Garmin G010-N2863-32 Forerunner 165 Music Running Smartwatch Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

By GaugeBuy Editorial Team November 3, 2026 6 min read

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The garmin g010 n2863 32 forerunner 165 music running smartwatch offers a compact 43 mm case with an AMOLED display. It provides up to 11 days of battery life and built-in music storage for phone-free listening. This model targets runners who want adaptive coaching and a lightweight design.

You might prefer a different size, such as the 46 mm option for longer GPS use. Some users may need LTE connectivity or a titanium build for durability. Others might look for a more budget-friendly choice with similar training metrics. We selected 6 alternatives because their published specifications overlap with the original. These picks share key features like GPS tracking and music capabilities. This guide helps you compare specs to find the best fit for your routine.

How each alternative compares

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm

This listing is functionally identical to the original Forerunner 165 Music. It shares the same 43 mm case, 1.69-inch width, and 1.38-ounce weight. The AMOLED display and GPS connectivity remain unchanged. The primary difference lies in the model number designation, which may reflect regional variations or specific retail packaging. You get the same 11-day battery life and music storage capabilities. There is no performance gap between these two SKUs. Choose this option if it is available at a more convenient price or from a preferred retailer. The user experience, display quality, and tracking features are exactly the same as the original pick.

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

The Forerunner 245 Music uses a slightly larger 1.7-inch case and weighs 1.28 ounces, making it lighter than the original. It lacks an AMOLED screen, opting for a traditional display that may be less vibrant in bright sunlight. However, it often offers longer battery life in GPS mode compared to the 165. It includes music storage and comprehensive training insights like VO2 max estimates. This model is a practical choice if you prefer a smaller footprint or do not prioritize high-resolution visuals. It provides essential running metrics without the premium display technology found in the newer 165 model.

Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm

The Forerunner 255 Music features a larger 46 mm case and weighs 1.7 ounces, offering a more substantial presence on the wrist. It provides significantly longer battery life in GPS mode, extending up to 30 hours compared to the 165’s 19 hours. This model includes advanced training metrics like HRV status and multi-band GPS for better accuracy in challenging environments. It retains music storage and AMOLED display quality. If you need extended battery life for ultra-distance events or prefer larger screens for data readability, this is the better option. It sacrifices portability for enhanced performance and battery endurance.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm diverges significantly with a titanium build and LTE connectivity. It weighs 2.13 ounces and features a 47 mm case, making it heavier and larger than the Garmin. It offers standalone cellular connectivity, allowing calls and texts without a phone. The display is likely larger and brighter, suitable for outdoor visibility. It tracks heart rate and running metrics but lacks Garmin’s specialized running dynamics and coaching algorithms. Choose this if you need LTE independence and a durable titanium case. It is less optimized for serious running training compared to the Garmin ecosystem.

Garmin Forerunner 170 Music 43mm

The Forerunner 170 Music is a newer entry with a 43 mm case and weighs 1.4 ounces. It features an AMOLED display similar to the 165 but may offer improved brightness levels. Battery life is rated at up to 10 days, slightly less than the 165’s 11 days. It includes music storage and running-focused metrics. The 170 may have updated software features or sensor improvements not present in the 165. If you want the latest Garmin running technology with a similar form factor, this is a strong alternative. It trades a day of battery life for potential new features and updated design elements.

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm

This listing is another variant of the Forerunner 165 Music, identical in core specifications to the original. It shares the 43 mm case, 1.69-inch width, and 1.38-ounce weight. The AMOLED display and music storage capabilities are unchanged. The main difference is the color option, listed as Berry, providing a different aesthetic choice. You get the same 11-day battery life and GPS functionality. There is no performance difference between this and the original Turquoise model. Select this variant if you prefer the Berry colorway. It offers the same practical running tools and display quality as the primary pick.

#	Product	Best for
1	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music Best overall	Runners wanting music and adaptive coaching
2	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm Best premium	Runners wanting AMOLED display and 11-day battery
3	Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Best budget	Runners needing music storage and training insights
4	Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm Best black	Runners wanting music and long battery life
5	Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE Best titanium	runners needing LTE and titanium durability
6	Garmin Forerunner 170 Music 43mm Also great	Runners wanting AMOLED brightness and 10-day battery
7	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm Best amoled	Runners wanting AMOLED display and music storage

1Best overall

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music

Best for: Runners wanting music and adaptive coaching

Case Size: 43 mm
Battery Life: Up to 11 days
Display Type: AMOLED
Connectivity: GPS, Wi-Fi
Features: Music
Activity: Running

Check price on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a 43mm running smartwatch with an AMOLED display and built-in music storage. It offers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. You get wrist-based heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and adaptive training plans. This device suits runners who want a lightweight, color-screen watch with phone-free listening capabilities for their daily workouts.

Pros

43 mm case with lightweight 1.38 oz build
Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display
Up to 11 days battery life in smartwatch mode
Download songs from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer
Personalized daily suggested workouts and Garmin Coach

Cons

43 mm case size is smaller than the 46 mm Forerunner 255
19 hours GPS battery life is less than typical multi-day GPS watches
Requires smartphone pairing for safety features like incident detection

Good fit if

You prefer a 43 mm watch that sits lightly on your wrist
You want to download playlists for phone-free listening
You need adaptive training plans for specific events

Skip if

You need a larger 46 mm display for easier reading
You require LTE connectivity for standalone emergency calls
You want a watch with more than 11 days of smartwatch battery life

Verdict: The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm is a practical choice for runners who value a lightweight design and a vibrant AMOLED screen. It fits those who want to carry music without their phone and benefit from adaptive coaching.

2Best premium

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm

Best for: Runners wanting AMOLED display and 11-day battery

Case Size: 43mm
Battery Life: Up to 11 days
Display Type: AMOLED
Connectivity: GPS
Features: Music
Activity: Running, Training

Check price on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a 43mm running smartwatch with a colorful AMOLED display. It offers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. You get built-in GPS, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, and music storage for phone-free listening. This lightweight device suits runners who want training plans and recovery insights without a bulky build.

Pros

43mm case size with a lightweight 1.38 ounce design
AMOLED touchscreen display for clear visibility
Up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode
Built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate monitoring
Music storage for playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer

Cons

43mm case size is smaller than the 46mm Forerunner 255 Music
GPS battery life of 19 hours is less than the 255 Music
Weight of 1.38 ounces is heavier than the Forerunner 170 Music

Good fit if

You prefer a compact 43mm watch face for smaller wrists
You want an AMOLED display for bright, colorful visuals
You need up to 11 days of battery life for daily wear

Skip if

You need a larger 46mm display for better readability
You require more than 19 hours of continuous GPS tracking
You want the lightest possible watch under 1.38 ounces

Verdict: Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm fits runners who value a vibrant AMOLED screen and solid battery life in a compact, lightweight package. It is ideal for those who do not need the extended GPS duration or larger case of the Forerunner 255 Music.

3Best budget

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

Best for: Runners needing music storage and training insights

Battery Life: up to 7 days in smartwatch mode
Connectivity: GPS
Features: Music
Activity: Running
Dimensions: 1.7 × 1.7 × 0.5 inches
Weight: 1.28 ounces

Check price on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a GPS running smartwatch designed for athletes who want to monitor their training intensity. It features a 1.7-inch display and weighs 1.28 ounces. The battery lasts up to 7 days in smartwatch mode. You can store music directly on the watch for phone-free runs. It evaluates your training status to help you avoid overtraining.

Pros

Up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode
Built-in GPS for tracking runs without a phone
Stores music for phone-free listening during workouts
Evaluates training status to guide your intensity

Cons

Smaller 1.7-inch display compared to larger 46mm competitors
Heavier 1.28-ounce build compared to lighter fitness trackers
Requires separate sensors for advanced running dynamics

Good fit if

You want a dedicated running watch with music storage
You need reliable GPS tracking for outdoor runs
You prefer a lightweight device under 1.3 ounces

Skip if

You need a larger display for easier reading
You want advanced running dynamics without extra gear
You prefer a smartwatch with LTE connectivity

Verdict: The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music 1.7-inch suits runners who prioritize battery life and training metrics over a large screen. It is a practical tool for athletes who want to track intensity and listen to music on the go.

4Best black

Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm

Best for: Runners wanting music and long battery life

Case Size: 46mm
Battery Life: Up to 14 days
Display Type: Always-on, full-color
Connectivity: GPS
Features: Music
Activity: Running, Training

Check price on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is a 46mm running smartwatch with an always-on, full-color display. It offers up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode. You can download up to 500 songs for phone-free listening. This model includes HRV status tracking and adaptive training plans. It suits runners who want detailed health insights and music storage in a lightweight, black design.

Pros

46mm case size with always-on, full-color display
Up to 14 days battery life in smartwatch mode
Store up to 500 songs on the watch
Tracks HRV status during sleep
Provides adaptive training plans via Garmin Coach

Cons

46mm case is larger than the 41mm option
14-day battery life is shorter than some competitors
1.7-ounce weight is heavier than lighter trackers

Good fit if

You want music storage without a phone
You prefer a larger 46mm display for readability
You need detailed HRV and training insights

Skip if

You prefer a smaller 41mm case size
You need multi-band GPS for precision
You want a display larger than 46mm

Verdict: Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm fits runners who prioritize long battery life and on-wrist music storage. It delivers comprehensive training data through HRV tracking and adaptive plans in a durable, black 46mm build.

5Best titanium

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE

Best for: runners needing LTE and titanium durability

Case Size: 47mm
Connectivity: LTE, GPS
Case Material: Titanium
Features: Heart Rate Monitor
Activity: Running
Tracking Features: Heart Rate Monitoring

Check price on Amazon

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) is a 47mm LTE smartwatch built with a titanium casing. It features GPS connectivity and a heart rate monitor for running tracking. The device weighs 2.13 ounces and comes in Titanium White. It suits runners who need durable materials and standalone connectivity for their workouts.

Pros

Titanium casing for durability
47mm case size
LTE and GPS connectivity
Heart rate monitoring for running

Cons

Heavier build at 2.13 ounces compared to lighter competitors
Larger 47mm size may not fit smaller wrists

Good fit if

You want a titanium build for durability
You need LTE connectivity for runs without a phone
You prefer a larger 47mm display

Skip if

You need a smaller case size than 47mm
You prefer a lighter watch under 2 ounces
You do not need LTE connectivity

Verdict: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm is a robust choice for runners who prioritize a titanium build and standalone LTE connectivity. Its larger 47mm case and 2.13-ounce weight suit those who prefer a substantial, durable device on their wrist.

6Also great

Garmin Forerunner 170 Music 43mm

Best for: Runners wanting AMOLED brightness and 10-day battery

Case Size: 43mm
Battery Life: Up to 10 days
Display Type: AMOLED
Connectivity: GPS
Features: Music
Activity: Running, Training

Check price on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 170 Music is a lightweight running smartwatch featuring a 43mm case and an AMOLED display. It offers up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and includes built-in GPS for accurate tracking. You get wrist-based heart rate monitoring, music storage, and Garmin Pay. This model suits runners who want a bright screen and solid battery performance without the bulk of larger models.

Pros

Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display
Up to 10 days battery life in smartwatch mode
Built-in GPS for pace and distance
Lightweight 1.4-ounce design
Music storage and Garmin Pay

Cons

43mm case size is smaller than the 46mm Forerunner 255
10-day battery life is less than some competitors
Single 43mm size option limits fit preference

Good fit if

You prefer a bright AMOLED display over older LCD screens
You want a lightweight watch under 1.5 ounces
You need GPS tracking with multi-day battery life

Skip if

You need a larger 46mm or bigger display
You require LTE connectivity for calls without a phone
You want a watch with a titanium casing

Verdict: Garmin Forerunner 170 Music 43mm is a practical pick for runners who prioritize a vibrant AMOLED screen and long battery life in a compact 43mm frame. It fits those who want essential running metrics and music storage without needing LTE or a larger case.

7Best amoled

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm

Best for: Runners wanting AMOLED display and music storage

Case Size: 43 mm
Battery Life: Up to 11 days
Display Type: AMOLED
Connectivity: GPS
Features: Music, Recovery Insights
Activity: Running, Training

Check price on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a 43 mm running smartwatch featuring a colorful AMOLED display and built-in GPS. It offers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. You can download songs from streaming services for phone-free listening. The watch provides training metrics and recovery insights to help you manage your fitness goals effectively.

Pros

Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display
Up to 11 days battery life in smartwatch mode
Built-in GPS for pace and distance tracking
Download songs from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer
Lightweight 43 mm design at 1.38 ounces

Cons

43 mm case size is smaller than the 46 mm option available on other models
19 hours GPS battery life is less than some competitors
1.38 ounce weight is slightly heavier than basic trackers

Good fit if

You want a vibrant AMOLED screen for clear visibility
You need phone-free music storage for runs
You prefer a compact 43 mm case size

Skip if

You require LTE connectivity for calls without a phone
You need a larger 46 mm display for easier reading
You want titanium casing for extreme durability

Verdict: Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm fits runners who prioritize a bright AMOLED display and music storage in a compact 43 mm package. It is ideal for those who want detailed training insights without carrying their phone.

Specifications side by side

Spec	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm	Garmin Forerunner 245 Music	Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 46mm	Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE	Garmin Forerunner 170 Music 43mm	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music 43mm
Case Size	43 mm	43mm	–	46mm	47mm	43mm	43 mm
Battery Life	Up to 11 days	Up to 11 days	up to 7 days in smartwatch mode	Up to 14 days	–	Up to 10 days	Up to 11 days
Display Type	AMOLED	AMOLED	–	Always-on, full-color	–	AMOLED	AMOLED
Connectivity	GPS, Wi-Fi	GPS	GPS	GPS	LTE, GPS	GPS	GPS
Case Material	–	–	–	–	Titanium	–	–
Features	Music	Music	Music	Music	Heart Rate Monitor	Music	Music, Recovery Insights
Activity	Running	Running, Training	Running	Running, Training	Running	Running, Training	Running, Training
Color	Turquoise	Turquoise	Aqua	Black	Titanium White	Teal Green with Citron	Berry
Size	Adjustable	43mm	One Size	46 MM	47Mm	43mm	Adjustable
Tracking Features	–	–	–	–	Heart Rate Monitoring	–	–
Tracked Metrics	–	–	–	–	Heart Rate	–	–
Dimensions	1.69 × 1.69 × 0.46 inches	1.69 × 1.69 × 0.46 inches	1.7 × 1.7 × 0.5 inches	1.8 × 1.8 × 0.5 inches	–	1.68 × 1.68 × 0.47 inches	1.69 × 0.46 × 1.69 inches
Weight	1.38 ounces	1.38 ounces	1.28 ounces	1.7 ounces	2.13 ounces	1.4 ounces	1.38 ounces
Model	165	010-02863-32	010-02120-22	010-02641-20	–	010-03920-12	165

Frequently asked questions

How does the Forerunner 165 Music compare to the Forerunner 255 Music in size?

The Forerunner 165 Music features a compact 43 mm case with a 1.69-inch width and weighs 1.38 ounces. In contrast, the Forerunner 255 Music has a larger 46 mm build, measuring 1.8 inches in width and length. It is heavier at 1.7 ounces. You should choose the 165 if you prefer a lighter, smaller wrist profile.

Does the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra offer LTE connectivity?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra supports standalone LTE connectivity. This allows you to make calls and stream data without your phone nearby. It also features a durable titanium case and a 47 mm size. The device weighs 2.13 ounces, making it a substantial option for runners who need independent connection capabilities.

What is the battery life difference between the Forerunner 165 and 170?

Both the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 170 offer extended battery performance for runners. The Forerunner 165 provides up to 11 days of battery life. The Forerunner 170 is noted for a 10-day battery duration. Both models feature vibrant AMOLED screens and music storage. You can rely on either device for long-term tracking without frequent charging.

Is the Forerunner 245 Music a good budget option for runners?

The Forerunner 245 Music is positioned as a budget-friendly choice for runners. It includes 1.7-inch displays and music storage capabilities. The watch weighs 1.28 ounces, making it lighter than newer models. It provides training insights and intensity tracking. This model suits athletes who prioritize core metrics and battery life over the latest screen technology.

Which Garmin model has the brightest AMOLED display?

The Forerunner 170 Music is highlighted for its vibrant AMOLED screen. It offers bright visibility for outdoor running conditions. The Forerunner 165 Music also features an AMOLED display. Both models provide clear visuals in various lighting. You can read your metrics easily during runs with these bright, high-contrast screens.

How heavy is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra compared to Garmin models?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra weighs 2.13 ounces. This is heavier than the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, which weighs 1.38 ounces. It is also heavier than the Forerunner 245 Music at 1.28 ounces. The extra weight comes from its titanium build and larger 47 mm case. You will feel more presence on your wrist with this device.

Does the Forerunner 165 Music support adaptive coaching features?

Yes, the Forerunner 165 Music includes adaptive coaching tools. These features help tailor your training plans based on your performance. The watch also offers recovery insights to guide your rest days. You get comprehensive training data without needing to carry your phone. This makes it a practical tool for structured running programs.

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