Garmin fēnix 8 vs Garmin Forerunner 970
Garmin fēnix 8 (2024, listed at $1099) and Garmin Forerunner 970 (2025, listed at $749) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Garmin fēnix 8
Garmin's no-compromise multisport flagship — built-in dive computer, AMOLED, multi-band GPS.
Garmin Forerunner 970
Garmin's flagship runner — built-in LED flashlight, ECG, running tolerance and projected race time.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin fēnix 8 wins on battery life (16 days vs 15 days) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM); Garmin Forerunner 970 wins on weight (56 g vs 73 g), price ($749 vs $1099) and tracked features (8 vs 7).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin Forerunner 970 leads 3 to 2, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Garmin fēnix 8 | Garmin Forerunner 970 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 16 days | 15 days |
| Weight | 73 g | 56 g |
| List price | $1099 | $749 |
| Water rating | 10ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 7 | 8 |
| Case size | 47 mm | 47 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | multisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure and running | running and multisport and triathlon |
| Released | 2024 | 2025 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (7)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- on-device music
- contactless payments
- AMOLED display
- offline maps
- swim tracking
Only Garmin fēnix 8 (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Garmin Forerunner 970 (1)
- ECG
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin fēnix 8 if…
- You want fewer charges: about 16 days per charge vs 15 days.
- Your main use is outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Garmin Forerunner 970 is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 970 only works with Android.
- You swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You want something light enough to sleep in — it weighs 73 g.
- • You are watching your budget — the list price is $1099.
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 970 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $350 less.
- You want a lighter watch: 56 g vs 73 g.
- You need ECG, which the Garmin fēnix 8 does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin fēnix 8 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2025 vs 2024).
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You are watching your budget — the list price is $749.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Garmin fēnix 8 or the Garmin Forerunner 970?
The Garmin fēnix 8 has the longer rated battery life: about 16 days per charge against 15 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Garmin fēnix 8 or the Garmin Forerunner 970?
The Garmin Forerunner 970 has the lower list price: $749 against $1099 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin fēnix 8 and Garmin Forerunner 970 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Garmin fēnix 8 or the Garmin Forerunner 970?
Garmin fēnix 8: 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so. Garmin Forerunner 970: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quiz