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Garmin Forerunner 165 Running Smartwatch

Curated from 116 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: October 21, 2024

Garmin Forerunner 165 Running Smartwatch

Brand: Garmin

Price: $249

Snoop Score:

6.3

Sentiment

6.7

Popularity

7.9

Technical

4.9

Buy on Amazon for $249 See All GPS Units Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a running smartwatch designed to support athletes with its built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and a vibrant AMOLED display. This lightweight device offers personalized workout suggestions and extensive training metrics, making it an ideal companion for runners and fitness enthusiasts. Consumer sentiment surrounding the Forerunner 165 is largely positive, highlighting its reliability and user-friendly features. Feedback reveals that users appreciate the "fantastic" battery life, with one user stating, "Battery lasts a month" and another emphasizing its effectiveness for running and fitness tracking. However, some users have noted challenges with the small screen in urban navigation, mentioning, "It's a bit of a pain as the screen is too small." Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is highly recommended for those in the market for a dedicated running smartwatch due to its impressive features, reliable performance, and positive user feedback.

Not for you? Check out our other rated GPS Units

I got an Etrex 30 around when they were released and it has been 100% for me ever since.
Positive Feedback

I still prefer to have everything I need on my wrist for walking / running than have an additional device solely for riding.
Negative Feedback

6.3

Garmin Forerunner 165 Running Smartwatch

Buy on Amazon for $249

Marathon & Road Running

8 / 10

Trail & Ultra Running

2 / 10

Triathlon & Multisport

9 / 10

Everyday Fitness & Wellness

10 / 10

See how this compares to all GPS Units

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Garmin devices are reliable for navigation in adverse weather

“I got an Etrex 30 around when they were released and it has been 100% for me ever since.”➕

“No regrets.”➕

Garmin handheld GPS is reliable for outdoor navigation

“They're relatively inexpensive, easy to use, lightweight and accurate.”➕

Reliable for army use

“It makes recon life 10x easier”➕

Garmin units have improved reliability over time

“They used to be horribly unreliable, but I think it's unjustified nowadays.”➕

Great battery life

“Battery lasts a month. Sleep tracking has helped me be healthier.”➕

“Battery life is fantastic compared to a Samsung I used before.”➕

Customizable features and sensors

“It aut detects them, no fuss pairing.”➕

Lightweight design is appealing for fitness tracking

“It's quite light on the smart watch functionality, but it's a great runners watch/fitness tracker.”➕

Great for running and fitness tracking

“It's that good I literally have no reason to upgrade to a 265/965.”➕

“All will work well.”➕

Long battery life

“Long battery life. This is a huge plus.”➕

“Garmins golf app is pretty good, its great for running and biking as well.”➕

Robust design for outdoor activities

“+1 to this. I have had the Fenix 6Pro (Sapphire/titanium) and it's bullet proof.”➕

“Another vote for Fenix series. Best multisport watch out there”➕

Great for multi-sport tracking

“I've got the same watch, does the job for golf, running, cycling, gym, etc.”➕

“The touchscreen can be a real pain in the bum.”➕

Buttons preferred over touchscreen in certain conditions

“The buttons are solid.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Navigation difficult in cities due to small screen

“I still prefer to have everything I need on my wrist for walking / running than have an additional device solely for riding.”➕

“It's a bit of a pain as the screen is too small. I will load my route onto my Fenix, but only as a backup to my Wahoo.”➕

“I'm actually thinking about buying one for privacy reasons. Cellphones make it way too easy for corporations etc to track your location.”➕

Garmin Venu lacks map function for navigation

“As far as i know, the venu doesn’t offer the map function, so you should get the fenix or epix.”➕

Small screen is difficult to use

“A watch is a much smaller screen and more finnicky to use than a stand alone unit or an app on your phone.”➕

“I have a Garmin instinct watch. It's pretty much useless without your phone.”➕

Garmin watches are perceived as overpriced

“Garmins are a bit overpriced, compared to the competitors.”➕

Stock strap is uncomfortable

“It's never bothered me in any way. I even sleep with it on.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch	$449	8.4	Details	Buy
Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Multisport GPS Watch	$559	7.1	Details	Buy
COROS APEX 2 Outdoor GPS Watch	$349	6.9	Details	Buy
Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit	$229	6.8	Details	Buy
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch	$178	6.7	Details	Buy
Garmin 010-02626-10 Instinct 2 Outdoor Watch	$198	6.6	Details	Buy
COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch	$229	6.4	Details	Buy
Garmin Forerunner 165 Running Smartwatch	$249	6.3	Details	Buy
Garmin fenix 6 Pro GPS Watch	$479	6.0	Details	Buy
Garmin Enduro™ 2 Ultraperformance Watch	$667	6.0	Details	Buy
Garmin tactix 7 Pro Ballistics Edition GPS Watch	$1419	5.9	Details	Buy
Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Running Smartwatch	$374	3.9	Details	Buy
Garmin 010-12520-00 Running Dynamics Pod	$59	3.2	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Garmin is viewed as a leader in handheld GPS technology

“Garmin currently is the leading company that does devices that do mapping, texting, and emergency services all in one.”➕

Discussion about GPS recommendations for mapping accuracy

“I really want one that will do well in wooded areas.”➕

“Given you desire to have accuracy no worse than 5 feet, you'll want to shop for handheld units with bluetooth capability that also have SBAS.”➕

“The US Forest Service tests GPS units under forest conditions.”➕

Discussion about the transition to lifetime updates in Garmin devices

“Even if it gets downed there will be huge interest in reviving it by anyone capable of launching more.”➕

“I had two Garmin Nuvis before smartphones were popular, both came with *1 year* of updates.”➕

“I have 3 and all of them have free lifetime upgrades. Maybe they changed that at some point?”➕

“They started changing to lifetime updates for most products a while after the mobile version of Google Maps introduced turn-by-turn directions and ate their lunch.”➕

Standalone GPS units have pre-installed maps, avoiding data usage from phones

“Standalone GPS units have the maps already installed and those cost a lot of money for companies to create and keep updated.”➕

Discussion about the necessity of advanced features in Garmin models.

“The 265 is all the watch you will ever need.”➕

User experiences with different watch faces

“Just got my Forerunner 255! What should I know?”➕

“I’ve tried so many faces but keeping coming back to the one OP uses lol.”➕

“It’s meant to just display a solid color to detect amoled burn in.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Different experiences using Garmin for navigation across varied terrains

“Google is great for driving but pretty terrible for cycling, especially if you are trying to avoid riding on roads.”➕

“Any reason to keep an old Garmin GPS ? Found it in the closet, powered up ok.”➕

“Be sure to leave it outside every once in a while powered on in order to download an almanac.”➕

Some users prefer handheld GPS over smartphones for navigation

“Smart phones do this adequately and arguably better because they can have different apps that look at the data differently.”➕

“I carry a physical GPS unit still. Used to be a Garmin GPSMaps 64 and now it's a GPSMaps 67i with the satellite SOS functionality.”➕

Discussion about using GPS watches as backups

“Nothing a stand-alone unit can really do better than your phone, unless you want to be able to message with it, and soon phones should be able to use satellite messaging as well.”➕

“The mapping on the Fenix is really just an emergency backup. It works but is hard to navigate well.”➕

Users prefer dedicated GPS devices for navigation over smartwatches

“Many thanks.”➕

“I also usually have it backed up on Gaia and/or trailforks on my phone”➕

“So, during the summer months I usually use cheaper alkalines since they are EVERYWHERE to be found, then keep a set for the colder days or emergencies.”➕

“Apps on your phone will get that job done.”➕

Comparison of Garmin and Wahoo experiences

“most people spreading "hate" around Garmin were complaining about their products being too complicated.”➕

“I’ve been using Garmin for few years and I’m ok with it.”➕

Standalone GPS units are recommended for road trips and long-distance travel

“My experience is comparing the navigation system that came with my car compared to Google Maps.”➕

Discussion about choosing between golf and running features

“If I was doing things over I would get a Vivo 5.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Potential users torn between Garmin models for navigation and fitness

“Garmin watch for navigation rather than a GPS unit mounted? I wouldn't mind a smartwatch too so I was about to get the Venu 2, but figured I'd ask for any experience first.”➕

“GPS probably isn’t going to work forever. I have paper USGS maps of all areas within a week’s hike of my home.”➕

Questions about specific GPS needs for hiking and mapping

“What are you looking to get out of your GPS? Tracking your hikes? Seeing your location on a map? Do you want something that is also satellite messaging enabled?”➕

Discussions about the best Garmin GPS device

“If you want an all encompassing GPS then yeah the 67i will do everything you want and is probably the best “complete” unit.”➕

“Especially if you utilize the filters on their website, you'll quickly realize this little sucker is chalk full of features.”➕

Users discussing preferences for pure navigation devices over smart features

“I don’t know why everything must be so confusing and complicated.”➕

“It uses 2 AA batteries and lasts 3 days always on.”➕

“Trying to plot a course on the gps would be a massive pain.”➕

“It can be used as a full-on comprehensive mapping app or a simple navigator depending on your needs.”➕

Older GPS devices can still be useful with updates.

“Sure, if you can update it’s map data”➕

“Then use google….. your GPS will be out of date and will need to be updated.”➕

“My old Garmin GPS I had lifetime map updates but been awhile since I tried it. It was pretty common to get free maps installed onto the hiking GPS units vs buying from Garmin, doubt it is much different on the auto devices.”➕

“Often older GPS devices are more accurate as they were single goal devices and didn’t have to share space and battery power with all other uses.”➕

User experiences impact future purchase decisions

“experience with a product is really significant in next purchases.”➕

The cost of standalone GPS units is attributed to specialized hardware and features

“A Lot of the stand alone units price is for replicated features.”➕

“Some of the hardware is also kind of specialized, which adds cost, even if it seems low tech on the surface.”➕

User transitioning from Apple to Garmin for running and hiking needs.

“the gps and tracking is what I initially was interested in for safety / map confidence.”➕

Users sharing pricing information for Garmin models.

“Still great price.”➕

Color preferences affect purchase decisions

“Hate the blue color on this device though, but that price difference is huge for me.”➕

“You will wear it all the time. Definitely don’t buy something you don’t like.”➕

“I would have gotten a white one, but it isn't available here, so I went for a black 265 because it is neutral and would go with everything.”➕

“If I want color on my watch, I use a colored wristband.”➕

Users are considering various Garmin models for fitness tracking

“I basically have no clue what I need.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Discussion on the reliability of GPS functionality on smartphones

“The GPS functionality on phones is fairly good and will work in most locations so long as you’ve preloaded the maps for locations that have no cell phone coverage.”➕

Mixed experiences with mapping capabilities

“I kinda bough second hand fenix just because of the map.”➕

Dedicated GPS units have benefits over smartphone GPS apps

“Why do hobby pilots and boat captains always use Garmins?”➕

“A dedicated GPS unit has a number of benefits over a GPS app on a phone”➕

“You can preload GPS units with maps of wherever you are going, which will then therefore work wherever you go.”➕

“They also tend to run on replaceable AA batteries so it is very easy to just swap batteries and continue to use them.”➕

Smartphones can overheat when used as GPS devices

“I've got a motorcycle specific TOMTOM that I switch between bikes.”➕

Preference for bulky watches

“I like bulky. Also larger watch has a larger battery, so less charging.”➕

Mixed reviews on Garmin apps for specific sports

“what golf app do you use? I use golfshot and I don't think it syncs with Garmin?”➕

“Garmin golf app which is built in on Garmin watches”➕