Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Health & Fitness

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

There’s a new Garmin watch that’s perfect for beginner runners

Garmin's Forerunner 165 is $200 less than the Forerunner 265

By
a lineup of garmin watches
Garmin / Garmin

If you’re a runner, or even if you’re not, investing in a reliable (and accurate) smartwatch could help you keep track of your progress and stay motivated to reach your fitness goals. But, these nifty little gadgets usually come with either a pretty high price tag or limited features — until now.

Meet the Garmin Forerunner 165. This new addition to Garmin’s Forerunner line is affordable and features advanced fitness metrics, wellness data, and built-in GPS tracking. Plus, it’s $200 less than the Forerunner 265 model.

Recommended Videos

Here’s everything we know about the Forerunner 165 so far.

garmin forerunner 165 series against a blue background
Garmin / Garmin / Canva Pro

The Forerunner 165 is available in two models: Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 165 Music

This week, Garmin announced the Forerunner 165 Series watch in two models: the Forerunner 165 ($249.99) and the Forerunner 165 Music ($299.99). Both models are designed for beginner runners and feature personalized adaptive training plans, health and fitness metrics, and a bright AMOLED display to see what’s going on at a glance.

Related

“Whether you’re looking to complete your first 5K or set a new PR, the Forerunner 165 Series is here to help you through every step of your running journey,” Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales, said in a press release.

Here are a few of our favorite features of the Forerunner 165 Series:

  • Morning reports: Every morning, you can set the Forerunner 165 to send you an overview of the previous night’s sleep and your training for the day ahead. You’ll also see HRV (heart rate variability) status and the weather forecast so you can plan your outdoor run accordingly.
  • Built-in courses: With the Garmin Connect app, you can create or find running courses tailored to your fitness level and goals.
  • Race training plans: If you’re getting ready for a big race, the Forerunner 165 can help you train with personalized adaptive training plans specific to your race distance and goal time.
  • Music storage: The Forerunner 165 Music lets you download songs and playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer, so you can listen to your favorite tunes during your runs even if you don’t have your phone.
  • Audio prompts: The Forerunner 165 Music also has an audio prompts feature where you can follow guided workouts and hear performance alerts via Bluetooth headphones.

The Garmin 165 Forerunner smartwatches offer typical smartwatch features, including the ability to stay connected on-the-go with emails, texts, and notifications when paired with a compatible iPhone or Android device. Additionally, they come equipped with safety features that allow for an alert to be sent to pre-selected emergency contacts in case an incident is detected.

You can get the Forerunner 165 ($249.99) and the Forerunner 165 Music ($299.99) at select retailers and on the Garmin website.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Tabitha Britt
Tabitha Britt
Freelance Writer
Tabitha Britt is a freelance writer, editor, SEO & content strategist.
The END x Timex Skeleton: Timex reveals its fashion side with a new watch
Timex is definitely getting more stylish and this new watch is a proof of the evolution
The END x Timex Skeleton

Timex partnered up with End Clothing to create a stylish timepiece that bridges horology and the fashion world. The two brands have worked on various projects, so this new piece strengthens a partnership that’s been growing and evolving in the past few years.

End Clothing is a brand that deals with men’s and women’s clothing, and it's been active since 2005.

Read more
Bulova, Complecto roll out limited edition Super Seville watches with new stone dials
This new collection from Bulova and Complecto runs deep
Stone Dial Collection

To honor cultural identity and community-based efforts, Bulova and Complecto joined forces and unveiled limited edition variants of the Super Seville that foster a sense of community and inclusion. Over the past few years, Complecto has focused on inclusion with multiple activities and projects that dive deeper into heritage and culture.

While this new partnership was established in 2023, the two brands are working toward a common goal due to their shared values. At the surface level, the collaboration might seem like it’s all about a stylish timepiece, but it runs deeper than this and tells an authentic story. Think of this new collaboration as a symbol of a deep bond, strengthened by affirmative values, which steers toward growth.

Read more
JJJJound and New Balance’s new shoe is the perfect end-of-year sneaker
JJJJound, New Balance release dark new sneaker
overhead view of two black New Balance sneakers

While we’ve grown accustomed to New Balance’s collaborations bringing forth various color schemes and combinations, their newest partnership is a sleeker style for the athletic company. For their third release together, JJJJound and New Balance use their construction and style techniques to create a shoe full of ‘balance.’ Inspired by the idea of balance, the concept of the sneaker is to have a durable and stable design while still looking chic and fashion-forward. Just in time to round out the Fall/Winter 2024 collection, this new release brings a moodier take on an established New Balance silhouette. Although there are plenty of collaborations from New Balance, this partnership with JJJJound is unlike the others. 
JJJJound x New Balance 2002R GORE-TEX

Crafted using all-black mesh and leather, this new design from JJJJound and New Balance is a darker and moodier side of the athletic brand than we are used to. While the entire shoe dons a black hue, there are hints of blue found around the heel where the 2002R branding is located. Tonal vamp overlays, rubber outsoles, and an N-ERGY midsole are some of the features that give the sneaker some of the classic New Balance look. Completed with toggle lacing, this sneaker is ready for just about anything. Inside, a waterproof lining helps protect against anything the winter season has prepared. Those keen to round out their winter lineup can purchase the 2002R GORE-TEX via JJJJound’s web store starting December 18 and New Balance on December 20. Made to withstand all of the winter elements, this JJJJound and New Balance release is another collaboration that seems to hit a perfect stride. Unlike recent sneakers full of lively and vibrant hues, this release is for those looking for a more versatile option with all the technical features you need. 

Read more