The LATEST From Garmin!
Which new Garmin Running Watch Is Right for You?
Garmin’s latest Forerunner lineup brings premium running features to more athletes than ever before. The new Forerunner 70, Forerunner 170, and Forerunner 170 Music are designed for different types of runners — from complete beginners to serious endurance athletes who want advanced training tools and phone-free workouts.
If you’re trying to decide which Garmin watch is best for your running, cycling, gym training, or everyday fitness, this guide breaks down the differences, key features, and ideal use cases for each model.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | Forerunner 70 |
Forerunner 170 |
Forerunner 170 Music |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Beginner runners | Intermediate runners | Serious runners & gym users |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 days | Up to 10 days | Up to 10 days |
| Built-in Music | No | No | Yes |
| Garmin Pay | No | Yes | Yes |
| Barometric Altimeter | No | Yes | Yes |
| Compass & Gyroscope | No | Yes | Yes |
| Open Water Swimming | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No | No | Yes |
| Cycling Power Meter Support | No | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Training Metrics | Basic | Advanced | Advanced |
| Price Range | Entry-level | Mid-range | Premium mid-range |
Garmin Forerunner 70
Best for Beginner Runners & Everyday Fitness
The Garmin Forerunner 70 is designed for people starting their fitness journey or runners who want simplicity, comfort, and strong core tracking features without paying for extras they may never use.
Despite being Garmin’s entry-level model, the Forerunner 70 now includes many advanced tools previously reserved for higher-end watches.
Key Features
- AMOLED touchscreen display
- GPS running tracking
- Heart rate monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- Body Battery energy monitoring
- Running Power
- Garmin Coach training plans
- HRV Status
- Long battery life
Best Uses
New Runners
Ideal for Couch-to-5K runners or anyone beginning structured training.
Everyday Fitness
Perfect for gym workouts, walking, hiking, treadmill sessions, and general health tracking.
Lightweight Daily Wear
The slim design and long battery life make it excellent as an all-day smartwatch.
Who Should Buy It?
Choose the Forerunner 70 if:
- You’re new to running
- You want reliable Garmin GPS accuracy
- You don’t need onboard music
- You don’t require advanced elevation or cycling metrics
- You want the best value Garmin running watch
Garmin Forerunner 170
Best for Dedicated Runners & Multi-Sport Athletes
The Forerunner 170 is aimed at runners training more seriously and athletes who want deeper performance insights.
This model adds important hardware upgrades that improve tracking accuracy and support more advanced training.
Additional Features Over the Forerunner 70
- Barometric altimeter for accurate elevation tracking
- Compass and gyroscope
- Garmin Pay
- Cycling power meter compatibility
- Open-water swim tracking
- More advanced running dynamics
Best Uses
Half Marathon & Marathon Training
The extra training metrics help runners improve pacing, recovery, and endurance.
Trail Running
The altimeter improves elevation accuracy during climbs and descents.
Cycling & Triathlon Training
Compatible with cycling sensors and power meters.
Multi-Sport Fitness
Great for athletes who combine running, cycling, swimming, and gym training.
Who Should Buy It?
Choose the Forerunner 170 if:
- You train multiple times per week
- You want more detailed performance data
- You do trail running or cycling
- You want Garmin Pay
- You don’t need onboard music
Garmin Forerunner 170 Music
Best for Phone-Free Training & Serious Fitness Enthusiasts
The Forerunner 170 Music is the top version in the lineup and includes everything from the standard 170, plus onboard music storage and Wi-Fi connectivity.
It’s designed for runners and gym users who want a complete training experience without carrying a phone.
Exclusive Features
- Offline music storage
- Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer support
- Bluetooth headphone connectivity
- Wi-Fi syncing
- Voice workout prompts
Best Uses
Phone-Free Running
Download playlists and leave your phone at home.
Gym Training
Listen to music directly from the watch while tracking workouts.
Long Distance Running
Ideal for runners spending hours training outdoors.
Travel & Everyday Smartwatch Use
More convenient for daily life thanks to music and wireless syncing.
Who Should Buy It?
Choose the Forerunner 170 Music if:
- You regularly train with music
- You dislike carrying a phone
- You run long distances
- You want the most complete Garmin experience in this price range
Which Garmin Forerunner Should You Choose?
Choose the Forerunner 70 if:
You want an affordable, lightweight, beginner-friendly running watch with modern Garmin training features.
Choose the Forerunner 170 if:
You’re a committed runner or multi-sport athlete who wants more accurate training data and advanced tracking tools.
Choose the Forerunner 170 Music if:
You want everything Garmin offers in this range, including onboard music and phone-free workouts.
Final Verdict
Garmin has significantly improved its entry and mid-range running watches in 2026. The new Forerunner lineup offers:
- AMOLED displays across the range
- Better health tracking
- More advanced running metrics
- Improved smartwatch features
The biggest difference between the models comes down to:
- training depth,
- sensor hardware,
- and whether you want built-in music.
For beginners, the Forerunner 70 delivers exceptional value.
For serious runners, the Forerunner 170 hits the sweet spot.
For athletes who want the full experience, the Forerunner 170 Music is the clear winner.
Some more useful info:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garmin Forerunner 70 good for marathon training?
Yes, especially for beginner and intermediate marathon runners. However, advanced athletes may benefit more from the extra metrics in the Forerunner 170.
Does the Garmin Forerunner 170 have music?
No. Only the Forerunner 170 Music includes onboard music storage.
Can the Forerunner 70 track cycling?
Yes, but it lacks advanced cycling power meter support found on the 170 models.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 170 worth the upgrade?
Yes, especially if you want better elevation tracking, Garmin Pay, and advanced performance metrics.
Which Garmin Forerunner is best for beginners?
The Garmin Forerunner 70 is the best option for most beginner runners.
