Garmin Forerunner 170 vs Garmin Forerunner 70
Both are brand new for 2026 and share the same AMOLED screen and training software, so this comes down to sensors: the 170 adds an altimeter, compass, gyroscope, thermometer, and Garmin Pay for $50 more.
GarminGarmin Forerunner 170
GarminGarmin Forerunner 70
- •You want the fuller sensor stack for trail running or hiking on the side
- •Garmin Pay and a few extra data fields are worth $50 to you
- •You mostly run roads and don't need elevation, compass heading, or wrist payments
- •Longer battery life matters more to you, the 70 lasts 13 days versus the 170's 10
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 Forerunner 70 swaps the old MIP screen and button-only design of the 55 for AMOLED and touch, while finally bringing Training Readiness, Training Status, and wrist-based Running Power down to Garmin's cheapest running watch. It skips the altimeter, compass, and Garmin Pay found on the 170, but for straightforward road running, it's the new baseline to beat at this price.
*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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