Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming
Best for: Beginner and intermediate runners who want real GPS accuracy and Garmin's analytics depth without the price of the 265 or 965. Also ideal as a first serious GPS watch for anyone moving up from a fitness tracker.
Full details →This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 570.
Best for: Regular runners who race 5K to marathon distances and want accurate GPS and detailed training load management.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Garmin Forerunner 265 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 11 days | 13 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery | hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness |
| Released | Mar 5, 2024 | Mar 1, 2023 |
| Cycle length | 1006 days | 806 days |
| Cycle advice | bad | superseded |
| Deals advice | good | clearance |
| Next model | Garmin Forerunner 170 (Expected March 2026) | — |
The FR165 is the first Garmin entry-level running watch with an AMOLED display — dramatically more readable than the LCD it replaces.
Training load, recovery time, Body Battery, HRV status, VO2 max estimation — the same analytics found on watches costing twice as much.
11 days typical use and roughly 19 hours GPS — enough for most training blocks without mid-week charging.
L1+L5 multi-band GPS reduces position drift in urban canyons and dense forest.
Daily score combining HRV status, sleep, acute load, and recovery time.
Estimates finish time for 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon based on current fitness.