Both are excellent: Forerunner 165 wins on display and simplicity; 255 dominates training and GPS.
You want a running watch that keeps you honest, helps you recover, and looks good doing it. That’s where the garmin forerunner 165 vs 255 decision lands. I’ve trained with both on roads, trails, and treadmills. The 165 is a bright, simple daily coach. The 255 is a data beast with better GPS and triathlon chops. I’ll share what stood out in real use so you can choose with confidence.
Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch,…
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 Good?
Yes—for most runners and fitness fans. It’s a great pick if you want a bright AMOLED screen, simple guidance, and solid battery life without a steep price. It covers the essentials: suggested workouts, VO2 Max, HRV-based insights, sleep tracking, and safety alerts. If you do not need triathlon mode or deep training analytics, it’s a sweet spot. In my testing, the UI felt friendly, the screen popped indoors, and daily use was a breeze.On a dark winter 5K, I loved the clear pace rings and big, readable data fields. Swiping between screens felt natural, and I never missed a lap due to wet fingers thanks to the buttons. On an easy long run, the recovery time and Morning Report kept me from stacking junk miles. The garmin forerunner 165 vs 255 debate starts to tilt if you crave more data—but for most people, the 165 is plenty.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- AMOLED touchscreen plus buttons for fast, simple control
- Multi-GNSS GPS, wrist heart rate, HRV-based recovery insights
- Daily Suggested Workouts, Training Effect, VO2 Max, Race Widget
- Sleep, stress, Body Battery, and safety/LiveTrack
- Optional Music edition and Garmin Pay on select models
What I Like
- Vibrant display that’s easy to read at a glance
- Touch and buttons work great in rain, sweat, or gloves
- Helpful coaching without drowning me in data
- Lightweight and comfy for small to medium wrists
- Morning Report keeps training honest and recovery smart
- Good battery for an AMOLED watch
What Could Be Better
- No triathlon/multisport mode
- GPS accuracy is good, but not as sharp as the 255 in cities
- Fewer advanced training metrics and load tracking
My Recommendation
If you want a bright, simple coach for road running and gym work, buy the 165. Get the Music version if you run phone-free.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| New runners | Clear guidance and easy setup |
| Everyday training | Recovery tips and daily workouts |
| Display lovers | AMOLED pops indoors and at night |
Is Garmin Forerunner 255 Good?
Yes—and it’s the stronger choice for serious runners and triathletes. The 255 adds multi-band GPS, triathlon mode, and deeper training tools like Training Status, Training Load, HRV Status, and Training Readiness. In my testing, routes looked cleaner in downtown canyons, and battery life stretched longer. If you like data and long races, it shines.During a brick session, the multisport workflow was smooth, and button-only control worked flawlessly with sweaty hands. On trail runs under trees, the track was tight with fewer cut corners than the 165. When comparing the garmin forerunner 165 vs 255 day to day, the 255 felt like a coach and a race partner. It is built to push you farther while staying practical.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Transflective MIP display that is always-on and easy in sun
- Multi-band GNSS for top-tier GPS accuracy
- Triathlon/multisport modes and rich sport profiles
- Training Readiness, Training Status, Load, HRV Status
- Great battery life; Music edition and Garmin Pay available
What I Like
- GPS tracks are the cleanest in the price range
- Triathlon mode and transitions are race-ready
- Battery lasts longer than I expect between charges
- Buttons are reliable in rain and with gloves
- Deeper insights help plan hard weeks and tapers
- Two sizes (255/255S) improve fit for all wrists
What Could Be Better
- Screen lacks the punch of AMOLED indoors
- No touchscreen; menu learning curve is real
- Can be overkill if you don’t use advanced metrics
My Recommendation
If you want better GPS, triathlon, and deeper coaching, choose the 255—especially when prices are close.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Serious runners | Advanced training tools and recovery |
| Triathletes | Built-in multisport and clean transitions |
| City or trail runners | Multi-band GPS handles tough signals |
garmin forerunner 165 vs 255: Side-by-Side Test
I wore both watches across weeks of easy runs, intervals, long runs, and gym work. Below is how the garmin forerunner 165 vs 255 stack up in the areas that matter most.Display & Controls: Which Is Easier to See and Use?
Both are easy to use, but they take different paths.| Feature | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | AMOLED (vibrant) | MIP transflective (ultra-readable in sun) |
| Touchscreen | Yes + buttons | No; buttons only |
| Always-on | Yes (AOD; more battery use) | Always-on by design |
| Case sizes | Compact | Two sizes (255/255S) |
The 165 wins indoors and at night with a gorgeous screen; the 255 is king in harsh sun.
Training Tools: Who Coaches You Better?
This is where the 255 stretches its legs.| Tool | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Suggested Workouts | Yes | Yes |
| Training Status/Load | Limited | Full suite |
| Training Readiness | Not included | Included |
| Triathlon/Multisport | No | Yes |
The 255 offers deeper insights and multisport, making it the better long-term coach.
GPS Accuracy & Sensors: Which Tracks Better?
Signal-challenged routes expose the differences fast.| Capability | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-band GNSS | No | Yes |
| Lock-on speed | Fast | Very fast |
| Urban accuracy | Good | Excellent |
| Sensor support (ANT+/BLE) | Yes | Yes |
The 255 is more precise in cities and under trees thanks to multi-band GPS.
Battery Life: Who Lasts Longer?
Both do well; one goes further.| Mode | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch (no GPS) | Up to ~11 days | Up to ~14 days |
| GPS only (no music) | Up to ~19 hours | Up to ~30 hours |
| GPS + Music | ~6–7 hours | ~6–7 hours |
| Always-on display impact | Higher | Lower |
The 255 lasts longer, especially on long GPS efforts.
Smart Features & Music: Everyday Convenience
Both handle daily life well.| Feature | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Music storage | Music edition only | Music edition only |
| Garmin Pay | Select models | Available |
| Notifications/Widgets | Yes | Yes |
| Connect IQ apps | Yes | Yes |
Tie for daily smarts; pick the Music version on either if you run phone-free.
Comfort & Fit: Wear It All Day
Comfort helps you wear it 24/7 for better insights.| Aspect | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight feel | Very light | Light; 255S is extra light |
| Band system | Quick-release | Quick-release |
| Small wrists | Good | 255S fits best |
| Wet/glove use | Touch + buttons | Buttons only (reliable) |
255 edges it with two sizes; both are comfy enough for sleep tracking.
Price & Value: Where’s the Sweet Spot?
Street prices often decide the garmin forerunner 165 vs 255 debate.| Factor | Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Lower MSRP | Higher MSRP; frequent sales |
| Feature density | Core essentials | Advanced coaching + multi-band |
| Best use case | Everyday running | Serious training/triathlon |
| Overall value | Great for most | Top value when discounted |
If prices are close, the 255 is the better value; if not, the 165 is a smart buy.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Forerunner 165 if you want a bright display, simple training help, and a lighter price. It nails the basics, looks great, and is easy to live with. For most runners, it is enough.Choose the Forerunner 255 if you want better GPS, triathlon mode, and deeper training metrics. In the garmin forerunner 165 vs 255 matchup, the 255 wins for data-driven athletes—especially when sale prices make it close.
FAQs Of garmin forerunner 165 vs 255
What is the main difference in the garmin forerunner 165 vs 255?
The 165 focuses on a bright AMOLED screen and simple training. The 255 adds multi-band GPS, triathlon mode, and deeper training tools like Training Status and Readiness.Which has better GPS accuracy in the garmin forerunner 165 vs 255?
The Forerunner 255. Its multi-band GNSS holds a cleaner track in cities, under trees, and near tall buildings.For triathlon, who wins in garmin forerunner 165 vs 255?
The 255. It has triathlon/multisport modes with smooth transitions. The 165 does not include triathlon mode.Display and battery: how does garmin forerunner 165 vs 255 compare?
The 165’s AMOLED looks richer but uses more power. The 255’s MIP screen is great in sun and helps battery last longer, especially in GPS.If prices are the same, which should I pick in garmin forerunner 165 vs 255?
Pick the Forerunner 255. You get better GPS, triathlon mode, and deeper training metrics for the same money.
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.
