Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black vs Oura Ring 4 - Silver - Size 9 - Sleep, Activity, Women’s Health, AI Advisor, Up to 8 Days of Battery Life, Size Before You Buy, Android & iOS Compatible

Price and Value Comparison

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is about 43% cheaper than the Oura Ring 4 at current prices. At $199.99, the Forerunner 165 offers a significant cost advantage over the Oura Ring 4, which sells for $349.00. This $149.01 difference represents a substantial savings for users seeking fitness tracking without premium pricing. While both devices require ongoing investment—Oura’s membership starts at $5.99 per month after a free trial—the Forerunner 165 has no recurring subscription fee tied to its core functionality. The price gap reflects not just hardware differences but also the distinct ecosystems: the Forerunner 165 functions as a standalone smartwatch with built-in GPS and display, while the Oura Ring 4 relies on app-based insights and continuous data analysis.

Battery Life and Usage Patterns

The Garmin Forerunner 165 offers longer battery life in smartwatch mode, lasting up to 11 days compared to the Oura Ring 4’s maximum of 8 days. In GPS mode, the Forerunner 165 extends to 19 hours, significantly outperforming the Oura Ring 4, which lacks GPS capabilities entirely. This makes the Forerunner 165 far more suitable for extended outdoor activities like long-distance running or multi-day hikes where constant charging isn’t feasible. The Oura Ring 4’s design prioritizes minimalism—no screen, no vibrations—allowing it to focus solely on biometric monitoring. Its 8-day battery life still supports consistent 24/7 wear, but users must plan around recharging more frequently than with the Forerunner 165 during active use.

Fitness Tracking and Training Features

The Garmin Forerunner 165 provides comprehensive training metrics directly on the watch, including pace, distance, heart rate, training effect, recovery time, and adaptive workout suggestions via Garmin Coach. It supports 25+ activity profiles, from running and cycling to HIIT and strength training, making it ideal for structured athletes. The device delivers real-time feedback during workouts and integrates performance data into personalized training plans. In contrast, the Oura Ring 4 focuses on holistic health insights rather than active training guidance. It tracks readiness, sleep quality, activity levels, stress, and women’s health metrics through continuous biometrics, but does not offer on-device workout coaching or GPS tracking. Its value lies in long-term trend analysis, not immediate performance optimization.

Health Monitoring and Biometric Depth

The Oura Ring 4 monitors over 50 health metrics using Smart Sensing technology that adapts to individual physiology, offering deep insights into sleep, metabolic health, heart health, and stress. It includes specialized women’s health tracking and provides daily readiness scores based on cumulative biometric data. The Forerunner 165 also tracks sleep, recovery, and heart rate variability (HRV), presenting them in a morning report format. However, it lacks the same level of granularity in non-activity-related health indicators. While both devices deliver health data, the Oura Ring 4 excels in passive, continuous monitoring across a broader range of wellness dimensions, whereas the Forerunner 165 emphasizes fitness-specific metrics tied to training outcomes.

Design and Wearability

The Oura Ring 4 features an all-titanium build designed for 24/7 wear, with a lightweight, comfortable fit suitable for sensitive skin and long-term use. Its minimalist design eliminates screens and vibrations, allowing it to blend seamlessly into daily life. The ring is water-resistant and supports multiple finishes for style changes via the app. The Garmin Forerunner 165, by contrast, is a full-sized smartwatch with a 43 mm case and AMOLED touchscreen. It includes physical buttons and a bright display, making it more visible and interactive but heavier and less discreet. The Forerunner 165 is better suited for those who want a wrist-based interface for navigation and notifications, while the Oura Ring 4 appeals to users prioritizing subtlety and uninterrupted wear.

Connectivity and Smart Features

The Garmin Forerunner 165 supports smart notifications from paired Android and Apple smartphones, enabling users to view calls, texts, and apps directly on the watch face. It also includes Garmin Pay for contactless payments and safety features like incident detection and live location sharing when paired with a smartphone. These features are absent in the Oura Ring 4, which has no notification system, no payment integration, and no emergency alert functionality. The Oura Ring 4 relies entirely on the Oura App for data access and insights, requiring a smartphone connection for updates and syncing. Users choosing the Forerunner 165 gain greater independence from their phone during workouts and daily routines.

User Experience and Ecosystem Integration

The Garmin Forerunner 165 operates within the Garmin Connect ecosystem, offering challenges, badges, social sharing, and detailed analytics accessible through a dedicated app. Its interface supports direct interaction with training plans and real-time feedback. The Oura Ring 4 uses the Oura App to deliver AI-driven insights, including an AI Advisor and personalized recommendations based on long-term trends. First-time users receive one month of membership free, after which it costs $5.99 monthly. The Forerunner 165 requires no subscription for core features, though advanced training plans may involve additional costs. Both devices integrate well with smartphones, but the Forerunner 165 offers more immediate utility during physical activity, while the Oura Ring 4 excels in passive, longitudinal health observation.

Which should you buy?

Choose the Garmin Forerunner 165 if you're a runner or athlete focused on training performance, GPS tracking, and real-time feedback during workouts. It’s $149.01 cheaper than the Oura Ring 4 and offers up to 19 hours of battery life in GPS mode—ideal for endurance events. Its smartwatch features, including notifications, Garmin Pay, and incident detection, make it more versatile for daily use. Opt for the Oura Ring 4 if your priority is continuous, passive health monitoring across sleep, stress, women’s health, and readiness, with a minimalist design that stays unobtrusive. Despite its higher price and shorter battery life, it delivers deeper biometric insights through adaptive Smart Sensing technology. The Forerunner 165 wins for active training; the Oura Ring 4 wins for holistic wellness tracking.