Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Polar Pacer Pro
Garmin Forerunner 165 (2024, listed at $249) and Polar Pacer Pro (2022, listed at $299) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Garmin Forerunner 165
Most affordable Garmin AMOLED runner — training readiness, race predictor and morning report.
Polar Pacer Pro
Lightweight running GPS with hill splitter, race pace and Polar's class-leading training load.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin Forerunner 165 wins on battery life (11 days vs 7 days), weight (39 g vs 41 g), price ($249 vs $299) and tracked features (4 vs 1).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin Forerunner 165 leads 4 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 | Polar Pacer Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 11 days | 7 days |
| Weight | 39 g | 41 g |
| List price | $249 | $299 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 4 | 1 |
| Case size | 43 mm | 45 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | MIP |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running | running |
| Released | 2024 | 2022 |
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 (1)
- built-in GPS
Only Garmin Forerunner 165 (3)
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Only Polar Pacer Pro (0)
Nothing unique.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 165 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $50 less.
- You want fewer charges: about 11 days per charge vs 7 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 39 g vs 41 g.
- You need blood-oxygen (SpO₂), AMOLED display and swim tracking, which the Polar Pacer Pro does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Polar Pacer Pro only works with Android.
Pick the Polar Pacer Pro if…
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 165 only works with Android.
- You want a display that stays readable in direct sun and sips power.
Skip it if…
- • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 165 or the Polar Pacer Pro?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 has the longer rated battery life: about 11 days per charge against 7 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 Polar Pacer Pro?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 has the lower list price: $249 against $299 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Polar Pacer Pro 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 Polar Pacer Pro?
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. Only the Garmin Forerunner 165 has a dedicated swim-tracking mode in our data.
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