Garmin Forerunner 165 Review: The Best Budget AMOLED Running Watch

The Garmin Forerunner 165 marks a significant milestone in running watch evolution, bringing AMOLED display technology to Garmin's budget-friendly lineup for the first time. In this comprehensive Garmin Forerunner 165 review, we examine whether this $249 running watch delivers the features serious runners need without the premium price tag. After extensive testing across road runs, trail sessions, and daily wear, we can confidently say the Forerunner 165 represents exceptional value for runners at every level.

Quick Verdict

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

The Garmin Forerunner 165 delivers an impressive package that punches well above its weight class. The stunning AMOLED display transforms the running watch experience, while accurate GPS tracking and comprehensive training features provide everything most runners need. At $249 ($299 for the Music version), it offers the best value proposition in Garmin's current lineup. The only notable limitations are the absence of multi-band GPS and advanced training metrics found in higher-tier models. For beginners through intermediate runners, this is the watch to buy in 2026.

Specifications

Design and Build Quality

The Forerunner 165 showcases Garmin's refined approach to runner-focused design. The 43mm case strikes an ideal balance between screen real estate and wrist comfort, while the fiber-reinforced polymer construction keeps weight impressively low at just 39 grams. This lightweight build means you barely notice the watch during intense interval sessions or long runs.

Build quality exceeds expectations for this price point. The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the display has proven resilient during our testing, surviving minor scrapes and bumps without visible damage. The case construction feels solid without any creaking or flex, though it obviously cannot match the titanium and sapphire builds of premium Garmin models.

The watch comes in several attractive colorways, with options for both the standard 43mm case and the smaller 42mm S model. Garmin has wisely included 20mm quick-release bands, opening up a vast world of aftermarket strap options. The included silicone band is comfortable for daily wear and workout sessions, with adequate ventilation to prevent sweat buildup.

Button layout follows Garmin's traditional five-button configuration. The tactile feedback is excellent, allowing reliable navigation even with sweaty or wet fingers. While some competitors have moved toward touchscreen-only interfaces, the physical buttons remain ideal for mid-run adjustments when touchscreens become problematic.

AMOLED Display Review

The AMOLED display is the Forerunner 165's headline feature, and it genuinely transforms the user experience. This is the first time Garmin has brought AMOLED technology to their budget running watch category, and the result is nothing short of impressive.

Colors are vibrant and punchy, making data screens more engaging and easier to read at a glance. The 390 x 390 pixel resolution delivers crisp text and sharp graphics across all data fields. Compared to the MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) displays found on earlier Forerunner models, the difference is immediately apparent.

The always-on display functionality works brilliantly for runners. A dimmed version of your watch face remains visible at all times, eliminating the need for exaggerated wrist gestures to check your pace mid-run. A quick wrist turn brings full brightness for detailed data review. Garmin has implemented smart brightness controls that adapt to ambient light conditions, preserving battery life while maintaining readability.

Outdoor visibility, traditionally an AMOLED weakness, performs better than expected. While the display cannot match a MIP panel in direct sunlight, it remains readable in most outdoor conditions. The auto-brightness adjustment helps significantly, cranking up intensity when needed.

Indoor visibility is exceptional. Whether checking metrics at the gym or reviewing training data in dim conditions, the AMOLED panel delivers clear, vibrant information. Watch face customization takes on new life with the rich color palette available.

Running Features

The Forerunner 165 delivers comprehensive running capabilities that satisfy most training requirements.

GPS Accuracy

GPS performance proved excellent throughout our testing period. While the Forerunner 165 lacks the multi-band GPS found in premium models, its standard GPS implementation with GLONASS and Galileo support delivers reliable positioning in most scenarios.

Open road and track running showed near-perfect accuracy, with distances matching known courses within acceptable margins. Trail running in moderate tree cover maintained good accuracy, though dense canopy occasionally produced minor deviations. Urban running with tall buildings showed slightly more variation than multi-band GPS watches, but remained acceptable for training purposes.

Cold start GPS acquisition typically completed within 15-30 seconds in our testing. The watch maintains satellite connection reliably once locked, with no mid-run dropouts experienced during months of testing.

Training Metrics

The Forerunner 165 includes essential training metrics that guide effective training without overwhelming new runners with data overload.

VO2 Max estimates provide a benchmark fitness measurement that tracks improvement over time. The algorithm has proven reasonably accurate when compared to lab testing, though individual results may vary based on running efficiency and other factors.

Race predictor estimates finish times for common distances based on your current fitness. These predictions assume proper training and favorable conditions, so consider them optimistic targets rather than guaranteed results. Still, watching predicted times improve provides excellent motivation.

Training effect analysis shows how each workout impacts your aerobic and anaerobic fitness. This helps runners understand whether their training appropriately targets their goals.

Recovery time advisor estimates how long you need before your next hard effort. While not perfect, it provides useful guidance for avoiding overtraining.

Daily suggested workouts offer structured training recommendations based on your training history and recovery status. These suggestions integrate seamlessly with Garmin Coach for runners following structured plans.

Garmin Coach

The free Garmin Coach feature sets this watch apart from competitors at this price point. Adaptive training plans for 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances adjust based on your progress, fitness level, and schedule. The integration with the watch makes following these plans effortless.

Health Monitoring

Beyond running, the Forerunner 165 provides comprehensive health tracking for daily wear.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The Garmin Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor delivers reliable performance for both workout tracking and 24/7 monitoring. Wrist-based optical heart rate has inherent limitations compared to chest straps, particularly during high-intensity intervals, but the Forerunner 165 performs as well as any wrist-based sensor we have tested.

Resting heart rate tracking over time reveals meaningful trends about fitness and recovery. The watch also monitors heart rate variability during sleep, providing data that informs recovery recommendations.

Sleep Tracking

Sleep monitoring has become increasingly sophisticated in Garmin's ecosystem. The Forerunner 165 tracks sleep stages (light, deep, REM), movement, and respiration rate throughout the night. Sleep scores provide a simple daily assessment, while detailed breakdowns help identify patterns affecting rest quality.

The watch automatically detects sleep and wake times with reasonable accuracy. Nap tracking captures daytime rest periods when they occur. Sleep data integrates with training readiness calculations, helping runners understand how recovery impacts performance.

Body Battery

Garmin's Body Battery feature estimates your energy reserves throughout the day, combining heart rate variability, stress, sleep quality, and activity data. Starting with a full charge in the morning, you watch energy deplete during activities and stress while seeing it recharge during rest and sleep.

For runners, Body Battery helps identify optimal training windows and explains why some days feel harder than others. It is not scientifically validated in the traditional sense, but many users find the correlations meaningful for managing training load.

Stress Tracking

All-day stress monitoring uses heart rate variability to estimate stress levels. While not a medical device, the trends prove useful for understanding how life stressors impact training and recovery. Guided breathing exercises help manage acute stress when levels spike.

Smart Features

165 Music Version

The Forerunner 165 Music ($299) adds 4GB of onboard music storage, enabling phone-free runs with your favorite playlists. Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer integration allows offline playlist syncing directly to the watch.

Bluetooth headphone connectivity works reliably with most wireless earbuds. Audio quality depends on your headphones, but the watch itself handles streaming without issues. For runners who prefer leaving phones behind, the Music version justifies its $50 premium.

Notifications and Connectivity

Smart notifications display incoming calls, texts, emails, and app alerts from your paired smartphone. Responses are limited on the watch itself, but quick replies and emoji options cover basic communication needs. Notification management works well, allowing customization of which apps can interrupt your focus.

Garmin Pay enables contactless payments on compatible payment terminals. Adding cards through Garmin Connect is straightforward, and the convenience of leaving your wallet behind for quick errands adds practical value.

Safety features include incident detection and assistance alerts. The watch can detect potential accidents during activities and send your location to emergency contacts. Manual assistance triggering is also available when needed.

Battery Life Testing

Garmin claims up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. Our real-world testing largely confirmed these figures with typical usage patterns.

With continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, smart notifications, and daily one-hour GPS activities, we consistently achieved 7-8 days between charges. This represents excellent battery life for an AMOLED display watch and far exceeds most competitors.

Pure GPS battery life during long runs matched Garmin's claims. A 3-hour trail run consumed approximately 15-16% battery, suggesting the 19-hour GPS estimate is achievable for ultra-distance events.

The AMOLED display does consume more power than MIP alternatives, particularly with always-on mode enabled. Disabling always-on display extends battery life noticeably, though at the cost of the seamless running experience the AMOLED provides.

Charging speed is adequate, reaching full capacity in approximately 90 minutes from empty. A 15-minute charge provides enough power for a substantial run, useful for forgetful moments before planned activities.

Comparison: Forerunner 165 vs Forerunner 55

The Forerunner 165 serves as the spiritual successor to the Forerunner 55, which remains available at reduced prices. Here's how they compare:

The Forerunner 165 represents a significant upgrade over the Forerunner 55. The AMOLED display alone justifies the price difference for most users, but the addition of Garmin Pay, optional music storage, and slightly refined training features make the 165 the clear recommendation for new purchases. The Forerunner 55 remains viable only for extremely budget-conscious buyers who prioritize longer battery life over display quality.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Stunning AMOLED display transforms the user experience
• Accurate GPS tracking for reliable training data
• Comprehensive training metrics for the price point
• Excellent battery life for an AMOLED watch
• Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
• Free Garmin Coach integration with adaptive training plans
• Optional music storage eliminates need for phone during runs
• Garmin Pay for contactless payments
• Strong ecosystem with Connect app and community features

Cons

• No multi-band GPS (found on Forerunner 265 and above)
• Lacks advanced metrics like Training Readiness and HRV Status
• No onboard maps or navigation features
• Plastic case construction (appropriate for price, but not premium)
• Music version commands $50 premium over base model
• No running dynamics without external sensor

Who Should Buy This Watch

The Garmin Forerunner 165 suits specific runner profiles exceptionally well:

Beginner Runners: The combination of essential metrics, Garmin Coach integration, and approachable interface makes this an ideal first GPS running watch. You get everything needed to start and progress without overwhelming complexity.

Intermediate Runners: Those training consistently for 5K through half marathon distances will find all necessary tracking and analysis features. Only runners seeking advanced training load analysis need look at pricier options.

Value-Conscious Runners: Anyone wanting flagship display quality without flagship pricing should consider the Forerunner 165 seriously. The AMOLED experience at $249 represents outstanding value.

Casual Daily Wear: The combination of fitness tracking, smart features, and attractive design works well for those wanting one watch for workouts and daily life.

Runners Who Hate Carrying Phones: The 165 Music version at $299 provides phone-free running with full music streaming capability.

Those Who Should Look Elsewhere:

• Runners wanting multi-band GPS should consider the Forerunner 265
• Those needing Training Readiness and advanced HRV analysis should step up to Forerunner 265 or higher
• Trail runners requiring onboard maps should consider Forerunner 965 or Fenix series
• Triathletes need the multisport capabilities of Forerunner 255 or above

Final Verdict

The Garmin Forerunner 165 accomplishes something impressive: it makes serious running technology accessible without compromising on the features that matter most. The AMOLED display is genuinely transformative for the running watch experience, and bringing this technology to a $249 price point demonstrates Garmin's commitment to expanding their ecosystem beyond premium buyers.

Is it perfect? No. The absence of multi-band GPS means urban runners may experience occasional accuracy hiccups. The lack of Training Readiness and advanced HRV status leaves data enthusiasts wanting more. No onboard maps limit navigation capabilities for adventure seekers.

But for the vast majority of runners, from complete beginners to experienced marathoners, the Forerunner 165 provides everything needed for effective training. The accurate GPS tracks your efforts, the training metrics guide your progress, the health features monitor your recovery, and that beautiful AMOLED display makes every interaction a pleasure.

At $249 for the standard version or$299 for the Music variant, the Garmin Forerunner 165 earns our strong recommendation as the best value running watch of 2026. It proves that you do not need to spend $500 or more to get a genuinely excellent GPS running watch.