Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Forerunner 165 Music GPS Smartwatch 43 mm Fiber-Reinforced Polymer - Berry/Lilac - (2024)
Average customer rating
4.3
(134 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 134 reviews
5 Stars
85
4 Stars
29
3 Stars
7
2 Stars
3
1 Star
10
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Forerunner 165 Music GPS Smartwatch 43 mm Fiber-Reinforced Polymer - Berry/Lilac - (2024)
Customer Rating
1
Bluetooth issues
on August 28, 2025
Posted by: Heinerda
I bought this so I could have music stored on the watch and not take my watch with me. The Bluetooth is not good. I am on my second (based on a return to Garmin), have updated software and tried different headphones and still it comes in and out. Pretty disappointed due to that.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
on September 6, 2025
Posted by: Steven H
Does everything I want and nothing I don't!
mostly just using the more basic functions provided by a smart watch, and this thing handles that purpose flawlessly.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
1
Forerunner 165 Music - Band Color
on September 7, 2025
Posted by: StellaGC
It is not white, very dissapointed. Current watch on left-forerunner165 on the right:
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Terrible
on September 11, 2025
Posted by: Denise5_5
Not user friendly at all! I had to watch a TON of YouTube videos and I still don’t know how to get 1/4 of the benefits of this watch.
Response from GarminBy Care, September 12, 2025
We definitely want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your watch! Learning all the features can feel overwhelming at first, but we’ve got resources that can make it easier.
This article may be a great place to start: http://ms.spr.ly/6426sYVBe
You can also explore our Support Center, which includes step-by-step articles, helpful videos, and the full manual for your watch: http://ms.spr.ly/6427sYVB5
And of course, our Garmin Support team would be happy to walk through things with you at 1-800-800-1020 (Mon–Fri, 7am–7pm CT (closed weekends/holidays).
This article may be a great place to start: http://ms.spr.ly/6426sYVBe
You can also explore our Support Center, which includes step-by-step articles, helpful videos, and the full manual for your watch: http://ms.spr.ly/6427sYVB5
And of course, our Garmin Support team would be happy to walk through things with you at 1-800-800-1020 (Mon–Fri, 7am–7pm CT (closed weekends/holidays).
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Difficult for me
on September 13, 2025
Posted by: 12slow
I bought this a month ago and am still learning the fundamentals and functionality behind its operation.
Difficult for an old guy that is self taught with watches and computers to teach one’s self,,
Difficult for an old guy that is self taught with watches and computers to teach one’s self,,
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Best I’ve had!
on September 28, 2025
Posted by: Clint12
I’ve had mine for about 3 weeks and love it. Very practical use and easy to operate!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Lots of functions!
on September 29, 2025
Posted by: LadyMehMeh
I purchased my Garmin Forerunner 165 Music to help with my training. I chose it because of reviews as well as the battery life. I do like it. My only mild complaint is that it’s been difficult to navigate and understand how to use it. Also, a lot of apps that you have to download. I wish it was more simplified to use… user friendly. But I may just have to get used to it.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Phone-free running is AMAZING
on October 2, 2025
Posted by: M00n
I bought this watch so I could have music but didn't want to carry my phone during runs. The music interface is simple to use and syncing up my Spotify playlists was easy if you follow the instructions. I carry another Apple Watch with LTE on me that I use as my cell/emergency contact device. Running without a phone is an amazing feeling! Love this watch!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin