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Tom's Guide
26-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I test smartwatches for a living — and these are my 5 favorite models when I go hiking
You don't need to break the bank to score a solid smartwatch for tracking hikes and other outdoor adventures. Models like the $99 Amazfit Active 2 have all the basics like onboard GPS, offline maps and solid battery life. However, higher-end models like the Garmin Instinct 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 bring exceptional durability and other nifty features — including a built-in LED flashlight on the Garmin — into the equation. Want something supremely comfortable and reliable? The Garmin Forerunner 165 might be your jam. Having tested dozens of smartwatches while hiking the mountains of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, I know firsthand which models are primo trail companions and which are better left in the car. With that, here are my five favorite smartwatches for hikers in 2025. The Garmin Instinct 3 is one of my favorite smartwatches currently available. This is thanks to its rock-solid location tracking, range of useful wellness tools, support for tons of outdoor activities, and, perhaps most importantly, its long-lasting nature. The Instinct 3 comes in several varieties, including with optional solar charging capabilities. With enough time in front of the sun, the Instinct 3 Solar can, in theory, last forever without needing to visit a wall outlet or USB slot. The standard AMOLED model, meanwhile, will keep on ticking for well over two weeks. The device is also built to take on whatever the outdoors can toss at it, with 100 meters of water resistance and an oversized metal reinforced bezel to protect the screen. The Garmin Instinct 3 starts at $399 for the smaller 45mm Solar model and increases to $449 for the larger 50mm Solar edition. The 45mm AMOLED model is $449, and the larger 50mm AMOLED version is $499. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is technically a mid-entry-level running watch, but all the things that make it great for first-time marathoners also make it exceptional for hikers Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Stacked with some of Garmin's best workout training and recovery tools, not to mention impressive sleep tracking capabilities, it's also an exceptional value, easily found for under $200. For hikers, in particular, it keeps tabs on key metrics like elevation gain, pace and distance. It also has safety features, including LiveTrack and Incident Detection. Battery life when using GPS tracking should also be good for even the longest day hikes, up to 19 hours. It also comes in two lightweight, easy-wearing sizes and boasts a bright AMOLED touchscreen paired with physical buttons for when your hands are extra sweaty mid-hike. The Garmin Forerunner 165 starts at $249 but can often be found for $50 off. There's also a Music edition of the Forerunner 165, which has, you guessed it, onboard storage for tunes. That model will cost you an extra $50, but like the standard model, it often goes on sale. If you want a super-rugged smartwatch that'll take a licking and keep on ticking (okay, that's an old Timex slogan) without spending Apple Watch Ultra 2-type cash, then the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is worth a look. This oversized beast has a massive 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen that maxes out at an impressive 2,000 nits. This is paired with a whole bunch of physical buttons, all tucked nearly into a rather cool-looking octagonal case with a big ol' stainless steel bezel. Battery life with GPS tracking should easily get you through 36 hours or more of hiking. With 100 meters of water resistance, dual-band GPS, and even support for offline navigational maps, it's kind of amazing that the T-Rex 3 can be yours for around $250. The beastly Amazfit T-Rex 3 is priced at $279 but can easily be acquired for between $25 and $50 off. It only comes in one size, and though the nearly 49mm case won't be for everyone, the T-Rex 3 is a mighty-fine alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Amazfit Active 2 has nearly all the same bells and whistles as the T-Rex 3, just squeezed into a more streamlined, easy-wearing case. Starting at less than $100, this admittedly handsome-looking smartwatch has onboard GPS, supports 160+ workout types, sports a bright AMOLED touchscreen and can track a hearty day's workout with plenty of battery to spare, making it one of the best bang-for-your-buck wearables in 2025. However, the most shocking feature, given the price, is support for offline navigational maps. While a little rough around the edges and somewhat limited in capability compared to, say, Apple, Garmin and Google's take, this is a tool ordinarily only found on far pricer smartwatch models. Also worth noting: Amazfit is very good about responding to user feedback with firmware updates, and even within the few months that have passed since I reviewed the Active 2, it's already seen several enhancements. The Amazfit Active 2 comes in two variants. The standard $99 model has an aluminum case and glass screen. The higher-end Active 2 premium edition ups the ante with a tougher sapphire crystal screen and stainless steel case for an extra $30. Neither Garmin nor Amazfit makes smartwatches with cellular connectivity. Fortunately, brands like Apple, Samsung and Google do. My favorite cellular-connected smartwatch is the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Similar to the best Garmin watches, the Ultra 2 is jam-packed with impressive safety features, like fall and crash detection, along with Emergency SOS. It also makes for a mighty good hiking partner thanks to a long-lasting battery — up to 35 hours when tracking a hike with GPS enabled — a tough-built design with 100 meters of water resistance, and accurate location and holistic tracking. You also get a sweet, customizable 'Action' button (plus, a side button and digital crown) along with a super-bright and immersive touchscreen. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in a variety of case colors, including black (shown here), each for $799. Cellular connectivity comes standard, though you're not required to have a data plan to use the Ultra 2.
Mint
23-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
Best Android smartwatches in 2025: Top 10 options with AMOLED screens, GPS tracking, fitness modes and long battery life
Android smartwatches in 2025 are more than just tech. They are like your everyday sidekick. From tracking your morning walk to reminding you when it's time to stand up and stretch, they have your back. The crisp AMOLED screens make everything pop, and the built-in GPS lets you leave your phone behind and still stay on track. You can count steps, check your heart rate, or see how well you slept, it's all right there, easy, quick, and fuss free. These smartwatches go beyond fitness. They keep you in the loop with call alerts, texts, and music controls right on your wrist, no interruptions. And with a battery that lasts all day and more, they are made to keep up with your life from morning workouts to late night scrolling. Simple, helpful, and made for how we live today. We've handpicked the best Android smartwatches in 2025 to match your pace, style and needs. Time to explore the top picks that truly get you. The Galaxy Watch6 Classic LTE is one of the best Android smartwatches in 2025, thanks to its blood pressure and ECG monitoring that help you keep an eye on your heart health anytime. With LTE connectivity, you can make calls and send messages without needing your phone, making it easier to stay connected on the move. This smartwatch fits seamlessly into your daily routine as you track workouts, monitor sleep, or handle notifications with ease and convenience. Display 1.5 inch Super AMOLED Connectivity LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Health Tracking Blood Pressure, ECG, Heart Rate, Sleep Battery Life Up to 30 hours with LTE Compatibility Android only Build Stainless Steel case Accurate BP and ECG tracking Works without phone (LTE) Not compatible with iOS Battery drains quicker with LTE What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like the health accuracy and seamless calling features. Many say it helps them stay on track with health goals daily. It helps you stay connected and track health without depending on your phone. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is one of the best Android smartwatches in 2025, designed for runners who want clear training metrics and recovery insights. Its colorful AMOLED display makes it easy to read outdoors. The built-in GPS tracks your routes and pace accurately, helping you improve your runs and stay motivated. With this watch, monitoring your workouts and recovery becomes simple, letting you balance effort and rest for better results. Display 1.3-inch AMOLED, colorful and bright GPS Built-in for accurate tracking Training Metrics VO2 max, recovery time, cadence Battery Life Up to 13 hours with GPS Connectivity Bluetooth for smartphone sync Clear AMOLED display Accurate GPS tracking Lightweight and comfortable No music storage Limited smartwatch apps What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers mention the clear screen and precise GPS, praising its useful training data and comfortable fit during runs. It offers focused running features and easy-to-read display for anyone serious about improving their fitness. Among the best Android smartwatches in 2025, the Fitbit Versa stands out for health tracking and ease of use. It offers precise heart rate monitoring and detailed sleep analysis to keep your wellness on point. The bright AMOLED screen ensures all your stats are clear and accessible throughout the day. As a trusted fitness smartwatch for Android users, it also handles calls and notifications smoothly. Lightweight and with good battery life, the Fitbit Versa fits into busy lifestyles without slowing you down. Display 1.34 inch AMOLED touchscreen Heart Rate Monitor Continuous tracking Sleep Tracking Detailed sleep stages Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Compatibility Android and iOS Accurate heart rate tracking Long battery life up to 6 days No built-in GPS Limited third-party apps What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers liked the comfort and accurate health tracking features, highlighting how well it monitors sleep and daily activity without being bulky. Fitbit Versa offers reliable health tracking and easy connectivity for users seeking an everyday wearable. When looking at the best Android smartwatches in 2025, the Amazfit Active 42 mm stands out with its 14 day battery life and built-in GPS. It keeps up with your day without needing constant charging, and GPS tracks your routes accurately during workouts. The bright AMOLED screen offers clear details, making it easy to check your stats anytime. This smartwatch supports Bluetooth calls and tracks your temperature and VO2 Max, helping you keep an eye on health while staying connected. It works well with both Android and iOS devices, making it flexible for many users. Battery Life Up to 14 days Health Sensors Temperature sensor, VO2 Max Connectivity Bluetooth calls support Compatibility Android and iOS Long battery life up to 14 days Accurate built-in GPS tracking No LTE or cellular connectivity Limited app ecosystem What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like the battery life and clear display. Reliable GPS and health tracking make it a top Android smartwatch in 2025. The Noise Pro 6 Max is among the best Android smartwatches in 2025, featuring a sharp 1.96 inch AMOLED display that makes every detail easy to see. Its built-in GPS helps you track routes accurately during workouts or outdoor activities. This watch also stands out with its intelligent AI companion, which offers personalised watch faces and interactive features, making daily use more engaging and fun. With a sturdy stainless steel body and water resistance up to 5 ATM, it's designed to keep up with your active lifestyle. The EN2 processor ensures smooth performance so you can easily manage calls, notifications, and health stats all day long. Compatibility iOS & Android AI Features Intelligent AI, AI Watch Faces Large AMOLED screen Built-in GPS for accurate tracking Slightly heavier than others Limited app store options What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers liked the clear screen and reliable GPS tracking. It blends solid build quality with smart AI features for everyday ease. BoAt Chrome Horizon is one of the best Android smartwatches in 2025, bringing a lively 1.51 inch AMOLED display with cool video watch faces that keep things fresh on your wrist. It's packed with health tools like HRV and VO2 Max tracking, helping you keep an eye on your fitness levels without fuss. This watch also shines with auto-activity detection and ASAP charge, so it keeps up with your busy day and charges up quickly when you need it. Plus, advanced Bluetooth calling and IP68 water resistance make it ready for anything life throws your way. Features Video Watch Faces, HRV & VO2 Max Activity Tracking Auto-Activity Detection Connectivity Advanced Bluetooth Calling Health Monitoring Heart Rate and SpO2 Fun video watch faces Fast charging with ASAP Charge Screen size may feel small Bluetooth calling can lag What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like the vibrant display and fast charging but mention occasional Bluetooth delays. It offers a lively screen and handy health features that keep pace with your day. The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic Bluetooth is one of the best Android smartwatches in 2025, bringing blood pressure and ECG tracking right to your wrist. These health features help you stay on top of your heart's condition without extra gadgets. Besides health tracking, the watch makes handling calls and messages easy with its smooth Bluetooth connection. It fits into your daily routine, helping with workouts, notifications, and keeping you connected in style. Health Blood Pressure Monitor, ECG Battery Life Up to 40 hours Compatibility Android only Sensors Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Gyroscope Water Resistance 5ATM + IP68 Detailed heart health tracking Easy Bluetooth call handling Compatible with Android only Battery lasts about 40 hours What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers praise the accurate health features and bright screen but want longer battery life. It gives quick health insights and keeps calls and messages close. The Garmin Instinct 2 is among the best Android smartwatches in 2025, known for its ultra-tough build and built-in sports apps that help you stay active. Its rugged design stands up to outdoor adventures without missing a beat. This watch tracks your health closely and offers detailed sports metrics to keep you motivated. With long battery life and reliable health monitoring, it's a practical companion for anyone who loves staying active and connected. Display 1.3-inch sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) Sports Apps Multiple built-in Health Monitoring Heart rate, sleep, stress, pulse ox Battery Life Up to 28 days in smartwatch mode Durability MIL-STD-810 certified, water resistant up to 100 meters Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+ Tough design for outdoor use Long battery life Display less vivid than AMOLED Bulky for small wrists What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers liked the ruggedness and battery life but note the screen isn't as bright as some others. Built to last and built for action, this watch keeps up with your active lifestyle. When talking about the best Android smartwatches in 2025, the Noise Pro 6 Max stands out with its giant 1.96 inch AMOLED screen that's easy on the eyes and packed with details. Plus, its built-in GPS keeps you on track during runs or hikes without needing your phone nearby. This watch also brings AI-powered features that add some fun and smarts to your daily routine. With a strong stainless steel build and water resistance, it's ready for both workouts and everyday use. Build Stainless steel frame Connectivity Bluetooth, iOS & Android compatible AI Features AI Companion, Endless AI Watch Faces Large AMOLED screen for clear view Built-in GPS for outdoor tracking Battery life could be longer AI features may feel gimmicky What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate the bright display and accurate GPS but mention the battery drains faster with heavy AI use. This watch mixes a sharp display and smart features into a sturdy package. Among the best Android smartwatches in 2025, the Amazfit Active 2 catches attention with its bright 44 mm AMOLED screen that's easy to read even in sunlight. Plus, built-in GPS tracks your routes accurately, making it a good companion for runs and hikes. It also packs a 10-day battery life and supports over 160 sports modes, helping you keep tabs on your workouts and sleep without constant charging. This smartwatch fits into busy days smoothly, giving you useful health data when you need it most. Battery Life Up to 10 days Compatibility iOS and Android Sensors Sleep Monitor, Heart Rate Bright AMOLED display Long battery life for all-day use No LTE connectivity Limited third-party app support What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like the sharp display and battery life but wish for a few more apps on the platform. Clear screen and reliable tracking make it a strong pick for daily wear. Battery life is crucial because it determines how often you need to recharge your watch. The best Android smartwatches in 2025 typically offer between 7 to 14 days on a single charge, allowing uninterrupted tracking and usage without daily charging. Yes, many top Android smartwatches in 2025 come with advanced sensors to monitor heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, and even stress. Accuracy varies by model, but well-known brands invest in reliable health tracking technology. Most Android smartwatches are designed to work with a wide range of Android devices. However, some features might be limited on older Android versions or non-Google devices. It's best to check the compatibility requirements before buying. Built-in GPS allows you to track your outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking without carrying your phone. It provides accurate route mapping, pace, and distance data which is useful for fitness enthusiasts. Compatibility : Ensure the watch works smoothly with your Android phone and supports the version of your OS for full functionality. : Ensure the watch works smoothly with your Android phone and supports the version of your OS for full functionality. Battery life : Look for a smartwatch that offers several days of battery on a single charge to avoid frequent recharging. : Look for a smartwatch that offers several days of battery on a single charge to avoid frequent recharging. Health and fitness features : Check for accurate heart rate monitoring, SpO2, sleep tracking, ECG, and activity modes that match your lifestyle. : Check for accurate heart rate monitoring, SpO2, sleep tracking, ECG, and activity modes that match your lifestyle. Display quality : A bright, clear AMOLED or OLED screen improves visibility outdoors and adds to the user experience. : A bright, clear AMOLED or OLED screen improves visibility outdoors and adds to the user experience. Build and water resistance : Consider durable materials and water resistance (usually 5ATM or IP68) if you plan to use it during workouts or in wet conditions. : Consider durable materials and water resistance (usually 5ATM or IP68) if you plan to use it during workouts or in wet conditions. GPS and connectivity : Built-in GPS is important for tracking outdoor activities without a phone. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LTE support enhance connectivity. : Built-in GPS is important for tracking outdoor activities without a phone. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LTE support enhance connectivity. User interface and apps : A smooth, intuitive interface and access to useful apps can improve daily usability. : A smooth, intuitive interface and access to useful apps can improve daily usability. Notifications and calling : Check how well the watch handles calls, messages, and app notifications, plus if it supports replying directly from the watch. : Check how well the watch handles calls, messages, and app notifications, plus if it supports replying directly from the watch. Customisation: Look for options to personalize watch faces, widgets, and apps to fit your preferences. Best Android Smartwatches in 2025 Display Type Battery Life Special Features Galaxy Watch6 Classic LTE Smartwatch Super AMOLED Up to 40 hours LTE connectivity, BP & ECG, Wear OS, sleep tracking Garmin Forerunner 165 Smartwatch AMOLED Up to 11 days Built-in GPS, Race Adaptive Training, HRV, training readiness Fitbit Versa Health and Fitness Smartwatch AMOLED Up to 6+ days Sleep score, 24/7 heart rate, SpO2, stress tracking Amazfit Active 42mm AMOLED Smartwatch AMOLED Up to 14 days Alexa built-in, 100+ sports modes, 5ATM, Bluetooth calls Noise Pro 6 Max Smartwatch AMOLED Up to 7 days AI Watch Faces, AI Companion, Stainless Steel, EN2 Processor boAt Chrome Horizon Smartwatch AMOLED Up to 7 days Video watch faces, HRV, VO2 Max, ASAP charge, Bluetooth calling Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic Bluetooth Smartwatch Super AMOLED Up to 40 hours BP, ECG, rotating bezel, Wear OS Garmin Instinct 2, Graphite Smartwatch Monochrome MIP Up to 28 days Military-grade durability, GPS, built-in sports apps, HR tracking Noise Pro 6 Max Smartwatch, Jet Black AMOLED Up to 7 days Built-in GPS, AI Assistant, 5ATM, AMOLED 1.96 inch display Amazfit Active 2 44mm AMOLED Smartwatch AMOLED Up to 10 days 160+ sports modes, 2000 nits brightness, sleep monitor, GPS Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
NBC News
16-05-2025
- Business
- NBC News
REI Anniversary Sale: Score up to 30% off The North Face, Saucony, Garmin and more
For more than eight decades, REI's been the premier retailer for everything related to camping gear, fitness, and recreational outdoor activities. Starting today through May 26, you can shop the brand's signature anniversary sale, which has premium brands like The North Face, Saucony, Garmin and Smartwool, up to 30% off. While the sale is open to all, REI members can also get bonus deals on one full-price item with the promo code ANNIV2025 and rewards money for certain purchases, which I noted below. Plus, those who sign up today can get a $30 Member Bonus Card to go toward your next purchase. Whether you're shopping for yourself or with the intention of finding a great Father's Day gift, you'll definitely find something for you. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up The best deals from REI's Anniversary Sale 2025 All of the deals below are either from brands we've covered in the past and/or products that have at least a 4-star average rating at REI. Hydro Flask is an absolute favorite among NBC Select staff members when it comes to reusable water bottles. The vacuum-insulated bottle keeps cold drinks cool and refreshing for up to a day and hot drinks warm for up to 12 hours, according to the brand. The straw cap flips up for easy siping, but when closed it makes the drink completely leakproof, according to Hydroflask. It's also BPA free and dishwasher safe. 'I got my first Hydro Flask several years ago and I've tried several other water bottles since then, but I keep coming back to this,' says NBC Select associate social media editor Caitlin Cusack. 'I'm an ice-water girl, and this bottle can keep my ice cold for over 24 hours. I've let it sit untouched for over a day and it still had ice in it.' Also available in men's, the Evolution full-zip sweatshirt is made of a cotton and polyester blend. It has an attached hood, front pockets, rib cuffs and hem and a slightly dropped shoulder design for a more casual fit. Reviewers like it for its softness and the hem, which comes to right above the hips. Garmin Forerunner 165 After reviewing the Garmin Forerunner 165, NBC Select tech reporter Harry Rabinowitz praised it for its exceptionally long battery life (up to 11 days), training tools and comfortable feel, making it one of our favorite fitness trackers to date. It can monitor heart rate, sleep habits, weather, recovery time and much more. Plus, it's compatible with both Android and Apple smartphones. If you're a seasoned camper then you know a portable, warm fleece blanket is a must-have — especially in chilly elevated areas. This one from Rumpl has a sherpa fleece lining to maintain warmth and at 72 x 52 inches, it's large enough to encompass more than one person. Plus, the corners of the blanket have clips so you can attach them to one another around your shoulders to wear it as a cape and free up your hands and arms. These ultra-comfortable sandals have arch support and are ideal for both casual wear and as a recovery slide. They're made of machine washable foam that's bacteria resistant, according to the brand. Since the sandals are only available in whole size, the brand recommends sizing down if you're a half size in men's and sizing up if you're a half-size in women's. 'I own another pair of sandals from Oofos and they are seriously some of the most comfortable summer shoes I own,' says NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider. This warm sleeping bag collapses into a portable drawstring bag with a carrying loop. It's compatible with all sleeping positions and types, the outside is made of a water-repellent ripstop polyester and the lining is polyester taffeta. It's also suited for sleeping in conditions as cold as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand. Made of breathable merino wool, which has antibacterial properties, these socks have thermoregulation (which prevents overheating) and moisture-wicking properties keeping your feet dry, making you less susceptible to athlete's foot. They also have specific mesh zones built in to add breathability and a seamless design to reduce chafing, according to Smartwool. JBL makes some of our favorite portable speakers, including the Flip 6, which is both water- and dustproof and has a battery life of up to 12 hours on a single charge, according to the brand. It's also compatible with the JBL app, which allows you to adjust features of the speaker, like audio quality or base. It has a USB-C charging cable and the speaker lets out a beeping sound if it's detected water in the system. This trail-running shoe is also available in men's sizes and provides moderate cushioning. It's made of high-strength mesh and has a rock guard to protect your feet from rough terrain. Available in mens, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 running shoes have maximum cushioning. They provide strong forward propulsion to improve speed, according to Saucony. Plus, the top is made of flexible mesh and has an integrated tongue to help give you a more supportive fit. Lifestraw's Peak Series water filter straw is helpful while traveling and on outdoor adventures — it allows you to safely consume water from natural sources by removing 99% of microplastics, parasites and bacteria, including according to LifeStraw. Around the size of a toothbrush case, you can fit the straw in backpack or jacket pockets. You can also filter water through it from one bottle to another. The Flexlite Camp Chair will come in handy for camping trips, park visits or tailgating. While it has a weight capacity of 250 pounds, it only weighs around 1 pound and collapses into a small cylindrical drawstring bag that makes it easy to carry from place to place. It's made of material similar to that of tents, according to the brand, and has a seat height of around 11 inches. This four-person tent weighs just under 20 pounds and has over 55 square feet of space on the floor. When set up, it stands at 64 inches tall, has one main door, multiple mesh pockets on the inside and has enough space to fit a queen-size mattress, according to the brand. It also has an e-port so you can get access to a power cord from inside the tent. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I regularly cover deals and sale events at REI. I've also written about the benefits of the retailer's membership program and related outdoor and lifestyle products.
Tom's Guide
14-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I tested the Garmin Forerunner 165 vs. Suunto Run for a week — which running watch should you buy?
The entry-level AMOLED watch in Garmin's sports watch range offers a lot of impressive features to runners in particular, and has a slick user interface plus useful smart features. It's a little pricier than the Suunto Run, and lacks the dual-band GPS you get on the Suunto. Suunto's entry-level running watch undercuts the competition, including the Forerunner 165, and offers great sports features including extensive training analysis and dual-band GPS. Its smart features are limited though, and it's not as good a fitness tracker as the Forerunner 165. The Suunto Run and Garmin Forerunner 165 are both among the best running watches available, offering great value in particular as the entry-level AMOLED options in the Suunto and Garmin ranges. While the Forerunner 165 offers a more polished user experience and better smart features, the Suunto Run has a more extensive array of sports tracking features, including dual-band GPS, and comes in cheaper than the Forerunner 165 on MRSP. I've tested both watches individually and worn them at the same time for the past week to track my runs and other workouts. I'll cover the key differences I've noticed between the two watches below, and for more information on them check out our Garmin Forerunner 165 review and Suunto Run review. The Garmin Forerunner 165 launched in February 2024 and costs $249.99 / £249.99 for the standard version of the watch and $299.99 / £289.99 for the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music. It's more expensive than the Suunto Run, which launched in May 2025 and only comes in one model that costs $249 / £199 and has music storage. However, the Forerunner 165 is now often in sales that bring the price down to $249 for the music model, matching the Suunto Run's price. Winner: Suunto Run Suunto Run Garmin Forerunner 165 Price $249/£199 $249.99/£249.99; $299.99/£289.99 (Music) Size 46 x 11.5mm 43 x 11.6mm Display 1.32in 466 x 466 AMOLED 1.2in 390 x 390 AMOLED Bezel Steel Polymer Screen Gorilla glass Glass Weight 36g 39g Water resistance 50m 5ATM Battery life (watch mode) Up to 12 days Up to 11 days Battery life (GPS) Up to 20 hours (dual-band) 19 hours (all-systems GPS) Storage 4GB 4GB The Suunto Run and Garmin Forerunner 165 are both small, lightweight watches that are comfortable to wear 24/7. The Forerunner 165 is a little smaller than the Suunto, and has a smaller screen at 1.2 inches vs 1.3 inches for the Suunto Run. Both watches have bright AMOLED displays, but I found the Forerunner 165's a little clearer and easier to read during runs in bright sunlight. I also prefer the five-button setup on the Garmin to the three buttons on the Suunto, one of which is a dial. While both watches are mostly made from plastic, the Suunto does have an steel bezel surrounding its screen. Both watches feel well-made and study, and have a more premium look than you might expect for entry-level sports watches. The Suunto comes with a nylon band as standard, whereas the Garmin comes with a silicone strap. I find the nylon band more comfortable, but both bands can be replaced with third-party straps — the Suunto uses 22mm bands while the Garmin uses 20mm ones. You get four color options for the Suunto and four for the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, but just two for the standard Forerunner 165 model. Both watches have an impressive array of sensors including a pulse oximeter and barometric altimeter, but one advantage the Suunto has is dual-band GPS tracking, whereas the Forerunner 165 only offers all-systems GPS. Winner: Suunto Run Both watches are mainly designed for running and have dedicated track run modes, but both also offer a lot of other sports modes, including open-water swimming. While neither has a multisport mode, on the Suunto Run you can switch from one sport to another when you pause an activity, and the watch will record your transition, so it will be more useful to triathletes. There are more data field customization options on the Suunto Run, in that you can show more stats on your screen during activities — the Forerunner 165 tops out at four, whereas you can adjust six on the Suunto Run. The Suunto Run also offers a lot more training analysis than the Forerunner 165, and more experienced athletes will enjoy the level of detail you get from the watch compared to the Garmin, which keeps things simple. You can pair external sensors to both watches, though neither support cycling power meters, but the Forerunner 165 offers connectivity via both Bluetooth and ANT+, whereas the Suunto Run only connects to other devices through Bluetooth. Winner: Suunto Run Throughout my testing of both watches I compared their heart rate readings to that of a chest strap, which I always find more reliable than optical sensors on watches. I checked their GPS accuracy against other watches, including the Garmin Fenix 8, and also by looking over the tracks after my runs. During my testing I had both watches in their most accurate GPS modes, which is dual-band tracking on the Suunto Run and all-systems tracking on the Forerunner 165, as the Garmin doesn't offer dual-band. Despite this, I found that both watches recorded very similar GPS tracks on all my runs, and the pacing stats were also very similar. Both have been reliably accurate for me throughout testing, though in hard GPS conditions such as city centers you might well get better results from the dual-band on the Suunto. With regards to heart rate accuracy, both matched up to a chest strap's readings well during bike rides, strength workouts and yoga sessions, but the Forerunner 165 was a little more reliable for me during runs. The Suunto Run would sometimes show too high a heart rate, especially at the start of runs, and while it usually eventually locked onto the right heart rate, it was not as quite as accurate as the Forerunner 165 for me. Winner: Garmin Forerunner 165 Both watches offer music storage, but this is a better feature on the Forerunner 165, which can link with streaming services like Spotify as well as storing MP3 files. The Suunto Run can only store MP3 files, so if you use a streaming service, the Garmin is the better pick. The Forerunner 165 also offers NFC payments through Garmin Pay, whereas you can only use the Suunto Run to pay for things in China using Alipay. Both show notifications from your phone and have a weather forecast widget, but the Forerunner 165 has access to more third-party software through the Connect IQ app store. Winner: Garmin Forerunner 165 On paper the two watches offer similar battery life at up to 11 days for the Suunto and up to 12 for the Garmin in watch mode, then 20 hours of GPS tracking on the Suunto and 19 hours on the Garmin. In practice, the battery drained at almost identical rates for me when using both watches at the same time. I had the screens set to always-on, which shortened the battery life considerably, and both lasted me three to four days on a charge when running every day. Winner: Tie This is a really tough call, because these are both watches I rate very highly that I'd be happy to use as my daily driver as a keen marathoner. I prefer the user interface and music storage on the Garmin, which I find easier to use, but the extra training analysis and data fields you get during activities on the Suunto will be important to runners, and the dual-band GPS will also be a big plus if you regularly run in city centers. If both are at full price I think the Suunto Run is the better way to go, but at the same price the choice will depend on what features you value the most.
CNET
13-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
At Just $200, This Garmin Forerunner 165 Running Smartwatch Has Never Been Cheaper
The choices on offer when you start shopping for a new smartwatch can be bewildering. But if you're keen on something with a focus on running more than apps and fancy watch faces, you can't go wrong with something from Garmin. The Forerunner 165 is a smartwatch that's all about running and training, and right now, you can pick yours up for its lowest price yet at just $200. That's a $50 discount from the original $250 asking price, but this is a limited-time deal, which means it might not run far beyond the Memorial Day sales. For that reason, we suggest that you consider ordering your new Forerunner 165 soon if you want to lock this price in. In terms of features, the watch comes with a colorful AMOLED display so you can easily see your figures and, of course, the time, even in bright daylight. You can get the Garmin Forerunner 165 in any size that you want, so long as it's 43mm. You'll also get up to 11 days of battery life from a single charge when using smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours when using the more power-hungry GPS mode. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. On the software side, the Forerunner 165 has more than 25 built-in activity profiles for popular activities like running, cycling, HIIT, strength and more, and it even gets to work while you sleep. You'll get a morning report when you wake, so you can learn all about how rested you are and whether your body is ready to go for the day ahead. Garmin even has some Apple Watch-like safety features, including incident detection that can send a message and your live location to your emergency contact should you take a tumble while you're working out. Because this is a smartwatch, you'll also get your calls and notifications on your wrist, and the Forerunner 165 can be paired with an iPhone or Android phone, so you're good to go no matter which ecosystem you prefer. Why this deal matters Getting fit and staying that way is easier when you have the stats that show your progress. A great fitness smartwatch can help provide that information and Garmin knows how to make a wearable with workouts in mind. We haven't seen this particular smartwatch sell for less than this so far, so this is the perfect time to pick one up while you can save $50.
