Garmin announced on May 12, 2026, the Forerunner 70 and 170, two running GPS watches that bring advanced training tools at unprecedented prices for this entry-level range.
Premium features accessible from the entry-level
Until now, beginner runners at Garmin had to settle for basic tracking or pay more to access smart training tools. The Garmin Forerunner 70 changes the game. A direct successor to the Forerunner 55 launched in 2021, it now features a 1.2-inch AMOLED color screen (390 x 390 pixels) with a touchscreen, whereas its predecessor offered a monochrome LCD display. The fiber-reinforced polymer case goes from 42 mm to 43 mm, and the weight increases slightly, from 37 g to 40 g.
The most significant change is software. Garmin has transferred to this $249.99 watch its entire physiological pile: training availability, training status, wrist-based running power, running dynamics, HRV status, and advanced sleep tracking. These indicators were previously reserved for much more expensive models. The optical heart rate sensor is the Elevate Gen 4, the same generation as the one equipping the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 265. Note: neither ECG nor skin temperature are included, as these two functions require the Elevate 5 generation, present on the Forerunner 570 and 970.
Garmin has also introduced a new feature called "quick workouts," which automatically generates a training suggestion from just two parameters: desired duration and intensity level. The goal is clearly to reduce friction for runners who do not want to plan each session in detail. Garmin Coach also receives new plans integrating run-walk intervals and reduced volumes, specifically designed for people returning to activity or starting out. Battery life reaches 13 days in smartwatch mode, a solid result for an AMOLED screen.
"These watches are designed with everything a runner needs to start their running journey, incorporating premium training features from our more advanced Forerunners, as well as popular health and wellness metrics. Whatever the goal, these watches are the perfect tools to help new runners progress every step of the way," said Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing, in an official press release. (Purposefully designed with everything a runner needs to start their running journey, Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 include premium running and training features pulled in from our more advanced Forerunners, plus popular health and wellness metrics. No matter the goal, these smartwatches are the perfect tools to help new and aspiring runners alike make every step count.)
The Forerunner 170, an enhanced version to go further
The Forerunner 170 shares the same 43 mm case, the same AMOLED screen, and the same training features as the Forerunner 70. It is distinguished by a set of additional sensors absent from its cheaper counterpart: a barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, and thermometer. These additions allow for tracking of ascents and more precise altitude data in trail running.
The most visible difference in daily use remains the integration of Garmin Pay, which allows for contactless payments from the wrist during a run. The Forerunner 170 Music model ($349.99) adds 4 GB of internal storage to download tracks, podcasts, and playlists from compatible third-party services, and listen to them via Bluetooth headphones without carrying your phone. The Forerunner 170 offers a battery life of 10 days in smartwatch mode, slightly lower than the Forerunner 70 due to these additional sensors.
Both variants of the Forerunner 170 are available in black with a black and neon yellow strap, as well as in whitestone with a whitestone and cloud blue strap. The Music version adds two brighter combinations: teal green with a lemon strap, and red rose with a mango strap.
An acknowledged repositioning in price against the competition
The launch of these two watches marks a turning point in Garmin's entry-level strategy. The Forerunner 55 sold for less than $200 and the Forerunner 165 for $249.99. With the Forerunner 70 at $249.99 and the Forerunner 170 at $299.99, Garmin is raising its price floor by $50 at each level. The brand is betting that the functional density of the new watches justifies this gap, especially against competitors like Coros or Amazfit, which now occupy segments below $200.
The Forerunner 2026 range has completely switched to AMOLED. MIP (Memory-In-Pixel) screens, once standard on affordable models for their sunlight readability and low power consumption, now only remain on the Enduro and Instinct lines, intended for ultra-endurance and extreme environments. For the mainstream running segment, Garmin has made a decision: AMOLED is now the standard at all price points.
The Forerunner 70, 170, and 170 Music will be available for purchase on garmin.com starting May 15, 2026. For runners hesitating between the two models, the Forerunner 70 will be more than sufficient for training and recovery-oriented running. The Forerunner 170 is for those seeking contactless payments, precise altitude tracking, or standalone music. The previous generation, particularly the Forerunner 165, will likely remain available at a reduced price for a few more months and will be a competitive alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
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