The Watch that Makes a Runner
Released in May 2026 as the successor to the popular Forerunner 165, the Garmin Forerunner 170 is a full-featured, entry-level GPS running smartwatch designed to bridge the gap between budget trackers and premium training tools. Equipped with a brilliant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display and a traditional five-button layout, this lightweight 41-gram watch offers comprehensive training analysis, introducing advanced metrics like Training Readiness, Training Status, HRV Status, and Acute Load directly to your wrist. As a major step up from the lower-tier Forerunner 70, the Forerunner 170 adds key hardware and smart features including Garmin Pay for contactless payments, a barometric altimeter to track floors climbed, support for cycling power meters, and the optional “Music” model for phone-free streaming. Rounded out by over 80 built-in sport profiles, customized workout features, and a battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode (or up to 20 hours in GPS-only mode), the Forerunner 170 serves as an incredibly capable training partner for road runners, hikers, and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Key Features
AMOLED Touchscreen Display
The smartwatch features a brilliant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display paired with a traditional five-button layout. Weighing in at just 41 grams, this lightweight design ensures that the watch remains exceptionally comfortable on your wrist during daily wear, high-intensity workouts, and overnight sleep tracking.
Advanced Training Metrics
To help you optimize your athletic performance, the watch introduces comprehensive training analysis directly to your wrist. It tracks elite-level training metrics such as Training Readiness, Training Status, HRV Status, and Acute Load, giving you clear insights into when to push your limits and when to focus on recovery.
Contactless Payments and Music
Designed to offer excellent smart functionality, this model brings key upgrades like Garmin Pay for quick contactless transactions on the go. Additionally, it offers an optional Music model that allows you to store and stream your favorite playlists directly from your wrist, allowing for completely phone-free running.
Enhanced Hardware and Sport Tracking
For outdoor athletes and cyclists, the device adds highly requested hardware capabilities, including a barometric altimeter to accurately track elevation and floors climbed. It also offers compatibility with cycling power meters and supports over 80 built-in sport profiles to log a highly diverse range of training activities.
Dependable Battery Life
The device offers ample battery life to keep up with active training routines without the hassle of daily charging. It delivers up to 10 days of continuous performance in smartwatch mode, and up to 20 hours when continuous GPS tracking is required.
What’s in the Box
- Garmin Forerunner 170 watch
- USB charging/data cable
- Quick start guide / manual
FAQs
Does the Garmin Forerunner 170 support contactless payments?
Yes, the Forerunner 170 includes a built-in NFC chip that supports Garmin Pay, allowing you to make contactless payments directly from your wrist
What are the key differences between the standard Forerunner 170 and the Forerunner 170 Music?
The Forerunner 170 Music edition includes built-in Wi-Fi for rapid playlist syncing and allows you to store and stream offline music from platforms like Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music. Additionally, the Music model is offered in two exclusive color options: Teal Green and Red Pink.
Can the Garmin Forerunner 170 track elevation and floors climbed?
Yes, unlike lower-tier models, the Forerunner 170 features a built-in barometric altimeter. This sensor allows you to track your ascent/descent data, elevation changes, and the number of floors climbed throughout the day
Does the Garmin Forerunner 170 support cycling accessories like power meters?
Yes, the watch provides compatibility with cycling power meters making it a highly capable multi-sport training companion for runners who also cycle.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.