This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 970.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Garmin Forerunner 965 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $249★ | $599 |
| Subscription | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 39g★ | 53g |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Battery | 11 days | 23 days★ |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Mar 5, 2024 | Mar 1, 2023 |
| Cycle advice | bad | superseded |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.
Turn-by-turn navigation on full TopoActive maps — essential for trail running and mountain racing.
Cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and running power.
Enough for week-long trail ultras without a charge.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$459 vs $809 over 3 years · no required subscription.
23 days vs 11 days battery.
7 sensors.
39g · no required subscription.
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 →Competitive runners, triathletes, and ultramarathon runners who want full maps, running dynamics, and premium build.
Full details →