The best Garmin watches of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

Garmin Forerunner 165 features: Battery life (GPS): 19 hours | Display technology: AMOLED | Unique feature: Affordable with advanced running metrics | Size: 43 mm 

In the early days, Garmin watches were popular primarily with runners. Today, there are dozens of Garmin watches to choose from, many priced at $400 or more. But the new Garmin Forerunner 165 gets back to the basics with an affordable, $250 watch focused on providing exactly what the majority of recreational runners need to track their performance.

Even at this affordable price, Garmin’s Forerunner 165 includes a brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display for that elegant smartwatch visual experience found in Apple and Samsung smartwatches. It’s also a perfect watch for those with smaller wrists, especially in a market full of big, bulky watches.

Of all the sports and fitness plans, the Forerunner 165 is most focused on supporting runners, with features like adaptive training plans, wrist-based running power and dynamics tracking, training effect, course support, and more. You’ll also find 25 activity profiles for activities like swimming, pickleball, yoga, and pilates.

A feature I particularly enjoyed using was “Morning report,” which provides a summary of my previous day and evening’s tracking, along with the training plan for the day of. Sleep monitoring with sleep scores and nap detection were also welcome features. 

Review: Garmin Forerunner 165 Music