Garmin Forerunner 70 vs 170 vs 570 for Swimming
Garmin Forerunner 170 vs 570 for swimming: both track pool and open water; the 570 adds multi-band GPS, Critical Swim Speed and triathlon tools. Plus the 70.
These Forerunners all cover the core swimming use cases, including pool and open-water activities. The useful choice is not a supposed pool-only trap: it is the balance of price, multisport tools, GPS features and the exact Garmin workflow you plan to use.
Start With the Shared Swim Basics
The Forerunner 70 is not pool-only. Garmin's manual lists both Pool Swim and Open Water activities, alongside pool metrics and a drill log. That makes it a valid entry choice for swimmers who train in both environments.
The real question is what comes beyond those core profiles. Compare the current model specifications for features such as multisport, multi-band GNSS, maps, training tools and the Garmin software workflow you need. Garmin can change features by model, software release and regional variant.
Entry-level pool + open water: Forerunner 70. Newer daily and training features: Forerunner 170. Triathlon or multi-band GNSS options: Forerunner 570.
Forerunner 70 and 570 for Swimming: Quick Answers
Is the Forerunner 70 good for swimming? Yes. It supports pool and open-water activity profiles, so it can suit an entry-level swimmer who uses both. Check the current Garmin specification if you also need particular multisport, navigation or training features.
Does the Forerunner 570 track swimming? Yes. It adds higher-end multisport and multi-band GNSS options to its pool and open-water profiles. Those are useful for triathlon and demanding routes, but not a requirement for every pool swim.
Forerunner 170 vs 570 for Swimming
For swimming, the Forerunner 170 and 570 both track pool and open water — the difference is the higher-end kit on the 570, not the swim profiles. The Forerunner 570 adds multi-band GNSS options, on-watch Critical Swim Speed and fuller multisport and triathlon tools, which matter most for open-water GPS accuracy and race-day transitions. The Forerunner 170 is the lower-cost, simpler daily-training watch, with a drill log and auto-rest for structured pool sets.
Choose the 570 if you race triathlon, want multi-band GPS for a cleaner open-water track, or want Critical Swim Speed on the wrist. Choose the 170 to save money when you mostly swim structured pool sets and log open water more casually. Confirm the current regional specification and price for both before buying, because exact GPS and training features vary by model and market.
The 3 New Forerunners, Compared for Swimming
How These Fit Against the Rest of the Lineup
The new entry models don't exist in a vacuum. The Forerunner 165 still sits alongside the 170 as a strong budget swim pick (and is often cheaper on sale) — see our Forerunner 165 swimming review if you're choosing between them. Above the 570 sits the flagship Forerunner 970 (full maps) and the rugged Fenix 8 for serious open water and diving.
For the full picture across every price tier, our best Garmin watch for swimming guide ranks the whole range, and the open-water section of the main Garmin guide focuses on the multi-band GPS picks specifically.
Which New Forerunner Should You Buy?
Choose the Forerunner 70 when its entry-level feature set covers your pool and open-water needs. Choose the Forerunner 170 when its current training and daily-use features are a better fit. Neither choice means giving up an open-water activity profile.
Step up to the Forerunner 570 if you race triathlon or want its higher-end multisport tools and multi-band GNSS options. Compare current pricing and Garmin's regional specification rather than choosing solely from a feature list.
Add Structured Workouts to Any of Them
Structured workout support should be confirmed on your exact device before race day. AquaPlan Premium creates Garmin-compatible FIT workout files, which you can test with the Garmin import workflow for your compatible watch.
Build your set in the AquaPlan workout generator , export it as a Garmin-compatible FIT file, then review the imported workout on the device. The Garmin swim workouts guide walks through the sync.
This comparison is based on published Garmin documentation and AquaPlan's FIT-export workflow. It is not a controlled accuracy test; prices, software support and regional variants can change.
New Watch? Give It Workouts Worth Wearing It For
Whichever new Forerunner you pick, AquaPlan turns it into a structured-training tool. Build a session in the drag-and-drop generator, create a Garmin-compatible FIT file, and review the supported workout steps on your wrist — or start from 130+ ready-made workouts sorted by goal and zone.
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Written and maintained by AquaPlan Team, Swim Training & Product.
The AquaPlan team builds swim-training software for structured pool workouts, Garmin-compatible FIT export, printable workout PDFs, and progress tracking.
Focus areas: Structured swim workout design, Garmin-compatible FIT file export, Pool training plans and workout-library systems, Swim training tools for web, iOS, and Android.
Editorial standard: AquaPlan is built by lifelong swimmers — 20+ years in the water, competitive racing, and countless hours on deck. Our training guides come from that experience, not a content mill.