Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch: Which to Buy? (2026)
Choosing between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch? We compare specs, scores and real-world performance to give you a clear verdict.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Titanium case, dual-band GPS, 60-hour battery, 86dB siren. Apple's extreme sports flagship.
Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch
Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.
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Our Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 scores 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10 for the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch. iPhone users who want a premium outdoor watch with Apple ecosystem integration and genuinely expedition-capable hardware.
🛒 Buy the Winner on Amazon →Head-to-Head: Apple vs Garmin
| Criterion | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Garmin Forerunner 165... | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 | Apple |
| Amazon Rating | 4.6★ (9,800) | 4.5★ (6,100) | Apple |
| Price Range | Premium | Mid-Range | Draw |
| GPS | Dual-band L1+L5 | GNSS (single-band) | Draw |
| Battery | 36hr standard / 60hr low-power | 11 days / 19hr GPS | Apple |
| Case | Titanium + Sapphire | — | Draw |
| Water | 100m | 5ATM | Apple |
| Safety | 86dB siren, crash detection | — | Draw |
| Display | 49mm always-on OLED | AMOLED 1.2" | Apple |
| Training | — | Training Readiness | Draw |
Full Specifications Compared
| Specification | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Garmin Forerunner 165... |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Apple | Garmin |
| Our Score | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Amazon Rating | 4.6★ (9,800) | 4.5★ (6,100) |
| Price Range | Premium | Mid-Range |
| GPS | Dual-band L1+L5 | GNSS (single-band) |
| Battery | 36hr standard / 60hr low-power | 11 days / 19hr GPS |
| Case | Titanium + Sapphire | — |
| Water | 100m | 5ATM |
| Safety | 86dB siren, crash detection | — |
| Display | 49mm always-on OLED | AMOLED 1.2" |
| Training | — | Training Readiness |
| Warranty | — | 1 year |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if…
iPhone users who want a premium outdoor watch with Apple ecosystem integration and genuinely expedition-capable hardware.
🛒 Check Price on Amazon →Choose the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS... if…
Beginner to intermediate runners who want a proper Garmin GPS watch with AMOLED display and training guidance under £200.
🛒 Check Price on Amazon →Pros & Cons
Apple Watch Ultra 2
✓ Pros
- Titanium case with sapphire crystal — genuinely expedition-grade Apple build
- Dual-band GPS with L1+L5 — competitive with Garmin for GPS accuracy
- 60-hour battery in low-power mode — unprecedented for Apple Watch
- 86dB emergency siren — genuine safety feature for solo outdoor adventures
- Seamless iPhone/Apple Health integration — best choice for Apple ecosystem users
✗ Cons
- Requires iPhone — no Android compatibility
- 60-hour battery still trails Garmin Fenix 7S Solar for multi-day expeditions
- Large 49mm case is distinctive but may not suit all wrists
Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch
✓ Pros
- AMOLED display brings Garmin's best screen to the entry price point
- Training Readiness score guides workout intensity without overwhelming beginners
- 11-day battery in smartwatch mode — matches the more expensive Forerunner 265
- GPS accuracy from Garmin's trusted GNSS satellite support
- Under £200 brings proper training analytics to budget-conscious runners
✗ Cons
- Single-band GPS (not dual-band like the 265) — less accurate on technical terrain
- No HRV status measurement — only in the Forerunner 265+
- Smaller feature set vs Forerunner 265 for structured workouts
Ready to Buy?
Check current prices on Amazon — prices update daily.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 better than the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 scores 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10 for the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch. iPhone users who want a premium outdoor watch with Apple ecosystem integration and genuinely expedition-capable hardware.
Who should buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
iPhone users who want a premium outdoor watch with Apple ecosystem integration and genuinely expedition-capable hardware.
Who should buy the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch?
Beginner to intermediate runners who want a proper Garmin GPS watch with AMOLED display and training guidance under £200.
What is the price difference?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Premium. The Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch is Mid-Range. Check current Amazon prices above.