Garmin Forerunner 165 vs 55: Entry-Level Running Watch Compared
By Naila Syifa
Updated February 2024
Garmin Forerunner series offers a wide range of GPS running watches, and the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 55 are two affordable models that are recommended for people who are just starting to take their fitness journey seriously.
In this article, we'll explore 5 key aspects to find out the differences between these two models that you'll want to consider before making a purchase.
Key Takeaways
Forerunner 165 comes with more features for running, training, and nap tracking, but the Forerunner 55 has a longer battery life and is more affordable. Ultimately, the best watch for you will depend on your budget and the features you need the most.
Garmin Forerunner 165
Entry-Level Running and Training
GPS smartwatch with health monitoring and fitness tracking for first-time runners and racers.
Garmin Forerunner 55
Simple and Easy to Use
GPS smartwatch with health monitoring and fitness tracking for people of all skill levels.
#1 Price
Garmin Forerunner 165
Compared to the other Gamin Forerunner series, the 165 and 55 models can be considered budget-friendly. The Forerunner 55 is quite affordable at US$199.99, while the Forerunner 165 will set you back a bit more at US$249.99.
If you want an even more affordable option, you may want to check out Fitbit Charge 6 or Garmin Vivosmart 5, which both cost less than US$160.
Read also: Fitbit Charge 6 vs Garmin Vivosmart 5
#2 Design & Display
Garmin Forerunner 55
Both smartwatches share a common sporty design with a circular display and buttons on the side. Their straps are made from textured silicone, making them comfortable to wear for prolonged periods. One noticeable difference is that while the 55 has a one-tone strap, the 165 has a two-tone strap. However, the 55 model comes with a wider variant of color options, including black, white, and aqua, while the 165 model only comes in black and white color options.
Forerunner 165 features a 1.2” AMOLED display, which is bigger and of higher quality than the 1.04" sunlight-visible, transflective MIP display on the Forerunner 55. The 165 model is also slightly bigger in size and has a higher display resolution of 390 x 390 pixels, compared to the Forerunner 55 with 208 x 208 pixels display resolution.
#3 Health & Fitness Features
Garmin Forerunner 165
Forerunner 165 and 55 allow you to monitor some basic health metrics, including wrist-based heart rate, respiration rate, stress, hydration, and even sleep. The Forerunner 165 even features Nap Detection, so you can monitor your sleep and naps more comprehensively. Health Snapshot is also exclusively available in the 165 model, allowing you to quickly see all your key health metrics during a two-minute session.
You can also leverage the activity tracking feature in both watches to measure your daily steps, calories burned, and distance traveled. For training purposes, features like Daily Suggested Workouts, Garmin Coach, Interval Traning, VO2 Max, Recovery Time, and more are also helpful in keeping you on track and staying motivated to achieve your fitness goals.
If you're preparing for races like 5K, 10K, or marathons, features like Race Predictor and PacePro Pacing Strategies are also available. Race Predictor predicts your estimated race time based on your training progress, while PacePro helps you maintain your desired pace and keeps you on track during the race.
Garmin Forerunner 55
Both watches also support a wide range of Activity Profiles, including HIIT, Cardio, Pilates, Yoga, Running, Biking, Pool Swimming, etc. However, the Forerunner 165 has a more exhaustive list, adding more sports like Strength, Open Water Swimming, Tennis, Pickleball, Padel, and more into the mix.
The Forerunner 165 also has more advanced features that are not available in the Forerunner 55 model, such as HRV Status, Training Effect, Running Dynamics, Running Power, Cycling courses, and more. It even counts floors climbed and supports Breathwork for relaxation and stress management. With those extra features, the Forerunner 165 is a better option for more serious runners and athletes.
#4 Smartwatch Features
Garmin Forerunner 165
Both watches allow you to access a range of features, including calendar, weather forecasts, find my phone, find my watch, and more. Connect IQ Store is also available for downloading watch faces, widgets, and apps, but one difference is that the Forerunner 165 offers an on-device Connect IQ store while the Forerunner 55 requires you to connect to a smartphone to access the store.
Both the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 55 also offer smart notifications, allowing you to receive emails, texts, and app notifications on your wrist. However, with the Forerunner 165, you can even respond to a text, reject a phone call with a text, and also view images from notifications directly on the watch, if it's paired with an Android phone.
Furthermore, both smartwatches can also control music playback on your smartphone, though both models don't come with built-in music storage. If you need a watch with music storage so you can listen to music on the go without bringing your phone, you may want to consider other models like the Forerunner 165 Music or Forerunner 265.
Read also: Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Forerunner 265: Similarities & Differences
#5 Battery Life
Garmin Forerunner 55
Though the Forerunner 165 may seem like winning in terms of features, the Forerunner 55 has an advantage when it comes to battery and power. In smartwatch mode, it can last for up to 2 weeks while in GPS mode, it can last for up to 20 hours.
On the other hand, the Forerunner 165 has a shorter battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. However, it does come with a distinct advantage: a battery-saving mode that can extend the battery life even further. In battery-saver smartwatch mode, the Forerunner 165 can last for up to 20 days. However, take note that some features may be inaccessible in this mode, limiting the functionality of the watch.
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs 55
Final Thoughts
Garmin Forerunner 165
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out on your fitness journey, both the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 55 can be a valuable tool to help you reach your goals.
While the Forerunner 165 comes with some additional features like HRV Status, Training Effect, Running Dynamics, Nap Detection, Health Snapshot, Breathwork, and more, it comes with a higher price tag and shorter battery life compared to the Forerunner 55. Ultimately, the choice between the two models depends on your fitness goals, lifestyle, and budget.
If you like to read more on Garmin smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Vivoactive 5
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Venu Sq 2
Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Venu 3
Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Forerunner 265
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