The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a top-notch running smartwatch designed for serious runners. With its colorful AMOLED display and impressive battery life, this watch stands out in its category.
In addition to its sleek design, the Forerunner 965 offers advanced training metrics and recovery insights. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting, this smartwatch can help you track your progress and improve your performance.
I’ve been using the Garmin Forerunner 965 for a few months now, and it has exceeded my expectations. The battery life is incredible, lasting up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and up to 31 hours in GPS mode.
One of the features I love the most is the full-color, built-in maps and multi-band GPS. It makes planning and executing my runs much easier. Plus, the training readiness score helps me know when I’m ready to push harder.
Beautiful AMOLED Display

The Garmin Forerunner 965 features a sharp and colorful AMOLED touchscreen display. This makes it easy to read in all lighting conditions, whether you’re running in bright sunlight or in a dim room. The display also has traditional button controls, providing a good balance between modern touch technology and classic usability. The lightweight titanium bezel adds a touch of elegance without making the watch feel heavy on your wrist.
Long-lasting Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Forerunner 965 is its impressive battery life. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 23 days, and in GPS mode, it can go up to 31 hours. This means you can go on long runs or trips without worrying about recharging your watch frequently. The extended battery life ensures that you can rely on the watch for both daily activities and intense training sessions.
Advanced GPS and Mapping

The Forerunner 965 is equipped with multi-band GPS and full-color, built-in maps. This allows you to confidently run any route, even in unfamiliar areas. The GPS accuracy is top-notch, ensuring that your location and distance data are always precise. Whether you’re exploring new trails or running in the city, the built-in maps will guide you every step of the way.
Training Readiness Score

This smartwatch comes with a unique training readiness score feature. It evaluates your sleep quality, recovery, training load, and HRV status to determine if you’re ready for an intense workout. This helps in planning your training sessions more effectively, ensuring that you get the most out of your workouts without overtraining. It’s like having a personal coach on your wrist, guiding you to optimal performance.
Personalized Daily Workouts

The Garmin Forerunner 965 offers personalized daily suggested workouts based on the race and course you input into the Garmin Connect app. These suggestions adapt after each run to match your performance and recovery. This feature ensures that your training is always aligned with your goals, making it easier to improve and stay motivated. The race widget on the watch provides a quick overview of your upcoming races and training plans.
Integration with Other Garmin Products

The Forerunner 965 seamlessly integrates with other Garmin products, such as speed/cadence sensors and the inReach Mini 2. This makes it a versatile tool for athletes who use multiple devices to track their performance. The watch syncs well with these devices, providing a comprehensive view of your activities and metrics. This integration enhances the overall user experience, making it easier to manage and analyze your training data.
Comfortable and Stylish Design
The Forerunner 965 boasts a lightweight and comfortable design, making it suitable for all-day wear. The silicone strap is adjustable and feels just right on the wrist. The watch’s sleek and modern look ensures that it fits well with both sportswear and casual outfits. It’s a functional accessory that doesn’t compromise on style, allowing you to wear it confidently in any setting.
Accurate Activity Tracking
This smartwatch excels in tracking various activities accurately. Whether you’re running, cycling, or doing strength training, the Forerunner 965 captures your performance metrics with precision. Users have praised its ability to detect specific exercises during strength training sessions. This accuracy helps you monitor your progress and make informed decisions about your workouts.
Music and Connectivity
The Forerunner 965 allows you to listen to music directly from your watch, without the need to carry your phone. This feature is especially useful for runners and athletes who prefer to train without extra devices. The watch also connects to popular fitness apps like Strava, making it easy to share your progress and stay motivated. The connectivity options enhance the overall functionality of the watch, making it a comprehensive fitness companion.
User Reviews and Feedback
The Garmin Forerunner 965 has received high praise from users, boasting a 4.7-star rating from over 500 reviews. Users appreciate its accuracy, battery life, and ease of use. While some minor issues like the occasional unresponsive screen have been noted, the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive. This strong user endorsement highlights the watch’s reliability and effectiveness in meeting the needs of runners and athletes.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life, lasting up to 23 days in smartwatch mode.
- Bright AMOLED display with easy-to-use button controls.
- Built-in maps and multi-band GPS for accurate tracking.
Cons:
- Heart rate monitor can be slow to respond sometimes.
- Screen doesn’t always wake up on wrist twist.
- Expensive compared to other smartwatches.
Conclusion
Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is an excellent investment for any runner. Its combination of advanced features and user-friendly design makes it a standout choice.
If you’re looking to take your running to the next level, this smartwatch is definitely worth considering. It offers great value for its price and will help you achieve your fitness goals.
Questions & Answers:
Question: How long does the battery last?
Answer: The battery can last up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and up to 31 hours in GPS mode.
Question: Is the watch comfortable to wear?
Answer: Yes, the watch is lightweight with a comfortable silicone strap that adjusts easily.
Question: Can I use this watch for activities other than running?
Answer: Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 965 supports various activities like strength training, cycling, and more.
Leave feedback about this