OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Garmin Forerunner 165 review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£?Screen size:1.2 inchBattery life:11 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Garmin Forerunner 165 Review: Compare 127 technical specifications, 32 expert and video reviews and 18 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Garmin Forerunner 165
8.4/10

Overall score

Score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

35%

7.6

Technical score

30%

8.8

List score

25%

8.5

Reviews score

10%

9.5

Sentiment score

★Better than 93% of smartwatches
?

Value for money

Value for money
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.4

Overall score

30%

?

Price

Price not known yet
7.6

Technical score

Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 74% of models
Score components

24%

7.6

Health

21%

9.4

Fitness

16%

6.2

Battery

14%

8.6

Smart features

12%

7.1

Connectivity

9%

7.7

Display & Design

4%

1.3

Hardware

▲Better than 74%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

8.8

Popularity

Grades by review (32)
8 reviews + 24 videos, average 8.5/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 89%
8.8

List score

List score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (18)
List score: in 18 of 126 lists (14%)
★Better than 98%
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Best prices
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Smartwatches model ranking

Ranked #54 of 777 models in Smartwatches (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Forerunner 165

Technical score
Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 74% of models
Score components:

24%

7.6

Health

21%

9.4

Fitness

16%

6.2

Battery

14%

8.6

Smart features

12%

7.1

Connectivity

9%

7.7

Display & Design

4%

1.3

Hardware

7.6
Reviews score
8.5
List score
8.8
Value for money
Value for money
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components:

70%

8.4

Overall score

30%

?

Price

8.9
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 30.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 49.5% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports HRV tracking. 54.9% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
no
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 71.3% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 67.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
11 days
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch lasts 11 days on a charge, which is longer than 66.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.1% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
17 h
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 17 h on a charge, which is shorter than 55.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.2% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
19 h
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 19 h with GPS on, which is shorter than 58.8% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.8% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
?
Charge time
?
Show more
Operating system
Garmin OS
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS, which is more advanced than the system in 70.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 9.2% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 54% of smartwatches and equal to that of 40.2% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
?
Show more
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 56.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
Garmin Forerunner 165 does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.2 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.2 inch screen, which is smaller than 84.6% of Smartwatches and the same as 8.1% of Smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses AMOLED, which is more advanced than the screen in 46.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 53.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
390x 390
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 390x390 which is higher than that of 56.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
?
Display brightness
1,000 nits
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch has a screen brightness of 1,000 nits, which is higher than 53.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 27% of Smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
4 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage, which is more than 39.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 25.5% of Smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Forerunner 165 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    occasional vs ended
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • 21.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 89% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (32)
    8 reviews + 24 videos, average 8.5/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.0
  • 11.4% higher list score
    List score
    8.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (18)
    List score: in 18 of 126 lists (14%)
    8.8 vs 7.9
  • 26.7% higher sentiment score
    9.5 vs 7.5
  • 14.3% better value for money
    Garmin Forerunner 165 has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.87 vs 7.8).
    8.87 vs 7.76
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • 3 years newer
    This smartwatch was released more recently than the average smartwatch (2024 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    2,024 vs 2,021
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44.1% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 15.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Cadence tracking
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
  • 4 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (11 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    11 days vs 7 days
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 13% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    chemically strengthened glass vs mineral glass
  • 2 mm slimmer strap
    This smartwatch has a slimmer strap than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    20 mm vs 22 mm
  • 15 °C higher heat tolerance
    This smartwatch tolerates a higher temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch is rated up to 45.0 °C.
    60 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • 250 nits brighter screen
    This smartwatch has a brighter screen than the average smartwatch (1000 nits vs 750 nits). The average smartwatch peaks at 750 nits.
    1,000 nits vs 750 nits
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    occasional vs ended
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 0.2 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 65 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (25 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    25 vs 90
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • 2 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (19 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    19 h vs 21 h
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • 65 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (25 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    25 vs 90
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 2 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (19 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    19 h vs 21 h
  • 3 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time in training mode than the average smartwatch (17 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    17 h vs 20 h
  • 0.2 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Lab Review
≈ estimated
29/08/2026
Hands-on review · running and daily use
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 is a reliable running watch with a clear AMOLED screen and buttons, but limited for multisport and maps.
9.5
Fit Dad Fabio
≈ estimated
22/10/2025
Long-term test · 9 months of daily use
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 is a strong buy for beginners who want serious training features at a fair price.
9.0
Resenha de Casa
≈ estimated
13/05/2025
Long-term review · six months of running and sleep tracking
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 is recommended for anyone who wants a Garmin, with battery life that lasts days but limited payment and music options.
9.0
Summit For Wellness
≈ estimated
05/09/2024
Long-term test · 6 months of use and comparison
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 is a great entry-level fitness watch with strong value, though it lacks the premium extras of higher-end models.
8.0
Smartwatch Tutorials
≈ estimated
23/08/2024
Hands-on review · features, accuracy and battery
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165's battery falls short of the advertised 11 days, but still outlasts most smartwatches.
7.5
The Quantified Scientist
✓ explicit
30/03/2024
Scientific review · GPS, heart rate and sleep tests
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 offers strong value in the Garmin lineup, but its sleep tracking and cycling heart rate are weak.
7.5
AbbyBReviewing
✓ explicit
20/03/2024
Long-term test · 30 days of daily use
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 offers good value for the money, but its SpO2 readings and older heart rate sensor are weak points.
9.5
DC Rainmaker
≈ estimated
20/02/2024
In-depth review · running, cycling and accuracy tests
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 is a great little watch with no real complaints, its only gap being the missing trend readiness feature.
9.0
Ashley On the Run
≈ estimated
16/03/2026
Long-term test · 3 months of running and training
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 is a very good investment and worth buying if you're considering one.
9.0
Gimo Runs
≈ estimated
24/11/2024
First impressions · setup, first run and screen
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 has a great screen and a light fit, though large wrists may not suit it.
9.0
Kneecap Jake
≈ estimated
02/11/2024
Hands-on review · weeks of use, runs and workouts
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 is a very good watch overall, with minor annoyances around weight training logging and recovery prompts.
8.0
Adam Tinkoff
≈ estimated
28/02/2024
Hands-on review · beginner running and body battery
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 gives a beginner the metrics they need, though its body battery feedback feels harsh and its battery trails the pricier model.

What reviewers agree on

Based on 8 · 12

The readable display and light, comfortable fit win fans, but health and recovery tracking and limited sport modes fall short.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
mtwatches.com
✓ explicit
05/04/2026
Buying guide · Running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a light, accurate running watch with a sunlight-readable AMOLED screen, but it lacks music and payments.
8.0
220triathlon.com
✓ explicit
19/01/2026
Hands-on test · Triathlon watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a compact, bright-screened watch for everyday training, but it has no multisport profile for triathlon.
9.0
runweekly.com
≈ estimated
15/10/2025
Long-term test · Entry-level GPS watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a light, bright entry-level running watch that lasts over a week between charges, but it lacks Training Readiness and power meter support.
8.6
horloge-du-coureur.fr
✓ explicit
31/03/2026
Hands-on test · Running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is an easy-to-use running watch for beginners and intermediate runners, but it lacks multisport modes and multiband GPS for dense cities.
8.5
runmorph.com
✓ explicit
13/07/2026
Test · Running coaching watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is an entry point into Garmin coaching for runners training three to five times a week, though its single-band GPS is weaker in cities.
7.0
giulianodipaolo.com
≈ estimated
04/10/2026
Review · Standard running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 suits regular runners who want guided workouts in a light, five-button watch, but it has no offline music, maps or Training Readiness.
9.2
hardlopendnederland.nl
✓ explicit
11/06/2026
Multi-week test · Running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a reliable, bright running watch for most runners, with accurate GPS and over a week of battery, but not for triathlon or map navigation.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Garmin Forerunner 165

  • It weighs 39 g, light enough to wear all day.
  • Battery lasts 11 days in smartwatch mode.
  • Five physical buttons work with gloves on.
  • GPS locks on quickly and tracks pace accurately.
  • It works up to 60 °C, so hot summer runs are fine.
  • Garmin Coach plans show workouts right on the wrist.

What we don't like about Garmin Forerunner 165

  • The 1.2-inch screen is small.
  • There are no maps, only a breadcrumb trail to follow.
  • The gyroscope is missing, a sensor many watches have.
  • No Training Readiness or Training Status.
  • Wrist heart rate lags a few seconds during fast intervals.

Verdict

Runners who want a light watch that lasts over a week will like the Garmin Forerunner 165. It weighs 39 g, and the five physical buttons work with gloves on. Battery life is 11 days in smartwatch mode, and GPS runs last 19 hours. The GPS locks on quickly and tracks distance and pace accurately on everyday runs. Garmin Coach plans and suggested workouts appear right on the wrist. The 1.2-inch screen is small, and there are no maps, only a breadcrumb trail to follow. That is the trade-off, but it suits a runner who trains with a plan and does not need maps. Crash detection and ANT+ support are less common extras. It keeps working up to 60 °C, so hot summer runs are fine.

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