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Head-to-head · sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Garmin Forerunner 70

Garmin Forerunner 165 (2024, listed at $249) and Garmin Forerunner 70 (2026, listed at $249) 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
sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 165

Most affordable Garmin AMOLED runner — training readiness, race predictor and morning report.

$249list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from Garmin
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Full specs
Garmin Forerunner 70
sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 70

Garmin's entry-level AMOLED runner: built-in GPS, adaptive Garmin Coach plans with run/walk options and about 13 days per charge, with no music or maps.

$249list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from Garmin
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Full specs

The verdict

On the numbers we track, Garmin Forerunner 165 wins on weight (39 g vs 40 g); Garmin Forerunner 70 wins on battery life (13 days vs 11 days).

Bottom line: there is no clear winner on specs (1 to 1). Decide on phone support, how often you are willing to charge, your main sport and your budget, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.

Spec by spec

Garmin Forerunner 165 and Garmin Forerunner 70 specifications
SpecGarmin Forerunner 165Garmin Forerunner 70
Battery (rated)11 days13 days
Weight39 g40 g
List price$249$249
Water rating5ATM5ATM
Tracked features44
Case size43 mm43 mm
DisplayAMOLEDAMOLED
Works withboth iPhone and Androidboth iPhone and Android
Listed best forrunningrunning
Released20242026

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 (4)

  • built-in GPS
  • blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
  • AMOLED display
  • swim tracking

Only Garmin Forerunner 165 (0)

Nothing unique.

Only Garmin Forerunner 70 (0)

Nothing unique.

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Garmin Forerunner 165 if…

  • You want a lighter watch: 39 g vs 40 g.
  • You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 70 only works with Android.

Skip it if…

  • • You want to pay from your wrist — it has no contactless payments.

Pick the Garmin Forerunner 70 if…

  • You want fewer charges: about 13 days per charge vs 11 days.
  • 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 70?

The Garmin Forerunner 70 has the longer rated battery life: about 13 days per charge against 11 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 70?

They have the same list price ($249) in our database. Check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Garmin Forerunner 70 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 70?

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

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