| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
| Type | Entry-level GPS running smartwatch |
| Series | Forerunner |
| Released | 15 May 2026 (announced 12 May 2026) |
| Price at launch | GBP 219.99 / USD 249.99 |
| Predecessor | Forerunner 55 |
| Successor | Not yet announced. See Release Radar. |
| Sizes | 43mm (small) |
| Colours | Citron, Soft Pink, Tidal Blue, Cool Lavender, Black, Whitestone |
Specifications and features as at launch.
Jump to: Expert opinion | What’s new | Specifications | Battery life | Features | Activity profiles | Software updates | Quick answers | Further reading
Expert opinion
The Garmin Forerunner 70 is the company’s entry-level option, introducing modern hardware and major firmware upgrades to Garmin’s budget tier.
The Forerunner 70 replaces the Forerunner 55, Garmin’s best-selling Forerunner. It moves the entry tier to an AMOLED touchscreen from the previous MIP display, adds the prior-generation Elevate Gen 4 heart rate sensor, and brings Training Readiness, Training Status, wrist-based Running Power, and Running Dynamics down to the budget price point for the first time. It runs the same watch software platform as the Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970 and Fenix 8. Garmin continues to gatekeep certain features: there are no onboard maps, no ClimbPro, and no music storage. Battery life is up to 13 days in smartwatch mode, 23 hours in GPS-only mode and 16 hours in All-Systems GNSS mode.
Garmin Forerunner 70
GPS running watch
Deciding whether to buy? The Garmin Forerunner 70 review has the verdict after testing.
What’s new versus the Forerunner 55
Hardware
- 1.2 inch AMOLED touchscreen, replacing the MIP display
- Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor
- 43mm fibre-reinforced polymer case at 40g
- Five-button design retained alongside the touchscreen
Software
- Modern Garmin watch interface shared with the Forerunner 570, 970 and Fenix 8
- Training Readiness
- Training Status
- Wrist-based Running Power
- Wrist-based Running Dynamics
- Quick Workouts on-device generator, new to Garmin
- Garmin Coach run and walk adaptive plans
- Lifestyle Logging
- Health Status
- Evening Report
- 80+ built-in sports apps, up from the Forerunner 55
Specifications
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.2 inch (30.4mm) |
| Type | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 390 x 390 pixels |
| Lens | Chemically strengthened glass |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Case size | 43mm |
| Weight | 40g |
| Case material | Fibre-reinforced polymer |
| Buttons | Five physical buttons |
| Water rating | 5 ATM (50m) |
| Sensors and positioning | |
| GPS | Multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS), single-frequency |
| Heart rate | Elevate Gen 4 |
| Other sensors | Pulse Ox, accelerometer, ambient light sensor |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
| Connectivity and storage | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, USB-C charging |
| Sensor support | External heart rate, footpod, cycling lights, cycling radar, RD Pod, speed and cadence sensor, Tempe. No cycling power meter or smart trainer support. |
| Music storage | No |
| Onboard maps | No |
Battery life
| Mode | Battery life |
|---|---|
| Smartwatch | Up to 13 days (5 days always-on display) |
| Battery saver smartwatch | Up to 28 days |
| GPS-only GNSS mode | Up to 23 hours |
| All-Systems GNSS mode | Up to 16 hours |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
| Internal components | |
| GNSS chipset | Airoha, probably AG3352B |
| Optical HR sensor | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 (first used on Venu 2 in April 2021) |
| Component identification from FCC filing teardown photos. | |
Features
Feature explanations are covered in the relevant the5krunner Garmin features hub.
Plan
- Daily Suggested Workouts with run-walk option
- Garmin Coach adaptive training plans
- HRV Status
- Morning Report
- Evening Report
- Recovery Time
- Sleep Coach
- Nap Detection
- Body Battery
- Courses
- Course Planner
- Race Predictor
- Breathing Variations
- Women’s Health Tracking
Prepare
- Wrist-based heart rate
- Wrist-based running dynamics
- VO2 Max
- Intensity Minutes
- Acute Load
- Pulse Ox
- Quick Workout on-device generator
- Voice alerts
- Stress Tracking
- Health Snapshot
- Lifestyle Logging
- Health Status
- Cross Training
- Activity Tracking
- Fitness Age
- Mobility
Perform
- Built-in GNSS, multiple satellite systems
- Wrist-based Running Power
- 80+ built-in sports apps
- PacePro pacing strategies
- Track Running
Connect
- Safety and incident detection with live location
- LiveTrack location sharing
- Smart Notifications
- On-wrist texting (Android or Garmin Messenger)
- Garmin Connect app
- Connect IQ Store
- Google Maps app turn-by-turn on wrist (Android)
- Garmin Share
- Colour filters and watch face customisation
Activity profiles
| Category | Profiles |
|---|---|
| Running | Running, Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Ultra Running, Obstacle Racing, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Virtual Running |
| Cycling | Biking, Road Biking, Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Bike Commuting, Bike Touring, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Indoor Biking, Cyclocross |
| Swimming | Pool Swimming |
| Gym and fitness | Strength, HIIT, Cardio, Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Jump Roping, Indoor Walking, Pilates, Yoga, Mobility, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts |
| Outdoor | Walking, Hiking, Rucking, Mountaineering, Horseback Riding, Disc Golf, Archery, Inline Skating |
| Other | Winter sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, XC Skate Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowshoeing. Water sports: Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Snorkeling. Team sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Football, American Football, Lacrosse, Rugby, Ultimate Disc, Cricket, Softball, Baseball. Racket sports: Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis, Padel, Platform Tennis, Racquetball. Motorsports: Motorcycling, Overlanding, Motocrossing, ATVing, Snowmobiling. Other: Breathwork. |
Garmin Forerunner 70
GPS running watch
Garmin Forerunner 70 software updates
The current Garmin Forerunner 70 software is version 18.32. Garmin is still updating the Forerunner 70, with 5 software releases since May 2026. This section is updated when Garmin releases a new version.
| Current version | 18.32, released 12 October 2026. |
| Last update | 18.32 on 12 October 2026. |
Features added since May 2026
- 9.17, June 2026. Adds a silent mode from the control loop or a button shortcut and a swipe-up keyboard layout, with 24 fixes including device resets while recording and upload failures to Garmin Connect.
Full version history, 5 releases including betas and fixes
| Version | Type | Date | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18.32 | Stable | 12 October 2026 | Fixes a reset when changing screens during an activity, notification tones sounding in silent mode and alarm vibration being switched off. |
| 18.29 | Stable | 8 September 2026 | Fixes quiet start for alarms failing to take effect. |
| 9.21 | Stable | 26 August 2026 | Fixes a display issue that could cause unexpected behaviour and inconsistent gesture response. |
| 9.19 | Stable | 28 July 2026 | Fixes treadmill calibration. |
| 9.17 | Stable | June 2026 | Adds a silent mode from the control loop or a button shortcut and a swipe-up keyboard layout, with 24 fixes including device resets while recording and upload failures to Garmin Connect. |
Version history is recorded from May 2026. See also known problems and fixes and Garmin’s release notes for the current version.
Quick answers
When was the Garmin Forerunner 70 released?
Garmin announced the Forerunner 70 on 12 May 2026, and it was released on 15 May 2026. The launch price was GBP 219.99 or USD 249.99.
Is the Forerunner 70 waterproof?
Forerunner 70 has a water rating of 5 ATM (50m), and it includes a Pool Swimming profile.
Does the Forerunner 70 have maps?
No, Forerunner 70 has no onboard maps and no ClimbPro. On Android, it can show Google Maps turn-by-turn directions on the wrist.
Does the Forerunner 70 have music?
No, Forerunner 70 has no music storage.
Does the Forerunner 70 work with a power meter?
No, Forerunner 70 has no cycling power meter or smart trainer support. It does pair with external heart rate straps, footpods, cycling lights, cycling radar, speed and cadence sensors and Tempe.
How long does the Forerunner 70 battery last?
Garmin rates Forerunner 70 for up to 13 days in smartwatch mode, or 5 days with the display always on, and up to 23 hours in GPS-only mode. The 43mm watch weighs 40g.
Further reading
- the5krunner Forerunner 70 review, fully tested
- the5krunner Forerunner 70 launch coverage
- Garmin watch specifications
- Release Radar: upcoming Garmin watches
Related watches
Looking at alternatives to the Forerunner 70?
- Predecessor: Garmin Forerunner 55, the previous entry-level model.
- Also consider: Coros Pace 4 or the Polar Pacer, two entry-level alternatives.
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin with any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafing stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable arches, perfect position. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Health, recovery and sleep
- Kineon MOVE+: Red and infrared light for sore knees, Achilles and other joints after hard training. I use it.
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet. Occasional use.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors. I use it.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used. Occasional use.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions. I use both.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Ravemen FR1000: The light and the computer mount in one unit, so nothing else goes on the bars. Better than mine.
- Ravemen FR1500SE: 1,500 lumens hanging under your Garmin, for proper night rides.
- Ravemen FR1100SE: 1,100 lumens under your Garmin, and up to 46 hours on slow flash.
- Ravemen FR500: A brighter FR300 with the same mount.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home via Starling. I use it.
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