| Suunto Vertical | Garmin Forerunner 970 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $599★ | $749 |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 70g | 56g★ |
| Water resistance | 100m★ | 5ATM |
| Battery | 20 days★ | 15 days |
| Always-on display | ✅★ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Oct 15, 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | neutral | neutral |
| Next model | — | — |
The Vertical 2 replaces the MIP screen with a bright 1.5" AMOLED LTPO — delivering vivid colour maps and improved night readability while still providing 65 hours of dual-band GPS.
An integrated LED flashlight is new to the Vertical 2, adding practical trail and camp utility without a separate device — especially useful for early morning and night runs.
Global topographic maps with dual-band GPS, 20-day smartwatch battery, and an AI Coach that personalises training load and recovery recommendations directly on the watch.
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.
$599 vs $959 over 3 years · no required subscription.
20 days vs 15 days battery.
9 sensors.
56g · no required subscription.
Mountain runners, alpinists, and expedition athletes who want full offline maps, long GPS battery, and a bright AMOLED display in a rugged adventure watch. Suunto loyalists who need the brand's navigation precision and now want a readable colour display in the field.
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 →