Both are excellent: 165 Music shines for display and tunes; 255 wins on accuracy.
You want a watch that keeps you on pace without fuss. I’ve been testing the garmin forerunner 165 music vs garmin forerunner 255 specs on city runs, trails, and gym days. Both nail the basics, but in different ways: one dazzles with an AMOLED screen and music, the other crushes GPS accuracy and battery. I’ll share what actually mattered in daily use so you can pick the right one.
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, Running…
Easy-to-use running smartwatch with built-in GPS for pace/distance and wrist-based heart rate; brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display with traditional button controls; lightweight design in 43 mm…
Garmin Forerunner® 255, GPS Running…
Built with a slim design and an always-on, full-color display that’s light on the wrist and easy to read even in direct sunlight — with…
Is Garmin Forerunner 165 Music Good?
Yes—for most runners, it’s a great choice. If you want a bright display, easy touch controls, and music on your wrist, the Forerunner 165 Music is a joy. It covers the essentials: strong training tools, helpful recovery insights, and Garmin Pay. It’s ideal for 5K-to-half-marathon runners who value simplicity and fun features over deep, pro-level metrics.On my sunrise runs, the AMOLED screen popped even in dim light, and swiping through data felt natural. I loved leaving my phone at home—Bluetooth buds plus onboard playlists kept me light. GPS tracks were solid on suburban routes, though downtown high-rises pushed it a bit. For everyday training, the 165 Music felt easy, quick, and motivating.
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Music on Your Wrist, Whitestone
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- AMOLED touchscreen with crisp, colorful data pages plus buttons for workouts
- Onboard music storage and playback with supported streaming services
- All-Systems GNSS for reliable everyday GPS tracking
- Training metrics: VO2 max, HRV Status, Training Effect, Recovery Time, Morning Report
- Garmin Pay, smart notifications, and lightweight, comfortable build
What I Like
- Display is easy to read at a glance, day or night
- Phone-free runs with music keep things simple
- Touch + button combo makes menus and laps quick
- Daily Suggested Workouts feel on-point for base building
- HRV Status and Recovery Time help me avoid overdoing it
- Light on the wrist; no hot spots on long runs
What Could Be Better
- No multi-band GPS; accuracy dips near tall buildings
- No triathlon or open-water swim modes
- Battery drops faster with always-on display and music
My Recommendation
If you want an easy, fun, everyday running watch with music and a great screen, pick this. It offers strong value and wide availability.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| New and intermediate runners | Simple setup, clear metrics, helpful guidance |
| Music-first runners | Onboard playlists for phone-free runs |
| Daily wear | AMOLED pop, light, and comfy all day |
Is Garmin Forerunner 255 Good?
Yes—if you value accuracy, battery, and multisport depth, the Forerunner 255 is excellent. It is the better pick for serious training and race prep. It adds dual-frequency GPS, longer battery life, and triathlon-level sport profiles. It’s built for runners who want more control and better data, even without the flash.I used the Forerunner 255 for race pace work around glass-heavy downtown routes. The tracks were clean, even with tall buildings and tree cover. The transflective screen is not as pretty indoors, but it never washes out in sun. On a weekend brick session, triathlon mode kept everything tidy. If training accuracy and battery life matter most, this one delivers.
Garmin Forerunner® 255, GPS Running Smartwatch, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Slate Gray
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Dual-frequency (multi-band) GNSS for high-accuracy GPS
- Long battery life: strong for marathon training and race weeks
- Multisport modes including Triathlon and open-water swim
- Advanced training tools: Training Status 2.0, Training Load/Focus, HRV Status
- Garmin Pay and smart notifications; optional “Music” variant exists
What I Like
- GPS tracks hold up in cities, forests, and switchbacks
- Battery goes for days; less charging stress
- Triathlon mode makes complex sessions clean
- Load Focus helps target the right intensity mix
- Buttons work great with sweat or gloves
What Could Be Better
- Base model has no onboard music storage
- Screen looks dull indoors next to AMOLED
- No touchscreen; menus can feel slower at first
My Recommendation
Pick this if accuracy, battery, and multisport depth matter most. It’s a training workhorse with great long-term value.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Serious runners | Dual-frequency GPS and deep training metrics |
| Triathletes | Native multisport and open-water swim |
| Marathon training | Battery life that spans big weeks |
garmin forerunner 165 music vs garmin forerunner 255 specs: Side-by-Side Test
I wore both for the same workouts and daily life to see what actually changes. Below, I break down the garmin forerunner 165 music vs garmin forerunner 255 specs in the areas that shape your day-to-day.GPS and Sensors: Accuracy Where It Counts
If you run in cities or forests, GPS quality matters a lot.| Aspect | Forerunner 165 Music | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| GNSS | All-Systems GNSS | Dual-frequency (multi-band) GNSS |
| Urban accuracy | Good, some drift near tall buildings | Excellent, very stable tracks |
| Altimeter | Yes (barometric) | Yes (barometric) |
| Optical HR | Modern Garmin optical HR | Modern Garmin optical HR |
Edge: Forerunner 255. Multi-band GPS gives cleaner routes and better pace stability.
Training Tools: Depth vs Simplicity
Think about how much guidance and analysis you want.| Feature | Forerunner 165 Music | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Suggested Workouts | Yes | Yes |
| Training Load/Focus | No | Yes |
| Triathlon/Open-Water | No | Yes |
| HRV Status, VO2 Max | Yes | Yes |
Edge: Forerunner 255. It has more advanced metrics and multisport support.
Display and Controls: Readability and Feel
Screen tech and interaction change the day-to-day feel.| Aspect | Forerunner 165 Music | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED, bright and colorful | Transflective MIP, ultra-readable in sun |
| Touchscreen | Yes + buttons | No, buttons only |
| Low-light view | Excellent | Good (backlight helps) |
| Gloves/sweat use | Buttons help, touch optional | Buttons are reliable |
Edge: Forerunner 165 Music. The AMOLED and touch make it a joy to use.
Battery Life: How Long Can You Go?
Battery changes with settings, but patterns are clear.| Mode | Forerunner 165 Music | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | Up to ~11 days | Up to ~14 days |
| GPS only | Up to ~19 hours | Up to ~30 hours |
| GPS + Music | Lower; plan for long runs only | Base model has no music storage |
| Charging | Proprietary Garmin cable | Proprietary Garmin cable |
Edge: Forerunner 255. Noticeably longer battery, especially for GPS-heavy weeks.
Music and Smart Features: Phone-Free or Just Smart?
Decide if onboard music is a must-have.| Feature | Forerunner 165 Music | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Onboard Music | Yes (supported services + playlists) | No on base model (Music variant available) |
| Contactless Pay | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| App Widgets | Strong basics | Strong basics |
Edge: Forerunner 165 Music. Built-in music is a big quality-of-life win.
Comfort and Build: Wear It All Day
Both are light; fit and feel differ a bit.| Aspect | Forerunner 165 Music | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Light, great for small wrists | Light, a bit more substantial |
| Case size | Mid-size, sleek design | Standard (46 mm) and smaller (255S) options |
| Straps | Quick-release | Quick-release |
| Water rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
Edge: Tie. Both are light and comfy; 255 adds more size options (with 255S).
Value for Money: What Do You Get for the Price?
Prices move, but value patterns are steady.| Aspect | Forerunner 165 Music | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Often lower than mid-tier models | Launched higher; often discounted now |
| Best value if | You want AMOLED + music | You want multi-band GPS + multisport |
| Longevity | Great for everyday runners | Great for training progression |
| Overall value | High for simplicity + features | High for depth + accuracy |
Edge: Forerunner 255 by a hair—discounts make its pro features a bargain.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If your heart says bright screen, touch controls, and phone-free music, the Forerunner 165 Music will make you smile every run. It nails the essentials and feels effortless day to day.If you train hard, run in tough GPS areas, or race triathlons, go Forerunner 255. In the garmin forerunner 165 music vs garmin forerunner 255 specs debate, the 255 is the accuracy and battery champ, while the 165 Music is the everyday joy watch.
FAQs Of garmin forerunner 165 music vs garmin forerunner 255 specs
Which has better GPS accuracy: Forerunner 165 Music or Forerunner 255?
The Forerunner 255. Its dual-frequency GNSS is more accurate in cities, canyons, and forests. In the garmin forerunner 165 music vs garmin forerunner 255 specs matchup, GPS accuracy is a clear 255 win.Does the Forerunner 255 have music like the 165 Music?
The base Forerunner 255 does not have onboard music. There is a separate “255 Music” model. In garmin forerunner 165 music vs garmin forerunner 255 specs, the 165 Music includes storage by default.Which lasts longer on battery?
The Forerunner 255. It generally runs longer in smartwatch and GPS modes. In garmin forerunner 165 music vs garmin forerunner 255 specs, battery life favors the 255.Which is better for triathlon or open-water swim?
The Forerunner 255. It has triathlon and open-water profiles. The 165 Music focuses on running and everyday fitness.Who should pick the 165 Music over the 255?
If you want a bright AMOLED display, touch controls, and built-in music at a friendly price, choose the 165 Music. In garmin forerunner 165 music vs garmin forerunner 255 specs, it’s the fun, simple pick for most everyday runners.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
