It is finally official. Garmin just announced two new watches for runners: the Forerunner 70 and the Forerunner 170. These are built for people who want a solid GPS watch without spending a fortune on the high-end models.
I Called It First
A few days ago, I was the first to spot both the Forerunner 170 and 70 listed on a Russian retailer’s website. At the time, many people didn’t believe it. Some thought the leak wasn’t real because it came from a Russian site. But today, Garmin proved that my discovery was correct. These watches are real, and they are arriving exactly as expected.
What is the Forerunner 70?
The Forerunner 70 is the new budget-friendly choice. It costs $249.99 and comes with a bright AMOLED touchscreen. Even though it is an entry-level watch, it still has great features like:
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Over 80 sports apps.
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Heart rate and GPS tracking.
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Training tools like “Daily Suggested Workouts” and “Training Readiness.”
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A battery that lasts up to 13 days in smartwatch mode.
What is the Forerunner 170?
The Forerunner 170 is a step up and replaces the older Forerunner 165. It starts at $299.99 (or $349.99 if you want the Music version).
The main difference between this and the cheaper model is the extra sensors. It includes an altimeter for tracking elevation, a compass, and a gyroscope. If you choose the Music model, you can also download playlists from services like Spotify and listen without your phone. This watch has a battery life of about 10 days.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | Forerunner 70 | Forerunner 170 / 170 Music |
| Price | $249.99 | $299.99 (Standard) / $349.99 (Music) |
| Display | 1.2” AMOLED Touchscreen | 1.2” AMOLED Touchscreen |
| Weight | 40g | 41g |
| Storage | 512 MB | 4 GB (Music Model) |
| Battery (Smartwatch) | Up to 13 days | Up to 10 days |
| Battery (GPS Mode) | Up to 23 hours | Up to 17 hours |
| Garmin Pay | No | Yes |
| Sensors | GPS, Heart Rate, Pulse Ox | GPS, Heart Rate, Pulse Ox, Altimeter, Compass, Gyro |
| Music Storage | No | Optional (Music Model only) |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
When Can You Get Them?
Both watches will be available on Garmin’s website starting May 15, 2026. They come in several fun colors, including “Cool Lavender” and “Tidal Blue” for the Forerunner 70, and bright combos like “Teal Green and Citron” for the 170 Music.
It’s great to see Garmin expanding the Forerunner line, giving runners more options that won’t break the bank. And next time a leak pops up—even from a surprising source—remember that sometimes they are spot on!
