Fitness gear: Lululemon Studio Mirror vs. Garmin Forerunner 965
Quick Verdict
The Lululemon Studio Mirror is a comprehensive home fitness system, while the Garmin Forerunner 965 is a portable, feature-rich fitness tracker.
- Lululemon Studio Mirror offers a large screen and a vast library of fitness classes, but has been discontinued.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 is a lightweight, versatile smartwatch with accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring, suitable for various sports activities.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Lululemon Studio Mirror | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 43 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Display Type | Full HD 1080p display with a 178° wide viewing angle | AMOLED touchscreen. Resolution is 454 x 454 pixels. |
| Subscription Cost | $39 per month for up to 6 profiles | No subscription cost |
| Battery Life | Not available | Smartwatch Mode: Up to 23 days (without always-on display). GPS Mode: Up to 31 hours. |
| Built-in Workouts | Access to 10,000+ fitness classes | Over 30 sports profiles including running, swimming, cycling, strength training, HIIT, and pilates. |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate monitors | Yes, with good accuracy. It can be less accurate during weightlifting or high-intensity workouts. |
| Water Resistance | Not available | 50m/5ATM. Suitable for surface swimming. |
| Connectivity | Dual-band 802.11 A/B/G/N Wi-Fi. Bluetooth connectivity for speakers and headphones | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. |
| Weight | 70 pounds | 53g |
| Price | Originally $1,495, but has been offered at discounted prices such as $795 | $599 |
Overall Comparison
Screen: Mirror wins; Workouts: Mirror wins; Battery: Garmin wins; Price: Garmin wins (current)
Pros and Cons
Lululemon Studio Mirror
Pros:
- Easy setup
- Can be wall-mounted or leaned against a wall
- Unlimited classes for $39/month for up to six household members
- Wide variety of classes (Tai Chi, Latin Dance, Kettlebell, HIIT, etc.)
- Supports up to six individual profiles per account
- Offers over 50 different genres, including cardio, strength, yoga, boxing
- Options are available for all fitness levels
- Integrates with Apple Health and Strava
- Front-facing camera for live interaction with instructors
Cons:
- The Lululemon Studio Mirror has been discontinued
Garmin Forerunner 965
Pros:
- Lightweight (53g)
- Comfortable for all-day wear, including long runs
- Accurate GPS tracking with Multi-band GNSS
- Versatile with over 30 built-in sports profiles
- Good heart rate monitoring accuracy (though may vary during intense workouts)
- Durable screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Cons:
- Heart rate monitoring can be less accurate during weightlifting or high-intensity workouts
- Sleep data accuracy can vary
User Experiences and Feedback
Lululemon Studio Mirror
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
Garmin Forerunner 965
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- The heart rate sensor is generally good but may experience errors during intense workouts or weightlifting. Chest straps provide more accurate readings.
- The screen uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which protects against everyday scratches and minor impacts. Some users recommend a screen protector for added protection.
- The watch tracks sleep data, but accuracy can vary.
- The watch is lightweight (53g) and comfortable for all-day wear, including long runs.