Garmin is broadening the appeal of its Forerunner lineup by bringing more premium running features into a more accessible price range. The new Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 are aimed at runners who want a lightweight watch for daily wear without giving up structured training tools, health tracking, and smartwatch functions.
A familiar Forerunner formula, now at a lower entry point
Both models use a 1.2-inch AMOLED display, paired with touchscreen control and five physical buttons. That combination is meant to keep the watch easy to operate during runs and workouts, when touch alone may not be the most practical option.
Garmin also equips both watches with built-in GPS, sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and Garmin Coach. More than 80 sports modes are available as well, making the devices suitable not only for running, but also for broader everyday activity tracking.
Training tools are a major part of the appeal
The Forerunner 70 is positioned as the more training-focused model in the pair. It adds the latest Quick Workouts feature, which gives exercise recommendations based on duration and intensity so users can adjust sessions to match the day’s needs.
Garmin also includes Training Readiness, Training Status, running dynamics, and wrist-based running power on the Forerunner 70. Those additions make the watch feel closer to a serious training companion while still keeping it within a more affordable segment.
Forerunner 170 adds more lifestyle features
The Forerunner 170 sits above the 70 and adds several extras for users who want more convenience outside workouts. Garmin Pay is included for contactless payments, along with an altimeter and support for open-water swimming.
A Forerunner 170 Music version is also available for users who want audio access directly from the watch. It comes with about 4GB of internal storage, which supports downloads of songs and podcasts from services such as Spotify and Amazon Music.
Daily wear remains part of the equation
Garmin says the Forerunner 70 can last up to 13 days in smartwatch mode, which helps it stay practical for everyday use between training sessions. The lineup also comes in several color options, including citron, soft pink, tidal blue, cool lavender, black, and whitestone.
Health features are not limited to workout tracking. Both models offer 24-hour health monitoring, HRV status, Body Battery, and LiveTrack for safety-related use.
Pricing keeps the new models within reach
Garmin sets the Forerunner 70 at USD 249.99. The Forerunner 170 starts at USD 299.99, while the Forerunner 170 Music is priced at USD 349.99.
With those prices, Garmin is placing the new watches as entry points into the Forerunner family that still carry many of the line’s hallmark features. For runners who want deeper training data without moving into the highest price tiers, the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 offer a more accessible path.