| Apple Watch SE | Garmin Forerunner 170 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $249★ | $299 |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 26g★ | 43g |
| Water resistance | 50m | 5ATM |
| Battery | 18h | 10 days★ |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ✅★ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS only | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Smartwatch | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Sep 19, 2025 | May 15, 2026 |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | neutral | neutral |
| Next model | Apple Watch SE 4 (Expected fall 2027) | — |
Access the entire watchOS app ecosystem, Apple Pay, Siri, and Family Setup — for $150 less than the Series 11.
Emergency SOS, fall detection, and Crash Detection give real safety value even without premium health sensors.
Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED with a wide range of Apple Watch-compatible bands.
Training Readiness, full Training Status, and wrist-based running power — analytics previously reserved for Garmin's mid-range — now on a $299.99 watch.
A bright 1.2" AMOLED touchscreen with a traditional 5-button design, up to 10 days of battery in smartwatch mode and around 17 hours of GPS.
Contactless payments arrive on the entry Forerunner for the first time, alongside 80+ built-in sports apps and Garmin Coach adaptive training plans.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$249 vs $509 over 3 years.
10 days vs 18h battery.
6 sensors.
26g.
iPhone users who want Apple Watch's core experience — activity tracking, notifications, crash detection, and Apple Pay — at a lower price point. Ideal for kids, teens, or anyone upgrading from a much older watch without needing the advanced health sensors.
Full details →Beginner and intermediate runners who want real GPS accuracy and Garmin's analytics depth without the price of the 570 or 970. With Training Readiness and running power now included, it closes much of the gap to Garmin's mid-range — the default first serious GPS watch.
Full details →