Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Fitbit Sense 2
The Garmin Forerunner 165 and the Fitbit Sense 2 are priced $0 apart — $249 versus $249 — close enough that the choice between them comes down to features, not budget.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 offers a 1.2" display, 11 days of typical battery life, built-in GPS.
Global reference price
The Fitbit Sense 2 brings a 1.58" display, 6 days of typical battery life, built-in GPS, 50m water resistance to the table.
Global reference price
Specification Comparison
Key Differences
Battery life is a major gap here: the Garmin Forerunner 165 is rated for 11 days against the Fitbit Sense 2's 6, meaning far fewer trips to the charger. Screen size also favors the Fitbit Sense 2, at 1.58" versus the Garmin Forerunner 165's 1.2", making it easier to read notifications and metrics at a glance.
Pros & Cons
Garmin Forerunner 165
Pros
- Much longer battery life (11 days)
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Smaller 1.2" display
Fitbit Sense 2
Pros
- Larger 1.58" display
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- Shorter battery life (6 days)
Which One Is Right For You?
- Garmin Forerunner 165: Best for someone who wants to charge as infrequently as possible.
- Fitbit Sense 2: A good fit for buyers who prefers a larger, easier-to-read display.
Conclusion
Neither watch is a strict downgrade from the other — each wins on a different practical dimension, so the right pick depends on which of those matters more day to day.
Summary
Garmin Forerunner 165
Strengths
- Much longer battery life (11 days)
- Built-in GPS
Weaknesses
- Smaller 1.2" display
Fitbit Sense 2
Strengths
- Larger 1.58" display
- Built-in GPS
Weaknesses
- Shorter battery life (6 days)
There's no universal winner here — match the pick to whichever tradeoff (battery life, screen, or connectivity) actually applies to daily use.