8.7Staff pick
Garmin
Forerunner 970
$750AMOLED, offline maps, a flashlight and training metrics you'll actually read.
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GPS Watches · Garmin
Forerunner 165
Bright screen, Garmin Coach plans and the full app ecosystem on a budget.
7.8 Solid
Runsletter Score out of 10. Good at its job, with clear limits.
Buy it if
- Bright AMOLED at a budget price
- Garmin Coach plans included
- Light and comfortable all day
Skip it if
- No multi-band GPS
- Music only on the pricier edition
- No offline maps
$250
List price; often discounted in seasonal sales
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- Battery
- Up to 11 days
- Display
- AMOLED
- Maps
- Breadcrumb only
The verdict
The Forerunner 165 is Garmin's entry-level running watch, and it doesn't feel like one. Bright AMOLED screen, Garmin Coach training plans and access to the full app ecosystem, at a price that won't hurt.
It's for new runners and anyone who wants Garmin's software without the flagship price. Against the Coros Pace 3 it has the nicer screen but less battery and no dual-band GPS; against the Suunto Run it wins on coaching and app depth.
Standard GPS is accurate enough for most road running, if less sure-footed in cities. Battery lasts over a week of normal use, and breadcrumb navigation handles a loaded course.
“The best first running watch, full stop.”
Specs
| Battery | Up to 11 days |
|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED |
| Maps | Breadcrumb only |
| Weight | 39 g |
| GPS | Single-band, multi-system |
| Heart rate | Elevate Gen 4 |
| Water rating | 5 ATM |
| Lens | Toughened glass |
| Music | Music edition only |
| Sizes | 43 mm |
We may earn a commission if you buy through our links. Scores are sample editorial data.
How it stacks up
Compare side by side →| Product | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 165 · this one | 7.8 Solid | $250 |
| Garmin Forerunner 970 | 8.7 Elite | $750 |
| Coros Pace 3 | 8.4 Strong | $229 |
| Garmin Forerunner 570 | 8.3 Strong | $550 |
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