Garmin Forerunner 170 is on the way. We recommend waiting unless you need a watch right now.
📅 Add launch to calendarGreat time to buy — new model coming soon, current prices near their lowest
Expected March 2026
Multiple credible sources including DC Rainmaker and Trusted Reviews point to a Garmin Forerunner 170 announcement in the week of March 23, 2026, following the new x70 naming convention (FR570, FR970). It has not been officially confirmed as of March 20, 2026.
| Model | Battery | GPS | Key Sensors | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forerunner 165 | 11 days | Yes (single-band) | Body Battery, HRV, SpO2, stress | Entry GPS running watch with AMOLED display. |
| Forerunner 165 Music | 11 days | Yes (single-band) | Body Battery, HRV, SpO2, stress | Same but with offline music storage. |
The Garmin Forerunner 165, released March 2024, brings AMOLED to Garmin's entry-level running lineup for the first time. With 11-day battery, Body Battery energy monitoring, HRV status, and all of Garmin's core running metrics, it's the best GPS running watch under $250 by a significant margin.
The FR165 is the first Garmin entry-level running watch with an AMOLED display — dramatically more readable than the LCD it replaces.
Training load, recovery time, Body Battery, HRV status, VO2 max estimation — the same analytics found on watches costing twice as much.
11 days typical use and roughly 19 hours GPS — enough for most training blocks without mid-week charging.
Beginner and intermediate runners who want real GPS accuracy and Garmin's analytics depth without the price of the 265 or 965. Also ideal as a first serious GPS watch for anyone moving up from a fitness tracker.
Yes, if you can wait a few weeks. The Forerunner 170 is expected to launch in late March 2026, following the same x70 naming convention as the new Forerunner 570 and 970. If timing is urgent, the FR165 is available at a discount and is still an excellent watch.
Yes — it is the ideal first serious GPS running watch. It has all the core Garmin running metrics, a readable AMOLED display, and 11-day battery at a price that doesn't require a serious commitment.
The FR570 (the new mid-range Garmin) adds multi-band GPS, ECG, skin temperature, a built-in speaker, and Triathlon Coach. The FR165 is sufficient for most recreational runners at a lower price — pay the premium only if you race seriously or need the health sensors.
Yes, fully — via the Garmin Connect app, available on both iOS and Android.
No — the Forerunner 165 is a breadcrumb navigation watch, not a full maps watch. If you need turn-by-turn topographic maps, look at the Forerunner 570 or Fenix series.
It has triathlon mode for swim-bike-run transitions, but lacks multi-band GPS and advanced cycling dynamics. For serious triathletes, the Forerunner 570 or 970 are better suited.