Updated 19 Oct 2026
Is the Garmin Forerunner 170 worth it?
Yes — the best running watch for most runners.
It's light and comfortable, tracks runs accurately and suggests a workout each day based on how recovered you are, with Garmin's training plans for free. The AMOLED screen is sharp, it works with iPhone and Android, and it lasts up to about 10 days as a smartwatch. To keep the price down it uses single-band GPS and an older heart sensor, and it has no triathlon mode, maps, microphone or Wi-Fi.
Good to know
- 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.
- Daily suggested workouts
- About 10 days of battery
- Light, with a sharp screen
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Get it if…
- You run a few times a week and want to improve.
- You want a watch that lasts days, with any phone.
Skip it if…
- You train for triathlons or run trails with maps: the Forerunner 970 does both.
- You want a smartwatch for apps and messages.
More on the Forerunner 170
How we reached this verdict
Tom's Guide, TechRadar, T3 and Trusted Reviews all give it 4/5. Tom's Guide calls it affordable and accurate, with better training analysis; T3 praises its suggested workouts and value; TechRadar calls it a good, unspectacular entry Forerunner. All note the single-band GPS and missing multisport mode.
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, T3, Trusted Reviews, Garmin, Tom's Guide, TechRadar, TechRadar, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 19 Oct 2026How we decide