Budget-friendly sports watches, made for runners
Garmin knows how to satisfy many runners with its sports watches. Advanced athletes get great value for money with the sophisticated models, while beginner runners can also find an affordable and reliable option.
With the Garmin Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 (Music), two valuable devices are added to the range of sports watches. And one thing is certain: they belong to a lower price category, but that doesn't mean they compromise on quality.
If you have just started running, these are two perfect models to track your running statistics and overall health.
The features of the Garmin Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170
Running-specific data. Both watches are designed for runners. That is why they track the most relevant data during your run: pace, distance, cadence, stride length, heart rate, and more.
Garmin Coach. With personalized training plans and daily workout suggestions, you can train specifically towards your goals. The plans also adapt to your recovery and health statistics.
Health monitoring. The watches track your sleep, stress levels, breathing, HRV status, and other factors that determine your overall health. There is also a dedicated feature for women to closely monitor their menstrual cycle.
Other valuable features. In addition to the training and health functions, these watches offer several other features: a 1.2" AMOLED display, touchscreen and button control, water resistance up to 5 ATM, and more.
The differences between the Garmin Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170
The Garmin Forerunner 70 is the basic, the Forerunner 170 builds further on its features.
Garmin Pay. The Forerunner 170 has Garmin Pay, allowing you to make contactless payments with your watch.
Sensors. With the Garmin Forerunner 170, you also get a barometer, compass, and thermometer.
Music storage on the Forerunner 170 Music. The Music version of the Garmin Forerunner 170 allows you to download music and podcasts directly to your watch. This means you can listen to and control music straight from your wrist without needing your phone.
Battery life. Both watches offer a long battery life, but the battery of the Forerunner 70 performs slightly better. The difference is due to the additional features included in the Forerunner 170.
- Forerunner 70: up to 13 days in smartwatch mode. Up to 23 hours in gps mode.
- Forerunner 170: up to 10 days in smartwatch mode. Up to 20 hours in gps mode.
The price. An important difference is the price.
- Forerunner 70: €250
- Forerunner 170: €300
- Forerunner 170 Music: €350
The comparison
A specs overview of the Garmin Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170
Display
Battery life
Internal storage
Multiband GPS
Training readiness
HRV-tracking
Training status
VO2 max
Running dynamics
Garmin Pay
Barometric altimeter
Compass/gyroscope
Garmin Coach
Multisport
Open water swimming
Course guidance
Waterproofness
Garmin Forerunner 70
AMOLED
Smartwatch mode: up to 13 days
GPS-mode: up to 23 hours
512MB
X
V
V
V
V
V
X
X
X
V
X
X
V
up to 50m - 5 ATM
More details
Garmin Forerunner 170
AMOLED
Smartwatch mode: up to 10 days
GPS-mode: up to 20 hours
4 GB
X
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
X
V
V
up to 50m - 5 ATM
More details
Budget-friendly sports watches, made for runners
With the Garmin Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 (Music), two valuable devices are added to the range of sports watches. And one thing is certain: they belong to a lower price category, but that doesn't mean they compromise on quality.
If you have just started running, these are two perfect models to track your running statistics and overall health.
The features of the Garmin Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170
Running-specific data. Both watches are designed for runners. That is why they track the most relevant data during your run: pace, distance, cadence, stride length, heart rate, and more.
Garmin Coach. With personalized training plans and daily workout suggestions, you can train specifically towards your goals. The plans also adapt to your recovery and health statistics.
Health monitoring. The watches track your sleep, stress levels, breathing, HRV status, and other factors that determine your overall health. There is also a dedicated feature for women to closely monitor their menstrual cycle.
Other valuable features. In addition to the training and health functions, these watches offer several other features: a 1.2" AMOLED display, touchscreen and button control, water resistance up to 5 ATM, and more.
The differences between the Garmin Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170
The Garmin Forerunner 70 is the basic, the Forerunner 170 builds further on its features.
Garmin Pay. The Forerunner 170 has Garmin Pay, allowing you to make contactless payments with your watch.
Sensors. With the Garmin Forerunner 170, you also get a barometer, compass, and thermometer.
Music storage on the Forerunner 170 Music. The Music version of the Garmin Forerunner 170 allows you to download music and podcasts directly to your watch. This means you can listen to and control music straight from your wrist without needing your phone.
Battery life. Both watches offer a long battery life, but the battery of the Forerunner 70 performs slightly better. The difference is due to the additional features included in the Forerunner 170.
- Forerunner 70: up to 13 days in smartwatch mode. Up to 23 hours in gps mode.
- Forerunner 170: up to 10 days in smartwatch mode. Up to 20 hours in gps mode.
The price. An important difference is the price.
- Forerunner 70: €250
- Forerunner 170: €300
- Forerunner 170 Music: €350
The comparison
A specs overview of the Garmin Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170
Garmin Forerunner 70 | Garmin Forerunner 170 | |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
Battery | Smartwatch- mode: up to 13 days GPS-mode: up to 23 hours | Smartwatch- mode: up to 10 days GPS-mode: up to 20 hours |
| Internal storage | 512GB | 4GB |
| Multiband GPS | X | X |
| Training readiness | V | V |
| HRV-status | V | V |
| Trainingstatus | V | V |
| VO2 max | V | V |
Running | V | V |
| Garmin Pay | X | V |
| Barometric altimeter | X | V |
| Compass/ gyroscope | X | V |
| Garmin Coach | V | V |
| Multisport | X | X |
| Open water swimming | X | V |
| Course guidance | V | V |
| Waterproofness | up to 50m, 5ATM | up to 50m, 5ATM |
| More details | More details |