Garmin

Garmin Forerunner 70 Review: The Best Running Watch for Beginners Just Got a Major Upgrade

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 · Reported by RunToTheFinish

The Garmin Forerunner 70 might be Garmin’s entry level running watch, but it doesn’t feel particularly entry level anymore. After testing it through easy runs, workouts and everyday wear, I think this is enough watch for the vast majority of runners, especially if you care more about training data than smartwatch features. At $249, though, the decision gets tricky. The Forerunner 165 is still hanging around, while another $50 gets you the newer Forerunner 170. So the real question isn’t whether the Forerunner 70 is good. It’s whether Garmin has given you enough reasons to stop here rather than spending more.