Garmin Forerunner 165 Review: AMOLED GPS Running Watch for Under £180

What Is the Garmin Forerunner 165?

The Forerunner 165 is Garmin's entry-level AMOLED GPS running watch — the first Garmin below £250 to carry the AMOLED display type that remains clearly readable in direct sunlight. At £177.99 (from £249.99) and 4.4 stars from 5,959 buyers, it is the recommended starting point for runners who want accurate GPS tracking, structured training plans, and a recovery metrics system without the premium cost of the 265 range.

Display and Visibility

AMOLED is the correct display technology for outdoor sports watches in 2026. The pixel-lit display with high peak brightness remains readable in direct afternoon sun, eliminating the need to shade the watch face or increase backlight to maximum. The always-on display mode shows data continuously without requiring a wrist-raise gesture, which is practical during tempo runs where eye contact needs to be brief and quick.

GPS Accuracy

GPS+GLONASS multi-constellation tracking achieves split accuracy within 1–2 metres in open conditions. For road running, the distance reading correlates well with measured courses. GPS lock typically achieves in under 30 seconds after a brief warmup run. Track mode is available for oval courses where GPS drift can affect lap counting.

Training Features

Garmin Coach provides structured plans from half marathon through to marathon, with adaptive workouts that respond to completed sessions and adjust based on performance trend. Body Battery reads heart rate variability, sleep quality, and activity load to produce a 0–100 readiness score. A low Body Battery score after a hard training day correlates well with genuine recovery need — it is a useful tool for managing training load without overtraining.

Verdict

For runners who want Garmin's tracking accuracy and training ecosystem without the cost of the 265 or 955, the Forerunner 165 is the right choice. The AMOLED display elevates the user experience meaningfully above the MIP display models at the same price tier. At £178, the value is strong.

Rating: 4.4/5 — The best-value entry to the Garmin GPS running watch ecosystem.