Garmin's most affordable running watches are getting a serious upgrade. The newly announced Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 add smarter training tools, brighter AMOLED displays and deeper recovery insights previously reserved for Garmin's pricier watches -- though the improvements also come with higher starting prices.
The Forerunner 70 starts at $250, while the Forerunner 170 starts at $300, replacing the older Forerunner 55, which launched at $200. Both watches are designed for newer runners or casual athletes looking to level up their training without jumping straight into Garmin's premium multi-sport lineup.
Known for its dedicated sports watches across categories like running, cycling, golf and triathlons, Garmin has built a loyal following among athletes thanks to its training-focused software and battery life that often lasts for weeks rather than days. Garmin makes a sports watch for nearly every niche imaginable, but the entry-level Forerunner line has been one of Garmin's most popular gateways into the ecosystem because of its relatively accessible price.
The base model Garmin Forerunner 70 now starts at $250 and comes in six different color options.
Garmin/CNETWhat it measures, and what's new?
Aside from running, both watches track more than 80 activities like cycling, swimming and strength training. Live metrics include heart rate, pace and distance, Body Battery (which measures energy levels throughout the day), stress tracking and breathing variations. They also have safety features like LiveTrack, which lets you share your location with others during a run.
The biggest headliner, though, is the trickling down of more sophisticated training tools. Garmin is bringing several features previously reserved for higher-end models to its entry-level watches, including Training Readiness, Training Status, wrist-based running power and running dynamics metrics.
Both watches now support Garmin Coach plans that adapt daily based on recovery and performance data. The updated system includes more beginner-friendly run/walk programs and lower-volume training plans designed to help newer runners gradually build endurance. A new Quick Workouts feature also simplifies training setup so you can choose a workout based on how much time you have, as well as your desired intensity level.
Runners looking for more advanced tools like multi-band GPS will still need to step up to Garmin's pricier Forerunner models, like the 570 series, which runs roughly $200 more.
Fit and design
The Forerunner 70 and 170 keep Garmin's familiar sporty aesthetic, with a lightweight plastic frame and five physical buttons.
The Garmin Forerunner 170 (left) with a dual color band in green teal, and the Forerunner 70 (right) in cool lavender.
Garmin/CNETThis year's models also get a screen bump: a brighter 1.2-inch AMOLED display with touchscreen support, along with new color options (ranging by mode) that now include teal, lilac, citron and soft pink variants.
The screens still aren't quite as sharp or fluid as flagship smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 11 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, but Garmin's interface prioritizes outdoor visibility, battery efficiency and tactile controls that are easier to use mid-run with sweaty fingers or gloves.
One caveat: the plastic back casing has been known to cause skin irritation with prolonged wear, which is worth keeping in mind, considering some of its best features require 24/7 tracking.
Watch this: Weeks of Battery: Why I'll Never Switch From Garmin | All Things Mobile
Forerunner 70 vs. 170
The biggest functional differences between the three models -- the Forerunner 70, the Forerunner 170 and 170 Music -- center on payments and media features.
On top of everything in the Forerunner 70, the Forerunner 170 adds Garmin Pay support, while the slightly pricier Forerunner 170 Music also includes onboard music storage for phone-free playback of downloaded playlists, podcasts and audio from supported third-party services.
The Forerunner 170 ($300) and Forerunner 170 Music ($350) come in four color options.
Garmin/CNETBattery life
Battery life remains one of Garmin's biggest advantages over traditional smartwatches and is 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.
Those figures are based on Garmin's own testing, so we'll need to spend more time with the watches to evaluate real-world endurance.
Pricing and availability
Available to purchase on garmin.com starting Friday, the Forerunner 70 starts at $250, the 170 costs $300 and the 170 Music costs $350.
We'll be testing the new watches in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for a full review.
