Amazfit Active 2 Sport Smart Watch Fitness Tracker vs Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch,
Updated July 2026 — Amazfit Active 2 Sport Smart Watch Fitness Tracker wins on value and design, Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, wins on popularity and battery.
The Amazfit Active 2 offers great value with a stylish design and extensive workout modes, while the Garmin Forerunner 165 excels in advanced training features and safety options. Choose based on your fitness needs and budget.
Why Amazfit Active 2 Sport Smart Watch Fitness Tracker is better
Price
Amazfit Active 2 is significantly cheaper at $98.70.
Workout Modes
Active 2 supports over 160 workout modes.
Design
Stylish stainless steel build suitable for casual wear.
Why Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, is better
Battery Life
Garmin Forerunner 165 lasts up to 11 days in smartwatch mode.
Safety Features
Includes incident detection and emergency assistance.
Training Metrics
Offers personalized daily suggested workouts.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | Amazfit Active 2 Sport Smart Watch Fitness Tracker | Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.32" AMOLED | Colorful AMOLED |
| Workout Modes | 160+ modes | 25+ modes |
| Battery Life | 10 days | 11 days |
| GPS Mode | N/A | 19 hours |
| Smart Features | Speech-to-text | Garmin Pay |
Dimension comparison
Design and Display
The Amazfit Active 2 features a sleek design with a bright 1.32-inch AMOLED display, while the Garmin Forerunner 165 offers a colorful AMOLED touchscreen. The Active 2's stainless steel build combines style with durability, making it suitable for both workouts and casual wear. On the other hand, the Garmin's 43mm lightweight design focuses on functionality, especially for runners. The vibrant displays on both watches ensure that users can easily read their data, even in bright sunlight. With different aesthetics, the choice may come down to personal preference regarding style versus a more athletic look.
Battery Life
The Amazfit Active 2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 10 days with typical use. In contrast, the Garmin Forerunner 165 offers slightly better performance, with up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. This means that if you're someone who frequently uses GPS features, the Forerunner 165 might be the better choice for you, as it provides an extended battery life for outdoor activities. The difference of just 1 day in smartwatch mode may not significantly impact everyday users, but for those who prioritize long-lasting power, Garmin has a slight edge.
Fitness Tracking Features
When it comes to fitness tracking, both the Amazfit Active 2 and Garmin Forerunner 165 excel. The Active 2 supports over 160 workout modes, catering to a wide variety of fitness activities, from HYROX Race to yoga. Meanwhile, the Forerunner 165 includes 25+ built-in activity profiles, emphasizing its specialization in running, cycling, and HIIT workouts. The Forerunner 165 also provides personalized daily suggested workouts that adapt based on performance and recovery, which can be a significant advantage for serious athletes. Both devices include heart rate and sleep tracking, but the Active 2’s broader range of workout modes may appeal more to multi-discipline athletes.
Smart Features
The Amazfit Active 2 incorporates smart features like speech-to-text message replies and the Zepp App for health insights, making it a comprehensive fitness companion. In contrast, the Garmin Forerunner 165 offers smart notifications from paired devices, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, and safety features like incident detection. While both devices allow users to stay connected, the Garmin’s additional safety features may be particularly appealing for outdoor runners who want peace of mind. This focus on security and convenience highlights the Forerunner 165's functionality for those who are active in varied environments.
Price Comparison
The Amazfit Active 2 is currently priced at $98.70, making it about 51% cheaper than the Garmin Forerunner 165, which retails for $199.99. This substantial price difference may significantly influence budget-conscious consumers or those looking for a value-driven purchase. Despite the difference in price, both devices offer a range of features suited to fitness enthusiasts, but the Amazfit's lower cost might attract casual users or those new to fitness tracking.
Sales Rank and Popularity
In terms of sales rank, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is currently at 225, while the Amazfit Active 2 is ranked at 561. This indicates that the Forerunner 165 is more popular among consumers, potentially due to its reputation and the robust feature set geared toward serious athletes. The higher sales rank of the Garmin suggests that it has garnered more trust and recognition in the competitive fitness tracker market, which may sway buyers looking for a well-reviewed product.
Overall Usability
Both smartwatches provide user-friendly experiences, but they cater to slightly different audiences. The Amazfit Active 2 is designed for those who appreciate a stylish watch that can double as a fitness tracker. Its user-friendly Zepp App offers insights without hidden fees, making it accessible for casual users. On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is tailored for dedicated runners and athletes, providing advanced training metrics and personalized workout plans. The choice between the two may depend on whether you prioritize style or specialized training tools.
Which should you buy?
Choosing between the Amazfit Active 2 and the Garmin Forerunner 165 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a broad range of workout modes and stylish design, the Amazfit Active 2 is the way to go at $98.70. However, if you are serious about running and want advanced training features, safety options, and superior battery life in GPS mode, the Garmin Forerunner 165, though significantly more expensive at $199.99, may be worth the investment.

