- For an entry-level watch, the Garmin Forerunner 70 packs tons of fitness-focused features, making it a smart buy for runners of all experience levels.
- Garmin claims the battery life can last up to 13 hours in smartwatch mode, and five days in display always on mode. Our editor says the battery life can last even longer than that.
- For consistent run/walkers, the Forerunner 70 makes completing workouts easier since you can program your intervals to begin automatically with the push of a button.
The Garmin Forerunner 70 was released in May 2026 as the successor to the Forerunner 55. It’s a running watch designed with beginners in mind, but I must confess that even though I’m an experienced runner—and longtime Apple Watch user—I’ve gotten very comfortable with wearing the Forerunner after a month of testing.
The watch is feature-packed, easy to use, and lightweight, and it also has a very comfortable wristband. If you’re a new runner—or in the market for a new running watch—the Forerunner 70 is a strong choice because it’s so feature-rich that it’ll eliminate your need for other gadgets and apps.
How the Garmin Forerunner 70 Stacks Up to the Apple Watch
As an Apple user, I’m well aware that I’ve been missing out on tracking quite a few training metrics, but I didn’t know to what extent until I tried the Garmin Forerunner 70, the brand’s entry-level watch. The Forerunner 70 tracks basic metrics such as heart rate, pace, and distance, but goes a step further.
With the click of a button, you can easily access and monitor your total weekly mileage by activity, as well as running performance (which includes race day predictions), training status, health status, the details of your last workout, and the weather.
You also have access to daily morning and evening reports that you can customize to your liking. This makes monitoring and understanding how your body is responding to training much easier. The report outlines your training readiness, sleep score, body battery, and recovery time, and it comes directly to your watch face. This eliminates the need to sift through an app on your phone for these insights.
You’ll also receive specific sleep and recovery recommendations based on your training, which is a feature I love because I’ve always wondered how much sleep I need to recover after a workout.
Where the Apple Watch is designed to meet all lifestyle needs, the Forerunner 70, in contrast, is more running-focused. Garmin claims that the Forerunner 70 battery can last up to 13 days in smartwatch mode, but if the watch is in display always on mode that reduces to five days. However, I’ve worn it for a full week in display always on mode, and completed a couple of workouts before it needed a charge. And when it does come time to charge, it only takes about an hour.
Though you can’t accept calls with the Forerunner 70, you will receive the notification as one comes through. Android users can respond to text messages, and all users will still receive regular notifications to the device as long as the app isn’t blocked. If you want to receive fewer notifications, blocking an app is super easy. Users can also track gear, like running shoes, through the Garmin Connect app, but won’t have access to other Garmin Connect features such as Garmin Pay, music, or offline mapping.
What I Did (and Didn’t) Like About the Garmin Forerunner 70
By far, the Forerunner 70’s battery life is my favorite feature. As a single parent who is constantly on the go, the task of charging my devices is low on my priority list. Before testing the Forerunner 70, there were plenty of days when I would forget to charge my Apple Watch, and then scramble to figure out how to track my workout. Charging the Forerunner 70 once a week gives me one less thing to worry about.
In addition to Garmin Connect, users can download the Garmin Connect IQ app to access more features. I downloaded a Pokémon watch face for free, and honestly, it makes the whole process of tracking my fitness a little more exciting. Throughout the day, I enjoy glancing down at my watch to see how my little Bulbasaur is doing. It’s like having a Tamagotchi or Giga pet on my wrist, except if I catch her sleeping, then I know I’m in trouble.
Since I’m a run/walker, I enjoy using the watch’s alerts function because it allows me to easily program run/walk intervals. Unlike my Apple Watch, I don’t have to create a specific workout to receive notifications when it’s time to walk or run. I can just press start and run, knowing my watch will beep when it’s time to walk. This is extremely helpful on days when I have a distance or time goal.
On days when I have set intervals to do, I create a customized workout using the Garmin Connect app. However, in order for the actual workout to appear on the watch, you have to sync the two (the watch and the app) together. The process is very temperamental, and it’s the biggest complaint I (and other users) have about Garmin. If you have a specific workout you want to complete, I recommend creating and syncing it to your watch at least a day in advance.
The GPS connectivity is also worth mentioning. Though it’s quick and I didn’t experience many issues, it’s not always accurate. On at least two of my runs, I noticed the watch was off by a few yards (which isn’t uncommon if you’re training in a wooded area, like I was).
The Verdict
The Forerunner 70 is a watch designed for beginners, but any runner can sport this piece of tech, especially if you want a daily, well-rounded health report. This watch can provide new runners with more metrics than they need at first, and that can feel overwhelming for some. However, it’s a watch that can grow with you if you’re just starting out.
I recommend beginners focus on the basics (training duration, workout overviews, and sleep summary). That doesn’t mean you can’t peek at the other metrics—you can—but don’t obsess over them. As time goes on (and with a little bit of research), you’ll develop an understanding of what each metric means and how it applies to your training.
Personally, I like wearing the Forerunner 70 because it makes it easier for me to detach from society without forgoing my fitness metrics on the run—and to be honest, sometimes that comes in clutch. Regardless, whether you’re an experienced runner considering making a switch from Apple to Garmin or a new runner, you can’t go wrong with the Forerunner 70.
Monique LeBrun is a health and fitness editor who is based in Easton, Pennsylvania. She covers a wide range of health and wellness topics, with a primary focus on running performance and nutrition. Monique is passionate about creating content that empowers runners to become the best versions of themselves. As an avid runner and parent, she loves spending time outdoors with her daughter, who often accompanies her on weekend runs as her personal mini run coach.