| Garmin Forerunner 570 | Garmin Forerunner 970 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $549★ | $749 |
| Subscription | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 42g★ | 56g |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Battery | 11 days | 15 days★ |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | May 15, 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | neutral | neutral |
| Next model | — | — |
L1+L5 dual-frequency GPS for precise tracking in cities and trails, paired with Garmin's most advanced heart rate sensor — adding skin temperature monitoring over the FR265.
A first for this price tier — take phone calls, use voice assistant, and hear Bluetooth audio directly from your wrist. A meaningful upgrade over the silent FR265.
AI-powered triathlon training plans that adapt to your swim, bike, and run fitness — a key differentiator over the FR265 for multisport athletes.
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.
$759 vs $959 over 3 years · no required subscription.
15 days vs 11 days battery.
9 sensors.
42g · no required subscription.
Regular runners and triathletes who race 5K to marathon distances and want accurate multi-band GPS, detailed training load management, and Triathlon Coach structured plans. The speaker and microphone make it a more capable daily-wear watch than the FR265 it replaces.
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 →