Garmin Forerunner 165

Overview

The Garmin Forerunner 165 represents a breakthrough in running watch value—bringing an AMOLED display to the entry-level price point for the first time in Garmin’s lineup. At $249, it delivers the essential features runners need with the display quality they want, making it the perfect gateway into serious GPS running watches. While it lacks some advanced features of pricier models, what it includes is executed brilliantly.

AMOLED at Entry-Level Price

The game-changer is the display:

• 390x390 AMOLED: Sharp, vibrant, beautiful
• 1000 nits brightness: Readable in direct sun
• Always-on option: See stats without wrist gesture
• Full touchscreen: Intuitive navigation
• At $249: Previously needed $449+ for AMOLED

This democratizes premium display technology for runners on a budget.

The 11-Day Battery Sweet Spot

Battery life impresses for AMOLED:

• Smartwatch mode: 11 days typical
• GPS tracking: 19 hours continuous
• Always-on display: Still 4 days
• Daily run + smartwatch: 7-9 days realistic
• Power manager: Customize to extend further

This eliminates battery anxiety for most runners’ weekly training.

Morning Report Innovation

New feature that’s genuinely useful:

• Sleep quality summary: How well you recovered
• Weather forecast: Plan your run timing
• Training suggestions: Based on recovery
• Calendar preview: Schedule awareness
• HRV status: Overnight trend
• Body Battery: Energy for the day

Delivered automatically when you wake—perfect pre-run briefing.

Running Features That Matter

GPS Performance

Single-band but reliable:

• Lock time: 10-20 seconds typical
• Accuracy: Within 5-10 meters
• Track mode: Improved track running
• SatIQ: Automatically optimizes GPS mode
• All systems: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo

Good enough for road running, struggles slightly on trails.

Training Essentials

Core features included:

• Garmin Coach: Free 5K, 10K, half-marathon plans
• Interval workouts: Custom or preset
• Race predictor: Based on VO2 max
• Recovery time: Hours until next hard effort
• Training effect: Aerobic/anaerobic benefit
• Daily suggested workouts: Adaptive recommendations

Everything needed for structured training without overwhelming complexity.

What’s Missing

Notable omissions vs pricier models:

• No barometric altimeter: GPS elevation only
• No running dynamics: Basic metrics only
• No training load/focus: Simpler tracking
• No music storage: Phone required
• No advanced metrics: Power, vertical oscillation, etc.
• No maps: Breadcrumb only

These matter for advanced runners but most beginners won’t miss them.

Real-World Running Performance

Daily Training Runs

Perfect for regular runners:

• Display always visible in sunlight
• Metrics clear and customizable
• Auto-lap works reliably
• Heart rate zones easy to follow
• Post-run analysis helpful

Everything works as expected without complexity.

Race Day Experience

Handles races well:

• GPS accurate for official distances
• Display readable at all paces
• Battery easily lasts marathon
• Live tracking for spectators
• Simple to use under pressure

Confidence-inspiring for goal races.

Interval Training

Surprisingly capable:

• Easy workout programming
• Clear alerts for intervals
• Recovery countdowns
• Lap summaries
• Automatic uploads to Strava

Better than expected at this price point.

Health and Wellness Tracking

Pulse Ox Sensor

Blood oxygen monitoring:

• Spot checks on demand
• Sleep tracking (battery intensive)
• Altitude acclimation
• Not medical grade but useful trends

Helpful for altitude training or sleep quality.

Stress and Body Battery

Energy management tools:

• All-day stress tracking
• Body Battery energy metric
• Relaxation reminders
• Breathing exercises
• Sleep quality impact

Genuinely helpful for training/recovery balance.

Women’s Health

Comprehensive tracking:

• Menstrual cycle tracking
• Symptom logging
• Training recommendations
• Pregnancy tracking option

Thoughtful implementation with useful insights.

Design and Comfort

Lightweight Champion

At 39g, barely noticeable:

• Lighter than most fitness trackers
• Comfortable for 24/7 wear
• Doesn’t bounce while running
• Sleep tracking comfortable
• Quick-drying band

Perfect weight for running focus.

Color Options

Four vibrant choices:

• Black/Slate Gray (subtle)
• Mist Gray/Whitestone (elegant)
• Berry/Lilac (fun)
• Turquoise/Aqua (bold)

Nice to have options beyond black at this price.

Forerunner 165 vs Competition

vs Forerunner 265 ($449)

• 265 adds: Dual-band GPS, training readiness, music, better materials
• 165 advantages: $200 cheaper, lighter, same display
• Verdict: 165 unless you need music or advanced metrics

vs COROS PACE 3 ($229)

• PACE 3 wins: Battery life, barometer, lighter, advanced metrics
• 165 wins: AMOLED display, touchscreen, interface
• Verdict: 165 for display, PACE 3 for features

vs Apple Watch SE ($249)

• SE wins: Smart features, ecosystem, apps
• 165 wins: Battery life, running focus, cross-platform
• Verdict: 165 for runners, SE for lifestyle

vs Forerunner 55 ($199)

• 165 adds: AMOLED display, touchscreen, better GPS
• 55 advantages: $50 cheaper, 2 weeks battery
• Verdict: Worth $50 more for AMOLED

Who Should Buy the Forerunner 165?

Perfect For:

• New runners wanting quality
• 5K to half-marathon training
• Upgrading from fitness tracker
• AMOLED display priority
• Budget under $300
• Garmin ecosystem newcomers

Consider Alternatives If:

• Training for ultras (need maps/battery)
• Music storage important (get 265)
• Advanced metrics needed (255/265)
• Triathlon focus (get 255)
• Smart features priority (Apple/Samsung)

Daily Living Experience

Smart Features

Basic but functional:

• Notifications reliable
• Weather widget useful
• Calendar integration
• Find my phone
• Safety features (LiveTrack, assistance)
• Connect IQ apps limited but growing

Not a smartwatch but handles basics.

Garmin Connect App

Excellent companion:

• Detailed analysis
• Training plans
• Social features
• Challenges
• Insights and guidance
• Automatic syncing

One of the best fitness apps available.

Tips for New Owners

1. Start with Garmin Coach: Free plans are excellent
2. Customize data screens: Show what matters to you
3. Use Morning Report: Great daily routine builder
4. Enable SatIQ: Optimizes GPS automatically
5. Try suggested workouts: Adaptive and helpful
6. Join challenges: Motivation through community

Long-Term Value

Investment considerations:

• 5+ year typical lifespan
• Regular feature updates
• Strong resale value
• Growing ecosystem
• Proven reliability

Excellent value at $249 for multi-year use.

Verdict

The Garmin Forerunner 165 hits the sweet spot for runners who want a quality GPS watch without breaking the bank. The AMOLED display at this price point is genuinely revolutionary, making data clearly visible in all conditions while maintaining impressive battery life. Yes, it lacks advanced features like music storage and dual-band GPS, but it nails the fundamentals that matter most for improving as a runner.

For new to intermediate runners, this is the watch to buy. It provides everything needed to train effectively for races from 5K to half-marathon, with room to grow through Garmin Coach and structured workouts. The Morning Report and suggested workouts make it feel like having a personal coach, while the lightweight design ensures it never gets in the way of your running.

Bottom line: The Forerunner 165 is the best entry-level running watch available, period. At $249, you get AMOLED display quality that was $450+ exclusive just months ago, paired with Garmin’s proven training ecosystem. Unless you specifically need music storage or advanced metrics, this is all the running watch most people will ever need. It’s not just good for the price—it’s genuinely good, making it easy to recommend without qualification.