Is the Forerunner 170 Music worth it over the Forerunner 165?

It adds music storage and Wi-Fi, which the 165 lacks. If you never run with music, the 165 covers the same core running and heart-rate tracking.

How long does the battery last?

Garmin rates it at about 10 hours, which is with GPS in use. Expect less when playing music at the same time.

Can I leave my phone at home?

Yes. It has built-in GPS and music storage, so it tracks runs and plays music without a phone. Pairing with a phone is still needed to sync data and load music.

Does it track heart rate on the wrist?

Yes, it has a built-in optical heart rate monitor. A chest strap pairs over Bluetooth for more accurate readings.

Is it good for swimming or cycling?

It is built for running. It has no multisport modes or swim tracking like the higher Forerunner models, so cyclists and swimmers should look elsewhere.

The watch and a charging cable. It does not include a spare strap or chest strap.

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

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 14 ratings.

Where can I buy the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music GPS Running Watch?

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

Garmin Forerunner 170 Music GPS Running Watch

Best price now

$349.99at WalmartChecked 41 min ago

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

Visit Walmart

Garmin Forerunner 170 Music GPS Running Watch

Best price now

$349.99at WalmartChecked 41 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: $349.99 at Walmart (checked Nov 15, 2026).
Checked at 6 stores.

Our take on the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music GPS Running Watch

The Forerunner 170 Music is Garmin's mid-range running watch with a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen, built-in GPS, wrist heart rate and on-watch music storage. It adds Wi-Fi for syncing music and workouts, which cheaper Forerunners lack, but its rated 10-hour battery life is short next to the long-life Forerunner 165 and 265. It suits runners who want a bright screen and phone-free music on everyday runs; heavier users and ultrarunners should look at the longer-lasting models.

Best forRunners who want music without a phoneEveryday training and casual racingBuyers wanting a bright AMOLED screen at the lower end of the range

Pros

Bright 1.2-inch AMOLED color display
Built-in GPS and wrist heart rate monitor
Music storage plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Light at about 41 g
Pedometer and daily activity tracking

Cons

Rated battery life of about 10 hours is short for long runs
No multisport or advanced training metrics of the higher Forerunner models
Polyamide strap is basic
Music and Wi-Fi add cost over the non-music Forerunner 165

Garmin Forerunner 170 Music GPS Running Watch 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.
$349.99Free shippingChecked 41 min ago
Visit Walmart
Best BuyNew
In stock
$349.99Free shippingChecked 41 min ago
Visit Best Buy
Abt ElectronicsNew
In stock
$349.99Free shippingChecked 41 min ago
Visit Abt Electronics
Kohl'sNew
In stock
$349.99Free shippingChecked 41 min ago
Visit Kohl's
TargetNew
In stock
$349.99Free shippingChecked 41 min ago
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StaplesNew
In stock
$370.99Free shippingChecked 41 min ago
Visit Staples

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Garmin Forerunner 170 Music GPS Running Watch price history

Lowest price we've seen: $349.99 on Nov 15 at Best Buy. Tracked across 5 stores since Nov 15.

What reviewers say

4.5 / 514 ratings

Owners rate it well overall, with 4.5 out of 5 from 14 ratings. They like the screen and the phone-free music, and the main complaint is battery life.

What people mention

BatteryCriticisedOwners say the battery runs down fast when GPS and music are used together.
DisplayPraisedThe AMOLED screen is called bright and easy to read outdoors.
MusicPraisedBuyers value storing and playing music on the watch without carrying a phone.
ComfortPraisedThe watch is described as light and comfortable for everyday wear.
FeaturesMixedSome owners find the training features basic compared with higher Forerunner models.

About the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music GPS Running Watch

The Garmin Forerunner 170 Music is a GPS running watch from the Garmin Forerunner series. It has a 1.2-inch AMOLED color screen and a polyamide strap.

It has a built-in heart rate monitor and a pedometer. It connects over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and runs Garmin OS. Battery life is 10 hours.

Series: Garmin Forerunner
Sport: Running
Navigation: GPS
Screen: 1.2 in AMOLED, color
Heart rate: Built-in monitor
Features: Pedometer
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Operating system: Garmin OS
Battery life: 10 hours
Strap material: Polyamide
Strap color: White
Watch color: Blue, White
Weight: 41.0 oz

Specifications

Color (Strap): WhiteSource
Navigation System: GPSSource
Screen Size ("): 1.2Source
Watch Strap Material: PolyamideSource

Questions and answers

Is the Forerunner 170 Music worth it over the Forerunner 165?: It adds music storage and Wi-Fi, which the 165 lacks. If you never run with music, the 165 covers the same core running and heart-rate tracking.
How long does the battery last?: Garmin rates it at about 10 hours, which is with GPS in use. Expect less when playing music at the same time.
Can I leave my phone at home?: Yes. It has built-in GPS and music storage, so it tracks runs and plays music without a phone. Pairing with a phone is still needed to sync data and load music.
Does it track heart rate on the wrist?: Yes, it has a built-in optical heart rate monitor. A chest strap pairs over Bluetooth for more accurate readings.
Is it good for swimming or cycling?: It is built for running. It has no multisport modes or swim tracking like the higher Forerunner models, so cyclists and swimmers should look elsewhere.
What is in the box?: The watch and a charging cable. It does not include a spare strap or chest strap.
Where is the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music GPS Running Watch cheapest?: At Walmart, for $349.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music GPS Running Watch?: Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 14 ratings.
Where can I buy the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music GPS Running Watch?: 6 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Best Buy, Abt Electronics, Kohl's, Target.