Garmin Forerunner 970 and 570: What’s New, What to Expect, and Why Runners Love Them

Looking for the best Garmin running watch in 2025? The Garmin Forerunner 970 and Forerunner 570 have just launched with splashy new colors and powerful running features that aren’t locked behind a paywall. Whether you're searching for "Garmin Forerunner 970 vs 570" or want to know if the Forerunner 970 is worth the upgrade, this latest lineup has something for every runner—from beginner to elite. With advanced metrics like running economy, running tolerance, and step speed loss, plus up to 15 days of battery life, Garmin is redefining value in premium fitness wearables.

Bright New Looks and Smarter Fitness Tech

Garmin has injected fresh energy into its Forerunner series with the new Forerunner 970 and Forerunner 570. Designed to appeal to style-conscious athletes, both models feature bold color palettes and translucent bands that truly pop. From indigo and raspberry-mango tones to more muted options, Garmin is giving runners a chance to express their personal style without compromising performance. This design upgrade isn't just aesthetic—it complements upgraded OLED displays and sleeker build quality that feels more premium than ever.

But this release is more than skin deep. Garmin has packed both watches with intelligent upgrades like built-in speakers and microphones for on-the-go calling, a skin temperature sensor, and a new "evening report" that offers personalized recovery tips, sleep needs, and weather forecasts. These watches are built not just to track your workouts but to guide your entire fitness journey.

Forerunner 970 vs. 570: Key Differences

Priced at $749.99, the Garmin Forerunner 970 replaces the popular 965 as Garmin’s flagship running watch. It includes offline maps, making it ideal for trail runners, ultramarathoners, and triathletes who need navigation without a phone. Meanwhile, the $549.99 Forerunner 570 slots in as a mid-tier option—more advanced than the 265 but lacking offline maps.

Despite the price gap, both models offer many of the same standout features:

• Built-in mic and speaker for phone calls and voice control

• Garmin Coach with triathlon training support

• Custom multisport workouts that log entire routines in one session

• Advanced health and running metrics, including running economy, running tolerance, and step speed loss

• Skin temperature sensor for smarter sleep and recovery analysis

Whether you’re logging miles on pavement or cross-training at the gym, both watches offer unparalleled flexibility.

No Paywalls: Free Access to Key Features

Unlike many smartwatches that hide premium features behind subscriptions, Garmin’s approach is refreshingly transparent. Both the Forerunner 970 and 570 come with full access to new performance insights—even without a Garmin Connect Plus subscription. This means critical metrics like running economy and step speed loss are available right out of the box, which increases value for budget-conscious buyers.

From a monetization perspective, Garmin’s decision to keep its most powerful fitness metrics free is a strategic win. It boosts user satisfaction, encourages brand loyalty, and positions the Forerunner lineup as one of the best investments for runners in 2025.

Triathlon-Ready and Gym-Friendly

Both models now allow you to create custom multisport workouts. That means you can log a run, gym session, and walk home as one unified workout. Whether you’re training for a triathlon or following a hybrid fitness routine, this feature streamlines your data and helps optimize your recovery and performance tracking.

Additionally, integration with Garmin Coach provides guided triathlon training programs tailored to your experience level. For athletes preparing for endurance events, this means no need to pay for third-party coaching apps—Garmin has you covered.

Extended Battery Life and GPS Enhancements

Battery life remains one of Garmin’s key advantages over mainstream competitors like the Apple Watch. The Forerunner 970 delivers up to 15 days of battery life, while the Forerunner 570 offers a similarly robust runtime. That means fewer charges and more focus on your fitness.

Both watches also come with improved GPS accuracy and tracking capabilities, crucial for outdoor runs, cycling, and hiking. Combined with offline maps (on the 970), these models make excellent companions for adventure seekers and marathon trainers alike.

Should You Upgrade?

If you’re currently using a Forerunner 265 or older, the 570 provides a substantial leap forward in terms of design, features, and data insights. And for serious runners looking for the ultimate in performance tracking and outdoor functionality, the 970 justifies its price with features like offline maps and extended training metrics.

Considering the Garmin Forerunner 970 vs 570 comes down to budget and feature preferences. Both offer premium value, but the 970 stands out for athletes who prioritize navigation, battery life, and the most advanced tracking available today.

Garmin’s latest Forerunner models are more than just fitness watches—they’re holistic health companions. With sleek new designs, powerful training tools, and subscription-free access to advanced metrics, the Forerunner 970 and 570 redefine what runners should expect from a smartwatch in 2025.

For runners, triathletes, or anyone seeking an all-in-one fitness wearable with high-end features and no hidden fees, Garmin’s latest release is hard to beat. Whether you're upgrading or just starting your fitness journey, these watches deliver outstanding value and performance.