| Garmin Fenix | Garmin Forerunner 170 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $999 | $299★ |
| Subscription | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 56g | 43g★ |
| Water resistance | 10ATM★ | 5ATM |
| Battery | 18 days★ | 10 days |
| Always-on display | ✅★ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Aug 14, 2024 | May 15, 2026 |
| Cycle advice | bad | good★ |
| Deals advice | good★ | neutral |
| Next model | Garmin Fenix 9 (Expected fall 2026 (September–October)) | — |
First Fenix to include a speaker — enabling phone calls, Bluetooth audio, and voice prompts directly from the watch.
AMOLED for the best display at 18 days. Solar MIP for up to 48+ days in expedition conditions where charging is impossible.
EN13319 dive mode (up to 40m), MIL-STD-810 shock resistance, and TopoActive maps covering 100+ countries — the most capable outdoor watch in Garmin's lineup.
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.
$509 vs $1209 over 3 years.
18 days vs 10 days battery.
11 sensors.
43g.
Expedition athletes, adventure racers, triathletes, mountaineers, and divers who need the most capable and durable GPS watch Garmin makes. Also for anyone who wants Garmin's best — full stop.
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 →