Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch vs Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS Cycling Computer (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

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS Cycling Computer

9.2/10 Excellent

4.6★ (5,400 owners)

Dual-band GPS, aerodynamic mount, 15hr battery, minimal UI, phone-free setup. The cyclist's computer.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch	Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS Cycling Computer
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	9.2/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (6,100)	4.6★ (5,400)
Verdict	Great	Excellent
GPS	GNSS (single-band)	Dual-band
Display	AMOLED 1.2"	Minimal UI
Battery	11 days / 19hr GPS	15 hours

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS Cycling Computer edges ahead with a 9.2/10 vs 8.9/10. Dual-band GPS, aerodynamic mount, 15hr battery, minimal UI, phone-free setup. The cyclist's computer. 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

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS Cycling Computer

Dual-band GPS accuracy matches Garmin Edge at lower cost
Aerodynamic mount design reduces drag — relevant for time trials and performance cycling
Phone-free route planning via ELEMNT app — one of the simplest cycling computer setups
15-hour battery handles century rides and multi-day touring without recharging
Wahoo's cycling focus — every feature designed for cycling rather than multi-sport

Cycling only — no running, swimming or multi-sport tracking
Smaller display than Garmin Edge 540 at comparable pricing
Wahoo mapping is functional but less detailed than Garmin's routing options

FAQ

Which is better, Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS or Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS?

Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS worth the extra cost?

The Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS Cycling Computer 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 Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS best suited to?

Dual-band GPS, aerodynamic mount, 15hr battery, minimal UI, phone-free setup. The cyclist's computer.

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+. Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS Cycling Computer: Cycling only — no running, swimming or multi-sport tracking; Smaller display than Garmin Edge 540 at comparable pricing.

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 Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS Cycling Computer at 4.6★ from 5,400.

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