Real owners lean toward the Garmin Forerunner 165: 67% of 147 owners recommend it, vs 55% of 56 for the Vivoactive 5.
Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score
“This video has made me realise the 165 is for me.”— @CGCGCG91 on YouTube
“ordered a 165 hahah wish I knew sooner!”— @Joseeppph on YouTube
“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
“I'm very happy with my vivoactive 4 and will likely ask for the vivoactive 5 for Christmas.”— @tinwhiskerSC on YouTube
“This watch seems like amazing value and a great choice for the more casually gym-go'er/runner/moderately active person”— @martinjrgensen8377 on YouTube
“So disappointed they removed Stairs. I feel like I need to stick with the Vivoactive 4 for this reason.”— @dianacrabtree6546 on YouTube