Garmin Forerunner 165 vs vívoactive 6: Which Watch Fits Your Workout and Music Routine?

Garmin Forerunner 165 (Black, 43 mm; standard version)

Garmin describes the Forerunner 165 Series as having a touchscreen and traditional five-button design. Its manual assigns UP/DOWN to scrolling through data screens, START/STOP to activity timing and BACK to actions such as laps or rests; the touchscreen can be disabled and is unavailable during swim activities.^{[3, 5]}

Garmin vívoactive 6 (Slate with Black, 42 mm)

The vívoactive 6 has two physical buttons plus a touchscreen. Its manual describes swiping and tapping through activity/menu and data screens; the activity timer starts with a button, and some activities also use a button for laps or workout steps.^{[4, 6]}

Garmin Forerunner 165 (Black, 43 mm; standard version)

The Black 43 mm Forerunner 165, part 010-02863-20, is the standard non-Music version. Garmin says music storage and audio prompts are available only on Forerunner 165 Music; the standard SKU therefore is not the documented watch-stored music option in this family.^{[1, 3]}

Garmin vívoactive 6 (Slate with Black, 42 mm)

The vívoactive 6 manual documents loading personal audio from a computer or downloading audio through a supported provider, then listening with Bluetooth headphones when the phone is not nearby. Garmin notes provider subscriptions may be required. The manual also supports controlling phone playback, so watch-stored music is an option rather than the only playback route.^{[2, 4, 6]}