Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Garmin Forerunner 570
Garmin Forerunner 970 (#1, best overall) vs Garmin Forerunner 570 (#4): in our Fitness & Sports Tracking scoring the Garmin Forerunner 970 totals 9.4/10 and the Garmin Forerunner 570 8.3/10.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Garmin Forerunner 970 | Garmin Forerunner 570 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.4" AMOLED | 1.3"/1.4" AMOLED |
| GPS | Multi-band GNSS | Multi-band GNSS |
| Battery | 29 hours GPS | 22 hours GPS |
| Sensors | HR, ECG, SpO2, temperature | HR, SpO2 |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Price | Check price → | Check price → |
How they differ in real use
Built from our fitness sports smartwatches scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Garmin Forerunner 970 and the Garmin Forerunner 570 made our Top 5 Fitness & Sports Tracking, at #1 (best overall) and #4. The definitive running watch for serious athletes. Industry-leading GPS accuracy, medically-certified ECG, 60+ sport modes, and comprehensive training metrics including unique 'Running Tolerance' and 'Impact Load' features unavailable elsewhere. Mid-range entry to premium Garmin features with same Elevate Gen5 sensor as FR970. Two size options (42mm/47mm) at a more accessible price point than the FR970.
We score fitness & sports tracking on GPS Accuracy (30%), Training Metrics (30%), Battery Life (20%), Build Quality (10%) and Value (10%). On that basis the Garmin Forerunner 970 totals 9.4 out of 10 and the Garmin Forerunner 570 8.3. The widest gap is Training Metrics, where the Garmin Forerunner 970 scores 10 against 8 for the Garmin Forerunner 570: VO2 max, recovery, training load. GPS Accuracy also separates them: 10 for the Garmin Forerunner 970 versus 9 for the Garmin Forerunner 570. The Garmin Forerunner 570 claws back ground on Value.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Display: 1.4" AMOLED on the Garmin Forerunner 970 versus 1.3"/1.4" AMOLED on the Garmin Forerunner 570; Battery: 29 hours GPS on the Garmin Forerunner 970 versus 22 hours GPS on the Garmin Forerunner 570; Sensors: HR, ECG, SpO2, temperature on the Garmin Forerunner 970 versus HR, SpO2 on the Garmin Forerunner 570. They match on GPS and Water Resistance.
Check current pricing at the merchant links below. Owners praise the Garmin Forerunner 970 for industry-leading GPS accuracy and medically-certified ECG; the most common complaint is premium pricing. Owners praise the Garmin Forerunner 570 for elevate Gen5 sensor and two size options (42/47mm); the most common complaint is fewer metrics than FR970.
Garmin Forerunner 970
- Industry-leading GPS accuracy
- Medically-certified ECG
- 60+ sport modes
- Unique training metrics
- Premium pricing
- Complex interface for beginners
- Bulky for small wrists
Garmin Forerunner 570
- Elevate Gen5 sensor
- Two size options (42/47mm)
- More accessible pricing
- Full Garmin ecosystem
- Fewer metrics than FR970
- No ECG
- No maps
Which should you buy?
The Garmin Forerunner 970 is the better fit for serious runners and triathletes; it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Training Metrics and GPS Accuracy. The Garmin Forerunner 570 is the better fit for mid-range Garmin seekers and runners wanting quality sensors, and the stronger choice if Value matters more to you than the overall score. The Garmin Forerunner 970 is a poor fit for casual fitness users; the Garmin Forerunner 570 is a poor fit for advanced metrics needs.
Choose the Garmin Forerunner 970 if
- Serious runners
- Triathletes
- Data-driven athletes
Skip it if
- Casual fitness users
- Budget shoppers
Choose the Garmin Forerunner 570 if
- Mid-range Garmin seekers
- Runners wanting quality sensors
- Two-size preference
Skip it if
- Advanced metrics needs
- Map navigation needs
Common questions
Is the Garmin Forerunner 970 better than the Garmin Forerunner 570?
In our Fitness & Sports Tracking ranking the Garmin Forerunner 970 scores higher overall, 9.4 to 8.3, with the biggest advantage in Training Metrics. The Garmin Forerunner 570 is stronger on Value, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
What is the main difference between the Garmin Forerunner 970 and the Garmin Forerunner 570?
The headline spec difference is Display: 1.4" AMOLED on the Garmin Forerunner 970 versus 1.3"/1.4" AMOLED on the Garmin Forerunner 570. In use, the gap that matters most is Training Metrics (10 vs 8 in our scoring): VO2 max, recovery, training load.