ConsFirst / Smartwatches & fitness trackers / Compare
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Apple Watch Ultra 4
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Garmin Forerunner 165 ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on comfort. Apple Watch Ultra 4 wins on smart features, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Garmin Forerunner 165 is key training features held back; for the Apple Watch Ultra 4 it's huge and uncomfortable for smaller wrists. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Apple Watch Ultra 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smartwatches & fitness trackers | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Sports watch | Smartwatch |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 5% | — |
| Overall score | 3.6 | 4.1 |
| Battery life | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Fitness tracking | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Smart features | 2.5 | 4.5 |
| Comfort | 4.0 | 2.5 |
| Durability | 3.0 | 5.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–350 · $$$ over $350. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Garmin Forerunner 165
- Key training features held back
Android Central lists the missing Training Load and Training Status as a con, saying Garmin reserves them, along with Training Readiness and multisport profiles, for the pricier Forerunner 265.
Source: Android Central review - Confusing at first and fiddly pairing
Amazon's summary calls the interface mixed, with some owners saying it isn't intuitive. Low-star Walmart reviews say it has too many buttons to figure out, Bluetooth pairing isn't user-friendly, and it came without instructions. Android Central says the button layout has a learning curve.
- Plain plastic build, limited smarts, extra costs
Android Central dislikes the plastic, button-heavy look and the glass, which isn't Gorilla Glass. It says the watch feels substandard next to full smartwatches, and music storage and Wi-Fi cost extra. A Walmart reviewer complains about needing an adapter to charge.
Apple Watch Ultra 4
- Huge and uncomfortable for smaller wrists
Wirecutter's tester, with 6-inch wrists, found the 49 mm watch uncomfortable to sleep in and says it slides around during exercise. She suggests the 40 mm SE or 42 mm Series 12 for small wrists.
Source: Wirecutter (Apple Watch guide) - Minor upgrade over the Ultra 3
Wirecutter says it brings no design changes and largely the same health and fitness features, so it will feel stale to Ultra owners. Tom's Guide also says the design and display are basically unchanged.
- Expensive, with some features not ready
Wirecutter says it costs double a 42 mm Series 12, which has the same health features, and the Audio Intelligence features aren't ready to try yet.
Source: Wirecutter (Apple Watch guide)
Who should pick which
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 165 if
Runners who want Garmin coaching on a budget
Accurate GPS distance and pace
Over a week between charges
Skip it if: You want apps, voice assistants or a full smartwatch; You track Training Load or train for triathlons; You want music without paying for the Music edition
Pick the Apple Watch Ultra 4 if
Hikers, triathletes and divers with an iPhone
Going two or more days between charges
People who want a big, rugged screen
Skip it if: You have small wrists or want to sleep in it comfortably; You own an Ultra 3; You don't need endurance or outdoor features
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