Garmin Forerunner 965

Review Score
81%
πŸ… Highly Rated
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Garmin Forerunner 965: Review

β€œA feature-rich running watch with an AMOLED display for vibrant readability.”

Overview


The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a high-performance running watch designed to cater to the needs of serious athletes. This watch is known for its advanced features and sleek design, making it a standout in the Garmin lineup.

Key Features:

  • AMOLED Display: Offers vibrant colors and easy readability in various lighting conditions.
  • Advanced Health Metrics: Includes heart rate monitoring, VO2 max estimation (a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense exercise), and sleep tracking.
  • Integrated Mapping: Provides full-color maps for navigation during runs and other activities.

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is an ideal choice for dedicated runners who prioritize detailed health metrics and navigation features for running. Its AMOLED display offers enhanced readability, making it suitable for both training and everyday use.

With an average review score of 81%, it's rated just above the median rating of similar running watches. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 30% of running watches today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Garmin Forerunner 965


The Garmin Forerunner 965 excels in providing a comprehensive suite of features for runners, with its AMOLED display being a standout element. The display offers vibrant colors and easy readability, although it does impact battery life compared to previous models. The watch's accuracy in GPS and heart rate monitoring is highly praised, making it a reliable choice for tracking performance. However, ultra athletes might find the battery life limiting for events exceeding 24 hours. The watch's lightweight design and advanced health metrics make it a strong contender in the premium running watch market. While it lacks a real flashlight, the Forerunner 965 compensates with its robust mapping and navigation capabilities. Overall, the watch is well-suited for athletes who value detailed health insights and navigation features. For those seeking a high-performance running watch with a vibrant display, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is a top choice.

Updates to Garmin Forerunner 965


The Garmin Forerunner 965 introduces several updates over its predecessor, the Garmin Forerunner 955. One of the most notable changes is the inclusion of an AMOLED display, which offers improved readability and vibrant colors. The watch also features a lightweight titanium bezel, enhancing its durability and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the Forerunner 965 provides integrated mapping capabilities, allowing for more detailed navigation during activities.

Comparable Watches


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The Suunto Race is a good alternative for those seeking longer battery life with an AMOLED display. While the Forerunner 965 offers vibrant readability and advanced health metrics, the Suunto Race provides up to 50 hours of battery life, making it more suitable for ultra-distance events. However, the Forerunner 965 excels in GPS accuracy and integrated mapping features, which may appeal to runners who prioritize navigation capabilities.

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The Fenix 7 Pro Solar is a robust option for athletes who require extended battery life and a more rugged design. While the Forerunner 965 offers a sleek design and vibrant AMOLED display, the Fenix 7 Pro Solar provides solar charging capabilities and enhanced durability, making it ideal for extreme outdoor activities. The Forerunner 965, however, is lighter and more comfortable for everyday wear.

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The Coros Apex Pro 2 is a budget-friendly alternative for those seeking a high-performance running watch. While the Forerunner 965 offers advanced health metrics and a vibrant display, the Coros Apex Pro 2 provides excellent battery life and a more affordable price point. The Forerunner 965's integrated mapping and navigation features may appeal to runners who require detailed route guidance.

6 Garmin Forerunner 965 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Vibrant AMOLED display for easy readability.
Lightweight and comfortable design.
Accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring.

3 Cons

Reduced battery life compared to MIP models.
Lacks a real flashlight feature.
Premium price point.

In Depth


Battery life

The Garmin Forerunner 965 offers a battery life of up to 31 hours in GPS mode, which is suitable for most running activities. However, the introduction of the AMOLED display has reduced the battery life compared to previous models with MIP displays. For everyday use, the watch can last up to 23 days in smartwatch mode, making it a reliable option for daily wear. While the battery life is adequate for most runners, ultra-athletes might find it limiting for events exceeding 24 hours. The watch's battery performance is a key consideration for those planning long-duration activities.

Screen quality and brightness

The Forerunner 965 features an AMOLED display, which provides vibrant colors and excellent readability in various lighting conditions. This display is a significant upgrade from previous models, offering a more engaging visual experience. The high pixel density ensures that text and graphics are sharp and clear, making it easier to navigate through menus and view data during activities. While the AMOLED display enhances the user experience, it does come at the cost of reduced battery life compared to MIP displays.

Strap comfort

The Garmin Forerunner 965 comes with a comfortable strap that is suitable for long-duration wear. The strap is designed to be lightweight and breathable, ensuring that it does not cause discomfort during extended use. The watch's slim design and lightweight build contribute to its overall comfort, making it a great choice for runners who wear their watch for extended periods. The strap's adjustability allows for a secure fit, accommodating a range of wrist sizes.

Heart-rate monitor accuracy

The heart-rate monitor on the Forerunner 965 is highly accurate, providing reliable data for both training and everyday use. The watch's advanced sensors ensure that heart rate readings are precise, making it a valuable tool for monitoring performance and health metrics. This accuracy is particularly beneficial for runners who rely on heart rate data to optimize their training and recovery. The watch's ability to measure heart rate accurately is a key feature that enhances its appeal to serious athletes.

GPS accuracy

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is equipped with a highly accurate GPS system, making it an excellent choice for runners who require precise tracking of their routes and distances. The watch's GPS accuracy is one of its standout features, providing reliable data for both training and competition. This accuracy is particularly beneficial for runners who participate in events where precise distance measurement is crucial. The watch's GPS capabilities are complemented by its integrated mapping features, offering a comprehensive navigation solution.

Sleep tracking

The Forerunner 965 offers comprehensive sleep tracking features, providing users with detailed insights into their sleep patterns and quality. The watch tracks various sleep stages and provides a sleep score each morning, helping users understand their rest and recovery. This feature is particularly useful for athletes who want to optimize their recovery and performance. The watch's sleep tracking capabilities are enhanced by its ability to monitor other health metrics, such as heart rate and stress levels, offering a holistic view of the user's well-being.

Virtual coach and recovery

The Garmin Forerunner 965 includes a virtual coach feature that provides personalized training guidance and recovery insights. This feature helps runners optimize their training by offering tailored workout suggestions and recovery recommendations based on their performance data. The watch's ability to track various health metrics, such as heart rate and VO2 max, enhances the accuracy of its training and recovery insights. This makes the Forerunner 965 a valuable tool for athletes looking to improve their performance and prevent overtraining.

Who should buy the Garmin Forerunner 965?


The Garmin Forerunner 965 is ideal for dedicated runners and triathletes who value advanced health metrics and navigation features. Its lightweight design and vibrant AMOLED display make it suitable for those who prioritize comfort and readability during their workouts. Runners who engage in events under 24 hours will find the battery life sufficient for their needs. The watch's comprehensive suite of features, including heart rate monitoring and GPS accuracy, makes it a great choice for athletes seeking detailed performance insights. With its ability to track various activities, the Forerunner 965 is well-suited for multi-sport enthusiasts.

Who should not buy the Garmin Forerunner 965?


The Garmin Forerunner 965 may not be the best choice for ultra-athletes who require extended battery life for events exceeding 24 hours. Those who prefer a more rugged design for extreme outdoor activities might find the Forerunner 965 lacking in durability compared to other models. Additionally, individuals who prioritize a real flashlight feature might be disappointed by its absence in this watch. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Forerunner 965's premium price point might be a deterrent. Consider alternatives like the Fenix 7 Pro Solar for longer battery life or the Coros Apex Pro 2 for a less expensive option.

Garmin Forerunner 965: What's it good for?


The Garmin Forerunner 965 is excellent for running and triathlon training, offering advanced metrics and navigation features. Its GPS accuracy and heart rate monitoring make it suitable for road running and cycling. The watch's lightweight design and comfortable strap are ideal for long-distance events under 24 hours. With its vibrant AMOLED display, the Forerunner 965 is great for athletes who need clear visibility in various lighting conditions. The watch's multi-sport capabilities make it a versatile choice for those who engage in diverse activities.

5 Garmin Forerunner 965 FAQs


What is the battery life of the Garmin Forerunner 965?

The Garmin Forerunner 965 offers up to 31 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to 23 days in smartwatch mode, making it suitable for most running activities.

Does the Forerunner 965 have a heart rate monitor?

Yes, the Forerunner 965 is equipped with an advanced heart rate monitor that provides accurate readings for both training and everyday use.

Can the Forerunner 965 track sleep?

Yes, the Forerunner 965 offers comprehensive sleep tracking features, providing detailed insights into sleep patterns and quality.

Is the Garmin Forerunner 965 waterproof?

The Forerunner 965 is waterproof up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

What are the main differences between the Forerunner 965 and 955?

The Forerunner 965 features an AMOLED display, a titanium bezel, and integrated mapping capabilities, offering improvements over the Forerunner 955.

Garmin Forerunner 965 alternatives

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Garmin Forerunner 965
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Garmin Forerunner 965
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Similarity
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released
Released
Mar 2023
Aug 2024Oct 2024
expertReviewScore
Expert Review Score
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Battery life
Battery life
552 hours
360 hours
264 hours
216 hours
240 hours
Battery life – GPS mode
Battery life – GPS mode
31 hours
24 hours
26 hours
21 hours
Screen size
Screen size
36 mm
28 mm
36 mm
25 mm
30 mm
Weight
Weight
53 g
39 g
Height
Height
47 mm
42 mm
Resolution
Resolution
454 x 454 px
360 x 360 px
Waterproof depth
Waterproof depth
50 m
Pixel density
Pixel density
458 ppi
462 ppi
341 ppi
459 ppi
Charging time
Charging time
2 hours
2 hours
1 hours
Internal storage
Internal storage
32 GB
8 GB
Activity Tracking Features
Activity Tracking Features
Activity detectionActivity taggingDistance trackingElevation trackingExercise taggingPace measurementSteps trackingSwim stroke counterTrackback mode
Activity detectionActivity taggingDistance trackingElevation trackingExercise taggingPace measurementSteps trackingSwim stroke counterActivity detectionActivity taggingDistance trackingElevation trackingExercise taggingPace measurementSteps trackingSwim stroke counterTrackback modeActivity detectionCoachingDistance trackingElevation trackingGoal settingPace measurementSteps trackingActivity detectionCoachingGoal settingSteps trackingActivity detectionCoachingDistance trackingElevation trackingGoal settingPace measurementSteps tracking
Health tracking features
Health tracking features
Calorie burn trackingSleep trackingCalorie burn trackingSleep trackingCalorie burn trackingSleep tracking
Sensors
Sensors
AccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitor
AccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBlood oxygenation monitorCompassGalileoGPSHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBlood oxygenation monitorGalileoGPSHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitor
Alerts
Alerts
Inactivity alertsInactivity alertsInactivity alerts
Supported peripherals
Supported peripherals
Compatible heart monitorCompatible smart scales
Compatible heart monitorCompatible smart scales
Screen features
Screen features
Damage resistant glassDamage resistant glassDamage resistant glass
Battery features
Battery features
Rechargeable battery
Rechargeable batterySolar powerWireless chargingRechargeable batteryRechargeable batteryRechargeable batteryRechargeable battery
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Garmin Forerunner 965: what the experts say (1 review)

Garmin Forerunner 965: 12 Expert video reviews

Garmin Forerunner 965: 1 Manufacturer video

Garmin Forerunner 965 characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Model
965
Released
Mar 2023
Battery
Charging time
2 hours
Battery life – training mode
22 hours
Battery life – GPS mode
31 hours
Battery life
552 hours
System
Internal storage
32 GB
Measurements
Volume
29 cmΒ³
Strap width
22 mm
Width
47 mm
Height
47 mm
Thickness
13 mm
Weight
53 g
Temperature
Min. temperature
-20 Β°C
Max. temperature
60 Β°C
Screen
Pixel density
458 ppi
Resolution
454 x 454 px
Screen size
36 mm
Waterproofing
Waterproof depth
50 m
AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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Tom Green
December 18, 2024 at 9:55 AM
Gunnersbury parkrun #230 (my #3️⃣4️⃣)
πŸ“Š Stats by geerly πŸ‘Ÿ πŸ•’ Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%