The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a dream watch for beginners and experienced runners alike. This GPS running watch may look simple but itrsquos packed with cool features to keep your health and training on track. Itrsquos like having a personal running coach on your wristmdashget personalized training plans, daily suggested workouts and race adaptive training insights that change as you get better to optimize your performance. Plus, with over 25 built-in GPS and indoor sports apps, including running, cycling and strength training, you'll have everything you need to crush your goals. A vibrant 1.2rdquo colorful AMOLED display is bright and easy to see, even in the sun. And the battery lasts up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you can wear it all day and still have enough juice left for your workouts. This isnrsquot just some glorified step-counter, the Forerunner 165 features a touchscreen and buttons for easy navigation, along with built-in GPS for accurate tracking of time, distance, pace, speed and more. Smart notifications let you stay connected with your friends and get messages on the watch, while Garmin Paytrade contactless payments keep your wallet on your wrist in case you want to stop for a coffee post-run. And if you run into an emergency, safety and tracking features let you send your location to a friend for peace of mind. So whether yoursquore signing up for your first race or want to take your running more seriously to beat your best time, the Garmin Forerunner 165 will be a game-changer.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a dream watch for beginners and experienced runners alike. This GPS running watch may look simple but itrsquos packed with cool features to keep your health and training on track. Itrsquos like having a personal running coach on your wristmdashget personalized training plans, daily suggested workouts and race adaptive training insights that change as you get better to optimize your performance. Plus, with over 25 built-in GPS and indoor sports apps, including running, cycling and strength training, you'll have everything you need to crush your goals. A vibrant 1.2rdquo colorful AMOLED display is bright and easy to see, even in the sun. And the battery lasts up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you can wear it all day and still have enough juice left for your workouts. This isnrsquot just some glorified step-counter, the Forerunner 165 features a touchscreen and buttons for easy navigation, along with built-in GPS for accurate tracking of time, distance, pace, speed and more. Smart notifications let you stay connected with your friends and get messages on the watch, while Garmin Paytrade contactless payments keep your wallet on your wrist in case you want to stop for a coffee post-run. And if you run into an emergency, safety and tracking features let you send your location to a friend for peace of mind. So whether yoursquore signing up for your first race or want to take your running more seriously to beat your best time, the Garmin Forerunner 165 will be a game-changer.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a dream watch for beginners and experienced runners alike. This GPS running watch may look simple but itrsquos packed with cool features to keep your health and training on track. Itrsquos like having a personal running coach on your wristmdashget personalized training plans, daily suggested workouts and race adaptive training insights that change as you get better to optimize your performance. Plus, with over 25 built-in GPS and indoor sports apps, including running, cycling and strength training, you'll have everything you need to crush your goals. A vibrant 1.2rdquo colorful AMOLED display is bright and easy to see, even in the sun. And the battery lasts up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you can wear it all day and still have enough juice left for your workouts. This isnrsquot just some glorified step-counter, the Forerunner 165 features a touchscreen and buttons for easy navigation, along with built-in GPS for accurate tracking of time, distance, pace, speed and more. Smart notifications let you stay connected with your friends and get messages on the watch, while Garmin Paytrade contactless payments keep your wallet on your wrist in case you want to stop for a coffee post-run. And if you run into an emergency, safety and tracking features let you send your location to a friend for peace of mind. So whether yoursquore signing up for your first race or want to take your running more seriously to beat your best time, the Garmin Forerunner 165 will be a game-changer.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a dream watch for beginners and experienced runners alike. This GPS running watch may look simple but itrsquos packed with cool features to keep your health and training on track. Itrsquos like having a personal running coach on your wristmdashget personalized training plans, daily suggested workouts and race adaptive training insights that change as you get better to optimize your performance. Plus, with over 25 built-in GPS and indoor sports apps, including running, cycling and strength training, you'll have everything you need to crush your goals. A vibrant 1.2rdquo colorful AMOLED display is bright and easy to see, even in the sun. And the battery lasts up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you can wear it all day and still have enough juice left for your workouts. This isnrsquot just some glorified step-counter, the Forerunner 165 features a touchscreen and buttons for easy navigation, along with built-in GPS for accurate tracking of time, distance, pace, speed and more. Smart notifications let you stay connected with your friends and get messages on the watch, while Garmin Paytrade contactless payments keep your wallet on your wrist in case you want to stop for a coffee post-run. And if you run into an emergency, safety and tracking features let you send your location to a friend for peace of mind. So whether yoursquore signing up for your first race or want to take your running more seriously to beat your best time, the Garmin Forerunner 165 will be a game-changer.
Last updated at 06/09/2026 20:44:57
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43 mm Running Smartwatch, 1.2 Inch AMOLED Touch Screen, Up to 11 Days Battery Life, 25+ Sports Apps, Training
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Smartwatch, Black/Slate Grey
Delivery between 16–22 June $14.95
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Running Smartwatch, Black/Slate Grey
Delivery between 16–22 June $14.95
Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Smartwatch 43mm - Black/Slate Gray (010-02863-20)
Delivery $89.18
Garmin Forerunner 165 Smart Watch Black (International Ver)
Free delivery
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Smartwatch - Black w Slate Grey
14-day returns
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music Smart Sports Watch (Black with Slate Grey Band, 43mm)
Delivery $12.99
Garmin Forerunner 165 Smart Watch Black (International Ver)
Free delivery
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Smartwatch - Black w Slate Grey
14-day returns
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music Smart Sports Watch (Black with Slate Grey Band, 43mm)
Delivery $12.99
originally posted on playbetter.com
I love everything about this watch and the charging block that PlayBetter included in the bundle with the exception of the charging cable. Not sure why someone decided that the only charging cable that you comes with the 165 has the Garmin plug on one end and a USB-C on the other. Wouldn't be as annoying if Garmin had included the USB-C wall outlet plug. If you only charge it off of the PlayBetter battery pack or you have some USB-C outlet blocks, you will be solid.Now that I'm done with the negatives, this watch is amazing. I upgraded from a Coros Pace 2 and I am beyond happy with the functionality of this 165. The AMOLED screen is glorious and will even show pictures that are texted to you. Mind blown the first time I saw that. It syncs up perfectly to my ... MoreI love everything about this watch and the charging block that PlayBetter included in the bundle with the exception of the charging cable. Not sure why someone decided that the only charging cable that you comes with the 165 has the Garmin plug on one end and a USB-C on the other. Wouldn't be as annoying if Garmin had included the USB-C wall outlet plug. If you only charge it off of the PlayBetter battery pack or you have some USB-C outlet blocks, you will be solid.Now that I'm done with the negatives, this watch is amazing. I upgraded from a Coros Pace 2 and I am beyond happy with the functionality of this 165. The AMOLED screen is glorious and will even show pictures that are texted to you. Mind blown the first time I saw that. It syncs up perfectly to my Training Peaks account for my daily assigned workout and auto laps the different intervals so you don't have to fumble with hitting the lap button when doing fartleks. It also had zero problems connecting to my Wahoo heart rate strap and Zwift foot pod. I also did not have any problems connecting it to my 4iiii crank arm for cadence or my Wahoo speed sensor.The only feature missing is the Triathlon app but I'm sure that it will be added to the store IQ store eventually since so many other and older Garmin watches have it available.I have not tried to use the music feature yet, I purchased the music version due to FOMO. I do not currently use music when I run or bike, mostly because I want to be able to hear the people screaming at me for taking up to much space on the road.I've had several Garmin watches in the past so I did not struggle figuring out how to do many of the things that some reviewers say aren't intuitive. If you're new to Garmin watches just take 15-20 minutes to play around with it long pressing on buttons just to see what they do, scrolling through the different data fields, changing watch faces, etc. if you've got time to scroll on your phone, give got time to master this watch.I highly recommend it and PlayBetter.
originally posted on playbetter.com
I was partial to the vivoactive watches, but the glass screen doesn't sit below the bevel. So, I opted for the forerunner 165 because the screen is recessed, which is less prone to cracking. I am a small female and I like the size of the watch and display and it fits nicely on my wrist. So far I really like the watch. Lots of functionality, however, I wish it had a rower activity and the control menu button was located on the opposite side or the user had the ability to remap the buttons. I have also turned off a lot of features to prolong battery life, ie. always on display, gps, weather feature, move iq, goals and alerts and so on. I still only get about 4 days off a charge, but I usually do one 30+ minute activity a day. It seems to track well with my runs, ie. ... MoreI was partial to the vivoactive watches, but the glass screen doesn't sit below the bevel. So, I opted for the forerunner 165 because the screen is recessed, which is less prone to cracking. I am a small female and I like the size of the watch and display and it fits nicely on my wrist. So far I really like the watch. Lots of functionality, however, I wish it had a rower activity and the control menu button was located on the opposite side or the user had the ability to remap the buttons. I have also turned off a lot of features to prolong battery life, ie. always on display, gps, weather feature, move iq, goals and alerts and so on. I still only get about 4 days off a charge, but I usually do one 30+ minute activity a day. It seems to track well with my runs, ie. Pace, distance and heart rate. So far I am pleased with the running metrics.
originally posted on rebelsport.com.au
Very happy. Am not a huge runner but am planning on progressing further and this watch is helping me monitor all the progress. When I switched off all the notifications and vibrations when it can’t find my phone connection it’s battery life last about 10 days or more. I love hiking and it allows me to track a trip which is what I want and it seamlessly meshes with strava. Have had the Venus before this but there were a bit too much like a smart watch and I needed something that can handle a bit of tough love as I’m a farmer. Bought a screen protector and it’s awesome for that bit extra protection. It has all the bells and whistles which some I won’t probably ever use but others will. Love this watch.
| Operating system | Android |
| Memory storage capacity | 4 GB |
| Special feature | Bluetooth |
| Battery capacity | 30 Milliamp Hours |
| Connectivity technology | Bluetooth |
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43 mm Running Smartwatch, 1.2 Inch AMOLED Touch Screen, Up to 11 Days Battery Life, 25+ Sports Apps, Training
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Smartwatch, Black/Slate Grey
Delivery between 16–22 June $14.95
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Running Smartwatch, Black/Slate Grey
Delivery between 16–22 June $14.95
Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Smartwatch 43mm - Black/Slate Gray (010-02863-20)
Delivery $89.18
Garmin Forerunner 165 Smart Watch Black (International Ver)
Free delivery
I love everything about this watch and the charging block that PlayBetter included in the bundle with the exception of the charging cable. Not sure why someone decided that the only charging cable that you comes with the 165 has the Garmin plug on one end and a USB-C on the other. Wouldn't be as annoying if Garmin had included the USB-C wall outlet plug. If you only charge it off of the PlayBetter battery pack or you have some USB-C outlet blocks, you will be solid.Now that I'm done with the negatives, this watch is amazing. I upgraded from a Coros Pace 2 and I am beyond happy with the functionality of this 165. The AMOLED screen is glorious and will even show pictures that are texted to you. Mind blown the first time I saw that. It syncs up perfectly to my ... MoreI love everything about this watch and the charging block that PlayBetter included in the bundle with the exception of the charging cable. Not sure why someone decided that the only charging cable that you comes with the 165 has the Garmin plug on one end and a USB-C on the other. Wouldn't be as annoying if Garmin had included the USB-C wall outlet plug. If you only charge it off of the PlayBetter battery pack or you have some USB-C outlet blocks, you will be solid.Now that I'm done with the negatives, this watch is amazing. I upgraded from a Coros Pace 2 and I am beyond happy with the functionality of this 165. The AMOLED screen is glorious and will even show pictures that are texted to you. Mind blown the first time I saw that. It syncs up perfectly to my Training Peaks account for my daily assigned workout and auto laps the different intervals so you don't have to fumble with hitting the lap button when doing fartleks. It also had zero problems connecting to my Wahoo heart rate strap and Zwift foot pod. I also did not have any problems connecting it to my 4iiii crank arm for cadence or my Wahoo speed sensor.The only feature missing is the Triathlon app but I'm sure that it will be added to the store IQ store eventually since so many other and older Garmin watches have it available.I have not tried to use the music feature yet, I purchased the music version due to FOMO. I do not currently use music when I run or bike, mostly because I want to be able to hear the people screaming at me for taking up to much space on the road.I've had several Garmin watches in the past so I did not struggle figuring out how to do many of the things that some reviewers say aren't intuitive. If you're new to Garmin watches just take 15-20 minutes to play around with it long pressing on buttons just to see what they do, scrolling through the different data fields, changing watch faces, etc. if you've got time to scroll on your phone, give got time to master this watch.I highly recommend it and PlayBetter.
I was partial to the vivoactive watches, but the glass screen doesn't sit below the bevel. So, I opted for the forerunner 165 because the screen is recessed, which is less prone to cracking. I am a small female and I like the size of the watch and display and it fits nicely on my wrist. So far I really like the watch. Lots of functionality, however, I wish it had a rower activity and the control menu button was located on the opposite side or the user had the ability to remap the buttons. I have also turned off a lot of features to prolong battery life, ie. always on display, gps, weather feature, move iq, goals and alerts and so on. I still only get about 4 days off a charge, but I usually do one 30+ minute activity a day. It seems to track well with my runs, ie. ... MoreI was partial to the vivoactive watches, but the glass screen doesn't sit below the bevel. So, I opted for the forerunner 165 because the screen is recessed, which is less prone to cracking. I am a small female and I like the size of the watch and display and it fits nicely on my wrist. So far I really like the watch. Lots of functionality, however, I wish it had a rower activity and the control menu button was located on the opposite side or the user had the ability to remap the buttons. I have also turned off a lot of features to prolong battery life, ie. always on display, gps, weather feature, move iq, goals and alerts and so on. I still only get about 4 days off a charge, but I usually do one 30+ minute activity a day. It seems to track well with my runs, ie. Pace, distance and heart rate. So far I am pleased with the running metrics.
Very happy. Am not a huge runner but am planning on progressing further and this watch is helping me monitor all the progress. When I switched off all the notifications and vibrations when it can’t find my phone connection it’s battery life last about 10 days or more. I love hiking and it allows me to track a trip which is what I want and it seamlessly meshes with strava. Have had the Venus before this but there were a bit too much like a smart watch and I needed something that can handle a bit of tough love as I’m a farmer. Bought a screen protector and it’s awesome for that bit extra protection. It has all the bells and whistles which some I won’t probably ever use but others will. Love this watch.
This is my first garmin watch coming from an Apple SE. As a runner I have loved the training information, the metrics, much better gps and battery life, I have used it in the last three weeks of a half marathon planning and while my Apple Watch kept running out of battery or pausing by mistake this has been great. Furthermore love the pace alerts. The GPS works very well too! The Spotify function works great and is actually easier to synch than the Apple Watch’s. Garmin pay works great too. As someone who mainly uses outlook/ gmail and WhatsApp the functionalities are the same as my Apple Watch. The watch however has one flaw that is a deal breaker: its heart rate monitor is terrible. I have small wrists, have tried different bands and positions and have used it ... MoreThis is my first garmin watch coming from an Apple SE. As a runner I have loved the training information, the metrics, much better gps and battery life, I have used it in the last three weeks of a half marathon planning and while my Apple Watch kept running out of battery or pausing by mistake this has been great. Furthermore love the pace alerts. The GPS works very well too! The Spotify function works great and is actually easier to synch than the Apple Watch’s. Garmin pay works great too. As someone who mainly uses outlook/ gmail and WhatsApp the functionalities are the same as my Apple Watch. The watch however has one flaw that is a deal breaker: its heart rate monitor is terrible. I have small wrists, have tried different bands and positions and have used it both in long runs as well as in HIIT workouts at the gym where I am using an additional arm heart monitor. Sadly it takes longer than even the gym’s one to record my HR and while running even on a hill at a fast pace it was showing a low HR, so much so that garmin even sent me a free chest strap when I complained. Sadly, this is a deal breaker for me as having a proper heart rate measurement matters a lot.Pros:Running featuresBattery lifeSpotifyGarmin payAccurate GPSConsSize quite big for a small wristTerrible heart rate monitor
I've owned several different Garmin watches, but this has been my first Garmin AMOLED watch. While I love MIP displays, I love how I'm actually able to read the time when I'm inside, which is most of the day. My MIP displays are just hard to read inside. I don't have any problems seeing the AMOLED screen when I'm out running as I can just turn the brightness up to full, and it's more than sufficient.For not being dual-band GPS, it almost seems like it is haha! GPS accuracy has been top notch, and even better than some dual-band GPS competitor watches I've tried. Sooo, hats off to you Garmin.However, Garmin's tier system with some of their software features is a little weird. For example, one simple feature I wish it had (and it's almost stupid it doesn't) is ... MoreI've owned several different Garmin watches, but this has been my first Garmin AMOLED watch. While I love MIP displays, I love how I'm actually able to read the time when I'm inside, which is most of the day. My MIP displays are just hard to read inside. I don't have any problems seeing the AMOLED screen when I'm out running as I can just turn the brightness up to full, and it's more than sufficient.For not being dual-band GPS, it almost seems like it is haha! GPS accuracy has been top notch, and even better than some dual-band GPS competitor watches I've tried. Sooo, hats off to you Garmin.However, Garmin's tier system with some of their software features is a little weird. For example, one simple feature I wish it had (and it's almost stupid it doesn't) is hot-keys like on a ton of Garmin's other watches. It's kinda annoying that this watch doesn't have it. I don't care about having all the training load metrics like the Forerunner 265 and up have (it makes sense to limit those to pricier watches), but being able to use hotkeys (ex. for Garmin pay, timers, flashlight, etc.) would make me bump the rating up to 5 stars.Overall, great, but just needs a little more.
I purchased the Forerunner 165 Music because my previous Forerunner was showing its age. I wanted to be sure I had a functioning Garmin before the old one shut down for the last time.I am pleased overall with the Forerunner 165 Music and particularly like the much brighter screen which is now more readable in sunlight.Set up was fairly easy and straightforward if you have experience with Garmin. A few minor annoyances like at the end of a run when saving the data needing to tell respond I don't want to answer the question about level of effort and how did I feel every time. I clicked on the arrows saying to skip these questions and it held for a few times but now is back. Minor annoyance but still wish it would "go away".The silicone band is the same as ... MoreI purchased the Forerunner 165 Music because my previous Forerunner was showing its age. I wanted to be sure I had a functioning Garmin before the old one shut down for the last time.I am pleased overall with the Forerunner 165 Music and particularly like the much brighter screen which is now more readable in sunlight.Set up was fairly easy and straightforward if you have experience with Garmin. A few minor annoyances like at the end of a run when saving the data needing to tell respond I don't want to answer the question about level of effort and how did I feel every time. I clicked on the arrows saying to skip these questions and it held for a few times but now is back. Minor annoyance but still wish it would "go away".The silicone band is the same as previous and I could not wait to get rid of it as I have with previous watches. Wish Garmin would provide more alternative band options as silicone and leather do not work for me.
As a 70+ person, the learning curve for this watch was easy. I appreciate the heart information it gives me, and I can view time, temp, and weather quickly. Receiving text messages while away from my phone keeps me connected. The step component has made my more aware and now I meet the goal 90% of the time.Only downside for me, is that no matter what I do, the watch always says my sleep quality is poor, I think because I don't get much deep sleep. I checked it out and found that people over 65 don't necessarily get a lot of deep sleep. The watch does a great job of breaking down sleep analysis. I'm not a runner so nothing to review there.
Watch itself seems OK but it keeps disconnecting from the bluetooth and won't reconnect. It causes the bluetooth to crash so that I can't connect any other device bluetooth device to my phone. Garmin help is useless (the problem is losing the connection, not being able to connect in the first place). Reinstalled app multiple times, done a factory reset on the watch. Ona good day it will not disconnect, on a bad day it'll be multiple times per day. Watch would only reconnect after phone restart but managed to figure out that cycling airplane mode also resets the connection.Really disappointed with this Garmin - it might be an isolated issue but I've had two other Garmin watches connected without any issues over the last 8 years.
My old Garmin Edge head unit decided to stop saving my rides. I was beginning to think they never even happened, so what's the point of riding? I checked out all the dozens of modern replacements and thought I'd give this a try. I mostly want to keep track of my road rides/walks and compare my progress over time and track fitness. Not as much worried about real-time stats like speed, power, distance, navigation etc. I didn't expect much, just to track my rides. Well, well, well. Now I'm a full blown fitness enthusiast. It's interesting to learn about all these ways of tracking your fitness and how all of your daily activity can be translated to a score on a bar graph. I'm not usually a numbers guy, but dang it's cool. The software is great and easy to use. They even ... MoreMy old Garmin Edge head unit decided to stop saving my rides. I was beginning to think they never even happened, so what's the point of riding? I checked out all the dozens of modern replacements and thought I'd give this a try. I mostly want to keep track of my road rides/walks and compare my progress over time and track fitness. Not as much worried about real-time stats like speed, power, distance, navigation etc. I didn't expect much, just to track my rides. Well, well, well. Now I'm a full blown fitness enthusiast. It's interesting to learn about all these ways of tracking your fitness and how all of your daily activity can be translated to a score on a bar graph. I'm not usually a numbers guy, but dang it's cool. The software is great and easy to use. They even have free training programs you can use to help get an idea of when and how you should be riding to get the most gains. That's coo. The watch isn't super convenient to look at while you're riding, but I don't miss real-time stats. I also finally know how many times I go up and down the stairs in my house. 20. 20 times a day.
i love data, and this gives me everything. battery life is long! but i get still get freaked out when the battery level hits 50%, i have to keep reminding myself that i still have days of life left, (my previous watch was from a company named of a certain type of fruit). How is this an entry level watch? I still have functions i havens discovered yet.and all the reviews stated that the gps is not the best..... I'm running ! not sending military precision ordinances.Garmin has better watches... what do they do that the 165 can't? just askingthis is a review from a reluctant garmin buyer, thought the fruit named company watch is all i needed.
| Operating system | Android |
| Memory storage capacity | 4 GB |
| Special feature | Bluetooth |
| Battery capacity | 30 Milliamp Hours |
| Connectivity technology | Bluetooth |
