TE
Even with consistent GPS use, its battery lasted around nine days before needing a recharge.
Around nine days per charge with consistent GPS use.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 ($199.99) is recommended with a 8.5/10 consensus score across 5 expert reviews. Experts highlight techradar got around nine days with consistent gps use; trusted reviews got about seven at maximum brightness and techradar found bench-press reps counted very accurately, though it says gym-first buyers should look elsewhere; tom's guide prefers its five physical buttons with sweaty hands. TechRadar — Around nine days per charge with consistent GPS use. Best for: most smart home setups.
Recommended5 Expert Reviews
Price Range
Check Price on Amazon →$199.99
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Garmin Forerunner 165
smartwatches
Expert Consensus: 8.5/10 across 5 sources
Last verified:What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ TechRadar got around nine days with consistent GPS use; Trusted Reviews got about seven at maximum brightness
- ✓ TechRadar found bench-press reps counted very accurately, though it says gym-first buyers should look elsewhere; Tom's Guide prefers its five physical buttons with sweaty hands
- ✓ Android Central found GPS and heart rate as accurate as costlier running watches over weeks of testing
- ✓ DC Rainmaker found nap tracking accurate to the minute, with a sleep mode that keeps the screen dark at night
- ✓ $199.99 at capture against a $249.99 list price, with no subscription needed for training plans
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Superseded by the Forerunner 170 in 2026; still sold new by Amazon.com at capture
- ✗ Tom's Guide counts few smart features: notifications, Garmin Pay and Connect IQ
- ✗ Trusted Reviews found the plastic case scratches easily and GPS lock took four to five minutes
What The Experts Say
TE
I found the gyroscope on the 165 actually counted my bench press reps very accurately, better than many more expensive watches I've tried.
Bench-press reps counted very accurately.
AN
Weeks of Forerunner 165 testing have me confident that it's as accurate for heart rate and GPS data as costlier running watches.
GPS and heart rate as accurate as costlier running watches.
DC
Note that I’ve had really good luck with the nap tracking when I laid down in a bed/couch, or when I manually started it. It nails it to the minute.
Nap tracking accurate to the minute when lying down.
Ready to buy the Garmin Forerunner 165?
Check Price on Amazon$199.99 · 5 expert sources · 8.5/10 consensus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 worth it?
Garmin Forerunner 165 earns a 8.5/10 consensus score across our 5 cited expert sources. It is rated "Recommended" — a strong performer in its category. At $199.99, Around nine days per charge with consistent GPS use.
Who is the Garmin Forerunner 165 best for?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is best for smart home users looking for a reliable Tech & Charging option with strong expert consensus.
How does the Garmin Forerunner 165 compare to other Tech & Charging options?
Among the Tech & Charging products we have reviewed, Garmin Forerunner 165 ranks above average with a 8.5/10 score. Bench-press reps counted very accurately.
What smart home systems does the Garmin Forerunner 165 work with?
Garmin Forerunner 165 works with major smart home platforms. Check our compatibility notes on the product page for any setup requirements or hub dependencies.
What are the pros and cons of the Garmin Forerunner 165?
The main pros of the Garmin Forerunner 165 are techradar got around nine days with consistent gps use; trusted reviews got about seven at maximum brightness and techradar found bench-press reps counted very accurately, though it says gym-first buyers should look elsewhere; tom's guide prefers its five physical buttons with sweaty hands. The main downside is superseded by the forerunner 170 in 2026; still sold new by amazon.com at capture. Overall, experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.5/10 consensus score.
Affiliate disclosure: DormGearHQ.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 5 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.