Garmin Forerunner 165 In-Depth Review - The BEST Value Running Watch?

Garmin Forerunner 165
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Garmin Forerunner 265 / 265s
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Garmin Forerunner 965
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Garmin Venu 3 / 3S
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Garmin Vivoactive 5
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Apple Watch Series 9
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Apple Watch SE
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COROS PACE 3
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00:00 - Intro / Overview
01:33 - Pricing / Options / Colors
02:33 - Hardware / Design / Comfort
05:06 - Display / Flat Glass Design
06:49 - User Interface / Smartwatch Features
07:55 - Daily Wellness Tools
08:54 - Adaptive Training Plans / Training Tools
10:59 - Activity Profiles / Customization
11:54 - Wrist Based Running Dynamics
12:29 - Navigation / Mapping
12:58 - External Sensor Support
13:23 - GPS Modes / Accuracy
14:56 - Battery Life
16:06 - Heart Rate Accuracy
17:03 - Comparison: 165 vs 265 vs 965 vs Venu 3 vs Vivoactive 5
18:20 - Comparison: 165 vs COROS Pace 3
19:43 - Final Thoughts / Conclusion

[@Ss-wt8jw]

I just ordered this baby, my first running watch

[@Anwrimos23]

Big mistake: Coros Pace 3 is overall better on this price

[@matthiassventoest6800]

I hear you 100%, on garmin kinda needing to reduce the friction in their models.. some of the models make no sense. Great job on the video

[@stevebailey1682]

Thank you for making chart...very useful!

[@uhsnarpranshu]

Thanks for this awesome comparison. Just starting out with regular running and going for FR165.

[@X.C_]

Well prepared review and enjoyed the charts. I am only really interested in the next version of the Garmin Tactix (8).

[@brandonclarke8463]

Excellent breakdown. Appreciate the comparison to the Coros Pace 3!

[@mateussl2324]

What a nice surprise! Excellent details! Thank you! Please make a video compering 165 with Coros Pace 3

[@The7H_Forza]

I wanna see that video too

[@jdcampbell23]

Definitely. I want this video too

[@kevinamrulloh]

garmin just have spotify compared to pace 3, am I right?

[@CSRunner7]

Was just about to buy a 255 so this 165 came out of the blue! Very timely video and trying to work out which to get now. I want running dynamics data so great if 165 has this and with screen maybe better option as I only need for running.

[@DingDong-fq2mo]

Great review, as always. I might just pick up the 165. I use HRV4training for training readiness/load kinda stuff nowadays, so don't need it in watch. And now that the low end model has trail running activity (about time time!), i think it has everything i need. Mapping is the only truly useful feature lacking, but that's several midels, and hundreds of dollars, up the ladder in any case.

[@hassannour1697]

I just ordered it, thank you very much for these easy to follow & and In-Depth reviews!

[@Anwrimos23]

Big mistake: Coros Pace 3 is overall better on this price

[@veronicazimmerman3294]

The chart is amazingly helpful. Thank you

[@marcusant6895]

I am looking to upgrade from my 5 year old Forerunner 45. Lots of great info in this video. The chart helped me out a ton. I agree with your point about the music version should be $250 to begin with. I considered and researched Amazfit & Apple watches but the Garmin just suits my needs the best. I will most likely go with the 165. Thanks for putting this together.

[@JohnXionidis]

I love it. A good looking sports watch with a fair pricing is exactly what i was looking for.

[@benbeelerfitness2595]

Hey Dave, great idea with the spreadsheet! I would love to also see size of watch face and number of metrics that can be displayed on that list.

[@Gabrielerf]

Very nice watch. Great review as always, thanks Dave.

[@DP-bw4ti]

Thanks for introducing super useful comparison table. I am about to order my first Garmin and it helps a lot :)

[@jdcampbell23]

I agree with your rant. I follow you, DCR, DesFit, Legrand and I still get confused by all the lineups. I consider myself an informed consume, but enough is enough. It's hard to recommend watches to others because Garmin's algorithm doesn't make sense on why some watches get certain software features.

[@mlegrand]

Amazing work here! I'm not sure I love the 'Run' on the select button but this watch should be enough for a lot of people. I'm thinking it'd be an ideal recommendation for many of my cross country athletes. Also, I'm seeing a few tiny scratches on your 965. I'm sure it's only noticeable when it's reflected off the studio lights but I also wonder about those slightly domed screens. 🤔. Stay classy out there buddy!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The 965 has a screen protector on it with plenty of action seen. I need to replace that!

[@jennbateywithkellerwilliam8431]

Thanks for the comparison chart

[@warriorrunning254]

This video was great. Alot of great information and comparison to other models. I appreciate your videos and your attention to detail on these items. I have the Forerunner 955 and will probably make the upgrade to the Fenix 7 or 8 if it comes out this summer or the 965. But the 165 looks like a huge upgrade from the 55.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks!

[@dadandvideogames]

Really Glad I picked up a vivoactive 5 last night. This looks great, but very similar.

[@mattlauch9202]

I’ve got the Fenix 3. Keen for a brighter screen now. The simplicity of this seems great.

[@DoodGitGud]

Thanks so much for this review, love the breakdown of features and specs. Heavily considering FR 165 or FR 265s upgrade from Venu SQ.

[@lhzsdgsfbvv]

265s will be the upgrade and will fix you from feature creep.

[@Lolly-yl2se]

Great video! Thank you particularly for the charts you made! I love that Garmin has lots of watches; juxtapose Garmin with Fitbit that only introduced ONE tracker in 2023 - that’s it. Is there a 165S? 43mm is too big for smaller wrists. I’m accustomed to 40 mm on my Venu 2S.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad it was helpful! There's only one size of the 165 at this time. No "S" model yet!

[@TheHutchRuns]

Love the video, if I needed an entry level watch then I'd go with the 165, I ve actually got a Epix Gen2 which I got just before they released the Pro! That's what frustrates me!

[@merpinallday]

I've been running with the Pace 3 as my first watch for the past 2 weeks. This one is really enticing since I'm still in the return window

[@fikriilhamfadhillah4467]

Great option with the 20mm strap, but I fell in love with MIPs display on my 255s 😂

[@AK8T3]

Me too! Love my FR255, it’s very underrated, in my opinion.

[@Nina-bv3ye]

Thanks for the video. I am waiting for the fenix 8 😂

[@gsmautomotive]

new to running and currently own an Apple Watch Ultra. Intrigued by the Garmin offering but their watch line up confuses the life out of me and does seem like it could benefit from some kinda rationalisation between the forerunner, vivo active, fenix, Epix etc etc etc love the videos and reviews though!

[@JasonOLeary1985]

I've been using my Fr745 for many years now and it's showing its age. Tempted by this cheaper watch, but the lack of multisport means I'll probably be heading to the 265 when the time comes.

[@Anwrimos23]

Very expensive option look for coros pace 3

[@alimkassim]

Thanks for summary

[@bridie10500]

I’ve just purchased this and was toying between Vivo active, really good insight so thank you! I’ve moved from an Apple Watch so all new to me!

[@darren6531]

I've also got a Apple watch. How have you found the 165

[@lleemcdermitt1892]

Think I'll keep my 255s for awhile. Great video ❤ love my watch

[@lowzyyy]

3 years minimum

[@knutekjc93]

Would be nice to see that Gen 5 HR sensor come over to the Forerunner line - I’ve been considering upgrading my 955, but at the moment it’s not buying much more than an AMOLED display

[@AzizKhambati]

Currently have the Venu 2, will continue to use it till it dies, but this is a good replacement

[@jagj5452]

Bought one a couple of days back. Only issue is the complicated menu. More watch faces would've been great. Hope there'll be many additions with time.

[@YooriUK]

I got the Apple ultra but now interested in getting this one… wasn’t excited about the 265 though

[@ActiveIdeas]

Wow, excellent video! Loved the rant the end haha, I feel ya. Been loving the 165 but now you’ve got me wanting to check out the Coros Pace 3 😍

[@ucruz3]

Wooh excited for my 165 tomorrow😂 thanks for the 4mos installment tabby❤

[@darren6531]

What's your thoughts on the 165 after having it a month or so ?

[@flocav6962]

Great video, I still have my forerunner 245 which works fine. And I guess it's actually quite similar to the 165, without the amoled screen.

[@robhunt8378]

Somewhat. It's a side step more than a straightforward upgrade. The only thing I'd really like from the 165 is HRV. 245 has a few things they left out in the 265 such as training status, training load, virtual pacer

[@sxhrgvs]

Great review. Seems like quite a lot of functionality for $300.

[@Olzay]

Ah I absolutely agree with Garmin confusing the customer - I’m an Apple Watch user looking to maybe switch to Garmin yet I’m so confused with what to pick I probably won’t. However, software costs a lot to make/develop so I’m not overly surprised companies are holding back certain features even though it is annoying.

[@sigfreed11]

6:53 flat glass basically sold me by itself!

[@maxfreeman6343]

Well, it is very interesting model, for sure. Concerning the comparision with Coros Pace 3, Pace 3 also has temperature sensor (however, in the latest firmware it is used only for water temperature measurment in swimming activities) and trail run mode. Also Garmin Pay would be worth mentioning in the comparision tables, because that feature may be important for people who choose between Forerunner 165 and Pace 3. But for lack of certain activity profiles and extra $ for music support, it would be a true Pace 3 killer. Edit: other reviews show that Forerunner 165 does not have a metronome, and lacks altitude and atmospheric pressure widgets (despite having a built-in altimeter sensor). These tiny details move Forerunner 165 further from "Pace 3 killer" status, imho.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yep both have temperature sensors. Garmin connect is certainly a selling point!

[@ryanf6157]

Great! This seals the deal. I'm ordering a FR165 and upgrading from my Fitbit Inspire 2 that I won from a granola bar box (not joking, the code made me instantly win). Super stoked. I'm waiting a couple weeks though for the 20% Garmin coupon from the Optimity app to be applicable to this watch. They aren't applicable to watches to watches released within 60 days of launch date.

[@FidllanNurkhoir]

very informative, think im gonna buy it right now haha

[@justinegonzalez6461]

Thank you for this video! I am especially grateful for the time you put into that handy comparison chart. I found it incredibly useful 🙌 Why the watch appeals to me: I'm a runner, but have been using Fitbits for the last 4 years (Versa 2 and 3) to track my overall health. I've loved the overall Fitbit UI, metrics, etc., but as I take the next step in my running journey (really getting into trail running), I'm looking to transition into a more running focused watch. This watch is really interesting to me, as it's at my perfect price point and seems to have the right DNA combo of smartwatch/running watch. The 55 screen seemed like a giant step down + I wouldn't get the music version of the 165, as I don't listen to music on trail runs + my tread and road running is either done with Peloton or at run clubs. I don't need all of the features of the $400+ watches... On your Garmin/market competition notes: The wearable market is weird and going through a lot of changes and trends (mainly that the biggest global growth is in high-end watches + really low end wearables) - so I imagine the mid market ($100 - $399) will continue to be crowded as companies figure out how to compete with Apple's growing share. I think Garmin has a strong profile in the $400+ range, but the mid market is just saturated right now, as you mentioned. Lastly, a tiny rant: I'm just getting a little tired of everyone complaining about feature tiers. These are businesses folks - whether it's Fitbit with it's subscription, or Garmin with holding back certain software features for pricier devices - companies are looking for ways to make more money off of us and sustain their growth.. given market dynamics, I imagine their hope is to push people to the $400+ 265, which is a market segment that has good growth - they don't want to totally undercut that flagship product...

[@robertp7209]

The 265 has been around a while, and the new 165’s screen is so slightly smaller, the rest of the 265 isn’t worth the difference in the huge price jump, any longer. The 165 unlike the 265 is offered in a lower cost non music version. I didn’t check the weight difference to see if the 165 is that much lighter too, it may be. No big deal in batt life. Perhaps more are carrying cell phones as companions these days, except for swimmers, most certainly runners do as few in my opinion run with others. Distance running is a solitude activity, around the clock in just about any weather. The 265 is an always wear around the clock device, a so called human condition monitor as I call it, the instruction manual is ridiculous, and nothing is intuitive. So is the credits it gives to all those sources of the human condition / training experts. I see Garmin issued videos on how to program the 165, it’s just like the 265 in programming and can be applied accordingly. Same buttons too. The most expensive models just like big screen tv lineups,changed annually, are targeted to top end buyers, and overpriced accordingly. I find the 265 screen to read at all, responds faster than the Venu I had, I’d bet Garmin delays it purposely by degrading performance enough to be annoyingly a reason to upgrade, again. The connect app to a phone or tablet after the 265 downloads is the only place practical to analyze post race or training data, not on the wrist. Seems the 265 is the design model for the new 165 in too many respects, yet I don’t see a reason enough to blow the extra cash if one gets a 165 to go 265 later, hence the Garmin product development plan continues, to sell more and junk the rest.

[@gatordonttakenoshiat]

I was deciding between this and the Coros Pace 3. I went for the Pace 3. The only thing that was making me lean towards the 165 was Spotify but I’d rather just take my phone on a long run than pay £80 more.

[@claudiojaramillo5177]

I'll take a Coros Pace 3 any day

[@niklasschmitz8354]

why is that? I just got mine, but Im now unsure :(

[@jamesswinnerton513]

Awesome review

[@user-jh2cj7qs1l]

Can you please do a video comparing this to maybe the apple watch SE of Series 9?

[@missbutts85]

Garmin has entirely too many watches 😩😩😩. Guess this kinda competes with the COROS pace 3. Even though I’m well aware that COROS offers more but I mean as far as price point if you want the amoled display and if you prefer the garmin platform

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yup, this is directly targeting the Pace 3 crowd!

[@bambaklats2891]

Don't forget the Pace has standard offline music. So the real difference in price is 90€ here in the EU

[@missbutts85]

@@bambaklats2891 yeah that’s why I said “guess it kinda competes”. Also get dual band gps with the pace 3

[@lukecarl.]

@@bambaklats2891and triathlon mode

[@taylorgiles4844]

they need 3 watches low tier very basic gets the job done plastic, mid tier few more features maybe stainless steel, the top tier throw every feature possible at this model titanium and sapphire everywhere. have two sizes for each tier and all models get microphones and music storage (its 2024 everything has microphones and storage)

[@JavierISampedroTNF]

My Fenix 5x battery decided to die and cannot be replaced so I have to check a new one. This model ticks most of the boxes for my activities but of course, I would miss the Fenix feel and now I do not feel to spend all that extra money. Definitely a serious candidate and good package for the price.

[@crafttyangelo8574]

I have a question, will they release a 165s? I have the 45s and I love the size of it. I’m planning on getting this watch this summer 😄

[@IDYLBERRY]

I live near the Big Alta course. I hope you finish as that's a brutal course. Bring high traction shoes it's going to be muddy. Thanks for your presentation of the Forerunner.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nice! I'm excited to check out those rather smooth trails compared to the rocks and roots I'm used to on the east coast lol.

[@IDYLBERRY]

@@ChaseTheSummit When you're on the trail don't wander off into the tall grass as there are ticks. In the past I've seen mountain lions, a wolf, and rattlers. I don't think you'll be seeing any this time of year. Marinwood Market sells wholesome food. If you need any info of the area let me know.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@IDYLBERRY thanks! We get nasty ticks here as well fortunately not this time of year. Probably add a bit of deet to the ankles as an insurance policy. Are you going to be on the course this weekend?

[@IDYLBERRY]

@@ChaseTheSummit No I won't be there as I'm not a runner, I'm a cyclist. I've hiked up there several times. It rained today to add to the runoff. Try to get out to beautiful west Marin and Point Reyes National Seashore.

[@IDYLBERRY]

@@ChaseTheSummitHope you had fun a did well.

[@mikeb7117]

This is a great option for people (like me) who find the 255 too big and don't like the 18mm strap on the 'S' models.

[@priscillawalker677]

Exactly!

[@user-fu7uu8vd5g]

I would really like to see comparison video with Coros pace 3 since they are the same price where I live (non music version forerunner)

[@sigfreed11]

What’s the difference between Body Battery and Training Readiness? They seem SO similar

[@Drrck11]

The only complaint I have about Garmin are the various models they make. It can be confusing to prospective buyers who are not already familiar with Garmin watches.

[@NgapakTeritorry]

I'am a begginer runner, my sporty activity is only : Running. I used FR45, but FR45 the diameter is too small for my hand, but 265 or 965 is too big. So Maybe 165 is my next gear. Still waiting this product comes in my country

[@sherwinctan]

Pls compare 165 to Coros Pace 3

[@arthurrdz]

Hi! can you help me choose? between a FR165 basemodel for $330 usd vs a FR955 for $450 usd, those are the prices here in Mexico! thanks in advance, i love your videos! my priorities are good hr accuracy and battery life for multiday hikes

[@AndroidProUser]

I'm def team apple watch, but i like seeing what else is out there.

[@hornsteinhof7592]

Is there a profile for indoor biking? (Edit: I've seen it, it seems to be there!) I'm really happy that strength training is there, together with HRV measuring. It looks way more appealing than the Vivoactive 5 at a similar price point. There are just too many Garmin watches with roughly the same functions out there! Thanks for the review. I agree 100 % with your conclusion about confusing watch features. Just put all the profiles in all the watches, but mapping, extreme battery life and metal casing in the most expensive watches. Premium features like ECG and training readiness could be reserved for the mid tier and the entry tier is mostly separated by looks and built (Forerunner 165, Vivoactive 5, Instinct). Something like that. Would have been great to have a load focus on this one, though, as the instinct as a non-running watch has it

[@maxfreeman6343]

@hornsteinhof7592 your comment actually describes the marketing strategy of Coros. Unfortunately, Garmin preferred a different path.

[@ZotmundSzele]

My rant: certain models lack the pause / resume later function. Luckily the FR165 has it. Not sure about the Vivoactive 5 or the new Venu series. I hate when you have to pause and the watch saves the activity after 20ish minutes. (sometimed even without warning)

[@patrickzippetelli9378]

Love the review and bought a FR165 Today! I like everything except the display... it's about HALF the brightness of my Venu or Venu 2+. Did you notice any problems with brightness?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That's odd mine was really bright. In fact, it might even be brighter than my 965. Did you adjust the brightness settings?

[@patrickzippetelli9378]

@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks for the quick response. Yes I have it set for max brightness during activities and general use. Garmin asked me for photos since it's barely visible in sunlight. There was a software fix to 6.08 that does not seem to help.

[@patrickzippetelli9378]

Just for folks that may be interested. I did a hard reset on my FR165 and the display got considerably brighter about midway thru booting up. I'm guessing the 6.08 software update caused the problem....

[@macau.friend]

Thx for the detailed review! The 165 totally came out of nowhere for me. It’s been a while since the release of the FR 55. Do you think they are phasing out this watch and using the 165 as the entry level instead?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That's still not clear. For now the 165 is considered the "entry level" into the Forerunner. Garmin hasn't stated whether or not they'd be updating the 55 to a 65 or anything.

[@nageshkr]

Excellent review of the new Garmin Forerunner 165👏🏾👏🏾👌🏾‼️! Though it has s priced at $249, it may cost more when it is released in India, perhaps closer to $350 (₹35,000 approx). At this price, the Apple Watch Series 9 is almost the same price! Wonder how the FR165 compares to that!

[@michaelmagee6428]

Hey! I'm new to the channel, but old school hrm guy. Just wondering: I know the accuracy of wrist based hrm's is decent. For years I've used several old school hrm's including Polars and a few others. All had chest bands, and all were very accurate. Most of the watches that came with were set up for hrm and some hrm zones. That was it. Simple. The new watches are really pretty with color displays and all, but (here's the real question): can all of them work with the tried and true chest bands? I know most of them have bluetooth connectivity, but can I shut off the wrist hrm and use the watch as a receiver for a more accurate chest band??? Great channel!! Thanks for what you are doing!!!!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yup, most modern day watches support external sensors including this one. Garmin still supports the older ANT+ standard as well as Bluetooth while most other brands only support Bluetooth. I regularly use a Polar H9/H10 and Garmin HRM without an issue.

[@pfk2005]

COROS Pace3 I think would be my preferred choice.

[@a13jo]

Have the vivo active 3 music. Thinking about upgrade but I'm kind of lost here... I'm not a runner, mostly gym, mtb indoor and outdoor sometimes... The 165? The move 5? Help!

[@yellowtoblerone]

Last holiday the 255 music was 299 usd at best buy. seems like the amoled is the only deciding factor if we want to stick with garmin

[@ChaseTheSummit]

AMOLED is certainly the deciding factor here. The 255 has a few advantages like Training Readiness and longer battery life.

[@adeno3]

FR 165 has Gamin Pay whereas Coros does not have contactless payment.. I have the Coros Pace 2 which is a fantastic little watch.

[@didtoknan8128]

I'm looking for a watch and I can confirm that Garmin has way too many models to choose from. So I may go with a Coros Pace 3, just for that reason !

[@RenegadeRunner]

Great review. I'm in the market for a new Garmin & price/features wise I thought I'd decided on a FR255 (non-music version). The cost of the FR265 is over budget. I had no idea Garmin were about to launch the FR165 which is basically the same price. The main differences I can see between the 255 & the 165 are that the 255 has triathlon/multisport, better battery life and a slightly larger screen although the resolution on the 165 screen is better. I'm mainly a runner, but have completing a triathlon on my maybe one day bucket-list. As I'm a bit long-in-the-tooth my eyesight isn't what it was & I need glasses for reading. But don't need them for distance/driving or running. But I do struggle to see watch faces. So, in your opinion which offers the clearest face with the largest visible digits?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The main noticeable difference is the type of display used in these watches. The 255 has a MIP display which some will find "dull" compared to modern day AMOLED watches. While the 165 has an AMOLED display and will have more of an "apple watch" looking appearance. That may or may not be what you're looking for. Other than that the 255 hs a few advantages including multi-sport support and longer battery life.

[@RenegadeRunner]

@@ChaseTheSummit I don't really care about the type of screen. But I do want something that is crisp/easy to read (ideally without my glasses on). I currently have a FR230 but the battery is on its last legs. I can read the time on it just fine. And I can just about make out screens during my runs - as long as I limit the display to just 2 data fields. Any more than that and it's just too small.

[@AK8T3]

I recently got a FR255, I initially thought the screen would be an issue (coming from a Venu SQ2 with amoled) however, i now much more prefer the screen of the FR255 and the fact there is no touch screen :) @@RenegadeRunner

[@RenegadeRunner]

@@AK8T3 thanks that's good to know

[@bartholomewjones100]

I am a Coros user and love that they keep adding features to older models. Has this forced Garmin to start doing this as well? Do you think the 165 will be supported/updated 2 years down the line?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Garmin has gotten a lot better in this department but they do still limit software features to segment their various devices. I suspect the 165 will continue to gain features for at least the next year or two.

[@bufferino7880]

Everybody talks about Garmin having too many watches but I like it. I want a Fenix for regular athletic training, an Instinct for my military stuff that has I’m super battery life and can take a beating, and a vivomove hybrid watch for when I want to track my fitness but think it’s inappropriate to be wearing a digital/smart watch, like office job or church.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nothing wrong with options! I only get frustrated by the software limitations between each device. It’s super confusing understanding which feature is on which watch!

[@VishnuRajendranAmboo]

Price point, features sold me over the instinct 2. Am more of a cyclist, so cardio, strengthen & yoga is all I need when am not using Edge 520 plus lol

[@andre_dereh]

All in, Coros Pace 3.. See ya, Garmin!

[@josephbuccafurni1738]

It seems like the 265 and 965 have that little color wave splash animation that you mentioned when you scroll through the widgets at the bottom or even the sport modes in your other videos. Can you tell me if the 165 also does this? Or is it not as pretty-looking on the 165?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yep, the interface is the same.

[@yagi2208]

Noob here. Just curious how do we access the compass and altimeter feature in this 165?

[@hofstede21]

i'm still wondering which one to get..could you help me out? i wanted the forerunner 55..but thats hard to get...so now i'm wondering if should go for the pace 3 of the 165...i run around 40 to 50 km's a week..and want to move away from using runkeeper on my phone..

[@carsons5750]

Garmin definitely has too many watch models, but at the same time I have to ask “where did the 7 series go?” Haven’t see one since the FR745. I want to get a new Garmin to replace my FR235 but right now I’m trail running with my Apple Watch and I’m not about to spend hundreds of dollars on something without maps, but I also don’t care at all about all the body battery-style stuff that requires you to wear the watch all day every day.

[@samfarabee2963]

I'm just in the market for a new watch my Forerunner 630 has been through it.

[@robertp7209]

What’s the difference with the forerunner 265? Which has been on the market. Is the screen bigger? Substantial difference in price between the two.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Check out the comparison chart in the video. The 265 gets a slightly larger display, longer battery life, and more training tools like training status, load, focus, and training readiness.

[@antoninocampo2269]

I’m buying this Watch after your review. My sports are run, spinning, walk, gym and SUP. It’s ok for this, no? Thank u from Italy

[@yenk82]

Hai già uno sportwatch al momento? Puoi controllare tutte le attività del 165 sul sito di Garmin

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It will cover all of those activities except for SUP but you could use a generic profile for that.

[@CSRunner7]

Do you think the Training load, readiness etc on a 255 would outweigh the benefits of Amoled screen? I see posts of people showing training readiness but not sure if in reality it’s that useful? Leaning towards 165 over a 255.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That’s really up to you to decide. Training readiness and load are useful but will you actually gain any value from them? Hard to say. The grass is always greener and the 165 certainly has more than enough tools on board to train for just about any event.

[@aaakmm1785]

Can watch faces be customized? For example, is it possible to change default watch face to show heart rate? Is it possible to customize on each watch face each complication?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yes

[@rahuldalal5784]

I am currently using a FR245... what would be a good upgrade for this? Should I stick to the FR265 or go for the FR965? Is the upgrade worth the price hike?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The 165, 265, and 965 would all be a pretty big step up from the 245. Though with the 165 you will be missing training load if that's something you use now.

[@rahuldalal5784]

@@ChaseTheSummit Thank you for that suggestion! I use training load feature so I don’t think 165 is something I will go for, but probably the 265 to continue with this series! 😅

[@gogob5643]

Nice video, I couldn't agree more. too many models, lack of features, and an app with too many menus. Garmin Keep it Simple.

[@Syedneloyahmed]

It feels like FR165 is a good watch but there is a but! after that. I am thinking about getting a Forerunner for the first time and still confused between 165 and 265. If I consider the FR165, yes it is an entry level watch but it costs around $300. But, $300 for a watch still a lot and I won't be a entry level runner after 6 months or 1 year, considering that FR265 offers better features both for entry-mid level. On the other hand FR265 is $450 and way out of my budget right now. But eventually I will get the 265 if I find a good used deal or good discount deal. Thanks for the video, it was very niche and informative.

[@robhunt8378]

Triathlete? You want the 265. Pure runner on a budget? Get this one.

[@shaewilliams4964]

What’s the difference with the HR sensors? Does the Venu 3 one work better? More accurate?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

In terms of accuracy the Gen 5 sensor has a slight advantage but they’re both quite good in my experience. The Gen 5 sensor has a couple of extra features though with adding a skin temperature sensor along with ECG while the Gen 4 sensor doesn’t have the capability to do that.

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

If you don't mind a MIP display the "old" Forerunner 255 is a better pick!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yeah I think the decision will boil down to the display!

[@scriptosaurusrex]

Mind? Prefer!

[@rubenl9261]

Why except for the display is the 255 better ? Just bought the 255 but i can still return it dont know what to do

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

@@rubenl9261 Bigger display, better battery life, triathlon, much more sport profiles, more data fields per each page during an activity, better GPS options, advanced training analysis like training load and training focus.

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

​@@rubenl9261Bigger display, better battery life, triathlon, much more sport profiles, better GPS options, advanced training analysis like training load and training focus, more data fields per each page during an activity. Don't get me wrong, the 165 is a super nice little watch to get you into (running) sports. But given the fact that the Forerunner 255 is about the same price now I personally would go for the it.

[@Ajajambo]

Does this watch has a barometer widget? The spec sheet says it has barometric altitude. To me it sounds like there is a sensor that adjust the altitude whilst training. Perhaps a third part Barometer widget would work? Thanks

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nope unfortunately

[@icejam-xq5hj]

Looks like a nice upgrade over the forerunner 55 although I was hoping for a MIP display. I can't understand why Garmin needs two models of this watch.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Seems like AMOLED is the way moving forward except for maybe keeping the Fenix line around?

[@zeniktorres4320]

I thought this was the replacement for the 55. These youtube reviewers are not claiming that. Maybe they will release a 65 with a MIP display with no music capability. Not sure.

[@phantomkid8952]

Is this better than pace 3?

[@_J.F_]

I think the Forerunner family offers a great range of watches with different builds and capabilities at many different prize points, making it a watch that can cater for almost any requirement. One thing though, which means I will never consider buying a Forerunner myself, is that it is not offered with a sapphire lens but only gorilla glass that, in my opinion, scratches way too easily for an outdoor/activity/sports watch. I understand that it would not be feasible on the cheapest versions but if you are paying in the area of $600 for the expensive ones at least put a proper lens on it.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I’d love to see the 965 with sapphire.

[@timdetmer]

great comparison! really enjoyed it. Garmin's on-line Choose the watch for you flowchart is a Joke. This is the real deal.

[@thundergato84]

I wonder when will YT Music be supported on Garmin watches. I had seen it was coming.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I think that really is up to Google/KZbin to make that happen and develop a native Connect IQ app for it.

[@yuanyuanintaiwan]

I never thought I would never switch to apple, but I recently got the Apple Watch SE 2 gen with LTE. It costs 330 USD where I live. It's hard to believe it's almost the same price to the most entry level watch from Garmin. But the SE is basically a mini smartphone on my wrist. So much cool stuff on it. Apple Maps directions while running is amazing. The drawback is that I have to charge everyday, but that's OK in 95% cases. In the last 5% I'll use my garmin :)

[@ChaseTheSummit]

For sure, the SE is a great watch! The only limitation is really the battery life.

[@rhondabradberry7523]

Do you find the apple SE as accurate regarding distance as the Forerunner 165?@@ChaseTheSummit