in areas with heavy tree cover or dense urban architecture.
Yes, the Forerunner 165 is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones. You will need to download the Garmin Connect app to sync your data, receive smart notifications, and manage your training plans.
Yes, the watch has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters. It includes built-in sports apps specifically for pool swimming to track your laps and stroke efficiency.
In smartwatch mode, you can expect up to 11 days of battery life on a single charge. If you use the GPS continuously for activities, the battery will drain faster, but it is designed to easily handle daily training sessions throughout the week.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$180