25% of 147 verified Garmin Forerunner 165owners don't recommend it, and 8 describe specific problems — based on real owner comments from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube.
For balance: 67% recommend it. This page collects the complaints so you know what you're signing up for — read the full owner report for both sides. How we score
“To remove a feature that was previously there as soon as you release the product, which contains the hardware for the feature is a really bad look.”— @Fernweh_8 on YouTube
“the similarly priced 255 is still a much better watch”— @robhunt8378 on YouTube
“You're paying through the nose for fancy colourful widgets here”— @mstu8097 on YouTube
“they should have added Music storage as default on 165 and added new HR sensor”— @newsnetworkz on YouTube
“the Garmin app and watchfaces are horrendous compared to Coros”— @bambaklats2891 on YouTube
“Garmin intentionally makes these crippled watches to make you want their more expensive ones.”— @snowwalker9999 on YouTube
“you shouldn't have to sell your garmin and get a new one if you find a new hobby which your 300 dollar watch doesn't track”— @coscottn on YouTube
“I don't want to support such product philosophy”— @derneureuter94 on YouTube
“Still charging extra for a music version? Come on Garmin it's 2024!”— @monkswhiskers3354 on YouTube
“I see garmin still doesn't know how to make a watch without massive bezels”— @MrSher22 on YouTube
“So not cool that Garmin made the colors more money with the music.”— @jenniferstiles6353 on YouTube
“there is no option to do it and the Spotify app doesn’t show up in the garmin iq thing and i jsut can’t figure it out”— @lukekitchen-b2r on YouTube
Not complaints — practical notes from owners that didn't affect the score.
“Unfortunately, it’s likely the tattoos. Do you have tattoos on your other wrist? If not, you could try wearing it on the other arm during sleep and activity to see if you get better tracking.”— average_schmoe on Reddit
“The Forerunners are lightweight as a feature. The 165 and 265 don't even have a metal bezel. Like the Coros Pace 1-3 running watches, they are extremely light, too.”— SuAlfons on Reddit
“I contacted garmin support, did a few actions on their request. None of them resolved my issues, they proposed to swap. I'm now waiting to get my replacement 165.”— Ok-Shape4509 on Reddit
“Turn the touchscreen off then. You've got options, not restrictions. At the same time, a keyboard appears in Garmin Connect so you could use that. Options...”— Slightly_Effective on Reddit
“I did read it but somehow that bit went in and straight out of my brain. I think OP needs to tap the letters faster. Just tried with my watch (a 955) and I did need to be quick with it to stop it going mmm”— Gingernurse93 on Reddit
“This was watch tracks swimming but fyi it doesn't have a dedicated triathlon mode for your race. You'll have to log each event separately during the race.”— DecisionsUnderDuress on Reddit
“It does have a swimming mode, but it seems to be for pools. I would research that. Yes, it works on its own, and syncs with the phone app after training.”— taco-filler on Reddit
“Can sleep with the 165 or the one up S. The only two things I know of I am missing out on is the lactate threshold estimate HR value over range. And no triathlon race function.”— No_Ad_2261 on Reddit