Garmin Forerunner 70 vs 170
Garmin Forerunner 70 vs 170
The awkward thing about choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 is how much the cheaper watch already gives you.
Both have the same compact shape, a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED screen and Garmin's main running tools. Suggested workouts, Training Readiness, Garmin Coach, recovery guidance and wrist-based running power are available on both, so moving up to the Forerunner 170 does not transform the basic training experience.
The extra money goes on features around the run. The Forerunner 170 adds Garmin Pay, a barometric altimeter and further cycling data with compatible accessories. The Forerunner 70 leaves those out, costs less and lasts slightly longer between charges.
For most road runners, the Garmin Forerunner 70 is the sensible starting point. The Forerunner 170 makes more sense when payments, elevation tracking or extra cycling support will genuinely be used.
Garmin Forerunner 70 vs 170: Quick Comparison
| Choose the Garmin Forerunner 70 if... | Choose the Garmin Forerunner 170 if... |
|---|---|
| You want Garmin's main running features for less. | You want Garmin Pay on your wrist. |
| Your usual routes are roads, parks and tracks. | You regularly run hills and want stronger elevation data. |
| You would rather have longer battery life than extra sensors. | You combine running with more detailed cycling training. |
| You are buying your first proper Garmin running watch. | You know you will use the added features between sessions. |
What Is the Difference Between the Garmin Forerunner 70 and 170?
The Forerunner 70 covers the part most runners buy a Garmin for. It tracks sessions, builds suggested workouts, estimates recovery and gives you enough training data to manage anything from regular 5Ks to a full marathon block.
The Forerunner 170 adds convenience and extra outdoor data. Garmin Pay means you can leave the bank card at home, while the barometric altimeter gives it better elevation tracking on rolling and hilly routes. It also offers further cycling metrics when paired with compatible accessories.
There is no major jump in basic run tracking. The Forerunner 170 earns its higher price when those extra features fit your routes and weekly routine.
Garmin Forerunner 70 vs Garmin Forerunner 170 Specs
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 70 | Garmin Forerunner 170 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen | 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen |
| Case Size | 42.6 x 42.6 x 11.9mm | 42.6 x 42.6 x 11.9mm |
| Weight | 40g | 41g |
| GPS | All-systems GNSS | All-systems GNSS |
| Wrist-Based Heart Rate | Yes | Yes |
| Wrist-Based Running Power | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Coach | Yes | Yes |
| Training Readiness | Yes | Yes |
| Training Status | Yes | Yes |
| Daily Suggested Workouts | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Pay | No | Yes |
| Barometric Altimeter | No | Yes |
| Floors Climbed | No | Yes |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Smartwatch Battery Life | Up to 13 days | Up to 10 days |
| GPS-Only Battery Life | Up to 23 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| All-Systems Battery Life | Up to 16 hours | Up to 14 hours |
What Do Both Garmin Watches Offer?
The shared feature list is why the Forerunner 70 is so hard to overlook. Garmin has kept the training tools most runners will use rather than saving them for the more expensive watch.
- Garmin Coach training plans
- Training Readiness and Training Status
- Daily Suggested Workouts
- Recovery-time guidance
- VO2 max estimates
- Wrist-based running power
- Race predictions
- Sleep and stress tracking
- Morning Report
- AMOLED touchscreens with physical buttons
For easy road miles, interval sessions and marathon preparation, both watches cover the important work. They can guide a session, record the useful data and show how the week is adding up without forcing you further up Garmin's range.
Why the Garmin Forerunner 70 Makes Sense for Most Runners
The Forerunner 70 is the cleaner buy when running is the main reason you want the watch.
Newer runners get plans, suggested sessions and recovery guidance without paying for extras they may never open. More experienced runners still have enough data to manage tempo sessions, intervals, long runs and race preparation.
It also has the better official battery figures. Garmin rates it for up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and 23 hours using GPS only, both slightly ahead of the Forerunner 170.
You lose Garmin Pay and the barometric altimeter. For road runs, track sessions and the usual park loops, that may be a fair trade.
Why You Might Spend More on the Garmin Forerunner 170
The Forerunner 170 starts to make sense when your running regularly heads uphill or you want more from the watch between sessions.
The barometric altimeter gives it better tools for tracking climbs and elevation. That is more useful on rolling road routes, hill sessions and trail sections than it is on a flat morning 5K.
Garmin Pay is the other clear difference. Being able to stop for a drink or coffee without carrying a card is not essential, but it is the sort of feature that quickly becomes part of the routine.
The 170 also offers more detailed cycling metrics when paired with compatible accessories. That gives it extra value for runners who use the bike for cross-training or split their week between both sports.
None of those upgrades makes it dramatically better at recording a straightforward road run. They make it a more useful watch when your training and daily routine ask for more.
Do the Forerunner 70 and 170 Have Multi-Band GPS?
No. The Garmin Forerunner 70 and Garmin Forerunner 170 both use all-systems GNSS rather than multi-band GPS.
All-systems GNSS draws from several satellite networks to track pace, distance and routes. Multi-band tracking sits further up Garmin's running range and is aimed at more difficult conditions such as dense city streets, heavy tree cover and mountain terrain.
For open roads, parks and normal training routes, both watches have the GPS setup most runners need.
Which Garmin Watch Has Better Battery Life?
The Forerunner 70 has the better official battery figures.
| Battery Mode | Garmin Forerunner 70 | Garmin Forerunner 170 |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch Mode | Up to 13 days | Up to 10 days |
| GPS-Only Mode | Up to 23 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| All-Systems GNSS | Up to 16 hours | Up to 14 hours |
Screen settings, notifications and GPS use will affect the real result, but the Forerunner 70 holds the advantage in every listed mode.
Both have enough battery for regular training and marathon day. The difference is how often the charging cable needs to come out during the week.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 170 Worth the Extra Money?
It is worth the step up when Garmin Pay, elevation tracking or the added cycling support solves something real for you.
The Forerunner 70 is harder to move past when those extras sound useful but are unlikely to change how you train. It includes the same main coaching, readiness and recovery tools, while lasting slightly longer between charges.
Do not choose the Forerunner 170 because the number is higher. Choose it because one of its extra features earns its place on your wrist.
Which Garmin Running Watch Suits You?
| Runner Type | Best Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First serious running watch | Garmin Forerunner 70 | It includes Garmin's main training and recovery tools for less. |
| Road running and marathon training | Garmin Forerunner 70 | The core features and longer battery life cover the main job. |
| Hilly routes and elevation tracking | Garmin Forerunner 170 | The barometric altimeter gives it better elevation data. |
| Running without a wallet | Garmin Forerunner 170 | Garmin Pay supports contactless payments from the watch. |
| Running and detailed cycling training | Garmin Forerunner 170 | It adds further cycling metrics with compatible accessories. |
Garmin Forerunner 70 or 170: The Key Difference
The Garmin Forerunner 70 is the stronger-value option for most runners. It gives you the training features Garmin is known for, lasts longer between charges and has enough depth for anything from easy weekly miles to marathon preparation.
The Forerunner 170 makes sense when Garmin Pay, better elevation tracking or the extra cycling data will be used regularly.
Start with the Forerunner 70. Move to the 170 when you can point to the feature that makes the extra spend worthwhile.
Still looking outside Garmin? Read our Garmin Forerunner 170 vs COROS Pace 4 comparison to compare Garmin's wider everyday features with COROS battery life and training value.
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