Garmin Forerunner 70 vs 170 vs 170 Music: Which One to Buy

The Garmin Forerunner 70 vs 170 choice is narrower than the model numbers suggest. On the listed specs, all three watches share the same 1.2 inch AMOLED screen, the same materials and the same water rating. Most new runners can pick the Forerunner 70. Choose the 170 Music if you want music on the watch.

The Garmin Forerunner 70 is from RM1,159, the Garmin Forerunner 170 is from RM1,369 and the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music is from RM1,579. The table below sets them side by side, and the sections after it explain what the differences mean for a new runner.

Garmin Forerunner 70 vs 170 vs 170 Music at a glance

Everything in this table comes from the product listings. Where a row reads the same across all three, the watches match on that point.

What is the same on all three

The screen is identical across the range: a 1.2 inch (30.4 mm) AMOLED display with an optional always-on mode. Paying more does not get you a bigger or different display.

The build matches too. Each watch has a chemically strengthened glass lens, a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel and a silicone strap, and each carries a 5 ATM water rating. All three are GPS running watches with training and recovery features, and the box contents are the same: the watch, a charging cable and documentation.

So the decision rests on four things: battery life, colour, music and price.

Where the three watches differ

Battery life

The Forerunner 70 lists up to thirteen days in smartwatch mode. Both versions of the 170 list up to ten days. If charging less often matters to you, the lowest-priced watch is the one that lasts longest on paper.

These are smartwatch mode figures. The listings do not give battery life with GPS running, so check Garmin’s spec sheet for that number if you plan long runs or races.

Colour choices

The Forerunner 70 has the widest range, with six colours: Black, Citron, Cool Lavender, Soft Pink, Tidal Blue and Whitestone.

The Forerunner 170 comes in two: Black with Black/Amp Yellow Band, and Whitestone with Whitestone/Cloud Blue Band. The 170 Music has those same two plus Red Pink with Red Pink/Mango Band and Teal Green with Teal Green/Citron Band. If you want the Red Pink or Teal Green 170, the Music version is the only way to get it.

Music

The 170 Music is described as having the same essential training and recovery features, plus optional music. That is the reason it sits at the top of the three on price.

The listing does not detail how music works on the watch or which services it supports. Garmin’s spec sheet covers that, and it is worth reading before you pay extra. If you always run with your phone, music on the watch may not be something you need.

Training features and weight

The listings describe the 70 and the 170 Music as having “essential training and recovery features”, and the 170 as having “training and recovery features”. They do not break this down feature by feature. If you are considering the 170 for a specific training tool, confirm on Garmin’s spec sheet that the 70 lacks it.

Weight is close to a tie. The 70 is 40 g and both 170 models are 41 g.

Which one suits which runner

The price steps between the three are equal, so each step up should buy something you will use. Our picks are below.

• Buying a first running watch: the Garmin Forerunner 70, from RM1,159. It has the same screen and build as the other two, the longest listed battery life and the most colours.
• Wanting music on your wrist: the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music, from RM1,579. It is the only one of the three listed with music, and it has four colours to choose from.
• Needing a 170 feature without music: the Garmin Forerunner 170, from RM1,369. Pick it if Garmin’s spec sheet shows a training feature you need that the 70 does not have, and you are happy with black or whitestone.

If you cannot name the feature that would make you pay more, the 70 is the safer choice.

Prices and how ordering works

The RM prices here are “from” prices, meaning the lowest-priced option on each product page. Other colours can cost more, so check the price after you select yours. All three are listed on the Garmin brand page.

These watches are preorders. We buy yours new from the US brand store after you order, and estimated delivery is 30 calendar days. You can pay in full or, where the product page offers it, pay a 50% deposit now and the balance later. Checkout shows when the balance is due for your country.

Delivery is free within Peninsular Malaysia. Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan pay RM21 per item, or nothing on orders over RM 2,200. Buyers in every other country see their fee at checkout, and the shipping fees page explains how it is set.

Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery. A change-of-mind return must be in new condition, carries a 10% restocking fee, and the cost of shipping it back to the seller is deducted from your refund. If the watch is damaged when it arrives, report it with photos straight away. The refund and returns page has the full terms. Exchanges are only for items that arrive damaged, so settle on your colour before you order.

If you want a Garmin model or colour that is not listed, you can ask us to buy it from a US store through the buy for me service. For questions before ordering, WhatsApp us on +1 603 440 9886.