If you're training for a race, few multisport watch brands do it like Garmin. But there are two things I don't like about them. They are expensive and the platform can be intimidating for newcomers. Have you seen their online store? For newbies, it's hard to parse which of Garmin's dozens of watches delivers the basics without destroying your wallet. Not anymore. After spending the last few weeks with the $299.99 Forerunner 165 Music, I'm convinced that this, or the standard $249.99 version, is the Garmin watch that hits the spot.
Three hundred smackeroos may not seem cheap until you look at Garmin's flagship watches. These can cost anywhere from $700 to over $1,000. Even mid-range watches, like the excellent Forerunner 265 series, sell for $450. Yo loved the Forerunner 265 series. The only thing I didn't like was the price. And that's what he does this particular watch so attractive. it's a fence clone of the smaller 265S but for between 150 and 200 dollars less. The only thing you really miss is dual-frequency GPS and electrocardiographs for atrial fibrillation detection.
Oh really. Side by side, it's hard to tell my 165 Music and my 265S apart. The buttons on the 265S are a bit fancier. Fortunately, my units are different colors. Otherwise, I don't think I can tell at a glance.
As for performance, in 95 percent of my daily use, I didn't notice a difference. Even without dual-frequency GPS, you'll still get accurate outdoor activity tracking. I tested the 165 Music simultaneously with my phone and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, both with dual-frequency GPS. The maps and reported distance all corresponded within a tenth of a mile. I could have seen a bigger difference if I had run in a challenging environment, such as Manhattan's financial district. That being said, I have made a batch running with multisport watches with and without dual-frequency GPS. While dual frequency GPS is More precisely, it mainly benefits people who train in GPS dead zones. If that's not you, you probably won't notice.
Heart rate data was also on par with my Ultra 2 and a Polar H10 chest strap. As I am not someone at high risk for AFib, I never missed the ECG feature. (Even if it were, EKG-driven AFib functions are not a diagnostic tool and still require you to see a doctor.) Unless it's hereditary or you know you're at risk, EKGs simply aren't a feature for everyone. needs, especially since high/low heart rate notifications are still available.
For activity profiles and health tracking metrics, you get the basics for a training watch. And Garmin's definition of basic is generous. Are you going snowboarding or boxing? No. More specialized activities, such as triathlon, golf, mountain biking, or team sports, require a more expensive Forerunner or Garmin. But what if you generally stick to the gym, biking, running, swimming, hiking, playing tennis (or pickleball!) and the occasional yoga or Pilates session? Are you OK. Sure, spending more will get you more, but this will give most people everything they need. need.
$300
The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music gives you detailed training metrics, but leaves out some of the more advanced features in exchange for a more acceptable price.
Aside from these few things, you get everything that makes a Garmin a Garmin: long battery life, durability, and plenty of training. data. Even with a more power-hungry OLED display, the 165 Music lasted me almost a week on a single charge with the always-on display enabled and about 10 days without it. The 165 Music survived my cat biting it and is more than capable of withstanding a dip in the pool. You can still access Garmin Traineradaptive training plans, nap detection, sleep tracking, and features like technology/health-science/body-battery/”>Body battery and Morning report. And fortunately, the Redesigned Garmin Connect app has organized much of that information, making it easier to see.
Normally, I'd start a TED talk about why Garmin's crowded product line needs less watches. That said, the Forerunner 165 stands out because the price, feature set, and product design are very well aligned. Garmin has been lacking a good workout watch in the sub-$300 category, where most of its options are like the Venu Sq 2 or Vivomove Trend: They're aimed at casual users or people looking for a fancier vibe. This is in good faith training watch, both in terms of design and function.
The only bad thing about the 165 series is that it further muddies the already crowded Forerunner line. Lord knows Garmin has a Forerunner 55, 255, 265, 745, 955, 965 and a few others that I'm missing. There are even other lines of watches, like the Instinct, that are quite similar to the Forerunner. But in the midst of all disorder, Forerunner 165 and 165 Music are my picks for a basic Garmin for training. It's great for beginners on the platform, as well as intermediate and advanced athletes who aren't interested in bells and whistles.
