Garmin’s Forerunner is an intensely popular smartwatch with runners for a lot of reasons, and now there’s another incentive to invest in a running-focused smartwatch.
The new Forerunner 165 and 165 Music are a pair of fitness smartwatches that were designed with the range’s laser focus on running in mind. They feature a number of advanced tracking metrics, with a bunch of smart and safety features thrown in for good measure. And best of all, they’re both available for a price that won’t break the bank.
Let’s delve into the details Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Forerunner 55.
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Forerunner 55 Spec
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 165 | Garmin Forerunner 55 |
| Weight | 39g | 37g |
| Dimensions | 43 x 43 x 11.6 mm | 42 x 42 x 11.6 mm |
| Display Type | 1.2-inch AMOLED | 1.04-inch transflective MIP |
| Music Storage | Available in Music Edition | Not available |
| Running Features | GPS, HR Monitoring, Garmin Coach, PacePro, Race Widget, Daily Suggested Workouts, Running Dynamics, VO2 Max, Training Effect, HRV Status | GPS, HR Monitoring, Garmin Coach, PacePro, Race Predictor, Daily Suggested Workouts |
| Health & Sleep Features | Sleep Tracking (Advanced), Nap Detection, Stress Monitoring, Body Battery (Advanced), Pulse Ox | Sleep Tracking (Basic), Stress Monitoring, Body Battery (Basic) |
| Smart Features | Smartphone Notifications, Music Support (Music Edition), Pulse Ox | Smartphone Notifications |
| Battery Life (Watch Mode) | Up to 11 days | Up to 14 days |
| Battery Life (GPS) | Up to 19 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
Style and Comfort
The Forerunner 55 uses a special memory-in-pixel display that gives it a look not too dissimilar from an E Ink display, albeit with colour. It’s not only battery efficient but also sunlight reflective, making it easy to view in outdoor environments. There’s just a trade-off in overall screen quality compared to the regular LCD and OLED screens used by much of the competition.
In fact, that includes the new Forerunner 165 which has seen the upgrade to AMOLED display tech, sporting a 1.2-inch AMOLED panel that’s much more vibrant, colourful and responsive than the MIP display of the Forerunner 55. This makes looking at your stats, recovery insights and even notifications a little bit nicer on the newer model.
The Forerunner 55 features a sunlight-readable, transflective memory-in-pixel display that works great on an outdoor watch, but can’t quite compete with the eye-catching AMOLED upgrade. This running watch also does not have a touchscreen, only the 5-button operation.
Another cool thing about the FR 165 is that it offers a large font option—something that many of our customers at PlayBetter have asked about. Ahem! Some of us prefer not to run with our readers.
The Forerunner 165 has 5 buttons, like most Garmin sports watches. The three buttons on the left side are mostly used for navigating menus. There are two more buttons on the right side, which are mainly used for confirmation and back/escape (plus starting/stopping). You can also long-hold any of these buttons for further functions, including the ability to assign quick-access buttons.
In summary, both devices prioritize user comfort and offer sleek designs, with the display choice boiling down to personal preferences and usage patterns.
Running Features for Avid Runners
When deciding, consider your running goals and whether the additional features of the Forerunner 165 align with your training needs. If you’re seeking a device that goes beyond the basics and offers comprehensive running metrics, the Forerunner 165 may be the preferred choice.
Health, Sleep, and Smart Features
All Garmin watches include a rich set of the brand’s signature, around-the-clock wellness tracking features. The FR165 tacks on just a few more than the Forerunner 55, including:
- Pulse Ox: Track blood oxygen saturation while awake or asleep.
- Sleep Monitoring and Sleep Score: Every morning, receive a personalized score for last night’s sleep, view the different sleep stages and gain insights for improved sleep quality.
- Nap Detection: Automatically track or log naps to see how they may benefit the body and the suggested time and duration they should be.
These new features allow you to even better track your overall well-being before, during, and after your workouts.
Wanna know more about how Garmin brings 24/7 health and wellness to your wrist? Our in-house runner, Chris, digs into some of these valuable health benefits in his Garmin Forerunner 165 review.
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs 55 Battery Life
So, this is the one area where the Forerunner 55 does beat the FR165. But not by a lot and for good reason: a bright AMOLED display uses more energy, plain and simple.
Wanna know more about how Garmin brings 24/7 health and wellness to your wrist? Our in-house runner, Chris, digs into some of these valuable health benefits in his Garmin Forerunner 165 review.
- Smartwatch Mode: Up to 2 weeks
- GPS mode: Up to 20 hours
The Garmin Forerunner 165 battery life looks like this:
- Smartwatch mode: Up to 11 days
- Battery Saver Smartwatch mode: Up to 20 days
- GPS-Only GNSS mode: Up to 19 hours
- All-Systems GNSS mode: Up to 17 hours
- GPS-Only GNSS mode with music: Up to 7 hours (FR165 Music only)
- All-Systems GNSS mode with music: Up to 6.5 hours (FR165 Music only)
Consider your running habits, the frequency of charging convenience, and the overall balance of features that align with your preferences when deciding on battery life as a determining factor.
Affordable Options (Price Point)
There’s more in common between these watches than not. But some of the features you find on the Forerunner 255/255S and the Forerunner 265 might be must-haves for you.
Budget considerations are often a deciding factor when choosing the right running watch. The Garmin Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 55 cater to users looking for a balance between features and cost-effectiveness.
However, because the Forerunner 255 does not have an AMOLED screen, it gets about 10 more hours of battery life in GPS mode.
Here are some of the key things that the two next-level Forerunner series have:
- Multiple watch sizes and display sizes
- Training Status and Training Load features
- Multisport/triathlon support
- Power meter sensors, and smart trainer support (and other sensor types)
- More sport profiles, including skiing/snowboarding, water activities like SUP and rowing, and team sports
- Multiband/dual-frequency GPS
- On-screen workout animations and workout muscle maps
- Price point: $350–$400 (FR255) and $450 (FR265) vs $250–$300 for the Forerunner 165
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is the only one of these running watches to offer Training Readiness—a score and a short message that helps you determine how ready you are for training each day.
The FR255 and FR265 each put about 10 more grams on your wrist, but also have 1.3” displays as opposed to the FR165’s 1.2” display.
Considering your budget and the importance of music access during workouts is paramount in deciding between these two models. If you’re seeking a budget-friendly option that still encompasses essential features, the Forerunner 55 is appealing, offering affordability without sacrificing functionality.
Verdict and Recommendations
In conclusion, choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Forerunner 55 involves carefully considering various factors.
Hopefully you found this review useful. At the end of the day, I’m an athlete just like you looking for the most detail possible on a new purchase – so my review is written from the standpoint of how I used the device. The reviews generally take a lot of hours to put together, so it’s a fair bit of work (and labor of love). As you probably noticed by looking below, I also take time to answer all the questions posted in the comments – and there’s quite a bit of detail in there as well.
Both the Garmin Forerunner 165 and 55 are solid running companions, but they cater to different needs. Before making your choice, ask yourself:
Ready to make your choice? Dive into the Garmin Forerunner series, considering your priorities and preferences, and embark on a fitness journey tailored to you!
FAQs: Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Forerunner 55
| Q. How the new Garmin Forerunner 165 compares to the Forerunner 55? |
| Q2. Is Forerunner 55 worth it? |
If you’re just starting out or just want the basics, the 55 is a great choice. But if you’re a serious runner who needs all the data and techy stuff, you might want to look at other options like the Forerunner 165. Think of it like choosing a bike: the 55 is a sturdy, reliable one for casual rides, while the 165 is like a high-tech racing bike with all the bells and whistles.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you need and how much you’re willing to spend. If you’re not sure, the 55 is a great starting point!
| Q3. Which Garmin is best for beginner runner? |
Based on current information, the Garmin Forerunner 55 stands out as an excellent choice for beginning runners due to its balance of features and affordability. Key benefits include:Budget-friendly price point at $179.99
User-friendly interface
Decent battery life (up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, 20 hours in GPS mode)
Essential training metrics like heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking
Lightweight design suitable for everyday wear
However, if you prefer a more comprehensive set of features and are willing to invest in a higher-end watch, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is recommended. Although priced higher at around $449, it boasts:AMOLED touchscreen display
Increased accuracy and functionality compared to the Forerunner 55
Extensive training analytics and metrics
Offline music storage and playback
Longer battery life (up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, 19 hours in GPS mode)
Ultimately, the decision depends on individual priorities, budget constraints, and desired features. Both watches are highly regarded among runners, and either choice should serve as a reliable partner during your running journey
