Garmin Forerunner 165
MSRP $250.00
“The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a great little fitness watch, delivering excellent running features (and more) at a fantastic price.”
Pros
- Excellent running mode
- Good tracking for other workouts
- Attractive design
- Weeklong battery life
- Improved Garmin Connect app
- Great price
Cons
- Fitness tracking outside of running is a little limited
- No map support
Adding a new model to an existing range can be tricky, but with the Forerunner 165, Garmin has hit the mark. Positioned between the budget Forerunner 65 and midrange Forerunner 265, the Forerunner 165 offers an affordable smartwatch focusing on essential features for runners.
During my testing, the Garmin Forerunner 165 impressed me with its performance, making it a valuable addition to Garmin’s lineup and a compelling option for those seeking a fitness watch at a more accessible price point.
Comfortable design, complex controls
Featuring a sporty aesthetic, the Forerunner 165 boasts a fiber-reinforced polymer construction with a chunky bezel and easy-to-use buttons. The silicone strap enhances comfort, and the 1.2-inch OLED display provides vibrant colors and clear visibility.
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Running with the Garmin Forerunner 165
The Garmin Forerunner 165 excels in running features, providing essential metrics like pace, heart rate, and wrist-based running power. It offers personalized training recommendations based on your fitness level and tracks your progress effectively. While some metrics may need calibration, overall performance is commendable.
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Other workout modes and wellness features
The Forerunner 165 supports various exercises, including swimming, cycling, and strength training. While it may lack specific exercise identification for strength workouts, it offers reliable tracking and heart rate monitoring during these activities.
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Should you buy the Garmin Forerunner 165?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a great fitness watch, particularly for runners, offering a wide range of features at an affordable price. It may not cater to all fitness enthusiasts, but for casual and intermediate runners seeking a quality smartwatch for their exercise needs, the Forerunner 165 is a solid choice.
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Garmin Forerunner 165 price and availability
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is available in two models, with the standard version priced at $250 and the music variant at $300. Both models offer similar features, with the music version including the ability to save and play music from supported apps like Spotify.
