Garmin Forerunner 165 Review 9 Months of Daily Use | #1 Budget Running Watch, Apple Watch Killer

Product Reviewed

Garmin Forerunner 165 (non-Music version) — used for 9 months for daily running/training.

---

Key Features Mentioned

• AMOLED display (1.25”)

  • Described as colorful and “looks like a phone screen.”
  • Easy to see in bright daylight (no squinting).

• Chemically strengthened glass

  • Noted as very durable.
  • Reviewer reports bumping it while running with a toddler; it hasn’t cracked yet.

• Built-in GPS (multiple selectable systems)

  • Highlighted as a main reason for purchase.

• Touchscreen + physical buttons

  • Touch works for scrolling/interaction.
  • Buttons are preferred for training, especially when wet, since they’re easier to press than the touchscreen.

• Workout & health tracking / data volume

  • Tracks heart rate, HRV status, steps, mileage, sleep, and training calculations.
  • Mentions VO2 max tracking.
  • Includes:
    • Race day prediction
    • Morning recap with customizable daily info (e.g., rested status, weather, motivational message)

• Charging & battery life (top standout)

  • During marathon training: running 6 days/week, battery lasts 12–14 days.
  • Full charge takes about 30–45 minutes after reaching low battery (example given: ~15% remaining).

• Water resistance / usability in rain

  • Works in the rain.
  • Buttons allow control without touching the screen when wet.

• Comfort & build

  • Silicone band feels very light/comfortable; described as feeling like “wearing nothing.”
  • Doesn’t smell bad despite daily sweat (shower/rinse helps).
  • Very lightweight: 39 g.

• Customizability

  • Customizable watch face (colors/layout/widgets).
  • Customizable scroll menu widgets (examples: HRV status, workout status, upcoming race, sleep score).
  • Customizable workout data screens and morning recap content/messages.

---

Pros (Explicitly Praised)

• Excellent battery life + fast charging (30–45 min to full; 12–14 days under heavy use)
• Bright, readable AMOLED screen (strong day visibility)
• Accurate GPS with multiple GPS modes
• Huge amount of actionable training data (including VO2 max and race prediction)
• Highly customizable UI/metrics (widgets, screens, morning recap)
• Wet/rain-friendly usability due to physical buttons
• Durable and comfortable (chemically strengthened glass; silicone band; lightweight 39 g)

---

Cons / Limitations Mentioned

• Music Edition wasn’t chosen (framed as personal preference, not a watch flaw)

  • Reviewer doesn’t typically listen to music while running.
  • Music version difference described as mainly phone-free syncing of stored music to Bluetooth headphones.

• Race prediction was off for the reviewer’s marathon time

  • They finished ~40 minutes slower than the watch’s prediction.
  • Cause attributed to not following the watch’s pacing/suggestions (user behavior), not hardware failure.

---

Comparisons Made

• Against Garmin higher-end models (570 / 970)

  • Described as “amazing,” but felt overkill for the reviewer’s training level.
  • Couldn’t justify the higher price.

• Against Fitbit / cheaper watches

  • Reviewer planned to go cheaper, but chose Garmin after expecting they’d likely regret missing:
    • accurate GPS
    • a bright/non-annoying screen
    • core metrics (HR, steps, sleep, VO2 max)
    • convenience of not needing the phone during runs

• Against Apple Watch (indirectly)

  • Friend reportedly charges every 1–2 days, which contrasts with the Garmin’s 12–14 day battery claim.

---

User Experience / Daily Use Notes

• Works well for beginner-to-intermediate runners, while still meeting needs for more experienced users.
• Reviewer uses touchscreen for casual navigation but turns it off during workouts, relying on buttons for easier control when moving and/or when wet.
• Reviewer reports it holds up in real-life conditions (bumps, rain runs) without issues.

---

Ratings / Numerical Scores

• No formal star rating or numeric review score provided.
• Numerical details mentioned:
  • Screen size: 1.25” AMOLED
  • Weight: 39 g
  • Battery life: 12–14 days (heavy training)
  • Charge time: 30–45 minutes to full
  • Marathon prediction vs result: ~40 minutes slower than prediction
  • Example battery level: 15% still enough to complete a run

---

Overall Verdict / Recommendation

Recommended — described as a best-value running/fitness watch for people who want:

• accurate GPS
• excellent screen readability
• lots of training metrics (including VO2 max)
• high customization
• standout battery life
• without paying for higher-end Garmin models

The reviewer calls it the “perfect watch at the perfect price point” and says they’re happy they chose the Forerunner 165.

---

Speaker Breakdown

• Single primary speaker (no separate viewpoints or multiple reviewers identified).