Garmin Has Released Two New Models of Running Watches.
Garmin has unveiled two new entry-level running watches: the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170. Both will be available starting May 15, 2026, for $249.99 and $299.99, respectively, while the Forerunner 170 Music version will cost $349.99. The key selling points were immediately the AMOLED touchscreen displays and a suite of training tools that go beyond what I would call “entry-level.” On paper, these watches are positioned as improved versions of the Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 165, but time will tell how well they live up to that promise. Here’s what we know so far.
What we know about the Garmin Forerunner 70
As Beth Skwarecki , Senior Health Editor at Lifehacker, put it, “Garmin finally offers a modern watch for under $250.” The Forerunner 70 is certainly a significant improvement over the Forerunner 55 (originally priced at $199.99), adding an AMOLED touchscreen display, Garmin Run Coach, advanced training features, short-term load and load ratio tracking, sleep quality assessment, morning and evening reports, and a quick workout option. The run/walk workout feature is especially welcome for new runners.
However, context matters. Is the Forerunner 70, at $249.99, truly competitive with other brands in its price range? The Coros Pace 4 also costs $249 and includes dual-band GPS and 4GB of storage for offline music. The Suunto Run is even more affordable at $199, and it also offers dual-band GPS and 4GB of storage for music. The Forerunner 70, by comparison, has single-band GPS and just 0.5GB of storage.
However, the main advantage of the 70 model lies in the Garmin software ecosystem. Features not typically offered by either Suunto or Coros include a battery life overview, sleep guidance with optimal bedtime, a life diary, weight tracking, sports performance, and a fitness coach that combines strength training with cardio without requiring a specific sport. Like all Garmin products, this model is designed for people who want more than just running tracking. (Although a watch that “just tracks running” is exactly what London Marathon winners wear .)
A quick note: Garmin’s website currently lists the 70 and 170 models as the same product, which is a bit odd. Whether this is a temporary stopgap or something more intentional, I’ll keep an eye on it.
What we know about the Garmin Forerunner 170
Just as the Forerunner 70 is an improved version of the Forerunner 55, the Forerunner 170 is positioned as an improved version of the Forerunner 165 (originally priced at $249.99 when it launched in April 2024, with the Music version priced at $299.99). However, it might be more accurate to compare this watch to the popular Forerunner 265 , which originally retailed for $449 and is now regularly discounted for $349.99 (which is the current suggested retail price of the 170 Music).
In fact, the 170 has a shorter battery life than the 165: 10 days versus 11-13. Considering all the software updates, this isn’t a huge tradeoff. Garmin claims the Forerunner 170’s advantage lies in its expanded feature set.
However, the 170 lacks some features found on the 265. It lacks dual-band GPS, supports fewer GPS networks overall, lacks cycling training or multisport support, and it’s unclear whether it can connect to a power meter (the 265 could, the 165 couldn’t). These are more complex tradeoffs that those hoping for a simple upgrade will have to consider.
What the 170 does offer are software features already found in the Forerunner 570 and missing from the -65 series. This includes features like Garmin Run Coach (a newer, more powerful version), advanced training features, a quick workout download feature, a calculator, and an activity log. By comparison, advanced training features include training readiness (recovery assessment), training status (training load monitoring), heart rate variability status (heart rate variability tracking), and daily recommended workouts.
The heart rate sensor is the same as the 165 model, and it works great and is on par with its competitors. However, the Forerunner 570 and 970 have a significantly better optical heart rate sensor than the 165/265 generation.
In the end (for now)
On paper, both watches have their merits, especially for true beginners looking for a reliable GPS smartwatch with quality Garmin software support. But for runners upgrading from previous Garmin models, or for those considering Coros or Suunto, the price-to-performance ratio isn’t ideal. To quote Beth’s Google Chat post: “I’m not impressed.”
Luckily, we’ll be able to test both models soon. Beth will compare the Forerunner 70 to other affordable running watches to see how they stack up. I own the Forerunner 165 Music, so I’ll be able to evaluate how the 170 Music fares as its direct successor. Stay tuned for our in-depth reviews.