A running watch against a health and fitness watch, both with AMOLED displays and about 11 days of smartwatch battery.
Verdict
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 165 if running is your main sport and you want Garmin Coach, daily suggested workouts and race-focused training tools. Buy the Vivoactive 6 if you want a broader fitness and health watch with 80+ sports apps, sleep coaching, a smart wake alarm and Body Battery. Both list about 11 days of smartwatch battery.
Mid-range fitness watch
Check Garmin Vivoactive 6 Price| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Garmin Vivoactive 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED touchscreen with buttons | AMOLED |
| Size | 43 mm | 42 mm |
| Battery | Up to 11 days smartwatch, 19 h GPS | Up to 11 days smartwatch |
| Running tools | Garmin Coach, race adaptive plans, daily suggested workouts | Daily suggested workouts (walking-focused) |
| Sports modes | 25+ built in | 80+ built in |
| Health tools | Morning report, HRV status, recovery time | Body Battery, sleep score and coaching, HRV status, smart wake alarm |
| Best for | Runners training for a race | Everyday fitness, walking, mixed sports |
The table compares the Garmin Forerunner 165 and the vivoactive 6 using their Amazon listings. Garmin notes that health metrics are estimates and not medical data.
You run most days or race, want Garmin Coach and race adaptive plans, and prefer a watch designed around running.
Check Garmin Forerunner 165 on Amazon
You split time between walking, gym, cycling and other sports, want the broadest set of built-in apps, and care about sleep and energy tracking.
Check Garmin Vivoactive 6 on Amazon
You want multiband GPS or deep training analytics for triathlon or ultra training. Look at the Forerunner 265 or 965, or compare the Forerunner 965 vs Fenix 8.
Yes for most runners. The Forerunner 165 adds Garmin Coach and race adaptive plans, which are aimed at running.
They list about the same smartwatch battery, up to 11 days. The Forerunner also lists 19 hours in GPS mode.
Yes. Both are GPS smartwatches.
No. Garmin says the metrics are close estimations and not a medical device.
Comparison researched from published manufacturer specifications, retailer listings and owner reviews. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current prices and specifications before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Choosing between models? See Garmin Vivoactive 6 vs Venu 4.