Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Forerunner 165 GPS Smartwatch 43 mm Fiber-Reinforced Polymer - Gray/Whitestone - (2024)
Average customer rating
4.5
(405 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 405 reviews
5 Stars
295
4 Stars
59
3 Stars
23
2 Stars
14
1 Star
14
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Forerunner 165 GPS Smartwatch 43 mm Fiber-Reinforced Polymer - Gray/Whitestone - (2024)
Customer Rating
5
LOTS of features!
on November 24, 2025
Posted by: s174
Had to replace a Forerunner 235 that died after many years of excellent service, this one is a great replacement with an amazing set of additional features.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Light weight and great battery life!
on November 25, 2025
Posted by: Liz T.
I purchased the Forerunner 165 after my VivoActive 3 started to lag. It felt like a huge decision to make, since there are so many Garmin models out there but I’m so happy I went with the Forerunner! It feels much less bulky during runs/activity and I only need to charge it once a week. I’ve had the watch for about a month, and I’m excited to be learning new things about it as I go!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
2
Trouble charging
on November 26, 2025
Posted by: JJ65
This is my second Forerunner 165. Garmin replaced the first one under warranty about a month ago due to problems charging. Now, a month later I am having the exact same issues. When I plug the watch to the charger, it may show that it is charging, or it may not. Sometimes, it buzzes and vibrates from charge to mass storage, to nothing. Sometimes, it charges ok, sometimes nothing at all. I have watched and tried all tutorials regarding this issue with no results. It keeps getting harder and harder to charge, even with brand new cables. I can only think that there is a problem with the method of charging in this particular model of watch. I hate this, because I love the watch and how it works. But I am going to have to look at another brand.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Excellent fitness watch
on November 27, 2025
Posted by: Manoj
Almost a month of using it for all activities, running, walking, biking, yoga etc. Very satisfied. Monitors sleep very well.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Great but not the best
on November 27, 2025
Posted by: Div@595
Hood but app conectivity and maps and navigation is not that great
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Beautiful display
on December 1, 2025
Posted by: Linniebelle
I had a forerunner 55 but wanted a brighter screen. This 165 is definitely an upgrade. Wonderfully bright colors, more bells and whistles, but still familiar because it's a forerunner. Love Garmin products in general and this watch doesn't disappoint. Very happy with this purchase.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Amazing Screen
on December 3, 2025
Posted by: Jasper12166
I got this watch for my birthday, and right away I was surprised by how vivid and colorful the screen was. It is an amazing feature of this watch, and a reason why one would buy this watch instead of the Forerunner 55. The other features are amazing as well, and overall, it’s just a very nice watch that is very affordable.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Love My Garmin
on December 13, 2025
Posted by: Horse
So excited to switch over from FitBit to a Garmin…had it a few weeks and looked down and the screen was cracked!!! Ughhh!!! Not sure how that even happened and not sure how to repair. It is still working and I love all the features!!!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin