Garmin has announced two new GPS running watches: the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170, filling the gap left by the aging Forerunner 55 at the entry-level end of its lineup. Both watches bring AMOLED displays, advanced training metrics, and Garmin's latest software to a price point that should appeal to new and aspiring runners. Here's everything we know so far.
What the Experts Are Saying
Early hands-on coverage has been extensive. Here's what the top reviewers found:
DC Rainmaker put together a deep-dive covering 77 new things to know about the Forerunner 70, noting the display upgrade, expanded training metrics, and the surprisingly broad feature set for an entry-level watch. His full video is embedded below.
Chase the Summit got both watches on wrist and came away calling them potentially the best value Garmin has ever released. The AMOLED screens, training readiness scores, and daily suggested workouts running on the newer software were highlights.
DesFit focused specifically on whether the Forerunner 70 and 170 Music deliver premium features at a budget price — looking at the music capability, GPS accuracy, and how they stack up to the competition.
Forerunner 70 — The Simpler Entry Point
The Forerunner 70 is the more affordable of the two new models, priced at $249. It is built around a 1.2-inch AMOLED display — a meaningful upgrade from the LCD screen on the Forerunner 55. The five-button layout will feel familiar to anyone who has used a Garmin before, and the touchscreen is responsive for everyday navigation.
On the inside, Garmin has packed a surprisingly robust feature set. You get:
- Built-in GPS with time, distance, and pace tracking
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring 24/7
- Training Readiness — uses sleep, HRV, recovery, and stress to tell you if you're primed to train hard or should take it easy
- Training Status — tracks your aerobic and anaerobic fitness over time
- Running Power — wrist-based, no additional sensor required
- Running Dynamics — cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time (with sensor, though Garmin appears to be enabling some via optical means)
- Daily Suggested Workouts — adapts to your performance and recovery
- New run/walk workouts for beginners
- 80+ sports modes
- HRV Status via the Garmin Elevate sensor
- Health Status monitoring
- Sleep Coach and breathing tracking
- Up to 13 days battery in smartwatch mode
The Forerunner 70 will be available in four colors: citron, cool lavender, black, and whitestone. It ships globally on May 15, 2026.
Forerunner 170 — A Step Up
The Forerunner 170 starts at $299 and adds several features that enthusiasts will appreciate:
- Garmin Pay — tap to pay on the go, no phone required
- The option for Music storage ($349 for the 170 Music) — download songs and podcasts directly to the watch
- Same 1.2-inch AMOLED display and five-button setup
- All the training features from the 70
Battery life is slightly lower than the 70 — up to 10 days in smartwatch mode — but GPS battery remains competitive at around 19 hours with music playback.
Both the 170 and 170 Music also ship on May 15, 2026.
How They Compare to the Competition
The Forerunner 70 and 170 land at a competitive price point. The standard 170 at $299 is directly in line with the Coros Pace 4, which Runner's World UK already compared the 70 to in their initial coverage. Both Garmin watches have AMOLED screens — something the Pace 4 lacks — though the Pace 4 edges ahead on battery life and build quality at that price.
The real story here is what Garmin has brought down to entry level. Training Readiness and Training Status used to be features reserved for the Fenix and Forerunner 970 series. Running power at the wrist without a sensor, daily suggested workouts, and HRV Status are all meaningful additions at $249 and $299.
Who Are These Watches For?
These are clearly aimed at new and aspiring runners who want more than basic tracking. The daily suggested workouts and run/walk profiles suggest Garmin is explicitly targeting people transitioning from no watch or a fitness band. The advanced training metrics give experienced runners a reason to recommend them to training partners who do not want to spend $400+ on a Fenix.
If you have been holding off on the Forerunner 55 because it felt too basic, the 70 — or 170 if you want Garmin Pay and music — is the upgrade you have been waiting for.
Early Verdict
Based on the hands-on time from DC Rainmaker, Chase the Summit, and DesFit, the Forerunner 70 and 170 look like the most compelling entry-level Garmin watches in years. The AMOLED upgrade alone makes them worth considering over the older 55, and the training features being pulled down from the flagship line give them real substance beyond the display.
Full reviews are coming, Garmin is reportedly shipping review units now. Until then, the three videos above give the most complete picture of what these watches can do.