Looking for a new running watch? The Garmin Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 both offer GPS tracking, health monitoring, and Garmin's trusted training tools. Here's a quick breakdown of what sets them apart.
QUICK COMPARISON:
| Forerunner 70 | Forerunner 170 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | New runners and everyday fitness | Regular runners and race training |
| Display | 1.2" AMOLED touchscreen | 1.2" AMOLED touchscreen |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 days | Up tod 10 days |
| GPS Tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Training & Recovery insights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garmin Pay | - | ✓ |
| Music option | - | ✓ |
| Water rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
FORERUNNER 70
Best For:
- Beginner runners
- Everyday fitness tracking
- 5km to 10km training
- Athletes looking for excellent battery life
- Standout Features
✓ Bright AMOLED display
✓ Up to 13 days battery life
✓ Built-in GPS
✓ Garmin Coach training plans
✓ Daily suggested workouts
✓ Heart rate, sleep and recovery tracking
✓ 80+ built-in activities
Why Choose It?
The Forerunner 70 offers all the essential running and wellness features most athletes need, making it an ideal entry point into the Garmin running range.
FORERUNNER 170
Best For:
- Regular runners
- Half marathon and marathon training
- Athletes wanting more training insights
- Runners who want smartwatch features
- Standout Features
- Runners who want to listen to music
✓ AMOLED touchscreen display
✓ Garmin Pay
✓ Advanced training and recovery metrics
✓ Music on your wrist
✓ Built-in GPS
✓ Heart rate and wellness tracking
✓ 80+ built-in activities
Why Choose It?
The Forerunner 170 takes everything runners love about the Forerunner 70 and adds extra training tools, smartwatch functionality, and greater convenience for race-day and everyday use.
Which one should you choose?
| Choose the Forerunner 70 if... | Choose the Forerunner 170 if... |
|---|---|
| You're new to running | You're training for races |
| You want a simple, reliable GPS watch | You want more performance insights |
| Battery life is a priority | Garmin Pay is important to you |
| You want great value | You want additional premium features |
Final Thoughts
Both watches deliver accurate GPS tracking, comprehensive health monitoring, and Garmin's industry-leading training tools. The Forerunner 70 is a fantastic choice for newer runners, while the Forerunner 170 is designed for athletes looking to take their training to the next level.
