Garmin Forerunner 70 vs. 170 vs. 570 vs. 970

Day 93: Garmin Forerunner 70 vs 170 vs 570 vs 970

Garmin now has four clear tiers in its current Forerunner line. They all track runs, but the differences become important when you need accurate elevation, multisport support, multi-band GPS, maps, or premium recovery tools.

Forerunner 70: modern entry level

The Forerunner 70 is for runners who want an AMOLED touchscreen, modern Garmin health tracking, structured workouts, and a broad activity list without paying for advanced hardware.

Its main limitations are important: it has no barometric altimeter, no Garmin Pay, no open-water swimming profile, no multi-band GPS, and no maps. Elevation after a run can still be derived from GPS and Garmin Connect data, but the watch cannot continuously measure pressure-based elevation changes.

Choose it for road running and general fitness when those missing features do not matter.

Do not ignore the older Forerunner 165

The Forerunner 165 is older, but discounts can make it a stronger value than the 70. It includes a barometric altimeter and Garmin Pay, and it remains a capable AMOLED running watch. Availability and prices change, so compare both before assuming the newer number is automatically better.

Forerunner 170: the more complete entry model

The Forerunner 170 adds the hardware gaps that matter most: a barometric altimeter for floors and elevation, Garmin Pay, and open-water swimming. It also supports Training Readiness and Smart Wake.

It still uses single-band GPS and does not include onboard maps. For runners, hikers, and occasional swimmers who want a small modern watch without flagship pricing, this is the sensible all-round entry point.

Forerunner 570: for serious training and multisport

The 570 is a major step up. It adds multi-band GPS, full multisport and triathlon support, music, a speaker and microphone for calls when paired with a phone, skin-temperature tracking, Endurance Score, advanced training load and recovery features, and a choice of 42 mm or 47 mm cases.

It does not have built-in full-color maps or a physical LED flashlight. It is the best fit when training data, GPS performance, and multisport matter more than map navigation.

Forerunner 970: maps, flashlight, and premium hardware

The 970 builds on the 570 with full-color onboard maps, dynamic routing, a built-in LED flashlight, sapphire glass, a titanium bezel, and additional running metrics such as Running Tolerance. Some advanced running metrics require a compatible accessory.

It makes sense for athletes who navigate unfamiliar routes, train before dawn or after dark, or want the most complete Forerunner. If you never use maps or the flashlight, the 570 delivers much of the same training platform for less.

Which Forerunner should you choose?

• 70: road running and everyday fitness at the lowest current tier.
• 165: the value check, especially when discounted below the 70 or 170.
• 170: a complete entry running watch with altimeter, payments, and open-water swim.
• 570: advanced runners and multisport athletes who do not need onboard maps.
• 970: premium navigation, flashlight, materials, and the fullest running feature set.

Prices and software features can change. Compare the current catalogue and the exact features that matter to you before buying.

Compare Forerunner watches →