Compare Polar Street X vs Garmin Forerunner 170 Music

Blood oxygen was a clear limitation because reviewers noted the Street X lacks SpO2 measurement, especially compared with what similarly priced watches often include.

Pulse Ox support is a meaningful upgrade over the previous entry-level generation and broadens overnight and wellness monitoring.

Sleep-stage tracking was treated cautiously; one reviewer called Polar's sleep stages mediocre, while another found SleepWise useful but warned not to fully rely on watch sleep analysis.

Sleep duration, bedtime, and major sleep stages generally aligned with the Oura Ring in side-by-side use, showing meaningful improvement over older Garmin sleep tracking.

Software smoothness was split: one reviewer found Polar sluggish, while another praised the simple, less overwhelming usability.

The updated interface feels faster and smoother than older entry-level Garmins, and activity syncing is notably quick.

Charging convenience was positive because the shared USB-C charger was described as useful for owners of multiple Polar watches.

Garmin’s proprietary cable is less convenient than magnetic or wireless alternatives and can shift out of place on the watch.

Brightness was adequate but not class-leading, with reviewers noting it was not super bright or suggesting brighter-display shoppers look elsewhere.

The AMOLED display is bright and vivid enough for outdoor runs. It is not Garmin’s brightest panel, but readability remained strong in sunshine.

Battery life was one of the strongest attributes, with multiple reviewers praising endurance, predictability, and real-world performance.

Battery life is adequate for several days of training, but real-world results often fall below Garmin’s 10-day claim. Always-on display, GPS, and music can cut endurance sharply, and the cheaper Forerunner 70 lasts longer.

The user interface drew mixed opinions, ranging from dated and sluggish to clean, simple, and beginner-friendly.

The on-watch experience is generally simple, polished, and easy to live with. Some features are buried in settings, so learning the full menu structure takes time.

Outdoor visibility was mostly workable, with one reviewer cautious in bright sun and another finding the display easy to read in all conditions.

Workout data remains easy to read in bright sunlight. Physical buttons also preserve usability when glare, sweat, or gloves make touch less convenient.

The ecosystem was a recurring caveat because reviewers said Garmin still leads in ecosystem depth and polish.

Garmin’s polished software and Connect IQ support add useful widgets and apps, but the music ecosystem still excludes Apple Music.

The companion app was one of the clearest weak points, with reviewers calling it outdated and hard to scan for key data.

Garmin Connect syncs quickly and works well for logging and data review, but its design can feel cluttered and overdue for a redesign.

ECG was also a limitation: reviewers framed the missing ECG sensor as understandable at the price but still a downside for users who prioritize health metrics.

ECG is not available on this model because it uses Garmin’s older Gen 4 sensor. Buyers who want on-demand ECG readings need a higher-end Garmin.

Body temperature tracking was treated as a nice-to-have rather than a major deciding feature.

Skin-temperature tracking is missing because the watch does not use Garmin’s newer Gen 5 sensor. That feature remains reserved for pricier models.

Customization was viewed positively through complication/widgets customization and easy band swapping.

Data screens can be tailored to show exactly what matters during a run, and watch faces offer additional visual personalization.

The operating system itself was considered solid, with no major functional complaints, though the interface still drew criticism elsewhere.

Garmin’s latest interface looks more polished, colorful, and modern while bringing sports and smartwatch tools into one place. It also positions the watch well for future updates.

Smartwatch features were seen as good enough for essentials but limited compared with fuller platforms, especially around smart features beyond notifications, weather, and music controls.

Garmin Pay, notifications, apps, and offline music make the watch useful beyond training. It still prioritizes sports over the richer app and communication features of mainstream smartwatches.

Value was the strongest consensus point, with reviewers repeatedly calling the price-to-feature package affordable, competitive, compelling, or among the best values.

The feature set is impressive for runners who want advanced coaching, music, and payments in one compact watch. Value becomes less convincing beside the cheaper Forerunner 70, discounted Forerunner 265, and running-focused rivals.

GPS accuracy received a positive hands-on score, with the reviewer reporting very good test results overall despite minor exceptions.

GPS locks quickly and stayed reliable in real-world running, swimming, and city testing. Single-band GNSS is a technical limitation, but most testers saw little practical loss outside very difficult terrain.

Fitness tracking accuracy was generally positive where evaluated, with reviewers describing reliable metrics and good all-sports accuracy in hands-on testing.

Distance, pace, swimming, and indoor workout tracking were consistently reliable across testing. The watch performs close to more expensive sports watches for most common activities.

Recovery tools were viewed positively because reviewers highlighted Training Load Pro and guidance that helps users judge when to train and when to recover.

Training Readiness, Training Status, load, HRV, and recovery-time guidance are among the watch’s strongest features. The recommendations feel closely tied to recent sleep, stress, and training history.

Fit received positive evidence from the light build and smaller-wrist suitability noted by one reviewer.

The compact case sits comfortably on smaller wrists and should suit a broad range of wrist sizes without feeling cumbersome.

Band quality was positive in hands-on use, with the reviewer liking the strap texture.

The silicone band feels soft and stretchy, with the 170 models adding nicer metal hardware and subtle two-tone styling.

Heart-rate evidence was mixed overall: one reviewer was cautious based on prior Polar sensor testing, while hands-on reviewers reported accurate or more reliable workout data.

Heart-rate tracking is strong for running and indoor cycling, but weight training and some outdoor cycling can expose the limits of the older Gen 4 sensor. An external strap remains best for precision.

Button controls were praised in hands-on review for their large, textured feel and good appearance.

Five physical buttons are a major strength during runs, especially with sweaty hands or gloves. Nearly every function can be controlled without relying on touch.

Coaching features were valued because reviewers said the watch helps interpret training and gives guidance on whether users are on track.

Garmin Coach, adaptive plans, Daily Suggested Workouts, and Quick Workout provide unusually strong structure at this price. The tools work well for beginners building consistency and experienced runners training for races.

Comfort was praised because the watch is light for its rugged design and was described as suitable for all-day wear.

The compact, lightweight case is easy to forget during runs, sleep, and daily wear. One report of skin irritation from the plastic back is the main caveat.

Safety features were supported mainly by the flashlight making the wearer more visible to traffic.

LiveTrack is useful for solo runners because contacts can follow an activity in progress. It is not independent safety coverage, since the feature relies on a connected phone.

Display quality was consistently positive, with reviewers praising the AMOLED screen, sharpness, readability, and modern feel.

The 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen is colorful, sharp, and attractive. It trails flagship Apple, Samsung, and premium Garmin panels in fluidity and peak brightness, but remains excellent for training.

Materials quality was mixed because the watch was rugged, but one reviewer said it did not feel as premium as titanium or stainless steel.

The polymer body keeps weight low and generally feels well assembled. The plastic back may irritate sensitive skin during continuous wear.

Reliability was praised in general terms through comments about consistency, daily dependability, and a tough, simple, reliable experience.

Core tracking and everyday functions proved dependable across running, swimming, and gym use, even though the hardware is not Garmin’s newest.

Wellness insights were praised for useful interpretation, especially SleepWise and broader data that helps users understand recovery and daily readiness.

Sleep, HRV, Body Battery, stress, and daily reports create a broad picture of recovery and energy rather than focusing only on workouts.

Water resistance was scored where a reviewer described the watch as very water resistant and dust proofed.

The 5ATM rating handles showers, pool swims, and open-water sessions confidently. Swim tracking also performed well in testing.

Navigation was useful but limited: reviewers liked route guidance for urban use, while noting the absence of full maps and limitations for mountains or trails.

Breadcrumb routes and synced courses are useful for planned runs, but full offline maps are missing. Trail, mountain, and ultra users may find this limitation significant.

Build quality was strong overall, with reviewers describing robust protection and a rugged, scratch-resistant construction.

The lightweight polymer construction feels better finished than older entry-level Forerunners. The screwed-on back and small metal details help it feel less cheap.

Workout variety was praised thanks to broad sports support, including open-water swimming, multisport, gym workouts, and outdoor training.

More than 80 sport profiles cover running, cycling, swimming, strength work, winter sports, and many niche activities. The breadth is unusually strong for an entry-to-midrange Forerunner.

Style and design were praised by reviewers who liked the rugged, different-looking aesthetic.

Fresh colors, a polished band treatment, and a compact sporty shape make the watch more appealing than older budget Forerunners. It still looks clearly fitness-focused rather than dressy.

A full recharge takes just over an hour, which helps offset the need to charge more often than the headline estimate suggests.

Garmin Pay is convenient for phone-free coffee, water, or emergency purchases. Its value depends heavily on local bank support and whether the extra model cost feels justified.

Garmin Connect provides nearly the same experience on iPhone and Android, making the watch a strong option for users who may switch phone platforms.

Data privacy was praised by one reviewer as a reason to consider Polar, especially for European users.

Durability was one of the strongest themes, with repeated praise for ruggedness, military-style toughness, and daily-use survivability.

The flashlight was one of the clearest wins, repeatedly described as useful, essential, visible, and sufficient for low-light situations.

There is no built-in cellular connection. LiveTrack and location sharing therefore require carrying a paired phone.

The updated menus move quickly and physical-button navigation is easy during workouts. A few controls, including the start action, can still feel ambiguous.

The responsive touchscreen makes browsing and controlling music much easier than button-only operation.

Offline Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and other supported services make phone-free running easy. Apple Music remains unsupported, and the Music edition’s premium may not suit runners who always carry a phone.

GPS acquisition and Strava syncing are fast, with run uploads happening almost instantly compared with older Forerunners.

Wrist-based running power and dynamics bring advanced training data to a lower-priced watch without requiring an external sensor.

The compact 42–43mm design works for many wrists, but there is no larger case option for buyers who prefer a bigger display or more substantial watch.

Stress data feeds into readiness and recovery guidance, helping the watch suggest when to push harder or back off.

Connect IQ adds downloadable apps and watch faces, while services such as WhatsApp, Spotify, and Deezer broaden everyday usefulness.

Swipes and taps register quickly without feeling overly sensitive. Touch works well for menus and music, while buttons remain available for workouts.

Customizable watch faces and clean data layouts make the screen attractive while keeping essential running information easy to scan.