Garmin has a reputation for making some of the best fitness trackers and smartwatches for runners and athletes, but historically their watches have been expensive, complicated, or dated, limiting their appeal to a broader audience. However, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is a game-changer — offering robust smartwatch features at a more affordable price point of $250. This watch tracks a wide range of metrics including heart rate, daily steps, calories burned, sleep, stress, blood oxygen, and menstrual cycle, and syncs with your phone for notifications. It also comes with training tools like Garmin Coach, Training Plans, and Daily Suggested Workouts.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 features a colorful touchscreen display and five buttons for easy navigation. It is available in one size and requires a Garmin account to use. Compared to other models in Garmin’s Forerunner lineup, such as the Forerunner 265 and 965, the Forerunner 165 is priced as an entry-level option. It boasts a long battery life of up to 11 days and is water-resistant up to 50 meters. The watch works best with the Garmin app on both iPhone and Android devices.
After testing the Garmin Forerunner 165 for over a month, it was found to be comfortable to wear with a soft silicone band and flat sensor on the back. The watch offers detailed health and fitness metrics, customizable watch layouts, and robust training features such as Garmin Coach. The battery life was impressive, lasting 10 to 11 days on average before needing to be recharged, making it convenient for everyday use. However, the Garmin Connect and ConnectIQ apps may have a learning curve for some users.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is ideal for individuals who exercise regularly and want to achieve running goals or participate in races. It offers comprehensive health and fitness stats along with useful training tools to provide guidance for those looking to improve their fitness. While the watch is particularly well-suited for runners, cyclists may find that the training features are more focused on running. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is a fantastic fitness tracker with superior comfort and battery life compared to other options on the market.
Harry Rabinowitz, a reporter at NBC Select, tried the Garmin Forerunner 165 alongside Lauren Swanson, the editorial director. They both found the watch to be comfortable, packed with useful features, and offering great value for its price point. Rabinowitz tested the watch’s exercise, sleep, and everyday metrics, comparing them to other wearables in a similar price range. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 165 impressed with its performance and capabilities, making it a top choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch.
