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Head-to-head · sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 570 vs Garmin Forerunner 970

Garmin Forerunner 570 (2025, listed at $549) 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 Forerunner 570
sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 570

Mid-range runner reinvented — speaker, mic, ECG and dual-band GPS in a colorful aluminum case.

$549list price
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Garmin Forerunner 970
sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 970

Garmin's flagship runner — built-in LED flashlight, ECG, running tolerance and projected race time.

$749list price
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

The verdict

On the numbers we track, Garmin Forerunner 570 wins on weight (50 g vs 56 g) and price ($549 vs $749); Garmin Forerunner 970 wins on battery life (15 days vs 11 days) and tracked features (8 vs 7).

Bottom line: there is no clear winner on specs (2 to 2). Decide on phone support, how often you are willing to charge, your main sport and your budget, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.

Spec by spec

Garmin Forerunner 570 and Garmin Forerunner 970 specifications
SpecGarmin Forerunner 570Garmin Forerunner 970
Battery (rated)11 days15 days
Weight50 g56 g
List price$549$749
Water rating5ATM5ATM
Tracked features78
Case size47 mm47 mm
DisplayAMOLEDAMOLED
Works withboth iPhone and Androidboth iPhone and Android
Listed best forrunning and multisport and triathlonrunning and multisport and triathlon
Released20252025

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
  • ECG
  • blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
  • on-device music
  • contactless payments
  • AMOLED display
  • swim tracking

Only Garmin Forerunner 570 (0)

Nothing unique.

Only Garmin Forerunner 970 (1)

  • offline maps

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Garmin Forerunner 570 if…

  • You want to spend less: it lists for $200 less.
  • You want a lighter watch: 50 g vs 56 g.
  • You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 970 only works with Android.

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).

Pick the Garmin Forerunner 970 if…

  • You want fewer charges: about 15 days per charge vs 11 days.
  • You need offline maps, which the Garmin Forerunner 570 does not list.
  • You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 570 only works with Android.

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 Forerunner 570 or the Garmin Forerunner 970?

The Garmin Forerunner 970 has the longer rated battery life: about 15 days per charge against 11 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.

Which is cheaper, the Garmin Forerunner 570 or the Garmin Forerunner 970?

The Garmin Forerunner 570 has the lower list price: $549 against $749 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Garmin Forerunner 570 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 Forerunner 570 or the Garmin Forerunner 970?

Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 5ATM. 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

Where each one ranks #1 in our quiz