The key difference between the two is that the Forerunner 265 has more fitness-oriented features, including Multisport support and on-screen workout animations. It also has more advanced GPS with SatIQ, while the 165 relies on simpler GPS systems. It also supports tracking for many kinds of sports that the Forerunner 165 isn't able to track, such as skiing and basketball.
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs 265: Similarities & Differences
By Naila Syifa
Updated February 2024
The Garmin Forerunner series is well-known for its advanced running features and excellent fitness tracking capabilities. If you're looking for a smartwatch that can help you train and monitor your workouts, the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Garmin Forerunner 265 are both excellent options to consider. In this article, we'll explore the similarities and differences between the Garmin Forerunner 165 and 265 to help you decide which one is right for you.
Key Takeaways
The key difference between the two is that the Forerunner 265 has more fitness-oriented features, including Multisport support and on-screen workout animations. It also has more advanced GPS with SatIQ, while the 165 relies on simpler GPS systems. It also supports tracking for many kinds of sports that the Forerunner 165 isn't able to track, such as skiing and basketball.
Garmin Forerunner 165
Entry-Level Running and Training
GPS smartwatch with health monitoring and fitness tracking for first-time runners and racers.
Garmin Forerunner 265
Advanced Fitness & Training
GPS smartwatch with advanced health monitoring and fitness tracking for serious runners and athletes with intensive training.
#1 Price
Garmin Forerunner 165
Being the younger sibling of the two, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is less expensive than the Forerunner 265, retailing at US$249.99. Meanwhile, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is more expensive at US$449.99. The US$200 price difference is quite significant, so it's important to consider the additional features that come with the Forerunner 265 before making a decision.
#2 Design & Display
Garmin Forerunner 265
Similarities
The Forerunner 165 and 265 share a similar sporty look with a rugged silicone band, a circular display, and two-tone color combinations. Both models also have a common AMOLED display that offers clear and vibrant visuals even in bright sunlight. Both also have a water rating of 5 ATM, which means they can be used while swimming to a depth of 50 meters.
Differences
However, the 265 model has a slightly larger display size of 1.3" compared to the 165 with a display size of 1.2". A larger display size results in a higher display resolution at 416 x 416 pixels, which translates to better readability and richer detail. It also makes the watch slightly larger, measuring 46.1 x 46.1 x 12.9 mm.
The Forerunner 165, on the other hand, has a lower display resolution of 390 x 390 pixels and a smaller size of 43 x 43 x 11.6 mm. However, these differences between the two are minor and may not be the main consideration aspect when choosing between the two models.
#3 Health & Fitness Features
Garmin Forerunner 165
Similarities
Both smartwatches share a range of health and fitness features typical of Garmin, including activity tracking, Body Battery energy monitoring, built-in sports apps, wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitoring, stress tracking, advanced sleep and nap monitoring, and more.
As running-focused watches, they also both offer features to help you develop your training and improve your running performance. For example, the Race Adaptive Training feature gives you customized training plans based on your current fitness level and training goals, the Race Predictor feature estimates your pace for a race based on your current data, and the PacePro feature helps to develop race-day strategy with GPS-based pace guidance.
Some other common features include VO2 Max, Intensity Minutes, HRV Status, Morning Report, Daily Suggested Workouts, Health Snapshot, and more.
Garmin Forerunner 265
Differences
The Forerunner 265 further offers additional features that give it some advantages over the 165 in terms of health and fitness monitoring. First of all, it has an advantage with its support for Multisport Activities, allowing you to manually or automatically record multiple sports activities in a single session, a perfect feature if you're training for a triathlon.
The Forerunner 265 also supports more Activity Profiles, allowing you to track a wider range of sports, including rowing, badminton, table tennis, skiing, snowboarding, basketball, soccer, boxing, and more. These are additional to the Activity Profiles already supported by the Forerunner 165, such as running, hiking, biking, swimming, tennis, and more.
On-Screen Animated Workouts in Forerunner 265
For certain types of sports, such as Yoga, Pilates, Cardio, and Strength, you can even download pre-made workouts to the Forerunner 265 and view the workout animations to guide you through each exercise. On-screen muscle maps are also available for Cardio, HIIT, Pilates, and Strength with the Forerunner 265.
Some other extra features that the Forerunner 265 offers and the 165 doesn't include Race an Activity, Training Load, Training Load Focus, and more.
#4 Smartwatch Features
Garmin Forerunner 165
Similarities
When paired with your phone, the Forerunner 165 and 265 allow you to receive emails, texts, and other alerts right on your wrist. With an Android phone, you can even respond to text, reject a phone call with text, or view images from notifications directly on the watch face.
Garmin Pay is also supported on both watches for easy payments on the go. Safety and Tracking features are also available on both models, including LiveTrack, Incident Detection, and Live Event Sharing.
Garmin Forerunner 265
Differences
If you're a fan of listening to music while you work out, the Forerunner 265 has the advantage of supporting music storage and playback, so you can download songs to the watch and listen to them via a headphone without needing your phone. The Forerunner 165 also supports music controls but requires you to have your phone nearby to stream music, as it doesn't come with built-in music storage. If having music storage is important to you, you may also want to consider the Forerunner 165 Music version.
Another extra feature that the Forerunner 265 offers is SatIQ Technology, which helps to determine the optimal GPS mode based on your environment. This technology can help improve the battery life of the watch while also ensuring better GPS accuracy for different types of environments, such as in dense forests, canyons, or urban areas with tall buildings.
Some other features available in the 265 model include optional Stocks in the Connect IQ app, Red Shift Mode for better nighttime viewing, VIRB Remote, and Garmin Smart Bike Trainer control.
#5 Battery Life
Garmin Forerunner 265
In the smartwatch mode, the Forerunner 165 can last for up to 11 days, while the Forerunner 265 can last for up to 13 days. The battery life can be reduced to less than a day if you use the GPS mode continuously. However, both models also support battery-saving mode, so you can preserve the battery life longer when you need it most.
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs 265
Final Thoughts
Garmin Forerunner 165
Garmin Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 265 are similar but also different in many aspects. At a higher price, the Forerunner 265 has a bigger display, offers more features, and lasts longer than the Forerunner 165. It is a better option for multisport athletes and for those who will benefit from the on-screen workout animations. The built-in music storage also lets you enjoy your favorite songs phone-free while working out.
However, if you're new to running and looking for a more budget-friendly option that still offers advanced running features and fitness-tracking capabilities, the Forerunner 165 is still a great choice.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal needs and preferences, so it's important to carefully weigh the features and prices of each watch before making your purchase.
If you like to read more on Garmin smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Forerunner 55
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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