Garmin Forerunner 170
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Garmin Forerunner 170Price, Specs & Release Date

Garmin Forerunner 170

Release date

Is now a good time to buy?Upgrade from Forerunner 165?
Garmin Forerunner 170 costs $299.99 and went on sale May 15, 2026. Garmin rates it at up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours with GPS on. It has a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen with five buttons, built-in GPS, Garmin Pay and Garmin's coached training plans, and it weighs 41 g.
Is now a good time to buy?Should I upgrade from Garmin Forerunner 165?

Garmin Forerunner 170 review

Read the full review

The Garmin Forerunner 170 is a light running watch with a bright AMOLED screen, readiness and recovery advice, and Garmin Pay on the wrist.

Love it

Meh

  • Bright, easy-to-read AMOLED screen
  • Light enough to wear to bed
  • Readiness, recovery time and a sleep coach
  • Wrist heart rate that keeps up with intervals
  • Garmin Pay
  • No maps or dual-frequency GPS
  • No text replies on an iPhone
  • Proprietary charger
  • Music storage only on the pricier Music model

Where it shines

  1. Running

    Garmin Coach plans adapt to your recovery each day.

  2. Fitness

    More than 80 sports apps cover swim, bike and strength days, with training readiness and training status telling you how hard to go.

  3. Sleep

    Each night brings a sleep score, a sleep coach and HRV status to show how well you recovered, on a watch that weighs 41 grams.

Top comparisons

All comparisons
  1. Garmin Forerunner 170 vs COROS PACE 4. COROS PACE 4 wins
  2. Garmin Forerunner 170 vs Garmin vivoactive 6
  3. Garmin Forerunner 170 vs Garmin Instinct 3. Garmin Instinct 3 wins
  4. Garmin Forerunner 170 vs Garmin Venu 4. Garmin Venu 4 wins

Release dates

Good time to buy?

Garmin Forerunner: Release Dates by Generation

27 monthsOn sale Feb 20, 2024Garmin Forerunner 165On sale May 15, 2026Garmin Forerunner 17020252026
ModelOn saleGap
Garmin Forerunner 170May 15, 202627 months
Garmin Forerunner 165Feb 20, 2024

Comparison

Compare watches

How it compares

Price

Garmin Forerunner 170
$299.99
Amazfit Active 3 Premium
$169.99
Garmin vivoactive 6
$299.99
COROS PACE Pro
$349
Withings ScanWatch 2
$369.95

Current list prices.

As each company quotes it: some figures include the band and some do not. Hover a bar for the exact words.

Battery life can vary based on usage, settings and firmware version.

The basics

What it works with

Garmin Forerunner 170: what's in the box, works with

Forerunner 170 watch
Charging cable
Documentation
  • iPhoneSome features missing
  • Android phonesWorks
Returns and warranty

Returns and warranty

Returns
30-day returns· the clock starts the day it arrives
Warranty
1-year warranty· starts the day you buy it
Returns and warranty details

Returns

  • Send it back like new

    The item must be in its original condition.

  • How you get your money back

    Garmin says to allow up to 30 days for the credit to be posted to your account.

Warranty

Covered

  • Defects in materials and workmanship

    Defects in materials or workmanship; Garmin repairs or replaces parts that fail in normal use, with no charge for parts or labor.

  • Battery covered only for defects

    Batteries are treated as consumable parts and are not covered unless the damage came from a defect in materials or workmanship.

Not covered

  • Water damage

    Damage caused by water or flood is named as not covered.

  • Scratches and dents

    Cosmetic damage such as scratches, nicks and dents.

  • Accidents and misuse

    Damage caused by accident, abuse or misuse.

  • Repairs by other shops

    Damage from service by anyone who is not a Garmin authorized service provider, or from unapproved modification.

  • Not covered

    Damage from power or data cables not supplied by Garmin, or chargers not UL certified and labeled Limited Power Source.

  • No paid plan

    Garmin does not offer extended coverage plans.

  • How it gets fixed
    Garmin chooses to repair, replace with new or Garmin Recertified, or refund the purchase price.
    Parts and labor are free, but the customer pays transportation cost. Repaired or replaced devices get 90 days or the rest of the original year, whichever is longer.

Good to know

  • Custom products (for example Design Your Own watches), opened software, downloadable items

    Opened software, downloadable items and custom products cannot be returned for a refund.

Quick answers

Quick answers

How much does the Garmin Forerunner 170 cost?
$299.99 at Garmin's US store. The Forerunner 170 Music, which adds music storage and Wi-Fi, is $349.99.
How long does the Forerunner 170 battery last?
Garmin rates it at up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, or 4 days with the display always on, and up to 19 days in battery saver mode. With GPS on, Garmin rates it at up to 20 hours, or up to 14 hours using every satellite system.
What is the difference between the Forerunner 70 and the Forerunner 170?
The 170 adds Garmin Pay contactless payments to the Forerunner 70. The 70 is $249.99 and Garmin rates it at up to 13 days in smartwatch mode; the 170 is $299.99 and up to 10 days.

Top questions

Can the Forerunner 170 play music?
It controls the music on your phone. To keep songs and podcasts on the watch and play them through wireless headphones, Garmin sells the Forerunner 170 Music for $349.99; the music services need their own subscription.
Can I swim with the Forerunner 170?
Yes. It is rated 5 ATM, it has pool and open-water swim modes, and it reads heart rate from the wrist under water.
How big is the Forerunner 170, and will it fit my wrist?
The case is 42.6 x 42.6 x 11.9 mm and weighs 41 g. Garmin says it fits wrists from 126 to 203 mm around, and it takes standard 20 mm quick release bands.
What kind of screen does the Forerunner 170 have?
A 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen at 390 x 390 pixels, with five buttons for when your hands are sweaty or gloved. The always-on mode is optional; Garmin rates the battery at up to 4 days with it on.
What training features does the Forerunner 170 have?
Garmin lists training readiness, training status, HRV status, running power and running dynamics, plus Garmin running coach plans and a daily suggested run based on pace and heart rate.
Does the Forerunner 170 track sleep and health?
Yes. It gives a sleep score with a sleep coach, and tracks heart rate all day, HRV status, stress, Body Battery energy and Pulse Ox blood oxygen. Garmin notes it is not a medical device.
Does the Forerunner 170 have safety features?
Yes. Incident detection during select activities sends an alert through your phone, and LiveTrack shares where you are while you run.
What comes in the box with the Forerunner 170?
The watch, a charging cable and documentation. It charges with Garmin's own plug, not a USB-C port on the watch.

Using it

How do I pair it?
During the initial setup on your watch, select when you are prompted to pair with your phone.
How do I reset it?
You can reset all of the watch settings to the factory default values.
How do I update it?
When new software is available, the Garmin Connect app automatically sends the update to your watch.
What does it cost?
It costs $299.99. That is the current list price.
Does it have GPS?
Yes, it has its own GPS. It works without your phone.
How big is the screen?
The screen measures 1.2 inches.
How heavy is it?
It weighs 41g.
What colours does it come in?
It comes in 2 finishes. Red Pink, Teal Green.
What kind of screen is it?
It is an AMOLED screen. The pixels light themselves, so blacks are deep and it can dim to almost nothing.

Sizing and fit

What sizes does it come in?
Case sizes: Physical size 42.6 x 42.6 x 11.9 mm. 42.6 x 42.6 x 11.9 mm case, five buttons plus a touchscreen

Battery and charging

How do I charge it?
To prevent corrosion, thoroughly clean and dry the contacts and the surrounding area before charging or connecting to a computer.

Water

Can it get wet (shower, pool, swimming)?
Yes, you can swim in it. It is rated to 5 ATM. It is not for scuba diving. The rating does not cover hot showers, soap or saunas.

Price and models

What colors does it come in?
Red Pink, Teal Green.

Returns and warranty

How long do I have to return it?
30-day returns The clock starts the day it arrives.
Is there a restocking fee?
Restocking fee: not stated by Garmin
Can I return it if I opened or wore it?
Send it back like new The item must be in its original condition.
How do I get my money back?
How you get your money back Garmin says to allow up to 30 days for the credit to be posted to your account.
How long is the warranty?
1-year warranty Starts the day you buy it.
Is there a paid protection plan?
No paid plan Garmin does not offer extended coverage plans.
Is water damage covered?
Water damage not covered Damage caused by water or flood is named as not covered.
Is the battery covered?
Battery covered only for defects Batteries are treated as consumable parts and are not covered unless the damage came from a defect in materials or workmanship.

In the box

What's in the box?
Forerunner 170 watch, Charging cable, Documentation.

Works with

What watch bands fit the Garmin Forerunner 170?
Standard 20mm quick-release bands. Works

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Your phone

A smartwatch that works with Android. It also works with iPhone, with some limits.

iPhone

Does the Garmin Forerunner 170 work with iPhone?

Yes, but you can't reply to texts from the watch.

Android

Does the Garmin Forerunner 170 work with Android?

Yes. Through Garmin Connect, including text replies from the watch.

Other devices

Does the Garmin Forerunner 170 support Garmin Pay?

Yes, but only with a card from a supported bank.

How it works

Does the Garmin Forerunner 170 work with bike sensors and power meters?

Over ANT+ and Bluetooth, including Garmin Varia radar and lights.

How does the Garmin Forerunner 170 charge?

With Garmin's own cable. A standard USB-C cable won't fit.

What watch bands fit the Garmin Forerunner 170?

Standard 20mm quick-release bands.

Ask about anything else

Does it work with…?

Garmin Forerunner 170

Garmin vivoactive 6

Battery

Battery
Smartwatch mode: up to 10 days, or 4 days with the display always on
11 days 5 days with the display always on Battery Saver up to 21 days

Health

Fit and build

Display
1.2 in (30 mm) AMOLED touchscreen, 390 × 390 pixels, optional always-on mode
1.2 in AMOLED touchscreen with optional always-on mode, 390 × 390; Gorilla Glass 3
Weight
41 g
23 g 36 g with the included band
Design
42.6 × 42.6 × 11.9 mm case, five buttons plus a touchscreen
42.2 × 42.2 × 10.9 mm; anodized aluminum bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case; 20 mm quick release bands

Works with

Works with
iPhone and Android, Garmin Connect app Text replies from the watch on Android only
iPhone and Android, Garmin Connect app Quick text replies on Android only
Connectivity
Bluetooth and ANT+; Garmin Pay contactless payments
GPS; Bluetooth, ANT+ and Wi-Fi; 8 GB music storage; Garmin Pay
AI assistant
Not confirmed
No

In the box

  • Garmin Forerunner 170
  • Charging cable Garmin's own plug, not USB-C at the watch end
  • Documentation
  • Garmin vivoactive 6
  • USB-C charging and data cable Garmin's own plug at the watch end
  • Documentation

Options and ownership

Colors
Black, Whitestone, Teal Green, Red Pink
Black/Slate, Bone/Lunar Gold, Jasper Green, Pink Dawn

Price

Price now
$327.55 Amazon · Checked Nov. 15, 2026
Buy at Garmin$249.99
Checked Nov. 15, 2026 · We may earn a commission.
(lowest of these two)

Same on both

Water resistance
5 ATM (50 m)
Health sensors
Heart rate variability (HRV) status, Pulse Ox blood oxygen
Payments
Yes Garmin Pay contactless payments
Charging
Garmin proprietary plug charger
List price
From $299.99
Availability
Available now
Warranty
1 year Starts the day you buy it
Return window
30 days Starts the day it arrives

Top comparisons

All comparisons
  1. Garmin Forerunner 170 vs COROS PACE 4. COROS PACE 4 wins
  2. Garmin Forerunner 170 vs Garmin vivoactive 6
  3. Garmin Forerunner 170 vs Garmin Instinct 3. Garmin Instinct 3 wins
  4. Garmin Forerunner 170 vs Garmin Venu 4. Garmin Venu 4 wins

Is now a good time to buy?

  1. Garmin Forerunner 170 See if now is a good time to buy
  2. Garmin vivoactive 6 See if now is a good time to buy