Garmin Forerunner 170 Review 2026: Best Entry-Level Watch for Triathletes?
What to Look For
Garmin launched the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 on 15 May 2026, replacing the Forerunner 55 as the brand’s entry-level GPS running watches. For triathletes on a budget, the Forerunner 170 is the standout new option — bringing a bright AMOLED display, Training Status metrics, wrist-based heart rate, and power meter connectivity at an accessible price point of £260. Here’s how to choose between these watches and their predecessors.
Key Features to Consider
- AMOLED display — Both the FR70 and FR170 debut Garmin’s AMOLED screen at this price level. Vibrant, easy to read in low light — though bright sunlight visibility is slightly lower than the old MIP screens.
- Training Status and Readiness — The FR170 includes Training Readiness and Training Status: two metrics that give actionable feedback on your recovery and whether your training is improving your fitness. Not available on the FR55.
- Power meter and smart trainer connectivity — The FR170 connects to ANT+ power meters and smart trainers via the cycling app, making it a useful tool on the turbo trainer during winter training blocks.
- Battery life — Up to 10 days smartwatch, 20 hours GPS — sufficient for Olympic and 70.3 training, though long-course ironman athletes on 4-6 hour rides may want to consider the Forerunner 265 or 965.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 170
The Forerunner 170 is the best entry-level GPS watch Garmin has made for triathletes. The AMOLED display is vivid, Training Status and Training Readiness give you daily load feedback, and the power meter connectivity bridges the gap between the beginner and performance tier watches. At £260, it’s a significant step up from the FR55 it replaces while remaining well below the Forerunner 265 in price. Available in multiple colours; the Music version (£300) adds offline Spotify and podcast playback.
Best Value: Garmin Forerunner 165
Now that the Forerunner 165 has been superseded by the 170, it represents exceptional value when found at a discount. It also features an AMOLED display and up to 11 days battery life, and captures GPS pace, distance, and heart rate across swim, bike, and run activities. It lacks Training Status and power meter support, but for a beginner triathlete in their first season, it covers every essential metric. Check current prices — the launch of the 170 often triggers clearance pricing on the 165.
Budget Starter: Garmin Forerunner 55
The Forerunner 55 has been superseded and will increasingly appear at clearance prices — often under £100. Its MIP display is less impressive than the newer AMOLED screens, and it lacks Training Status, but it records GPS pace, distance, and heart rate and syncs to Garmin Connect. For a triathlete on a very tight budget doing their first sprint or Olympic race, the Forerunner 55 at clearance price does the job without compromise on the data that matters most for a beginner.
Buying Tips
- The Forerunner 170 Music (£300) is worth the premium if you use Spotify or podcasts during long training runs and rides — the ability to run without a phone is genuinely useful on longer sessions.
- All three watches use the same 20mm quickfit strap standard, so you can swap to a slim silicone racing strap on race day without tools.
- All Garmin Forerunners sync to Garmin Connect, which provides a full training log, load analysis, and race-time predictions for swim, bike, and run — an excellent tool for self-coached triathletes.
Care and Maintenance
All Forerunner watches are swim-proof to 5ATM (suitable for pool and open water). Rinse in fresh water after salt water or chlorine exposure and avoid leaving the watch on the bike in direct sunlight for extended periods, which can stress the AMOLED display over time. Charge using the proprietary Garmin clip — it is not interchangeable with other models.
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support The Triathlete.
