Garmin Forerunner 165 Review: Would Runners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this watch in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of expert tests, Garmin forum threads and news reports, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.
The default pick for beginner and intermediate runners
OutdoorGearLab measured GPS within about 0.03 miles on a 2.8-mile course and heart rate very close to a chest strap, and Trusted Reviews called it a strong-value watch with an excellent AMOLED screen. You get VO2 max, daily suggested workouts, HRV status and race planning. The trade-offs: standard GPS only (no multi-band), slow satellite lock in Trusted Reviews' test, a plastic case that scratches, and music only on a separate edition. A January 2026 software update also caused problems for some owners. Most runners would still buy it again.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- are new or improving runners who want guided training
- want a bright AMOLED screen in a light watch
- want reliable GPS and heart rate without top-tier extras
Skip it if you…
- run in dense cities or tall-building areas and want multi-band GPS
- need detailed on-watch maps for trails
- want multi-day GPS battery for ultras
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a GPS running watch with an AMOLED touchscreen and five buttons. It tracks runs, heart rate, sleep, HRV status and Body Battery, and offers daily suggested workouts. This listing is the standard edition without onboard music storage.
This is a fitness tracker, not a medical device, and its health readings are not medical advice.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Display | AMOLED touchscreen plus five buttons |
|---|---|
| GPS | Standard GPS (no multi-band) |
| Heart rate sensor | Garmin Elevate V4 optical |
| Battery (claimed) | Up to 11 days smartwatch, 19 hours GPS |
| Charging | About 100 minutes to full |
| Navigation | Breadcrumb courses and back-to-start, no detailed maps |
What owners and testers love
What owners complain about
How it holds up over time
Hardware complaints are rare in what we found; the plastic case can pick up scratches. The bigger long-term risk is software: Garmin updates add features but have occasionally caused problems. We could not confirm whether the January 2026 issue has since been fully fixed, so check Garmin's forum if tracking acts up after an update.
Tips from owners
- Wait for a GPS lock before starting, or start the activity screen early while you warm up.
- Turn off always-on display outside workouts to stretch battery life.
- Restart the watch after a firmware update if tracking misbehaves, and contact Garmin support if it continues.
- Load GPX courses for trails, since there are no detailed maps.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Accurate GPS and heart rate in testing
- Bright AMOLED screen
- Good coaching and training features
- Light and comfortable
- Touchscreen plus five buttons
What owners complain about
- No multi-band GPS
- Slow GPS lock in some tests
- Battery shorter with always-on screen
- Music only on a separate edition
- Some owners hit software bugs after updates
Other fitness watches owners compare
These are common step-down options next to the Forerunner 165.
| Model | Type | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 165 (this review) | GPS running watch, AMOLED | You want accurate running data and a bright screen | See on Amazon |
| Garmin Forerunner 55 | GPS running watch, MIP screen | You want a simpler Garmin with a lower price | See on Amazon |
| Fitbit Charge 6 Read our review | Fitness band with GPS | You want all-day health tracking more than a running watch | See on Amazon |
Getting serious about running?
Check the current price and colors of the Forerunner 165 on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Forerunner 165 have multi-band GPS?
No. It uses standard GPS. Testers still found it accurate, but it can struggle more around tall buildings.
Can it play music?
Only the Forerunner 165 Music edition stores music. The standard edition does not.
How long does the battery last?
Garmin claims up to 11 days as a smartwatch and 19 hours of GPS. Trusted Reviews got about 7 days with always-on screen and heavy settings.
Does it have maps?
No detailed maps. It supports breadcrumb courses from GPX files and back-to-start navigation.
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Sources we analyzed
- Trusted Reviews: Garmin Forerunner 165 review — battery test, GPS lock, heart rate, features
- OutdoorGearLab: Garmin Forerunner 165 review — accuracy scores, battery, navigation
- Notebookcheck: Garmin update causes problems — January 2026 update 27.09 reports
- Garmin Forums: Forerunner 165 owner thread — owner settings glitches fixed by support
Figures reflect each source as of October 13, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.