This Garmin Forerunner 70 and 170 review covers fit and design, forerunner 70 vs 170 and battery life. It brings the relevant details and limitations together so you can compare the options discussed in the article.
Garmin’s most affordable running watches are getting a serious upgrade. The newly announced Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 add smarter training tools, brighter AMOLED displays, and deeper recovery insights previously reserved for Garmin’s pricier watches. The improvements come with higher starting prices. Replacing the older Forerunner 55 which launched at $200. Both watches are designed for newer runners or casual athletes looking to level up their training without jumping straight into Garmin’s premium multi sport lineup.
Table of Contents
Garmin Forerunner 70 and 170: What It Measures And What Is New
Aside from running, both watches track more than 80 activities including cycling, swimming, and strength training. Live metrics include heart rate, pace, distance, Body Battery which measures energy levels throughout the day, stress tracking, and breathing variations. They also have safety features like LiveTrack, which lets you share your location with others during a run.
The biggest headline is the trickling down of more sophisticated training tools. Garmin is bringing several features previously reserved for higher end models to its entry level watches. These include Training Readiness, Training Status, wrist based running power, and running dynamics metrics. Both watches now support Garmin Coach plans that adapt daily based on recovery and performance data. The updated system includes more beginner friendly run walk programs and lower volume training plans designed to help newer runners gradually build endurance. A new Quick Workouts feature also simplifies training setup so you can choose a workout based on how much time you have and your desired intensity level.
Runners looking for more advanced tools like multi band GPS will still need to step up to Garmin’s pricier Forerunner models, which run roughly $200 more.
Fit And Design
The Forerunner 70 and 170 keep Garmin’s familiar sporty aesthetic with a lightweight plastic frame and five physical buttons. This year’s models also get a screen bump: a brighter 1.2 inch AMOLED display with touchscreen support, along with new color options that now include teal, lilac, citron, and soft pink variants. The screens still are not quite as sharp or fluid as flagship smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 11 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, but Garmin’s interface prioritizes outdoor visibility, battery efficiency, and tactile controls that are easier to use mid run with sweaty fingers or gloves.
One caveat: the plastic back casing has been known to cause skin irritation with prolonged wear, which is worth keeping in mind considering some of its best features require 24/7 tracking.
Forerunner 70 Vs 170
The biggest functional differences between the three models center on payments and media features. On top of everything in the Forerunner 70, the Forerunner 170 adds Garmin Pay support. The slightly pricier Forerunner 170 Music also includes onboard music storage for phone free playback of downloaded playlists, podcasts, and audio from supported third party services.
Battery Life
Battery life remains one of Garmin’s biggest advantages over traditional smartwatches and is another differentiator between the three Forerunner models. Garmin rates the Forerunner 70 for up to 13 days in smartwatch mode where you raise the watch to wake. The Forerunner 170 and 170 Music are rated for up to 10 days. These figures are based on Garmin’s own testing, so real world endurance will need to be evaluated over time.
Pricing And Availability
The Forerunner 70 starts at 250 and the Forerunner 170 Music costs $350. Full reviews will be available after further testing.
Pros And Cons
Pros ✅
- Training Readiness and Training Status now on budget models
- Bright AMOLED display with touchscreen support
- Tracks more than 80 activities including running, cycling, swimming
- Body Battery energy monitoring and stress tracking
- Garmin Coach plans adapt daily based on recovery data
- Quick Workouts feature for time based training
- Battery life up to 13 days on Forerunner 70
- Lightweight plastic frame with five physical buttons
Cons ❌
- $50 price hike compared to Forerunner 55
- No multi band GPS on entry level models
- Plastic back casing may cause skin irritation for some users
- Screens less sharp than Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch
- Forerunner 170 Music costs $350, which is close to mid range watches
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between Forerunner 70 and 170?
The Forerunner 170 adds Garmin Pay support. The 170 Music adds onboard music storage for phone free playback.
2. Do these watches have AMOLED screens?
Yes, both the Forerunner 70 and 170 feature a brighter 1.2 inch AMOLED display with touchscreen support.
3. What advanced training tools are included?
Both watches include Training Readiness, Training Status, wrist based running power, and running dynamics metrics.
4. How long does the battery last?
The Forerunner 70 lasts up to 13 days, while the Forerunner 170 and 170 Music last up to 10 days.
5. Can I use these watches for activities other than running?
Yes, they track more than 80 activities including cycling, swimming, and strength training.
6. Do these watches work with Garmin Coach?
Yes, both support Garmin Coach plans that adapt daily based on recovery and performance data.
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Check current information: Garmin official information. Availability, terms and product details should be confirmed for the exact version discussed.
