First-generation product — no historical cycle data to predict a successor
Full details →| Fitbit Air | Garmin Forerunner 970 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $99★ | $749 |
| Subscription | ℹ️ Optional — $99/yr | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 12g★ | 56g |
| Water resistance | 50m | 5ATM |
| Battery | 7 days | 15 days★ |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ❌ |
| GPS | ❌ | ✅★ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Fitness Tracker | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | May 7, 2026 | May 15, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | good★ | neutral |
| Next model | — | — |
Unlike WHOOP, there is no mandatory membership — pay $99 once and use Fitbit Air with the free Google Health app. Google Health Premium ($9.99/month) is optional.
Continuous heart rate, SpO2, HRV, and skin temperature tracking plus background FDA-certified AFib detection, in a 12g pebble designed to be worn and forgotten.
A week between charges, with a 5-minute top-up delivering a full day of use — significantly less downtime than WHOOP's slide-on charging system.
The FR970 is the first Forerunner with ECG and a built-in LED flashlight — plus a sapphire crystal lens and titanium DLC case for durability that rivals the Fenix 8.
Turn-by-turn navigation on preloaded worldwide TopoActive maps, combined with AI-powered Garmin Triathlon Coach structured training plans — a premium combination at any price.
Full biomechanics suite (cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, running power) plus Garmin's most advanced heart rate sensor with skin temperature monitoring.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$396 vs $959 over 3 years · no required subscription.
15 days vs 7 days battery.
9 sensors.
12g · no required subscription.
Health-focused users who want passive, 24/7 biometric tracking without a screen on their wrist. Particularly strong for those drawn to WHOOP but put off by the subscription model — the Fitbit Air delivers comparable core health data for $99 outright. Works with both iOS and Android.
Full details →Competitive runners, triathletes, and ultramarathon runners who want the complete Garmin premium running analytics suite: ECG, full maps, running dynamics, Triathlon Coach, and the most durable build in the Forerunner line. Replaces the FR965 as Garmin's top running watch.
Full details →