Fitness gear: Garmin Forerunner 965 vs. Lululemon Studio Mirror
Quick Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is better suited for outdoor fitness enthusiasts, while the Lululemon Studio Mirror is ideal for those who prefer structured indoor workouts.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 is a GPS-enabled smartwatch for outdoor activities.
- Lululemon Studio Mirror is an interactive fitness platform for indoor workouts.
- Garmin offers offline music storage, while Lululemon connects to streaming services.
- Lululemon requires a subscription, while Garmin does not.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Lululemon Studio Mirror |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | AMOLED color touchscreen | LCD. Full HD 1080p display |
| Screen Size | 1.4 inches (47mm case size) | 43 inches |
| Battery Life (GPS mode) | Up to 31 hours in GPS-only mode without music | Not applicable, as it requires a constant power source |
| Water Resistance Rating | 5 ATM (50 meters) | Not specified |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes, Garmin's Elevate optical heart rate sensor | Yes, it syncs with Bluetooth heart rate monitors, Apple Watches, and Android Wear OS watches |
| GPS Accuracy | Multi-band GPS (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) | Not applicable, as it is designed for indoor use |
| Built-in Music Storage | Yes, 32GB | It can connect to Spotify or Apple Music |
| Subscription Required | No | Yes |
| Interactive Training Programs | Suggested workouts, training readiness scores, Garmin Coach with adaptive training plans | Offers over 10,000 fitness classes. Includes various workout options and levels |
Overall Comparison
GPS: Garmin; Display: Lululemon (size); Subscription: Garmin (no sub)
Pros and Cons
Garmin Forerunner 965
Pros:
- Multi-band GPS for improved accuracy
- Comfortable to wear 24/7
- Built-in training programs and Garmin Coach
- Training readiness scores based on sleep quality, recovery, training load, and HRV status
- Personalized daily suggested workouts
- Integrates with Garmin Connect app
- Garmin Share for device-to-device transfers
- Lightweight (52-53g)
- Slim profile
- High-quality, toolless straps
- AMOLED display enhances readability
Cons:
- Heart rate accuracy may have occasional errors compared to chest straps, especially during intense workouts
- Some users have experienced lag in the user interface
Lululemon Studio Mirror
Pros:
- Massive library of over 10,000 fitness classes
- Wide range of workout options and levels suitable for different fitness levels
- Real-time heart rate display and zone tracking
- Easy set-up
- Simple and intuitive UI/UX in the mobile app
- Wide viewing angle (178°)
Cons:
- Subscription required ($39/month)
- Relies on visual feedback, does not offer automatic form correction
- Discontinued as of 2024
User Experiences and Feedback
Garmin Forerunner 965
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- Heart rate accuracy is generally good for an optical heart rate monitor
- Multi-band GPS offers more consistent tracklogs and improved positioning in challenging environments compared to single-frequency GPS
- Can achieve GPS accuracy within approximately +/- 2 meters (6 feet) under ideal conditions
- Some users find the UI responsive, while others have experienced lag, especially when scrolling through widgets
Lululemon Studio Mirror
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- Real-time HR display and zone tracking were accurate and motivating for tracking intensity.
- The UI/UX in the mobile app was simple and intuitive.
- Easy set-up. It can be wall-mounted or leaned against the wall using a stand.