Garmin Forerunner 265
The Forerunner 265 watch is the updated 2024 Garmin model of one of the best GPS running watches for recreational marathon runners and distance runners. It comes in two different watch face sizes, which is great for women or runners with smaller wrists. There are extensive training features and recovery features, as well as a Music edition, yet it isn’t overly complicated like the Garmin Forerunner 965.
Garmin Forerunner 165
The Forerunner 165 watch is ideal for beginners looking for a high-quality GPS running watch at an affordable price point. It has fewer training features and recovery data provided, but it still has accurate GPS tracking and most of the basic metrics and features that beginners would need. There is also a Forerunner 165 music edition that offers on-board storage for your workout playlists or podcasts.
There are severalGarmin Forerunner watches, so deciding between different models can be overwhelming. Knowing the differences will help you choose the best one for your needs.
We compare the specs, features, and performance of the Garmin Forerunner 165 andForerunner 265, as the latter is one of the most popular Garmin running watches (if not the most popular GPS running watches overall), and the Forerunner 165 is a brand-new entry-level alternative at a lower price point. Before we dive into a head-to-head comparison of the two models, let’s dig in to a brief overview of each of these running watches.
How to pair Bluetooth headphones with your Garmin watch
Pairing Bluetooth headphones with your Garmin watch is fast and simple.
Price, specs & availability:
The Forerunner 265 costs $450, regardless of whether you buy the 42mm or 46mm watch size.
The Forerunner 165 costs $250 for the standard version or $300 for the Forerunner 165 Music edition, which features built-in music storage. The Forerunner 165 only comes in a 43mm size. So, you’re looking at anywhere from $150-$200 in cost savings by going with the Forerunner 165 over the Forerunner 265.
Despite having similar appearances, there are dozens of differences between the two devices.
The Garmin Forerunner 265 and 165 look surprisingly similar. They both have a very similar display, a touchscreen face, five buttons, and a polycarbonate case. However, despite having similar appearances, there are dozens of differences between the two devices.
Watch and case size and weight
Small and mighty
Visually and functionally, the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 265 are quite similar, with the same polycarbonate case, touchscreen display, and design. There are slight differences in the scaling of the two sizes of the screen and the weight of the watch.
Also, the Forerunner 265 features Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which is a higher-quality, scratch-resistant material relative to the chemically-strengthened glass on the Forerunner 165. As someone who always bumps into things, I think this is a nice upgrade.
Battery life and charging
All in the same ballpark
One thing I love about Garmin running watches is that they always have good battery life, even with the budget-friendly models.
There are differences in the battery life between the Forerunner 165 and the two sizes of the Forerunner 265.
Here, the larger screen size on the Forerunner 265 eats up more battery. Ultimately, there isn’t that much difference between the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 165, but the smaller Forerunner 265 adds five hours of GPS battery life and four days ofsmartwatch batterylife over the Forerunner 165.
This can be helpful for ultramarathon runners, but would otherwise not have much of a practical difference for everyday runners, as long as you charge your watch after every few workouts.
GPS accuracy and support
Dual-band GPS on the Forerunner 265
Some functional differences exist between the GPS functions on Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 265. Forerunner 265 models have dual-band GPS antennas whereas the Forerunner 165 only uses a single-band GPS.
This means that the signal can potentially be more reliable with the Forerunner 265, particularly for trail running, running with significant cloud cover, or running in a city with tall buildings. With dual-band GPS, there is a greater likelihood that the GPS signal won’t drop, so you will get the most accurate tracking.
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs. Forerunner 55: Does an OLED screen make a difference?
With a modern display, additional running features, and better battery, is the Forerunner 165 worth the extra $50?
The good news is that user reviews have not mentioned issues with the GPS dropping on the Forerunner 165 watch. However, it can take longer for the initial GPS signal to be found before you begin your workout because the single-band antenna is not communicating with as many satellites.
As long as you don’t live in a super remote area or do a lot of trail running, this shouldn’t be overly problematic, but it is something to consider. Otherwise, much of the onboard technology is similar across both of these Garmin Forerunner watches.
There areheart rate sensors, SpO2 sensors for blood oxygen levels, and onboard altimeters for accurate elevation data.
Health and fitness features
Simple vs. advanced running and recovery metrics
The main differences between the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 165 come down to the workout tracking and recovery features, with the 265 offering significantly more advanced metrics.
What I like about the Forerunner 265 is the inclusion of two features Garmin calls Training Readiness and Training Status, both of which are not offered on the Forerunner 165.
Training Readiness is a daily score that is tabulated based on yoursleep data, recent workouts, heart rate variability, resting heart rate, stress levels, and more. It provides insight into how rested your body is and whether you should do a hard workout or take it easy.
Training Status helps you figure out if you’re overtraining based on numerous metrics and your workout goals. I’m a competitive runner, so I also appreciate theadvanced running featureson the Forerunner 265. It has a virtual training partner, so you can attempt to stick with a certain pace, and lots of advanced interval training features.
There are also way more sports functions on the Forerunner 265. In fact, there are 37 additional activities you can track, such as multisport, skiing, XC skiing, MTB, eMTB, ice skating, boxing, MMA, rollerblading, squash, table tennis, and tons of team sports like basketball, ultimate frisbee, and soccer.
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Forerunner 55: Which GPS running watch is best for you?
Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is a great entry-level GPS running watch, but the Forerunner 265 offers more robust training and recovery tools, onboard music on both models, the choice of a larger or smaller bezel, and dual-band GPS for more accurate, reliable, and quick signal detection while running. The battery life is also somewhat better on the more expensive model. Serious runners and those who want to do any sort of triathlon training should definitely go with the Forerunner 265 over the Forerunner 165.
If you are looking to save a good chunk of change and aren’t as “numbers focused” as a casual runner, the Forerunner 165 offers great value with just enough training support to keep you on track with your workouts.
