Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Garmin Forerunner 570: Which Running Watch Should You Buy?

Garmin's Forerunner series has long been a favourite among runners, triathletes, and endurance athletes. In 2025, Garmin introduced two exciting new models: the Forerunner 570 and the flagship Forerunner 970.

Both watches feature Garmin's brightest AMOLED display yet, advanced training tools, multi-band GPS, built-in speaker and microphone functionality, and comprehensive health tracking. However, the Forerunner 970 introduces several premium features aimed at serious athletes and performance-focused runners.

If you're trying to decide which model offers the best value, this comparison will help you choose the right watch for your training goals and budget.

Shop the Garmin Forerunner Series

• Garmin Forerunner 970: Buy Garmin Forerunner 970 at Tech Tack Australia
• Garmin Forerunner 570: Buy Garmin Forerunner 570 at Tech Tack Australia

Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Garmin Forerunner 570 Specifications

Sources: Garmin product announcements and independent testing.

Design and Build Quality

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 970

Both watches maintain Garmin's lightweight runner-focused design, but the Forerunner 970 feels noticeably more premium.

The 970 features:

• Titanium bezel
• Sapphire crystal lens
• Metal buttons
• Premium finish

The 570 uses:

• Aluminium bezel
• Gorilla Glass 3
• Lightweight construction

For athletes who train outdoors regularly or want maximum durability, the 970 offers superior protection against scratches and wear.

Display Quality

Winner: Tie

Both watches feature Garmin's latest AMOLED technology and offer excellent visibility in bright sunlight.

The main difference is flexibility:

Forerunner 570

• Available in 42mm and 47mm versions
• Better option for smaller wrists

Forerunner 970

• Single 47mm size
• Larger display experience

Most users will find display quality virtually identical during workouts.

GPS Accuracy and Navigation

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 970

Both models support:

• Multi-band GPS
• SatIQ technology
• GLONASS
• Galileo

However, the Forerunner 970 includes full offline mapping capabilities and additional navigation features that are particularly useful for trail runners and endurance athletes.

Best For:

• Trail running
• Ultra-marathons
• Hiking
• Adventure racing

Training and Running Metrics

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 970

Both watches provide Garmin's industry-leading training ecosystem including:

• Garmin Coach
• VO2 Max
• Training Readiness
• Recovery Time
• HRV Status
• Race Predictions

The 970 adds advanced performance metrics such as:

• Running Tolerance
• Running Economy
• Step Speed Loss
• Enhanced biomechanical analysis

These tools are particularly valuable for runners pursuing personal bests or structured race training.

Health Tracking

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 970

Both watches track:

• Heart Rate
• Sleep
• Stress
• Pulse Ox
• Recovery Metrics

The 970 goes further with:

• ECG functionality
• Skin temperature tracking
• Additional wellness insights

Athletes who want the most comprehensive health data will appreciate the extra sensors.

Battery Life

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 970

Battery life remains one of Garmin's biggest strengths.

Garmin Forerunner 970

• Up to 15 days smartwatch mode
• Up to 23 hours GPS usage

Garmin Forerunner 570

• Up to 10–11 days smartwatch mode
• Approximately 18 hours GPS usage

For marathon training, ultra events, or multi-day adventures, the extra battery life of the 970 is a significant advantage.

Smartwatch Features

Winner: Tie

Both watches include:

• Speaker and microphone
• Smartphone notifications
• Music storage
• Garmin Pay
• Voice assistant support

For everyday smartwatch use, the experience is very similar across both models.

Community Feedback

Many Garmin users believe the Forerunner 570 delivers nearly everything most runners need, while others feel the premium features of the 970 justify the higher price. Commonly cited benefits of the 970 include offline maps, sapphire glass, titanium construction, ECG support, larger storage, and the built-in flashlight.

One feature repeatedly praised by experienced runners is the integrated LED flashlight, which proves surprisingly useful during early morning or evening runs.

Who Should Buy the Garmin Forerunner 570?

The Garmin Forerunner 570 is ideal if you:

✔ Are a beginner or intermediate runner

✔ Want advanced training metrics without paying flagship prices

✔ Prefer a lighter watch

✔ Have smaller wrists and want the 42mm option

✔ Need a watch primarily for road running and fitness tracking

Shop Now

Garmin Forerunner 570 at Tech Tack Australia

Who Should Buy the Garmin Forerunner 970?

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is ideal if you:

✔ Train for marathons or triathlons

✔ Need offline maps and advanced navigation

✔ Want Garmin's most advanced running metrics

✔ Value premium materials and durability

✔ Need longer battery life

✔ Want ECG and additional health tracking features

Shop Now

Garmin Forerunner 970 at Tech Tack Australia

Final Verdict

The Garmin Forerunner 570 will satisfy the needs of most runners. It delivers excellent GPS accuracy, training tools, health tracking, and smartwatch functionality in a lightweight package at a more accessible price point.

However, if you're a serious runner, triathlete, or endurance athlete looking for the most complete Garmin running watch experience, the Forerunner 970 is the clear winner. Its premium build quality, offline mapping, advanced performance metrics, ECG functionality, longer battery life, and integrated flashlight make it one of the best running watches Garmin has ever produced.

Our Recommendation

Best Value: Garmin Forerunner 570

Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 970

Best for Marathon & Triathlon Training: Garmin Forerunner 970

Best for Everyday Runners: Garmin Forerunner 570