Garmin · GPS running watch
Garmin Forerunner 70
Best cheap door into Garmin—just know COROS undercuts it on GPS hardware at the same money.
Our scores
| Overall | 7.9 / 10 |
|---|---|
| GPS accuracy | 7.8 |
| Battery | 8 |
| Training features | 7.8 |
| Build | 7.4 |
| Value | 8.6 |
Lowest current Forerunner with AMOLED and Training Readiness. Excellent budget Garmin pick; hardware is intentionally limited.
Meta-review
Consensus strengths
- Lowest price into current Garmin training tools
- Solid claimed GPS battery for the tier
- Simple feature set for beginners
Consensus weaknesses
- No music, maps, or multi-band marketing focus
- Fewer sports niceties than 170/570
- Competes directly with mapped COROS Pace 4
Who it's for
Budget runners who specifically want Garmin Coach / readiness without extras.
Verdict
Best cheap door into Garmin—just know COROS undercuts it on GPS hardware at the same money.
Key specs
| Display | 1.2" AMOLED |
|---|---|
| GPS | multi-GNSS |
| GPS battery (claimed) | 23 hours |
| Smartwatch battery (claimed) | 13 days |
| Weight | — |
| Water rating | 50 m |
| Maps | No |
| Music | No |
| MSRP | From $249.99 |
What outside reviewers say: Called Garmin's best budget watch: new HR sensor, improved GPS; no music, pay or maps.
Outside reviews we verified
- DC Rainmaker — Garmin Forerunner 70 In-Depth Review: Garmin's Best Budget Watch?
- DC Rainmaker — Garmin Forerunner 70 vs Forerunner 170 Comparison: 27 Feature Differences!
Garmin Forerunner 70 comparisons
See Garmin Forerunner 70 alternatives →
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Frequently asked
What is our Garmin Forerunner 70 score?
Garmin Forerunner 70 scores 7.9/10 overall on our watch scale (gps accuracy 7.8, battery 8, training features 7.8, build 7.4, value 8.6). Lowest current Forerunner with AMOLED and Training Readiness. Excellent budget Garmin pick; hardware is intentionally limited.
How much does Garmin Forerunner 70 cost?
List price starts around $249.99 USD. Confirm on the maker or retailer page.
Who is Garmin Forerunner 70 for?
Budget runners who specifically want Garmin Coach / readiness without extras.
What are alternatives to Garmin Forerunner 70?
Close alternatives on this site include Garmin Forerunner 170, Garmin Forerunner 165, Garmin Forerunner 570, Garmin Forerunner 265, Garmin Forerunner 970.