Garmin Forerunner 170 vs Garmin Forerunner 970
Get the Forerunner 170. Unless you train for triathlons or run trails with maps — then the Forerunner 970 does both.
Garmin Forerunner 170
The best running watch for less: light, accurate, with an AMOLED screen, daily suggested workouts and about 10 days of battery. Single-band GPS and no triathlon mode.
Garmin Forerunner 970
The best watch for serious runners and triathletes: about two weeks of battery, maps, dual-band GPS, a flashlight and the most detailed training advice. Pricey.
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Both work with iPhone and Android, use Garmin's training advice and last days between charges. The 970 adds maps, dual-band GPS, a flashlight, a triathlon coach and about five more days of battery, for well over twice the price.
- —You run a few times a week and want to improve.
- —You want a light watch.
- —You want to spend far less.
- —You train for races or triathlons.
- —You run trails and want maps.
- —You want the most detailed training advice.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Daily suggested workouts
- +About 10 days of battery
- +Light, with a sharp screen
- −Single-band GPS, less precise among tall buildings and trees.
- −No triathlon mode, maps, microphone or Wi-Fi.
- −Uses Garmin's older heart-rate sensor.
- +About two weeks of battery
- +Maps and dual-band GPS
- +Most detailed training advice
- −Chunky on smaller wrists.
- −Expensive.
- −Some running-economy metrics need Garmin's chest strap.
- −Smartwatch apps are basic next to an Apple Watch.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Forerunner 170 worth it?
- Is the Forerunner 970 worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Tom's Guide, TechRadar, TechRadar, manufacturer specifications.