For weeks, the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music (010-02863-30) has been my constant companion during runs, workouts, and everyday life. This review dives deep into my experience with this GPS running smartwatch, covering its battery life, accuracy, features, and overall usability. I’ve put it through its paces, testing its capabilities in various settings.

The Forerunner 165 Music boasts a compelling set of features. Beyond the standard GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and step counting, this watch excels in its music storage capabilities. Downloading playlists directly to the watch is a breeze, allowing for phone-free listening during runs. The race adaptive training features, providing personalized daily workouts and predicted completion times, are a welcome addition for serious runners. The inclusion of multiple GNSS systems ensures accurate tracking, even in challenging environments.

Beyond running, the watch supports over 25 built-in sports apps, making it a versatile tool for a variety of activities. The 1.2-inch AMOLED display is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The battery life, advertised at up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode with music, largely held true in my testing; I consistently got close to 10 days on a single charge in smartwatch mode and just over 17 hours in GPS mode with music.

The accuracy of the GPS and heart rate tracking impressed me. My runs were consistently logged with precise distance and pace data. The heart rate monitor performed exceptionally well, and the data correlated closely with my chest strap readings. The wrist-based running dynamics, such as cadence and stride length, proved to be helpful in analyzing my running form.

The responsiveness of the touchscreen and the overall user interface were smooth and intuitive. Navigating the menus and accessing different features was effortless. I particularly appreciated the ease of downloading music and managing playlists directly on the watch.

Pros:

• Excellent battery life
• Accurate GPS and heart rate tracking
• Integrated music storage
• Comprehensive training features
• User-friendly interface
• Bright and clear AMOLED display

Cons:

• The screen could be a little brighter in very direct sunlight.
• Some might find the watch face a little large for smaller wrists.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music (010-02863-30) is a fantastic GPS running smartwatch. Its exceptional battery life, accurate sensors, and comprehensive feature set make it an excellent choice for runners of all levels. The ability to store music directly on the watch is a significant advantage, allowing for uninterrupted listening during workouts. While there are minor drawbacks, the pros significantly outweigh the cons. I wholeheartedly recommend this watch to anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich GPS running smartwatch.