Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Forerunner 265 Comparison // Every Difference Explained!

Comparing the Garmin Forerunner 165 and 265 for health features, smartwatch features, sport profiles, training feedback, and more! Get the Forerunner 165 here: bit.ly/GarminF... and the Forerunner 265 here: geni.us/Garmin... (Affiliate links that help support the channel - thanks!)
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// Related videos //
Garmin Forerunner 165 Review: • Garmin Forerunner 165 ...
Garmin Forerunner 265 Review: • Garmin Forerunner 265 ...
Garmin Forerunner 265 vs 965: • Garmin Forerunner 265 ...
Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Venu 3: • Garmin Venu 3 vs Forer...
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[@DesFit]

Quick correction on the sport profile list for the 265: Bouldering, Indoor Climbing, and Snowshoe are not currently on the 265. Sorry about any confusion, folks!

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

For all considering the 165 you might as well check out the "old" 255! Apart from training readyness and the AMOLED touch display it has basically the same features as the 265 but nowadays for the price of the 165. So if you can live without AMOLED and touch the 255 is definitely the better pick over the 165.

[@NCO643]

I'm in the US and haven't been able to find a listing of the 255 for under 350USD. Does it go on sale often or are people talking about getting on second hand?

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

@@NCO643 Unfortunately I don't know. In Germany you can get the 255 none music version for about 250 €. A while ago it was even at 230 €. Hope you can find a good deal in the US as well.

[@NCO643]

@@KwyjiboVanDeKamp thanks. I'm upgrading from the Fitbit Charge 5, so the 165 seems like the perfect option in my budget range.

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

@@NCO643 Definitely!

[@marcusant6895]

@@NCO643 Agreed. I'm also in the US and looking to upgrade my outdated 45. The 255 is no where to be found.

[@Haider1236]

Got the 165 based on your first video! I love you videos man! Much love from the UK

[@DesFit]

Thanks so much and enjoy your watch!

[@Fernweh_8]

I bought a 165 and setup the watch face, which included an elevation data field so you could access that information as needed. After the first update, that feature was removed and you can no longer access the elevation data outside of an activity. After reaching out to Garmin, they told me they removed the feature to "differentiate" the lower end device as such. To remove a feature that was previously there as soon as you release the product, which contains the hardware for the feature is a really bad look. I opened up a case with Garmin and they verified the presence before, the the lack of the feature after the update and told me they would reach out via email to update me on whether this will be aded back. So far, I've not heard back form them ...sad.

[@HfsertPobfre]

Hi. Any update from Garmin regarding the issue?

[@Fernweh_8]

They said that they removed the feature and that it would not be returning and recommended a third party widget.....Sad. I returned the watch. @@HfsertPobfre

[@pri5044]

god I hate when companies pull this sh*t...good on you for opening a case with them, and letting others know

[@jaredperez506]

That’s atrocious. I love Garmin but it’s definitely a shame they’d do some low down shady shit like that. It’s not our fault they have a gazillion different watches haha

[@Fernweh_8]

@@HfsertPobfre they told me to download an 3rd party widget. Basically…kick rocks.

[@prakashlimbu5738]

I’m selling my 265 soon and would get 165 instead. I’m not a daily runner and I’m pretty sure 165 does the job 😊

[@Dean_s23]

great video. i don't need either watch, but watching all these videos makes me want to buy one... or both.

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@dncmq]

Do FR 165 and Coros Pace 3 please

[@imsoniapaul]

+1

[@Tommygimbal]

+1

[@zayanmohamed4788]

+1

[@DesFit]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/npaspaqhnauHmtEsi=33uYVjsvPZQetUGT

[@FilosofoCA]

Just ordered the 265, cant wait to start using it.

[@DesFit]

Enjoy!

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

Wow! Super detailed comparison! Great! 💪

[@DesFit]

It was a beast!

[@Nayakthunder]

Definitely do a comparison between 165 and coros pace 3

[@bambaklats2891]

I had both but returned the FR. The Pace is superiour except the screen.

[@Nayakthunder]

@@bambaklats2891 is the hrv measurement on the 165 a useful feature ?

[@agungrizkianto]

@@Nayakthunder Coros recently update its firmware to support overnight HRV detection even on older watches. I own older model Pace 2 and found it useful to let me know when to rest when the HRV decreased and RHR increased.

[@jaredperez506]

You do an amazing job with these reviews! Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@BjørjaBear]

The red mode is also very handy if you are into amateur astronomy

[@morningstar618z8]

I went apex gen 2 for AMOLED screen. Glad to see garmin spread this to other models. Garmin is famous for largely discounting the old models. I would wait another year or two to get 165/265 for half of its retail price.

[@OmakeChatter]

Need comparison with coros pace 3 please

[@MinoMarimat]

Thanks for this detailed comparison and your review of the FR 165! These really helped me decide on the FR 165. As much as I wanted to get the 165, I’m pretty much limited by my budget. And I think the FR 165 pretty much fits my needs, as I am just starting my fitness journey. More power to you Des! Keep it up!

[@Peter.Fields.]

Just by looking at both of those watches, the 265 is definitely prettier and seems to get more intentions on it, obviously, even if the price is lower, 265 is still a good one

[@fullboxlist]

Thank you for this! Will incorporate this on my weekly schedule

[@kevinmclaughlin2896]

Just out of interest, do you recommend the 165 over the older 255?

[@luiseduardomoreno286]

Excellent video, was very helpful to decide which one to buy. Thanks.

[@DesFit]

Happy to help. Thanks!

[@rodolfocrevelin9907]

Like the size on 165 better than 265, the 265s is too small and the 265 is tôo big.

[@mullersilva7986]

the best comparison!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@yenk82]

Very good comparison and video, thanks a lot

[@DesFit]

Very welcome 👍

[@yenk82]

@@DesFit an uncommon comparison between the 165 and the "old" 255 would be nice to have since the price of the 255 is lower now

[@beyondcool1257]

Thanks for the video. It is informative with good value.

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome and thanks!

[@jaylin3455]

Super helpful! Just ordered a 165!

[@DesFit]

Thanks and enjoy!

[@SonnyDarvishzadeh]

165 is missing quite a few features I use on my fenix, even for my parents it's coming short for training metrics and ebike data

[@joaorojao]

165 There is no Virtual Partner?

[@NakamaCamping]

I'm a beginner in running, so i ordered the 165, i payed around 220 euro with discount for the 165 non music. I think for a beginner its the sweet spot between features and budget.

[@listrahtes]

With change to amoled Garmin makes it much easier for me. to look for the right watch. Everything Amoled imideate no. The applefication of sports watches.

[@blitzenJunior]

I so much want to buy a Garmin 265. I run 5 times a week, training for Stockholm Marathon atm.

[@user-ko4pe9yd4e]

I wish they would have given the 265 the same features as the 965, but gave the 965 sapphire glass. I would have bought the 965 if it had Sapphire or would consider the 265 as a hold over watch if it had full maps.

[@mr.rodriguez5099]

Need a 965 smaller😢

[@jaredperez506]

I find it odd my forerunner 255 has training status but the 165 doesn’t? Has this since changed? I find the training status just as useful as readiness would be for my needs. 💁🏻‍♀️

[@tonybowen455]

Seems like a 265 killer to me. I'm really surprised they came out with this. I love the smaller size. If I didn't need full nav I'd be all over it.

[@casperwallen6443]

How about the physical differences with button feel and materials? Good vid!

[@bernimof]

I seen both at Garmin store & talked to a seller about it, 265 has better quality buttom.

[@SumitYT44475]

Best video. Gonna buy 165

[@DesFit]

Enjoy your new watch!

[@ishanparekh5309]

Waiting for comparison with coros pace 3

[@Inbarv152]

Without taking the price into consideration who do u think is better forerunner 265 or 955 mainly for running

[@gambino883]

Want to get into running so the 165 right? Except I like to snowboard as well so 265 for that. How is it not cheaper for Garmin to just have 3 main types of watches to produce instead of the ~20 now? Always that upsell I guess.

[@CSRunner7]

Great summary. Seems strange 165 won’t take running dynamics data from HRM Pro as I would suspect it would be more accurate as most watches do it from the strap or a pod? Think this confirms I’ll look at picking up a 255 which will do all I need minus the Amoled screen and training readiness score.

[@DesFit]

I haven't seen much of a difference in accuracy of the dynamics other than the additional metric of GCT balance.

[@thomas1988de1]

I get why some of the advanced features are missing (e.g training readiness) but omitting core features like hot keys or sport profiles which don’t add anything besides the icon/category is just not cool. Going for a (used) older model as suggested by others seems to be the better choice since the watch also didn’t get the latest hardware upgrades (hr5, gps)

[@gregbrown3082]

Hot keys are a big reason I’ve owned so many garmins. For christ’s sake, my FR935 (released 7 years ago!) has hot keys!

[@GaryMillerUK]

The previous 2 series watch, the 255, didn't have hot keys, so I don't see how this is a core feature for this and lower models.

[@gregbrown3082]

It seems like this kind of thing is becoming an issue for garmin. When certain price thresholds are reached, people have come to expect certain features. I do hope they clean up this stuff in the future.@@GaryMillerUK

[@محمددووفمحمددووف]

Altimeter 165?

[@stanko-dujoarmanda5452]

This vs coros pace 3 ?

[@wongsabarchannel1335]

Is 265's strap can be used for 165?

[@Ajajambo]

Excellent comparison! Shame the 165 doesn't come with a Barometer widget it would have a game changer.

[@Ajajambo]

@@TakhleMocJeToSpatny Yes I agree, but I rephrased my comment now. Baro sensor is available but no widget like Fenix to see the weather trend

[@Green4Pig]

Thank you for the review, You specifically mentioned 165 Music as having audio prompts. Does this mean that the base 165 doesn't have an audio during workout?

[@DesFit]

Correct

[@GreggGonczy-r7j]

Will you be reviewing the OnePlus Watch 2?

[@FarisSalman]

Not connecting RD data from Garmin strap is a weird choice (possibly a bug?). Even the 245 automatically switch to external sensors.

[@DesFit]

The 165 only collects RD data from the wrist, not a bug.

[@shaddiamorris2083]

Would you recommend the 165 for a cyclist?

[@DesFit]

Depends on if you have or plan to get a power meter or use a smart bike trainer, if yes then I would suggest the 265

[@chris10699]

Are the straps different width?

[@hugomagalhaes1958]

I was wondering what size is your wrist. I have a 155mm - 160mm wrist and I am afraid that the 255 is going to be too big for me. Great video btw

[@DesFit]

185mm

[@hugomagalhaes1958]

@@DesFit thank you! I guess the 255s is going to suit my wrist better. would you recommend over the 165 considering both the same price?

[@Nabileuuh]

I know I can set up alert for lap, heart rate and pace but how can I set up alert for the stress feature???

[@gauravkakkar-e3n]

Very good

[@nicholaswoo5247]

You mentioned about FR265 being able to link to cycling smart trainer. Does it link to Wahoo Kickr Snap?

[@SirRasor]

265 does have hot-keys? Goddamnit Garmin, this is missing from the 255 alongside with the training readiness. I just don't get it why...

[@datamaggot]

am deciding between FR265 and Instinct 2X.. these seem to closely match fitness features, with the power trades. Also, is there a minimalist garmin sleep tracker available? so I don’t have to sleep with a boat anchor nightly?

[@tolisthekid]

OK, so the Garmin prices are just insane and I've made up my mind to not go with them for a sportswatch. now, I'm between the 250$ Coros pace 3 and the 450$ Suunto race. It seems both these watches will blow the 165 out of the water in terms of gps accuracy and battery life but one has top notch materials but also an extra 200$ on the price tag. You think the HR issue with the Race is too distracting? Should I get the Pace 3 and wait it out for 3 years? Maybe wait a couple of months for something like a Vertix 3 or hopefully a new Suunto with a decent hr sensor?

[@xtrwq]

I haven't seen any mention of the pace 3 having a better GPS accuracy, quite the contrary (dcrainmaker said the garmin alternatives are better than it at this + for the HR sensor). There's also the instantaneous pace lag on the pace 3 + some other misc things.

[@rehmanukani3289]

how do you broadcast Heart Rate from Watch to Garmin Edge on 165?

[@Lowie0000A]

Thank you for this very detailed review. I really like the 165 but i definitely need training status/load. Because i does not show on the watch itself does anybody know if training status/ load is displayed in the garmin app for the 165? Thnx!

[@ikrolo1]

Does the 265 actually have climbing & bouldering profiles? It's not listed on the site, but I'm not sure if perhaps there have been updates to the phone which didn't make it to the documentation perhaps.

[@DesFit]

Gah, not sure how those made it on that list...also kind of goes to show how complicated the differences can be ;) I added a pinned comment. Thanks for asking!

[@ikrolo1]

@@DesFitThanks

[@Chris-xi4ht]

Considering one of these watches but I train a lot of kettlebells, specifically movements where wearing a watch isn’t going to work. Would it work to use a heart rate monitor for KB workouts and then feed back to the watch?

[@NgapakTeritorry]

I'am only a runner beginer, I used FR 45. My activity is only running, not biking etc, and I need to renew my watch, so what I have to choose 165 or 265 ? (955 and 965 too big for my hand)

[@JohnChurch-i1g]

I'm in same position. Thinking of coros pace 3

[@Nakameguro97]

165 is enough, unless you are doing triathlons or need some of its advanced features.

[@NgapakTeritorry]

I also want to change to other brand, Coros for example, but statistically, I already ran many KM with Garmin, so I don't want loose my personel record because of change my watch@p9vx5xj9f

[@NgapakTeritorry]

Yeah,... You give me a godd advice, but this watch is not available yet in my country@@Nakameguro97

[@Nakameguro97]

@@AtGallowsEnd If you compare it to the ongoing expense of replacing shoes or even against race fees, these watches aren't crazy expensive (applies especially to the FR165).

[@gregbrown3082]

3:24 This video taught me that the 165 and 255 do NOT have hotkeys. ...What is this company even doing? 🤮

[@AleGri995]

165 or 745?

[@DesFit]

165 unless you need triathlon and multisport support, but if you do, I’d suggest the 265

[@AbdulHadi-pk8is]

how do you have the sleep coach feature on the garmin 265 sir? is it not available on garmin forerunner 265 in malaysia?

[@DesFit]

It’s on the 265 public beta

[@AbdulHadi-pk8is]

@@DesFit oh, how do i get access to it?

[@km08]

Hi I have used Strava on my Samsung Gear Sport since 2017. Should I worry changing my watch to Garmin 165 when it comes to my data?

[@DesFit]

Your 165 should feed right into Strava account seamlessly and it won't do anything to your previous workouts stored in Strava. Very much a reason why people use Strava as one place to hold data from many kinds of devices.

[@episode013]

The domed display on the 265 is hideous. Glare, glare, glare. The budget one looks so much better lol

[@dnserror89]

Agree. Flat display also works better with screen protectors.

[@private2371]

Ya the ability yo not have glass protector on a $400+ product is nerve racking

[@celsofernandes6388]

The 165 or 265 have keyboard to respond text?

[@mrjkstark]

Nope. Just preselected messages.

[@davidcoomber4050]

It’s not the watch it’s the person wearing that counts , you can buy the most sophisticated training aid on the market but it don’t mean Jack if you are a crap athlete

[@DesFit]

How about someone who is trying to improve their fitness? Can't they get a watch to help them with improving themselves as an athlete?

[@ShieldRacoon]

what is this take? lol

[@Marantzzz]

Stick the garmin instinct 2 guys

[@marvin7533]

I'm coming from the Fitbit family after so many years. The Charge 4 was the last Fitbit i owned that recently broke and doesn't work anyone. I'm a runner who runs 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons throughout the year. I also do a lot of strength workouts at the gym with free weights. The Forerunner 165 will be perfect for me. I don't need all the additional stuff like music.

[@douga.3737]

Thank you for taking the time on the detailed review. I decided on the 165 music since I only wear a watch during my run and do not need the extra functionality of the 265.

[@dineshpatra7277]

Please someone mention clearly about training readiness which absent in 165 & present in 265, does this really helpful?

[@LandsoulFFXI]

Im on the fence returning my 165 for the 265. I originally swapped my Vivioactive5 for 165 but im missing e-bike mode. Also 265 has martial arts, e-bike and squashing which the 165 not. This is honestly my first smartwatch and liked it way more than I initially thought. Do you think its worth the 140 more in the longevity?

[@guysherman]

So a comparison video (or series) that might not be so tedious to make, but would be quite interesting, would be “what is the experience like for X sport”. The sports could be like track running, long distance running ultra running, triathlon, cycling etc, and for each sports you could look at what the experience is like doing different kinds of workouts eg intervals, vs finding a new long-run vs race day. Could even be a collab with a few youtubers because it would probably involve a lot of workouts!

[@Skade_Outdoor]

Ofcourse.. that is totally not tedious... 🙄

[@Orbitalbomb]

are yall really wearing the watch while sleeping? is that really a feature that is widely used?

[@eevildood4927]

Don't like these Amoled displays what seem to be so trendy. Thei sucks battery like spoons when AOD is on, which is necessary for me. MIP displays are far superior in daily use.

[@NilleShorts]

ultra good video!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@Carbon2079]

Great video. So much work and so thorough!!!

[@PekpekEater69]

it's like proffesor X on the vid 😅

[@jovecvetanoski4057]

165 or aw s9 45mm for the same price?

[@SnaxNoCo]

@DesFit, it would be cool if you made a video showing how to configure and use a Varia with a Forerunner. Thanks!

[@dimka11ggg]

Is 265 255 with amoled or some additional functionality?

[@rjbjr6226]

can we please get a Pace 3 and 165 comparison? Thank you Des!

[@motionstudio77]

Very in-depth video, thanks Des !!

[@DesFit]

🤙

[@brucelin5842]

R u sure 165 don’t have gyroscope? On their website they said they have…

[@DesFit]

I don't see that in the specs on their US website. The 265 is listed to have one though.

[@ABHINANDAN272]

Sir please review new rangeman gpr h1000