Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch vs Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator (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

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

9.3/10 Excellent

4.6★ (4,800 owners)

Two-way satellite messaging, SOS, tracking, 14-day battery. Safety device for serious outdoor use.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch	Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	9.3/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (6,100)	4.6★ (4,800)
Verdict	Great	Excellent
Battery	11 days / 19hr GPS	14 days

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 8.9/10. Two-way satellite messaging, SOS, tracking, 14-day battery. Safety device for serious outdoor use. That said, the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch is worth considering if Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch. 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

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

Two-way satellite messaging from anywhere on Earth — no mobile signal required
International Emergency Response Coordination Center monitors SOS 24/7, 365 days
100% global satellite coverage via Iridium constellation — the most reliable network
14-day battery on standard tracking mode covers multi-week expeditions
Pairs with Garmin GPS watches for in-navigation messaging and tracking

Requires Garmin inReach subscription from $14.99/month — ongoing cost for safety capability
100g weight and 104mm length — not pocketable alongside a phone
Two-way messaging requires the recipient to have the Garmin Messenger app or SMS

FAQ

Which is better, Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS or Garmin inReach Mini 2?

Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS worth the extra cost?

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator 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 Garmin inReach Mini 2 best suited to?

Two-way satellite messaging, SOS, tracking, 14-day battery. Safety device for serious outdoor use.

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+. Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator: Requires Garmin inReach subscription from $14.99/month — ongoing cost for safety capability; 100g weight and 104mm length — not pocketable alongside a phone.

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 Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator at 4.6★ from 4,800.

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