Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Garmin Forerunner 170 Music
Garmin Forerunner 165 (2024, listed at $249) and Garmin Forerunner 170 Music (2026, listed at $349.99) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · table prices are list prices; each card shows Amazon's current price when available
Garmin Forerunner 165
Most affordable Garmin AMOLED runner — training readiness, race predictor and morning report.
Garmin Forerunner 170 Music
Light AMOLED running watch with offline music, adaptive Garmin Coach plans and a daily training-readiness score.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin Forerunner 165 wins on battery life (11 days vs 10 days), weight (39 g vs 40 g) and price ($249 vs $349.99).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin Forerunner 165 leads 3 to 0, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 165 | Garmin Forerunner 170 Music |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 11 days | 10 days |
| Weight | 39 g | 40 g |
| List price | $249 | $349.99 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 4 | 4 |
| Case size | 43 mm | 43 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running | running |
| Released | 2024 | 2026 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (3)
- built-in GPS
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Only Garmin Forerunner 165 (1)
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
Only Garmin Forerunner 170 Music (1)
- on-device music
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 165 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $100.99 less.
- You want fewer charges: about 11 days per charge vs 10 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 39 g vs 40 g.
- You need blood-oxygen (SpO₂), which the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music only works with Android.
Skip it if…
- • You want to pay from your wrist — it has no contactless payments.
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music if…
- You need on-device music, which the Garmin Forerunner 165 does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 165 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2026 vs 2024).
Skip it if…
- • You want to pay from your wrist — it has no contactless payments.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 165 or the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 has the longer rated battery life: about 11 days per charge against 10 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Garmin Forerunner 165 or the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 has the lower list price: $249 against $349.99 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Garmin Forerunner 170 Music work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Garmin Forerunner 165 or the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music?
Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 5ATM. 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quiz