Garmin Unveils Forerunner 570 & 970: A Deep Dive into the Latest GPS Running Smartwatches
Garmin has just dropped two new contenders into the running smartwatch arena: the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970. Aimed at performance-driven athletes, these smartwatches promise advanced training tools, recovery insights, and connected features, all showcased on Garmin's brightest smartwatch display yet. But what makes these new releases stand out from the crowded market of fitness trackers?
The Forerunner 570 and 970 boast several new-to-the-Forerunner-line features, including a speaker and microphone combo, allowing users to take calls during a run without reaching for their phones. The 970 goes a step further with an LED light, echoing features seen in the Garmin Epix Pro and Instinct 3 watches. Let's break down what each model brings to the table.
Garmin Forerunner 570:
Priced at $549.99, the Forerunner 570 comes in 42mm and 47mm sizes. It features an impressive AMOLED display and jazzy colorways. While sharing DNA with other Forerunner models, like access to Garmin Coach training programs and health metrics, the 570 offers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. However, it lacks a solar-powered option, potentially limiting its appeal for those seeking extended battery life during GPS-intensive activities.
Garmin Forerunner 970:
The Forerunner 970, priced at $749.99, features a 1.4-inch AMOLED screen and offers up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. It includes all the features of the 570, plus an LED light and functionalities like Running Economy and Running Tolerance (requiring the new Garmin HRM 600). The 970 also boasts ECG functionality and premium materials such as Sapphire Glass.
May 15, 2025, Garmin officially announced the release of the new watches with advanced smart features and the brightest AMOLED display.
Garmin HRM 600:
Complementing the new Forerunners is the HRM 600 heart rate monitor, priced at $169.99. It unlocks expanded running dynamics measurements on the 570 and 970, offering insightful data for serious runners. The HRM 600 can also be used independently, syncing data to Garmin Connect for various activities.
The Forerunner 570 and 970 aim to cater to different levels of athletes. The 570 provides a solid set of features for everyday runners, while the 970 targets serious athletes seeking advanced metrics and features. Whether the improvements justify the price jump remains to be seen, but Garmin is clearly betting on performance-driven athletes craving more data and connectivity.
What are your thoughts on the new Garmin Forerunner series? Are the new features compelling enough to upgrade? Share your opinions in the comments below!
