What This Garmin Smartwatch Comparison Is Really About
A Garmin smartwatch comparison between the Forerunner 170 and budget fitness watches like the Forerunner 70 is about deciding whether advanced running watch features and training analytics matter more than battery life and cost for your style of running. The Forerunner 170 review highlights its upgraded training and coaching tools, while the Forerunner 70 shows how many runners can thrive with a simpler, cheaper watch. Both models are lightweight, comfortable, and share Garmin’s familiar five-button layout, so the question is not whether they work, but who needs which features. When you understand how their training metrics, accuracy, and battery life differ, it becomes easier to pick the watch that fits your goals, from couch‑to‑5K plans to structured half‑marathon cycles.
Training Features: Forerunner 170’s Coaching vs 70’s Essentials
The Forerunner 170 is built for guided training. It adds high-end tools previously limited to more expensive models, including Training Readiness, Training Status, Acute Load tracking, and HRV Status, which help you time hard sessions and recovery. A new gyroscope supports better motion tracking for non‑linear activities, and the AMOLED touchscreen feels quick and responsive. In contrast, the Forerunner 70 focuses on core metrics: GPS distance, time, and heart rate from a sensor shared with the Forerunner 165. Lifehacker’s testing found little real‑world difference in heart‑rate traces between the budget 70 and the pricier 570, even though the 70 uses an older sensor design. For structured plans, interval work, and performance plateaus, the 170’s training tools can be a genuine upgrade. For relaxed runs and occasional races, the 70’s simpler data fields are enough.
Battery Life: Budget Endurance vs Midrange Compromise
Battery life is one area where budget fitness watches hold their own. The Forerunner 70 offers a stated 13 days in smartwatch mode with the always‑on display disabled; testing reported about 9.5 days with AOD off and roughly 6 days with AOD on. That level of endurance feels generous for a small, 43 mm watch and easily covers a full training week with multiple GPS runs. By contrast, the Forerunner 170 review notes that its upgraded training features do not come with a meaningful battery upgrade over related models, especially given the power draw of its bright AMOLED touchscreen and continuous analytics. In other words, you pay for smarter insights, not for significantly longer time between charges. If you hate charging gadgets and only need basic tracking, the 70’s efficiency is a major point in its favor.
Setup and Daily Use: Garmin Makes Entry-Level Easy
Whether you pick the Forerunner 170 or 70, the setup process follows the same straightforward pattern: charge the watch, pair it with Garmin Connect, and choose a simple watch face. Runner’s World recommends starting with only the core running watch features you care about—such as time, distance, pace, and heart rate—and adding advanced fields later so you do not feel overwhelmed. Customizable data screens are available across Garmin’s lineup, so even budget models can display different layouts for easy runs, workouts, and race day. You can also use race‑specific settings like disabling notifications or touch input to reduce distractions and preserve battery. The interface may feel dated compared with phones, but once configured, both watches give you reliable, glanceable data every time you head out the door.
Which Runners Should Choose the Forerunner 170 or 70?
Choosing between the Forerunner 170 and 70 comes down to training intensity and ambition. If you follow structured plans, care about readiness scores, and want guidance on when to push or rest, the 170’s advanced training analytics justify its place on your wrist more than its modest battery gains. It suits runners moving from casual 5Ks toward regular racing and performance goals. In contrast, Garmin’s budget lineup, represented by the Forerunner 70, offers excellent value for casual runners who mainly want reliable GPS, decent heart‑rate tracking, and long battery life. The smaller case and familiar five‑button layout make it comfortable and easy to use. If your goals are consistency, not chasing marginal gains, the 70 and similar budget fitness watches may give you everything you need without paying for features you will rarely check.