Garmin Forerunner 965 Review: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Runners

When it comes to smartwatches tailored specifically for runners, the Garmin Forerunner series has long been a frontrunner. The Forerunner 965, the latest addition to the lineup, isn’t just a minor upgrade—it’s a bold leap forward that delivers advanced metrics, a gorgeous AMOLED display, and powerful battery life wrapped in a sleek, lightweight package. If you’re someone who loves to lace up and hit the pavement, trail, or track, this smartwatch might just become your new best friend.

This watch blends everyday smartwatch functionality with the kind of hardcore performance data that serious runners crave. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just aiming to beat your personal best, the Forerunner 965 packs all the tools you need—and then some. It’s built not only to track your steps but to help you understand how your body is performing and recovering, too.

Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the Forerunner 965 such a compelling choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts.

Design and Display: Lightweight Yet Premium

Garmin clearly decided to go big with the Forerunner 965’s display. This is the first Forerunner to feature a bright, colorful AMOLED touchscreen, and the difference is immediately noticeable. The visuals are sharper, the colors more vibrant, and the overall look more modern compared to previous models.

• The screen measures just over 1.4 inches and is protected by durable Gorilla Glass DX
• The watch body is made from lightweight titanium, making it sturdy yet extremely comfortable for all-day wear
• It still includes five physical buttons along the sides, which means it’s fully usable even when your fingers are sweaty or gloved
• Despite the premium build, the watch weighs only about 52 grams

You’ll get multiple strap options and customizable watch faces, giving you a chance to tailor it to your personal style. The AMOLED screen may raise concerns about battery life, but Garmin seems to have optimized it well, which we’ll explore more in a bit.

Features and Performance: All-in-One Training Companion

Garmin isn’t known for gimmicks. Its devices, especially those in the Forerunner series, are packed with features that serve a real purpose—most of them targeted directly at performance, health, and fitness.

Here’s a table breaking down some of the standout features of the Garmin Forerunner 965:

Feature	What It Does	Why It Matters for Runners
AMOLED Touchscreen	High-resolution, bright display	Easy to read in sunlight, looks premium
Advanced Training Readiness	Analyzes sleep, HRV, recovery and stress	Helps determine when you’re ready for intense workouts
Dual-band GPS	Improved location tracking	Accurate route data even in tricky environments like cities or woods
HRV Status Tracking	Tracks heart rate variability overnight	Gives insight into your recovery and stress levels
Training Load and Effect	Measures aerobic and anaerobic effort	Lets you know if you’re undertraining or overreaching
Wrist-based Running Dynamics	Tracks cadence, stride length, and vertical oscillation	Offers insight into form without needing extra sensors
Music Storage	On-device storage for playlists	Run without your phone and still listen to music
Garmin Pay	Contactless payment from your wrist	Convenience during post-run errands or races
Battery Life	Up to 23 days in smartwatch mode, 31 hours in GPS mode	You won’t have to charge it every day, even with heavy usage

The Forerunner 965 is fully capable of handling structured workouts, interval sessions, or multi-sport tracking, including triathlon events. It also syncs easily with Garmin Connect, Strava, TrainingPeaks, and more, making it ideal for athletes who train with detailed data or follow specific plans.

In addition to all the performance metrics, the watch comes loaded with health monitoring features like SpO2 tracking, stress tracking, and sleep insights. If you’re serious about optimizing your training and recovery, these tools are incredibly helpful.

Daily Use and Battery: Surprisingly Enduring

A high-res AMOLED screen typically drains battery quickly, but Garmin has managed to sidestep that issue. Even with features like always-on display and regular GPS usage, the Forerunner 965 holds up remarkably well.

• It can last up to 23 days in regular smartwatch mode, meaning it can go weeks without charging if you’re not hammering it with workouts daily
• In GPS mode, it runs for about 31 hours, making it more than capable of handling ultramarathons or multi-day hikes
• If you need even longer battery life, turning off always-on display or using battery saver mode can stretch things further

Daily usability is smooth. Notifications come through cleanly, and while it’s not quite at the level of a full smartwatch like an Apple Watch when it comes to apps, it’s got all the basics covered. Think texts, calls, calendar reminders, weather, and even third-party widgets like Spotify or Komoot.

The touchscreen works well, but if you’re mid-run and don’t want to fiddle with a screen, the five-button interface is a lifesaver. It gives you tactile control, which many runners prefer anyway.

Is It Worth the Price Tag?

Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: the Garmin Forerunner 965 isn’t cheap. But for runners and athletes who are serious about their training, it delivers a whole lot of value.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’re paying for:

• Premium design with a cutting-edge AMOLED display
• Advanced training insights, including Training Readiness and HRV
• Accurate and reliable dual-band GPS
• Strong battery life despite the power-hungry display
• Full suite of smart features like Garmin Pay, music, and notifications
• Triathlon and multisport support

It bridges the gap between performance-focused devices like the Garmin Fenix series and the more affordable Forerunner models. You’re essentially getting high-end features without the bulk or extra weight, and that’s a big win for most runners.

This smartwatch isn’t just about data—it’s about actionable insights. You’ll know when to push harder, when to scale back, and how your body is handling it all. For serious runners, that kind of feedback can lead to real performance gains.

FAQs

Is the Garmin Forerunner 965 suitable for beginner runners?
Yes, but it may be more than what a casual runner needs. Beginners who are planning to get serious about training, tracking, and recovery would benefit the most.

Does the Forerunner 965 work well for activities besides running?
Absolutely. It’s excellent for cycling, swimming, hiking, strength training, and especially triathlons. It supports dozens of activity profiles.

Can you wear it all day, even to sleep?
Yes. It’s lightweight and comfortable enough for 24/7 wear, and the sleep tracking is actually one of its strongest features.

How does it compare to the Garmin Fenix series?
The Fenix models are a bit more rugged and aimed at outdoor adventurers, while the Forerunner 965 is lighter and more streamlined for runners. It has many of the same features, but in a sleeker package.

Does it support third-party apps?
Yes, through the Garmin Connect IQ store. You can download watch faces, widgets, and apps like Spotify, Deezer, Komoot, and more.

Can you make phone calls or respond to texts?
You can view texts and get notifications, but calling and responding depends on your smartphone’s operating system. Android users get more functionality compared to iPhone users.

Conclusion

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is hands-down one of the most advanced, runner-focused smartwatches on the market right now. It strikes a rare balance: offering the high-end performance metrics that elite athletes demand while staying intuitive and practical enough for everyday users.

With its brilliant AMOLED display, deep training insights, robust battery life, and multi-sport capabilities, it easily earns the title of “ultimate smartwatch for runners.” Whether you’re chasing your next personal record or just trying to build a consistent training habit, this watch can support your goals every step of the way.

So if you’re looking for a watch that doesn’t just tell time but actively helps you become a better runner, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is well worth a look. It’s more than a piece of gear—it’s a training partner that never takes a day off.