Garmin Forerunner 165
Score: 85/100
Amazfit Active Max
Score: 88/100Rankings
The Amazfit Active Max is a mid-range smartwatch with an ultra-bright 3,000-nit AMOLED display and a remarkable 25-day battery life. Its large square case, limited color choice, and region-locked NFC are notable compromises. Best suited for fitness enthusiasts who need long endurance, ample storage, and GPS, especially users in the EMEA region.
The Forerunner 165 is an entry-level GPS running smartwatch featuring a vivid AMOLED display, solid battery life and a broad set of health sensors. It omits advanced multi-sport capabilities and makes music storage optional, which may limit power users. Best suited for beginner to intermediate runners seeking an affordable, feature-rich watch with clear visuals.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
264 hours | 600 hoursbest | |
30.4 mm | 38.1 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 39 gbest | 55.86 g |
25 | 170best | |
4 GBbest | 4 GBbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 39 g | 55.86 g |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 264 hours | 600 hours |
Display(2) | ||
Display Size (mm) | 30.4 mm | 38.1 mm |
Display Resolution | 390x390 | 480 x 480 pixels |
Features(1) | ||
Number of Sports Modes | 25 | 170 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers position the Forerunner 165 as an excellent entry-level GPS smartwatch, lauding its vivid AMOLED display, personalized Garmin Coach workouts, and robust battery life.
Everyday users consistently praise the watch's lightweight comfort, reliable GPS performance, and long battery endurance, with most comments focusing on its suitability for beginners and the clear, bright screen; few complaints are recorded.
Professional reviewers commend the Active Max for its standout battery longevity, ultra-bright display, generous storage, and accurate GPS/HR tracking, positioning it as the best budget smartwatch of 2026. However, they point out its relatively large case, less premium aluminum build, and region-locked NFC as notable drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently praise the watch's outdoor-readable screen, long-lasting battery, lightweight comfort, and ample storage for media and maps. Recurring complaints focus on the chunky size, limited color choice, and NFC being unavailable outside EMEA.
“Vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen with physical buttons enables clear visibility and easy operation while running.”
“"the best budget smartwatch of 2026?"”
“"Coros killer"”
