Garmin Forerunner 170 vs Garmin Forerunner 265
The Forerunner 170 is $150 cheaper and covers the training basics well, but the 265 adds dual-band GPS, a second case size, and full multisport support. The question is whether those upgrades are worth $150 to you.
GarminGarmin Forerunner 170
GarminGarmin Forerunner 265
- •Single-band GPS is plenty for your road running and open-sky routes
- •You want Garmin's newer budget AMOLED watch and would rather save $150
- •You run in cities, under trees, or on trails where dual-band GPS accuracy matters
- •You also swim or bike and want proper multisport and triathlon support
The Forerunner 170 keeps the Forerunner 70's AMOLED touchscreen and training metrics, then adds a barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, thermometer, and Garmin Pay on top. It's single-frequency GPS rather than the 265's dual-band, but for most runners, it closes almost the entire gap for $150 less.
The 265 pairs a bright touchscreen with real training-load and recovery metrics, without pushing into flagship pricing. It remains one of the most recommended running watches on the market for good reason: it just covers the bases extremely well.
Garmin's Budget Pick vs Its Most Recommended Watch
The Forerunner 265 has been one of the most recommended running watches for years. The newer Forerunner 170 aims to give you most of that experience for $150 less. Both have bright AMOLED touchscreens, physical buttons, solid training data, and the same 20 hours of GPS battery life.
So what does the extra $150 actually get you?
What the Forerunner 265 Adds
Dual-band GPS. This is the biggest difference. The 265 uses dual-band GPS, while the 170 uses single-band. If you run in a city with tall buildings, under heavy tree cover, or on winding trails, dual-band GPS keeps your pace and distance noticeably more accurate. On open roads, the difference is small.
Two case sizes. The 265 comes in 42mm and 46mm. The bigger size gives you a larger screen, and the smaller one fits small wrists. The 170 comes in 43mm only.
Multisport and triathlon support. If you swim or bike too, the 265 handles multisport races and automatic transitions. The 170 is built for runners.
What the Forerunner 170 Does Well
It's the newer watch, and it includes a barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, thermometer, and Garmin Pay for contactless payments. It's also a few grams lighter, at 41 grams versus 47. For a runner who mostly runs roads, it closes almost the entire gap with the 265 for $150 less.
Who Should Buy Which
Get the Forerunner 170 if you mostly run roads and open routes and want to save $150. It's a great everyday training watch.
Get the Forerunner 265 if you run where GPS gets tricky, want a size option, or also swim and bike. It's still one of the best all-around running watches you can buy, and it's often discounted now that newer models are out.
Considering a bigger step up? See how the Forerunner 265 compares to the Forerunner 570, or check our best running watches of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Forerunner 265 worth $150 more than the Forerunner 170?
It is if you run where GPS accuracy suffers, like cities or tree cover, or if you want multisport support or a 42mm or 46mm size. For road runners on open routes, the Forerunner 170 delivers most of the same experience for less.
What is the difference between the Forerunner 170 and 265?
The Forerunner 265 has dual-band GPS, two case sizes (42mm and 46mm), and multisport support. The Forerunner 170 uses single-band GPS, comes in 43mm only, and costs $150 less.
Do the Forerunner 170 and 265 have the same battery life?
Yes. Both are rated for about 20 hours of GPS battery life.
Does the Forerunner 170 have Garmin Pay?
Yes. The Forerunner 170 includes Garmin Pay for contactless payments, along with a barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, and thermometer.
*Estimated — this model's exact GPS battery life isn't published by the manufacturer. All figures are standard GPS mode, midsize case, no solar boost.
†Estimated — this model launched too recently to have an established customer rating yet.
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