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 Music review: 127 specs compared

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

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 19 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music
8.0/10

Overall score

Score
8.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 84% of models
Score components

35%

7.6

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.6

Reviews score

10%

9.6

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 84% 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.0

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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Score components

24%

7.6

Health

21%

9.3

Fitness

16%

6.1

Battery

14%

8.6

Smart features

12%

7.6

Connectivity

9%

7.4

Display & Design

4%

1.3

Hardware

â–²Better than 74%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

8.1

Popularity

Grades by review (19)
5 reviews + 14 videos, average 8.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
★Better than 93%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 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 (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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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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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Forerunner 165 Music

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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Score components:

24%

7.6

Health

21%

9.3

Fitness

16%

6.1

Battery

14%

8.6

Smart features

12%

7.6

Connectivity

9%

7.4

Display & Design

4%

1.3

Hardware

7.6
Reviews score
8.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

?

Price

8.6
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
?
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
19 h
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 19 h on a charge, which is shorter than 52.7% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.5% 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
What reviewers say
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
What reviewers say
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
yes
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music supports dual-frequency GPS. 85% 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 Music 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.
  • 22.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 93% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    8.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (19)
    5 reviews + 14 videos, average 8.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.6 vs 7.0
  • 28.0% higher sentiment score
    9.6 vs 7.5
  • 10.8% better value for money
    Garmin Forerunner 165 Music has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.6 vs 7.8).
    8.6 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.
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 13% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Supports dual-frequency GPS
    Garmin Forerunner 165 Music supports dual-frequency GPS, while the average smartwatch does not. 15.1% of Smartwatches support dual-frequency GPS.
  • 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
  • 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
  • Weaker ingress protection
    This smartwatch has weaker ingress protection than the average smartwatch (IPX7 vs IP68).
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Weaker ingress protection
    This smartwatch has weaker ingress protection than the average smartwatch (IPX7 vs IP68).
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • 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

9.0
Austin Reviews
≈ estimated
23/02/2026
Hands-on review · health tracking, display and battery life
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is not perfect, but it is an easy pick for first-time Garmin buyers who prefer an AMOLED screen.
9.0
Matt LeGrand
≈ estimated
09/06/2024
Full review · running and swimming, with missing features
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music suits most runners and swimmers, despite missing features such as triathlon mode.
9.0
Pocket-lint
≈ estimated
13/04/2024
Hands-on review · fitness tracking, battery and charging
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a long-lasting, accurate running watch for the money, though it lacks some high-end training features.
8.0
Ryan's Tech
≈ estimated
29/03/2024
Hands-on review · heart rate, battery and sleep tests
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music's heart rate accuracy disappoints and its battery falls short, but it still offers good value for a budget watch.
9.0
The Run Testers
≈ estimated
09/03/2024
Multi-tester review · hands-on running tests
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is an affordable Garmin with a bright AMOLED display, and it's well worth considering.
9.0
DesFit
≈ estimated
20/02/2024
Hands-on review · running, cycling and heart rate tests
Verdict
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a solid running watch with good value, though cyclists and triathletes should look at the 265.
9.0
Jose Briones - Dumbphone Reviews
≈ estimated
05/02/2025
Use case review · features with a minimalist phone
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is an excellent companion for a minimalist phone, with strong battery life and useful features.
8.0
The Run Testers
≈ estimated
20/02/2024
First look · early tests before the full review
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a strong watch with a bright AMOLED screen, though it's pricier than hoped.
Overview video

What reviewers agree on

Based on 5 · 9

Running features, the display and onboard music get praise, but battery life disappoints and training status feedback draws complaints.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
irunfar.com
≈ estimated
13/06/2024
In-depth review · Trail running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a light, long-lasting watch with accurate GPS for trail runners, but music drains its battery and heart rate sometimes reads impossibly high.
9.0
lifehacker.com
✓ explicit
05/08/2025
Hands-on test · Beginner-friendly running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a comfortable, easy-to-learn watch with a clear screen and solid battery, but its music feature falls short.
8.0
mensfitness.co.uk
≈ estimated
12/09/2025
Long-term test · Marathon training watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music suits runners who want a bright, comfortable watch and accurate GPS for marathon training, but its battery doesn't last long with music.
8.4
chip.de
✓ explicit
19/07/2024
Lab test · Running GPS watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a strong running watch with a bright, scratch-prone screen, but it lacks multisport and has only average battery life.
9.0
dday.it
≈ estimated
03/05/2024
Hands-on test · Music running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a solid running watch for beginners, with heart rate close to a chest strap's, but it lacks triathlon, winter and team sports modes.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Garmin Forerunner 165 Music

  • Dual-frequency GPS keeps tracks accurate.
  • Battery lasts 11 days in smartwatch mode.
  • Holds 500 songs, so runs can be phone-free.
  • Music plays through Bluetooth headphones.
  • Crash detection is built in.
  • Garmin Pay works from the wrist, with no card needed.

What we don't like about Garmin Forerunner 165 Music

  • The 1.2-inch screen is small.
  • No training status, training load or readiness readout.
  • The gyroscope is missing, a sensor many watches have.
  • Music drains the battery, so skip it on very long runs.
  • No multisport mode, so triathlon and skiing are missing.

Verdict

Dual-frequency GPS and 500 songs stored on the watch set the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music apart. The 1.2-inch AMOLED screen is small, but it stays readable in bright sun. Battery life is 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours with GPS on. Music plays through Bluetooth headphones, so you can leave the phone at home. Copying albums over a cable takes about 30 seconds each, and the touch screen makes browsing easy. In tests, the heart rate came close to a chest strap during runs. Garmin Pay handles payments from the wrist, with no card or phone needed. The trade-off is that there is no training status or training load analysis. It suits a runner who wants music on the wrist without carrying a phone.

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