The new Forerunner has a couple of launch siblings – the Garmin Forerunner 170 ($299.99 / £259.99) and 170 Music ($349.99 / £299.99). The latter was reviewed last month (see online if you missed it) and was praised for including some of Garmin’s best features, but had to have points deducted in a tri mag for not including a triathlon mode (the same goes for the non-music version). It also had a relatively short battery life. With that in mind, does the new Garmin Forerunner 70 have what it takes to be one of the best triathlon watches?

Garmin Forerunner 70 design

Here the Garmin Forerunner 70 brings us to entry-level with a price a smidge over $250 / £200 which, if you’re set on a Garmin, offers the lowest RRP. Why all the talk about price? Well, for entry-level there’s a lot to like here. It has many of the features of the 170, albeit without the music – but that gives a slightly better battery life (5 days always-on versus 4 for the 170, and 13 days versus 10 days in smartwatch mode).

There are omissions though, including some of the sensors found in models higher up the range (barometer, thermometer etc), as well as a few training options and insights. Sadly too, as well as lacking a dedicated triathlon mode there’s another problem for multi-sporters – no open-water swimming mode. 

However, you still have access to the Garmin Coach personalised training plans as well as 80-plus built-in apps – so that means Sleep Coach, Race Predictor, Morning Report and Body Battery, among many more.

Garmin Forerunner 70 verdict

Overall we think it’s a great option for new runners, though multi-sporters will probably want to look elsewhere. It’s similar in spec to the older Coros Pace 3, although the newer Pace 4 may now have the edge. Still, if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to invest in the Garmin ecosystem, then the Garmin Forerunner 70 is a smart choice.

Garmin Forerunner 70 specifications

Laurence McJannet