Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Running Smartwatch is a running smartwatch that combines built-in GPS, wrist-based heart rate and phone-free music for focused training. The lightweight 43 mm case and bright AMOLED touchscreen make sessions feel less of a chore and more of a routine. Is it the right companion for runners who need dependable tracking and long battery life?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Battery Life: Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, up to 19 hours in GPS mode
- • Best for: Runners and active users seeking phone-free music and guided training
- • Not ideal for: Users who need standalone cellular calling or built-in mapping without a paired phone
Built-in GPS tracks pace and distance while wrist-based heart rate monitors effort. Downloadable music and a long battery life support phone-free training.
Accurate pace and distance, with built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate
Built-in GPS captures satellite signals to calculate pace and distance, while wrist-based heart-rate sensors measure beats per minute continuously from the watch back. Traditional button controls work alongside the AMOLED touchscreen for reliable input in all conditions.
Precise run metrics let users structure intervals and judge effort on the move, with heart-rate data available without needing extra sensors.
Phone-free music for training, with downloadable playlists from major services
Songs and playlists can be downloaded to a compatible watch from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer, though some services require a subscription. Pairing with wireless headphones enables playback without a smartphone being carried.
Leave the phone at home and still listen to curated playlists while running, keeping pockets light and movement unrestricted.
Long stretches between charges, with extended battery performance
Battery modes vary by usage: smartwatch mode lasts up to 11 days while continuous GPS tracking runs up to 19 hours. Battery demand increases with GPS use and music playback.
Charge less often during training blocks and rely on sustained tracking for multi-day activities or repeated long runs.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Running Smartwatch
AMOLED touchscreen - Bright, easy-to-read display when glancing quickly during runs
Lightweight 43 mm case - Comfortable to wear all day and during sleep tracking
Garmin Coach and adaptive workouts - Personalised daily suggestions adjust to performance and recovery
Safety and live tracking features - Incident detection and Assistance share live location when paired
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Running smartwatch
- Display: AMOLED touchscreen
- Size: 43 mm case
- Battery: Up to 11 days (smartwatch mode); up to 19 hours (GPS mode)
- GPS: Built-in GPS for pace and distance
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I listen to music without carrying my phone?
A: Yes. Songs and playlists can be downloaded to a compatible watch and played through paired wireless headphones, with some streaming services requiring a subscription.
Q: How long does the battery last between charges?
A: Battery life reaches up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours when using GPS continuously.
Q: Does it include safety features for outdoor activities?
A: Yes. Incident detection and Assistance can send a message with live location to emergency contacts when the watch is paired with a compatible smartphone and network coverage is available.
🏆 Our Verdict
Suited to runners and active users who want accurate GPS, wrist heart-rate monitoring and phone-free music during sessions. The combination of a bright AMOLED display, personalised training plans and safety features makes focused training easier. While upfront cost may be a consideration, long battery life and offline music support deliver strong everyday value over time.
