Is the Garmin Forerunner 170 worth it for beginners?

Yes, it offers beginner-friendly Garmin Coach plans with run/walk workouts and clear guidance, making it a strong choice for those starting out.

How does the Forerunner 170 compare to the Forerunner 165?

The 170 adds training readiness and a barometer, and has a slightly larger AMOLED screen. It is a more advanced option for data-focused runners.

Can I store music on the Forerunner 170?

No, despite having 4GB of storage, the watch does not support music storage or playback.

What is the battery life of the Forerunner 170?

It lasts up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, which is enough for most training weeks and long runs.

Is the Forerunner 170 compatible with iPhone?

Yes, it pairs with iPhones via Bluetooth for notifications and syncing with the Garmin Connect app.

Does the Forerunner 170 have a touchscreen?

Yes, it has a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, but you can also use physical buttons for navigation.

What do buyers say about the Garmin Forerunner 170 GPS Running Smartwatch?

Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 36 ratings.

Where can I buy the Garmin Forerunner 170 GPS Running Smartwatch?

6 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Best Buy, Abt Electronics, Kohl's, Target.

Garmin Forerunner 170 GPS Running Smartwatch

Best price now

$299.99at WalmartChecked 20 min ago

Compared across 6 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Garmin Forerunner 170 GPS Running Smartwatch

Best price now

$299.99at WalmartChecked 20 min ago

Compared across 6 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Lowest price today: $299.99 at Walmart (checked Nov 11, 2026).
Checked at 6 stores.

Our take on the Garmin Forerunner 170 GPS Running Smartwatch

The Garmin Forerunner 170 is a GPS running smartwatch with a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen and a lightweight silicone strap. It tracks pace, distance, and heart rate, and adds advanced metrics like training readiness and training status. Garmin Coach offers personalized plans for beginners through experienced runners. With up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode, it competes with rivals like the Coros Pace 3 and Polar Pacer Pro by offering a richer feature set and a sharper display, though some users find the interface complex.

Best forRunners who want structured training plansBeginners following run/walk programsData-driven athletes tracking recoveryiPhone users needing a running-focused watch

Pros

Bright AMOLED touchscreen is easy to read
Training readiness and status guide workout intensity
Garmin Coach plans adapt to your level
Long battery life: up to 10 days smartwatch, 20 hours GPS
Built-in barometer and heart rate monitor

Cons

No onboard music storage despite 4GB
Touchscreen can be less reliable with sweaty fingers
Garmin OS has a learning curve for new users
Limited smart features compared to full smartwatches

Garmin Forerunner 170 GPS Running Smartwatch prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by FrontRow TechReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$299.99Free shippingChecked 20 min ago
Visit Walmart
Best BuyNew
In stock
$299.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit Best Buy
Abt ElectronicsNew
In stock
$299.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit Abt Electronics
Kohl'sNew
In stock
$299.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit Kohl's
TargetNew
In stock
$299.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit Target
StaplesNew
In stock
$318.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit Staples

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Garmin Forerunner 170 GPS Running Smartwatch price history

Lowest price we've seen: $299.99 on Nov 11 at Best Buy. Tracked across 5 stores since Nov 11.

What reviewers say

4.3 / 536 ratings

Reviewers rate the Forerunner 170 highly for its vivid display and useful training tools, but some note the interface takes time to learn and the touchscreen can be finicky during workouts.

What people mention

DisplayPraisedUsers love the bright AMOLED screen that stays readable in sunlight.
Training featuresPraisedTraining readiness and Garmin Coach plans are seen as genuinely useful for structuring workouts.
TouchscreenMixedSome find the touchscreen less responsive when fingers are wet or sweaty.
Ease of useMixedNewcomers report a learning curve with Garmin's interface and button layout.
Music storageCriticisedBuyers expected to store music on the 4GB but the watch does not support it.

About the Garmin Forerunner 170 GPS Running Smartwatch

It has a built-in heart rate monitor, a pedometer and a barometer.

The watch has a silicone strap, runs Garmin OS, and connects by Bluetooth. It is compatible with iPhone.

Navigation: GPS
Strap material: Silicone
Heart rate: Built-in monitor
Sensors: Pedometer, barometer
Storage: 4GB
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, 5.1
Compatibility: iPhone
Water resistance: Yes

Specifications

color: YellowSource
actual_color: Black/amp yellowSource
Screen Resolution: 390x390Source
Color (Strap): Blue, WhiteSource
Navigation System

Questions and answers

Is the Garmin Forerunner 170 worth it for beginners?: Yes, it offers beginner-friendly Garmin Coach plans with run/walk workouts and clear guidance, making it a strong choice for those starting out.
How does the Forerunner 170 compare to the Forerunner 165?: The 170 adds training readiness and a barometer, and has a slightly larger AMOLED screen. It is a more advanced option for data-focused runners.
Can I store music on the Forerunner 170?: No, despite having 4GB of storage, the watch does not support music storage or playback.
What is the battery life of the Forerunner 170?: It lasts up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, which is enough for most training weeks and long runs.
Is the Forerunner 170 compatible with iPhone?: Yes, it pairs with iPhones via Bluetooth for notifications and syncing with the Garmin Connect app.
Does the Forerunner 170 have a touchscreen?: Yes, it has a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, but you can also use physical buttons for navigation.
Where is the Garmin Forerunner 170 GPS Running Smartwatch cheapest?: At Walmart, for $299.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Garmin Forerunner 170 GPS Running Smartwatch?: Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 36 ratings.
Where can I buy the Garmin Forerunner 170 GPS Running Smartwatch?: 6 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Best Buy, Abt Electronics, Kohl's, Target.