Garmin Forerunner 970 Review – 2025’s Top GPS Running Watch

News

The Forerunner 970 replaces the Forerunner 965 as Garmin’s flagship GPS running watch this year. Introduced on May 15, 2025, it unites the best of Garmin’s traditional performance oriented features and today’s smartwatch conveniences for everyone who runs.

Design & Display

Brightest AMOLED Screen Yet

The brightest AMOLED screen on the Forerunner 970 ensures reading data is easy even outside during bright conditions. The larger screen makes it easier to see running metrics even while moving.

47 mm Case Size

The watch follows the same 47 mm case as its predecessor.

Performance & Battery Life

Extended Battery Life

The watch can operate for up to 15 days when used as a smartwatch and still provide up to 42 hours of precision tracking from GPS, eliminating the need to charge for longer excursions. Garmin continues to be known for creating watches that deliver unmatched battery life.

Quick Charging

Quickly charging the watch for only 15 minutes enables users to enjoy multiple hours of operation, valuable for time-restricted athletes who need to get back into action quickly after a brief rest.

Call & Voice Features

Built in Microphone & Speaker

With the addition of a microphone and speaker, users can now take calls and control their phone using their wristwatch when synced with a mobile device.

Voice Prompts & Alerts

Runners can keep track of key workout metrics without having to look at the watch thanks to in-workout voice prompts summarising pace, distance and heart rate.

Advanced Health Sensors

Elevate V5 Heart Rate & ECG

The watch is equipped with a Garmin Elevate V5 technology to track heart beat constantly and provide electrocardiogram measurements whenever needed.

Skin Temperature Sensor

Data from the built-in skin temperature sensor helps Garmin’s Evening Report estimate how ready your body is to train or recover.

Running Metrics & Analytics

Running Tolerance & Economy

The 970 comes with specific running features that uniquely calculate your current leg fitness and the efficiency with which you’re running.

Step Speed Loss

Step speed loss measures how your running speed diminishes throughout a run, pinpointing the moment you start to feel tired and helping guide specific sessions.

Multisport & Triathlon Coach

Garmin Triathlon Coach

Preprogrammed training plans adjust according to your performance and recovery data, providing professional triathlon coaching at no additional charge.

Custom Multisport Workouts

Customers have the ability to organise and share comprehensive multisport workout routines anytime, anywhere, through the Garmin Connect app.

Durability & Materials

Titanium Bezel & Sapphire Lens

The 970 is an upgrade to the older 570 featuring a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal, delivering durability along with a premium look.

LED Flashlight

A flashlight is integrated for better safety during low light runs, a design element inspired by Garmin’s outdoor product lines.

Garmin Connect Ecosystem

Evening & Morning Reports

Your Evening Report gathers sleep data, recovery insights, tomorrow’s workouts and weather forecasts to continue the useful Morning Report tradition.

Seamless App Sync

The Forerunner 745 keeps track of improved metrics and easily transfers the information to the Garmin Connect app for deeper analysis.

Comparison with Forerunner 570

Key features are carried over from the 570: AMOLED display, mic/speaker and Triathlon Coach. However, the 575 uses a sapphire bezel and includes ECG and LED flashlight but offers shorter 6-day battery life and costs $649.99.

Price & Availability

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is priced at $749.99 and will debut online at Garmin.com and select retailers from May 21, 2025. The Forerunner 570 launches at $549.99 concurrently.

Conclusion

With integrated calling capabilities and multi-layered wellness insights in addition to core running performance metrics, the Forerunner 970 offers an enhanced Garmin experience for exceptional 2025 athletes. Its wide range of advanced metrics combined with superior battery performance and top-quality materials help explain why the Forerunner 970 is priced at $749.99 for dedicated athletes who want reliable, data backed improvements.

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Reference:

  1. Garmin Forerunner 970 | Running Smartwatch with GPS

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