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Garmin’s affordable running watches are getting a serious upgrade. Newly announced Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 add smarter training tools, brighter AMOLED displays and deeper recovery insights previously reserved Garmin watches are expensive -Although the improvements also come with higher initial prices.
The Forerunner 70 starts at $250, while the Forerunner 170 starts at $300, replacing the older model. pioneer 55, which launched at $200. Both watches are designed for new runners or casual athletes looking to up their training without jumping straight into Garmin’s premium multisport lineup.
Known for its dedicated sports watches across categories like running, cycling, golf, and triathlon, Garmin has built a loyal following among athletes thanks to its training-focused programming and battery life that often lasts weeks instead of days. Garmin makes a sports watch for almost every niche imaginable, but the entry-level Forerunner line has been one of Garmin’s most popular gateways into the ecosystem due to its relatively accessible price.
The base model Garmin Forerunner 70 now starts at $250 and comes in six different color options.
What does it measure, and what’s new?
Apart from running, both watches track more than 80 activities such as 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 changes. They also have security features like LiveTrack, which lets you share your location with others while you run.
However, what is making the most headlines is the proliferation of more sophisticated training tools. Garmin is bringing many features previously reserved for high-end models to its entry-level watches, including training readiness, training status, wrist-based running force, and running dynamometers.
Both watches now support Garmin Coach plans that adapt daily based on recovery and performance data. The updated system includes more beginner-friendly running/walking programs and lower-volume training plans designed to help new runners gradually build endurance. The new Quick Workouts feature also simplifies training setup so you can choose a workout based on the amount of time you have, as well as your desired intensity level.
Runners looking for more advanced gadgets like multi-band GPS will still need to step up to Garmin’s pricier Forerunner models, like the 570 series, which are priced at about $200 more.
Fit and design
The Forerunner 70 and 170 maintain Garmin’s familiar sporty aesthetic, with a lightweight plastic frame and five physical buttons.
Garmin Forerunner 170 (left) with a teal dual-tone band, and Forerunner 70 (right) in cool lavender.
This year’s models also get a display bump: a brighter 1.2-inch AMOLED display with touchscreen support, along with new color options (ranging by mode) that now include teal, magenta, lilac and soft pink variants.
The displays still aren’t quite as sharp or smooth as the main screen Smart watches like Apple Watch series 11 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 8but Garmin’s interface prioritizes outdoor visibility, battery efficiency, and tactile controls that are easy to use while operating with sweaty fingers or gloves.
One caveat: The plastic back cover is known to cause skin irritation with prolonged wear, which is worth keeping in mind, considering that some of its best features require 24/7 tracking.
Advanced 70 vs. 170
The biggest functional differences between the three models — Forerunner 70, Forerunner 170, and 170 Music — center around payments and media features.
On top of everything on the Forerunner 70, the Forerunner 170 adds Garmin Pay support, while the slightly more expensive Forerunner 170 Music also includes onboard music storage for phone-free playlists, podcasts and downloaded audio from supported third-party services.
The Forerunner 170 ($300) and Forerunner 170 Music ($350) come in four color options.
Battery life
Battery life remains one of Garmin’s biggest advantages over traditional smartwatches, and it’s 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), while the Forerunner 170 and 170 Music are rated for up to 10 days.
These numbers are based on Garmin’s own tests, so we’ll need to spend more time with the watches to evaluate real-world endurance.
Pricing and availability
Available for purchase on garmin.com Starting Friday, the Forerunner 70 starts at $250, the 170 starts at $300, and the Music 170 starts at $350.
We’ll be testing the new watches in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for the full review.