Skip to main content

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

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

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 Buy at Garmin . 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 Buy at Garmin ($249.99) and the Buy at Garmin ($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.

“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 Buy at Garmin ($249.99) and the Buy at Garmin ($299.99) at select retailers and on the Garmin website.

Tabitha Britt
Tabitha Britt is a freelance writer, editor, SEO & content strategist.
Seiko’s new GMT watch has a Pepsi bezel and Swiss-level specs
This $500 Seiko GMT watch rivals models 10x its price
The 5 Sports GMT ‘Pepsi’

Seiko has once again challenged the status quo in affordable horology with the release of the striking new 5 Sports GMT ‘Pepsi’, a vibrant option with bold aesthetics and elevated sophistication. Featuring the iconic red and blue ‘Pepsi’ bezel, this bold new chapter in accessible luxury has been reimagined for modern aficionados. Housed in a stainless steel case of 42.5mm and with Seiko’s signature Hardlex crystal, the watch is both rugged and refined, offering water resistance up to 100 meters for everyday versatility.

A traveler's companion with mechanical pedigree

Read more
Seiko’s new Alpinist watch has a starry night dial
This stunning Seiko Alpinist captures the night sky on your wrist
Seiko Prospex Alpinist ‘Night Sky’ European Exclusive Limited Edition, with blue dial

Seiko has just released the Prospex Alpinist Night Sky SPB531, a stunning limited edition paying homage to the celestial wonders above mountain peaks. The collection is available exclusively in Europe; this 39.5mm stainless steel watch features a dark blue dial  mimicking a starry night pattern, evoking the enchanting Alpine skies that inspired its design. The timepiece brings together the Alpinist’s signature inner rotating compass ring with a gold-plated seconds hand and applied gold indices, creating a stark contrast against its celestial backdrop. Powered by the 6R35 automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve, the SPB531 is as dependable as it is visually captivating.

A modern mountaineering watch with vintage appeal

Read more
Omega’s new Snoopy watch has a glowing NASA Easter egg
This $260 Watch Has Omega Fans Lining Up Worldwide
MISSION TO THE MOONPHASE, MoonSwatch

Omega and Swatch have teamed up again with a brilliant collaboration commemorating one of its most beloved characters. The MoonSwatch ‘Mission to Snoopy’ features the iconic beagle peeking from behind the sundial at 9 o’clock, a touching tribute to Omega’s beloved Silver Snoopy Award legacy. This whimsical rendering keeps the bio-ceramic case from older MoonSwatch models but switches in the seconds hand for Snoopy’s spacesuit silhouette as he floats against a dark blue celestial dial. 

Why this collection will resonate with Speedmaster fans

Read more