Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch vs Fit Simplify Resistance Band Set (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (6,100 owners)

Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.

Full Review

Fit Simplify Resistance Band Set

8.9/10 Great

4.6★ (82,000 owners)

5 resistance levels, carry bag, exercise guide. The most reviewed resistance band set on Amazon.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch	Fit Simplify Resistance Band Set
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (6,100)	4.6★ (82,000)
Verdict	Great	Great
Warranty	1 year	1 year

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch: Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch. Fit Simplify Resistance Band Set: 5 resistance levels, carry bag, exercise guide. The most reviewed resistance band set on Amazon. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch

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

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

Fit Simplify Resistance Band Set

82,000+ Amazon reviews makes this among the most validated fitness products available
5 resistance levels (10-150lbs) cover every exercise from warm-up to heavy glute work
Natural latex construction is durable and snaps back consistently
Carry bag included — genuinely portable for travel and home use
Exercise guide covers 150+ exercises for full-body programming

Bands can roll up during use on some exercises
Heavy-duty fabric bands (like Victorem) may be more durable for intense daily use
No handles — loop-only format

FAQ

Which is better, Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS or Fit Simplify Resistance?

Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS worth the extra cost?

The Fit Simplify Resistance Band Set matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS best suited to?

Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.

Who is the Fit Simplify Resistance best suited to?

5 resistance levels, carry bag, exercise guide. The most reviewed resistance band set on Amazon.

What are the main downsides of each?

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch: Single-band GPS (not dual-band like the 265) — less accurate on technical terrain; No HRV status measurement — only in the Forerunner 265+. Fit Simplify Resistance Band Set: Bands can roll up during use on some exercises; Heavy-duty fabric bands (like Victorem) may be more durable for intense daily use.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch sits at 4.5★ from 6,100 verified Amazon owners, and Fit Simplify Resistance Band Set at 4.6★ from 82,000.

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