The Garmin Forerunner 170 Music: A Runner's Perspective
I recently had the chance to test the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about their training. Personally, I think what makes this watch stand out is its ability to provide deep training insights without breaking the bank. It’s not just a smartwatch; it’s a tool designed to make you a better athlete.
Why This Watch Matters
One thing that immediately stands out is the Forerunner 170’s focus on training metrics. Unlike smartwatches like the Apple Watch, which excel at notifications and apps, the Forerunner 170 is built for runners. It offers features like Training Readiness, VO2 Max, and HRV Status, which are crucial for understanding your body’s state before, during, and after workouts. What many people don’t realize is that these metrics can make or break your performance in events like HYROX, where pacing and recovery are everything.
The HYROX Experience
Using the Forerunner 170 for HYROX training was eye-opening. The watch doesn’t have a native HYROX profile, but creating a custom interval workout in Garmin Connect solved this issue. During my first simulation, I noticed I was redlining into Zone 5 by the third station because I started too fast. The watch showed me exactly where I went wrong, allowing me to adjust my pacing strategy. On race day, I finished in 1:18:02, and the data revealed that my improved pacing discipline in the middle runs made all the difference. If you take a step back and think about it, this kind of insight is invaluable for any competitive athlete.
Music Without the Phone
A detail that I find especially interesting is the offline Spotify feature. The Music variant costs $50 AUD more but includes 4 GB of storage for about 500 songs. Setting up Spotify was straightforward, though the initial download took some time. Running without my phone felt liberating—no notifications, no armband, just me and my playlist. This raises a deeper question: why do so many runners still rely on their phones when watches like this exist?
GPS Accuracy and Daily Wear
The Forerunner 170 uses single-frequency GPS, which some might see as a limitation. However, in my experience, it performed excellently on suburban runs around Sydney. Routes were accurate, and satellite lock was quick. For daily wear, the watch is lightweight and comfortable, with a bright AMOLED display that’s easy to read mid-run. I’ve been wearing it alongside my Oura Ring, and the combination provides a comprehensive view of my training load and recovery.
Battery Life and Limitations
Battery life is solid, lasting about six days with my usage (four to five GPS workouts per week, including music playback). However, the proprietary charging cable feels outdated in 2026. Other limitations include the lack of multi-band GPS, multisport mode, and maps. These omissions might deter triathletes or trail runners, but for gym-based training and events like HYROX, they’re not dealbreakers.
Who Should Buy It?
In my opinion, the Forerunner 170 Music is perfect for runners, HYROX competitors, or gym-goers who want detailed training data without spending $900+ on a Fenix or Enduro. It’s also ideal for those who want to run phoneless with Spotify. If you’re a triathlete or need advanced navigation, you might want to consider the Forerunner 265. But for most runners, the 170 hits the sweet spot.
Final Thoughts
What this really suggests is that Garmin understands the needs of serious athletes. The Forerunner 170 Music isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—it’s a tool for improvement. At $549 AUD, it’s a smart investment for anyone looking to take their training to the next level. Personally, I’ll be reaching for it every morning, and I’m excited to see how it continues to impact my performance.
