Garmin has always been one of my go-to brands when it comes to fitness watches. Their Forerunner series covers all kinds of runners, from total beginners to professional runners. Whether you are just starting to track exercises or you are a seasoned runner looking for reliable tools to help you get the job done, Garmin covers you with these watches.
The Forerunner 55 has been a solid entry-level option since its release in 2021. This year, Garmin updated that device with the Forerunner 165, loaded with some great enhancements.
In the following sections, let me outline some of the major differences to assist you in choosing between these two great devices for your running needs.
Price: Which Watch Fits Your Budget?
One of the first things you might consider is how much each watch costs:
- Forerunner 55: 199.99
- Forerunner 165: $249.99 ($299.99 for the Music Edition)
If you want a simplistic, more affordable smartwatch that covers all the fitness bases, the Forerunner 55 is perfect. It might be the right choice for total beginners or those who do not require advanced features.
The Forerunner 165, on the other hand, is a little bit more expensive but is also provided with additional tools such as a brighter display, enhanced sensors, and even the capability to store music. This may be well worth it for more full-on tracking or if you want a watch that feels particularly modern.
Yet, the most significant upgrade to exercises, however, is the capability for music introduced by the Forerunner 165 Music Edition, which allows storage of your songs right on the watch itself; this means that one can leave their phone at home while going out for work.
Bottom Line:
- If you’re on a budget and need just the basic functions, go for the Forerunner 55.
- Choose the Forerunner 165 if you can spend more on advanced features, music, and a better display.
Also Read: – Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Sports Watch In-Depth Review.
Design and Display: How Do They Look?
Both watches are lightweight and durable, but the Forerunner 165 has a more modern feel thanks to its screen.
| Model | Size | Screen Size | Display Type |
| Forerunner 55 | 42mm | 1.04-inch | MIP (Memory-In-Pixel) |
| Forerunner 165 | 43mm | 1.2-inch | AMOLED |
Forerunner 55:
- It uses MIP technology, great in bright sunlight.
- The display is functional but not as sharp or colorful.
- Simple and practical, it does highlight durability and long battery life.
Forerunner 165:
- It also boasts a brighter, sharper, more colorful AMOLED display; this makes it highly easy to read indoors and outdoors.
- It’s amazing how it makes the screen feel larger, even though the total size difference is only 1mm.
- All in all, it is sleek and premium in design, housing a more modern smartwatch feel within.
Explore the benefits of each screen type in our detailed guide on AMOLED vs. MIP Displays in Garmin Devices.
Body and Lens Materials
Both watches make the body from fibber-reinforced polymer, while the lens is made from chemically hardened glass so that both are light yet strong enough for everyday use.
GNSS Support
The Forerunner 55 sticks to the basics with GPS satellite support, but the Forerunner 165 takes it up a notch by adding GLONASS and Galileo for better accuracy. While neither watch offers multi-band GNSS (which would provide top-tier tracking precision), the 165 gives you more options for a smoother experience.
Want the best in GPS accuracy? Check out our top picks for GPS smartwatches!
The bottom line:
- If you’re more about function over style, the Forerunner 55 gets the job done.
- Go with the Forerunner 165 if you want a modern and sharp display that looks quite awesome.
Tracking Features: What Can These Watches Do?
The Forerunner 55 and 165 do the routine of tracking your fitness, but the 165 comes with more advanced sensors and features.
| Feature | Forerunner 55 | Forerunner 165 |
| GPS | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| GLONASS & Galileo | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Compass | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Barometric Altimeter | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | ❌ | ✔️ |
| NFC (Garmin Pay) | ❌ | ✔️ |
Forerunner 55:
- Tracks steps, calories, distance, and sleep.
- Comes with GPS for basic outdoor tracking.
- It’s reliable for most casual runners and fitness beginners.
Forerunner 165:
- Supports GLONASS and Galileo, meaning better GPS accuracy, especially in cities or forests.
- Includes a compass and barometric altimeter for tracking elevation and direction—great for hiking or trail running.
- Tracks your blood oxygen levels, which is useful for high-altitude training or health monitoring.
- Offers Garmin Pay, so you can make contactless payments straight from your watch.
The extra sensors on the Forerunner 165 make it a better choice if you need more accurate tracking or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking.
Bottom Line:
- The Forerunner 55 is great for basic tracking.
- The Forerunner 165 is for those who want detailed tracking and advanced features.
Battery Life: How Long Do They Last?
Battery life is important when choosing a smartwatch, especially if you don’t want to charge it every night. Here’s how these two watches compare:
| Mode | Forerunner 55 | Forerunner 165 |
| Smartwatch Mode | Up to 14 days | Up to 11 days |
| Battery Saver Smartwatch Mode | N/A | Up to 20 days |
| GPS Mode | Up to 20 hours | Up to 19 hours |
| GPS Mode with Music | N/A | Up to 7 hours |
Forerunner 55:
- Lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, which is excellent for people who don’t want to charge their watch often.
- Can run for 20 hours in GPS mode, so it’s great for tracking long runs or workouts.
Forerunner 165:
- Offers 11 days of battery in regular smartwatch mode.
- The Battery Saver Mode can stretch it to 20 days, which is handy for light usage.
- If you use GPS with music, it lasts up to 7 hours, making it a good choice for runners who want tunes on the go.
Bottom Line:
- The Forerunner 55 has better battery life overall.
- The Forerunner 165 balances shorter battery life with advanced features like music playback.
Features and Software: What Else Do They Offer?
Both the Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 165 offer key fitness tracking features.
However, the Forerunner 165 supports more advanced software options. It comes with daily suggested workouts, exercise animations, and additional training metrics, and, if you buy its music edition, it allows storing music.
Among others, it offers daily suggested workouts, exercise animations, additional training metrics, and music-storing abilities later in the case of its music edition.
| Feature | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 55 |
| Golf Features | ❌ | ❌ |
| Heat & Altitude Acclimation | ❌ | ❌ |
| Hill Score | ❌ | ❌ |
| Endurance Score | ❌ | ❌ |
| Real-Time Stamina | ❌ | ❌ |
| Cycling Power Meter Compatible | ❌ | ❌ |
| Lactate Threshold Assessment | ❌ | ❌ |
| Exercise Animations | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Training Readiness | ❌ | ❌ |
| Training Status | ❌ | ❌ |
| Breadcrumb Directions | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Triathlon/Multi-Sport | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Music Storage | Optional ($50) | ❌ |
| Training Effect | ✔️ | ❌ |
| HRV Status | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Nap Detection | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Race Predictor | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Recovery Time | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Body Battery | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Sleep Score | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Forerunner 55:
- Tracks sleep, heart rate, and overall energy levels (Body Battery).
- Provides race predictions and recovery times.
Forerunner 165:
- Adds nap detection for more accurate sleep tracking.
- Offers HRV Status, which tracks stress and recovery levels.
- Includes Breadcrumb Navigation, which helps you find your way during outdoor activities.
- Optional music storage (Music Edition) allows you to work out without your phone.
Bottom Line:
- The Forerunner 55 is simple and effective.
- The Forerunner 165 is better for advanced tracking and music lovers.
Which One Should You Choose?
Go for the Forerunner 55 if:
- You’re on a budget and want a basic fitness watch.
- You don’t need fancy features like music or a colorful display.
- You prefer longer battery life.
Choose the Forerunner 165 if:
- You want a better display and advanced sensors.
- You need music storage or more detailed fitness tracking.
- You enjoy outdoor adventures and need navigation features.
Final Thoughts -Garmin Forerunner 55 vs 165
Both the Forerunner 55 and 165 are excellent fitness watches, but they serve different users. The Forerunner 55 is a fantastic choice for beginners or casual runners who want a simple, affordable watch.
The Forerunner 165, with its advanced features and modern design, is perfect for those looking to get more out of their fitness journey.
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