Forerunner 165 Music
GarminReleased Feb 1, 2024 · Analysis updated Aug 14, 2026
Lightweight fitness tracker with accurate GPS, music storage, and long battery life. The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music scores 83/100 based on 18 expert reviews in the fitness trackers category. Coverage includes reviews from Bettertrail, Trackbetter, Tomsguide, and Theverge.
Critic Score
What's this?based on 18 expert reviews
Pros
- Long battery life(12)
- Lightweight design(9)
- Accurate GPS(9)
- Music storage(6)
- Budget friendly(4)
Cons
- Limited features(20)
- High price(4)
- Poor build quality(3)
- Lacks training features(2)
- Missing training insights(2)
18 Publication Reviews
AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a capable and well-rounded entry-level training watch, ideal for daily training in the frontcountry.
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 offers exceptional value with its AMOLED touchscreen, comprehensive health tracking, and affordable price point, making it a strong choice for most runners.
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a comfortable and lightweight GPS smartwatch sporting a bright AMOLED touchscreen, plenty of physical controls, solid battery life, accurate health sensors and advanced tr...
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AI summary of this review
The Forerunner 165 series is the budget training watch Garmin needed, offering near-identical performance to the more expensive Forerunner 265 for $150-200 less.
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 delivers similar location and health accuracy, the same daily workout suggestions based on your fitness and fatigue, and a more readable AMOLED display than the cheap MIPs of...
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a perfect entry point for runners who want serious metrics without the complexity of a big ol' multi-sport behemoth.
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is Garmin's most affordable AMOLED sports watch yet, and while it is missing a couple of useful features included on more expensive watches like the Garmin Forerunner 265, it...
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a feature-packed running watch that offers excellent value by bringing most core running features from higher-end models to a lower price point, though it lacks some advan...
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a lightweight, feature-rich GPS running watch that offers excellent value at $300, with standout features including music storage, strong battery life, and reliable ...
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AI summary of this review
The latest budget AMOLED Garmin Forerunner is a surprisingly great value, and if it just did this one thing, it might be every triathlete's cheat code.
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music has excellent fitness tracking features, such as heart rate measurement, and provides accurate measurements for BPM, Pulse Oximeter, and Heart Rate.
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a fantastic, more affordable Forerunner that fills a necessary gap in Garmin's running watch lineup.
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AI summary of this review
The Forerunner 165 fills a much-needed gap in Garmin's running watch lineup, with the transition to AMOLED displays now almost complete.
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a highly competent running watch with a beautiful AMOLED screen and essential sports features, though it lacks some advanced capabilities and smartphone integration found ...
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 delivers some excellent features for runners in a package that's easy to wear and long-lasting.
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 offers a bright AMOLED display and comprehensive run-tracking features at a budget-friendly price, though it sacrifices some advanced features and battery life.
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AI summary of this review
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music offers excellent value with its bright AMOLED display and offline music, but is held back by below-average battery life.
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AI summary of this review
The Forerunner 165 is Garmin's first entry-level running watch with a bright AMOLED display, and is brimming with tools to help beginners nail their first race or start shaving time off their PBs.
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