The world of running watches continues to evolve with technology that transforms how athletes train and compete. Garmin has long been at the forefront of this revolution, and their latest release aims to set a new standard in performance tracking.
The Garmin Forerunner 970 arrives as the new flagship model in the renowned Forerunner series, bringing advanced features previously reserved for the premium Fenix line to serious runners and triathletes.
This review explores everything you need to know before investing in this premium running companion.
In a Nutshell
Before diving into the details, here are the key takeaways from our comprehensive review of the Garmin Forerunner 970:
- The Forerunner 970 features a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen with sapphire crystal protection, offering superior durability compared to its predecessor
- Priced at $749 USD, representing a $150 increase from the previous Forerunner 965 model
- New Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor brings ECG support and improved heart rate tracking
- Running-specific metrics including Running Tolerance, Running Economy, and Step Speed Loss provide valuable insights for serious runners
- Battery life in smartwatch mode has decreased to 15 days (from 23 days on the 965), but GPS mode with music shows improvement at up to 14 hours
- Addition of speaker and microphone enables Bluetooth calls when connected to your phone
- Built-in LED flashlight with white and red LEDs enhances safety during early morning or night runs
- New triathlon-specific features and structured workout options make this an excellent choice for multi-sport athletes
Design and Build Quality
The Garmin Forerunner 970 maintains the familiar circular design language of the Forerunner series while incorporating several meaningful refinements. The watch features a 47mm case with a titanium bezel that adds a premium look and feel without significantly increasing the weight. At just 56 grams, it remains comfortable for all-day wear and during long training sessions.
One of the most significant upgrades in the design department is the switch from Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX to sapphire crystal for the display cover. This change addresses durability concerns reported by some Forerunner 965 users who experienced scratches on their screens. The sapphire crystal offers superior scratch resistance, bringing this model closer to the ruggedness of the Fenix line.
The watch comes in three color options: carbon gray titanium with a black case, titanium with a Whitestone case and yellow band, and soft gold titanium with a French gray/translucent Indigo band. These color combinations add a touch of style to what is otherwise a very functional design.
The physical buttons have been refined with a more pronounced shape, making them easier to press during activities. Button placement remains consistent with previous models, allowing for intuitive navigation through the watch’s various functions.
Perhaps the most exciting hardware addition is the built-in LED flashlight with both white and red LEDs. This feature, previously available only on the Fenix and Instinct lines, enhances safety during early morning or night workouts. The flashlight can be set to strobe mode that syncs with your running cadence, making you more visible to traffic.
Display and User Interface
The Forerunner 970 sports a 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels. While the screen size remains unchanged from the 965, Garmin has increased the brightness level for improved visibility in direct sunlight. This is particularly useful for outdoor athletes who need to quickly glance at their stats during activities.
The user interface has been updated to align more closely with the newer design language found on the Fenix 8 series. The changes are subtle but effective, creating a more modern look while maintaining the familiarity Garmin users expect. The touch responsiveness remains excellent, and the combination of touchscreen and physical buttons provides flexible navigation options.
Garmin has also added a large font size option, making it easier for those who prefer or need larger text to read their stats during activities. This accessibility improvement is a welcome addition that shows Garmin is considering diverse user needs.
The updated UI brings better mapping clarity with improved map style design. Topographical details are more distinct, and points of interest are easier to spot, enhancing the navigation experience for trail runners and outdoor adventurers.
Performance Tracking and Running Features
The Forerunner 970 truly shines when it comes to running and triathlon-specific features. Garmin has introduced several new metrics and capabilities that set this watch apart from its predecessors.
Running Tolerance is a standout feature that evaluates your previous weekly mileage trends to provide boundaries on future training distances. This helps prevent injuries by ensuring you don’t increase your training load too quickly. The watch will suggest appropriate mileage increases based on your recent activity history.
The new Impact Load Factor metric measures the equivalent impact of your run compared to running on flat terrain. For example, a 5km run with hills might register as equivalent to a 7km flat run due to the increased impact of downhill sections. This provides a more accurate picture of the stress placed on your body during varied terrain runs.
Running Economy is another innovative feature that measures your efficiency while running. When paired with the new HRM 600 chest strap (sold separately for $169), the watch can track your energy expenditure relative to pace, helping you optimize your running form for better performance.
The Step Speed Loss metric evaluates how much your speed slows down when your foot impacts the ground. This data can help identify inefficiencies in your running form and potentially reduce injury risk.
For race day, the Forerunner 970 introduces an Autolap by timing gates feature that automatically marks your laps as you pass through known race markers, ensuring accurate distance tracking. The Suggested Finish line feature helps you better manage your finish timing during races.
The watch also introduces a projected race time predictor based on your training data, giving you realistic goals for upcoming events. Combined with the new Garmin triathlon coach feature, which offers structured training plans, the Forerunner 970 provides a comprehensive system for race preparation.
Smart Features and Connectivity
The Forerunner 970 has significantly expanded its smartwatch capabilities, bringing features previously found only on the more expensive Fenix and Venu lines. The addition of a speaker and microphone enables Bluetooth calls when your phone is within range. While there is no cellular connectivity, this feature allows you to take calls without retrieving your phone during workouts.
Voice commands are now supported, allowing you to access your phone’s voice assistant by configuring a hot key. The watch also supports voice control for certain watch functions, though the voice notes feature found on the Fenix 8 is notably absent.
The watch includes 32GB of internal storage for maps, apps, and music. This provides ample space for offline music from services like Spotify, as well as detailed topographical maps for navigation. Garmin Pay continues to offer contactless payment support for convenience during your runs.
The new Evening Report feature complements the existing Morning Report, providing a summary of your day’s activities and suggestions for recovery or future training sessions about 90 minutes before your typical bedtime. This feature can be customized to show the metrics most relevant to your goals.
Health and Wellness Tracking
Health monitoring takes a step forward with the inclusion of the Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical heart rate sensor. This latest generation sensor brings ECG support for approved countries (including the US and EU), allowing you to record single-lead electrocardiograms and export them as PDFs to share with healthcare providers.
The watch also introduces a skin temperature sensor, adding another data point to your overall health metrics. Combined with existing features like sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and Body Battery, the Forerunner 970 provides a comprehensive view of your recovery status.
Female health tracking has been enhanced with the addition of Past Ovulation estimates, a new feature to the Garmin ecosystem that improves menstrual cycle tracking accuracy. This can help female athletes better understand how their cycle might affect performance and recovery.
Sleep tracking remains detailed, capturing sleep stages, respiration rate, and sleep score. The watch now also tracks naps, adding this data to your overall recovery metrics for a more complete picture of your rest patterns.
Battery Life and Performance
Battery life shows some interesting changes compared to the Forerunner 965. In smartwatch mode, the Forerunner 970 offers up to 15 days of use, which is a decrease from the 965’s 23 days. However, GPS performance shows improvements in several key areas:
- GPS-Only GNSS mode: Up to 26 hours (down from 31 hours on the 965)
- SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS mode: Up to 23 hours (slightly up from 22 hours)
- All-Systems GNSS mode + Multi-Band: Up to 21 hours (up from 19 hours)
- GPS-Only GNSS mode with music: Up to 14 hours (up from 10.5 hours)
- All-Systems GNSS mode + Multi-Band with music: Up to 12 hours (up from 8.5 hours)
The mixed battery life results reflect the addition of power-consuming features like the flashlight, speaker, and microphone, balanced against efficiency improvements. For most runners and triathletes, the battery performance will be more than adequate for daily training and even ultra-distance events.
GPS accuracy benefits from the multi-band satellite support, providing precise tracking even in challenging environments like urban canyons or dense forests. The watch now defaults to 1-second recording for activities (rather than smart recording), ensuring more detailed workout data.
Software and Ecosystem
The Forerunner 970 runs on Garmin’s proprietary operating system, which has been refined for this release. The software feels responsive and stable, with quick transitions between screens and menus.
Garmin has added 15 new sport profiles to the already extensive list: Pool Triathlon, Brick, Rucking, Mobility, Adventure Race, Expedition, Obstacle Racing, Hunt, Fish, Horseback Riding, Fishing, Boat, Sail, Sail Race, and Snorkel. This expansion makes the watch more versatile for athletes who participate in multiple sports.
The multiple battery power mode customizations allow you to fine-tune power usage for different scenarios, replacing the previous system that offered just a single customizable mode. This gives you more control over which features to prioritize during longer activities.
The Garmin Connect app continues to serve as the hub for all your data, offering detailed analysis of workouts, health metrics, and progress toward goals. The app works smoothly with the watch, with reliable sync performance and quick data transfers.
Value and Comparison
At $749 USD, the Forerunner 970 represents a significant price increase from the $599 Forerunner 965. This positions it closer to the Fenix 8 AMOLED, which starts at $999. The question becomes whether the added features justify the increased cost.
The 970 bridges the gap between the pure running focus of the Forerunner line and the outdoor adventure emphasis of the Fenix series. With the addition of the flashlight, speaker, microphone, and expanded sport modes, it offers many features previously exclusive to the more expensive Fenix watches.
For runners and triathletes who prioritize running-specific metrics and training insights, the Forerunner 970 offers specialized tools not found elsewhere in the Garmin lineup. The new running metrics provide valuable data for serious athletes looking to optimize their performance.
Compared to competitors like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799) or the Polar Vantage V3 ($609), the Forerunner 970 offers superior battery life and more running-specific features, though it lacks the cellular connectivity of the Apple Watch Ultra.
Who Should Buy the Forerunner 970
The Garmin Forerunner 970 is designed for serious runners, triathletes, and multisport athletes who want comprehensive tracking features and are willing to invest in their training tools. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Marathon runners and triathletes who need detailed metrics and long battery life
- Athletes who train in varied conditions and would benefit from the flashlight feature
- Runners looking to improve their form and efficiency with the new running economy metrics
- Data-driven athletes who want the most comprehensive insights into their performance
- Those who want a premium running watch with enhanced smartwatch features
If you already own a Forerunner 965, the upgrade decision is less clear-cut, as many of the core functions remain similar. However, if the new running metrics or smartwatch features appeal to you, the 970 offers meaningful improvements.
Who Should Skip the Forerunner 970
Not everyone needs the advanced features of the Forerunner 970. You might want to consider alternatives if you:
- Are a casual runner who doesn’t need in-depth metrics
- Prioritize smartwatch features over sports tracking
- Are looking for a budget-friendly option
- Prefer a smaller watch (the 970 only comes in one 47mm size)
- Already own a recent Garmin watch like the 965 and don’t need the newest features
For those who fall into these categories, the Forerunner 265 or the new Forerunner 570 might offer better value while still providing solid running features.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Bright AMOLED display with sapphire crystal for improved durability
- Innovative running metrics provide valuable training insights
- Built-in LED flashlight enhances safety for early morning or night runs
- Speaker and microphone allow for Bluetooth calls
- Improved battery life for GPS activities with music
- Expanded sport modes and triathlon-specific features
- ECG functionality and updated heart rate sensor
Cons:
- Significantly higher price than the previous model
- Reduced battery life in smartwatch mode
- Single 47mm size option may not suit smaller wrists
- Full running economy features require additional $169 HRM 600 chest strap
- No cellular connectivity option
Final Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 970 represents a thoughtful evolution of the Forerunner line, bringing valuable new features and refinements that enhance both the training experience and everyday usability. The addition of advanced running metrics, improved durability, and expanded smartwatch features create a compelling package for dedicated runners and triathletes.
While the price increase places it in a higher bracket, the Forerunner 970 delivers value through its specialized running features and premium construction. For those who take their training seriously and want the most comprehensive data to inform their approach, this watch stands as one of the best options available.
The Forerunner 970 earns its place as the flagship running watch in Garmin’s lineup, offering a blend of sports performance tracking and smartwatch features that will satisfy even the most demanding athletes. It represents the cutting edge of what a dedicated sports watch can offer in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the battery life of the Garmin Forerunner 970?
The Forerunner 970 offers up to 15 days in smartwatch mode, 26 hours in GPS-Only mode, and 21 hours using All-Systems GNSS with Multi-Band tracking.
Does the Forerunner 970 have ECG?
Yes, the Forerunner 970 features ECG functionality through its Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical heart rate sensor in approved countries, including the US and EU.
Can I make calls with the Forerunner 970?
You can take calls on the Forerunner 970 when your phone is within Bluetooth range using the watch’s built-in speaker and microphone.
What are the new running features on the Forerunner 970?
New running features include Running Tolerance, Impact Load Factor, Running Economy, Step Speed Loss, and Autolap by timing gates.
Is the Forerunner 970 worth upgrading from the 965?
The upgrade value depends on your needs; if you want the new running metrics, flashlight, and call features, the upgrade may be worthwhile, but many core functions remain similar.
Does the Forerunner 970 work with Spotify?
Yes, the Forerunner 970 supports offline music playback from services like Spotify with its 32GB of internal storage.
Is the screen on the Forerunner 970 more durable than previous models?
Yes, the Forerunner 970 uses sapphire crystal protection instead of Gorilla Glass, offering superior scratch resistance.
What is the difference between the Forerunner 970 and Fenix 8?
The Fenix 8 offers more outdoor features, additional case size options, longer battery life, and diving support, but the Forerunner 970 is lighter and includes specialized running metrics at a lower price point.
