Garmin Forerunner 970
Performance-driven runners, meet Garmin Forerunner 970. This premium GPS running and triathlon smartwatch features a bright touch screen. It also has a built-in LED flashlight, microphone and speaker.
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- 30+ built-in activity profiles include running, triathlon, track run, cycling, open-water swimming and more
- Features the brightest AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) touch-screen display yet from Garmin, button controls, lightweight titanium bezel and sapphire lens
- Use the built-in LED flashlight for greater awareness when you head out before the sun's up or stay out past dark
- Built-in microphone and speaker let you make and take phone calls from your wrist when your watch is paired to your smartphone
- You can even use your smartphone's voice assistant to respond to text messages and more
- Running economy measures your energy efficiency while running—using long-term running volume, stride length and step speed loss (HRM 600 monitor required; not included)
- Step speed loss lets you see how much you're slowing down when your foot hits the ground (HRM 600 monitor required; not included)
- Running tolerance helps you understand the real impact running has on your body so you can adjust your training to avoid overload and improve
- Up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 26 hrs. in GPS mode for a more complete picture of your training and recovery
- Train for an event, achieve a milestone or improve your fitness with Garmin Coach training plans
- These running and triathlon plans are personalized to you and adapt based on your performance and recovery
- With multiband GPS, you'll get superior positioning accuracy in challenging environments
- Confidently run any route with full-color, built-in maps, plus navigation enhancements to stay on track while you train
- With dynamic round-trip routing, you can break off the path, and your watch will develop a new route that will get you the same mileage
- Get wrist-based running dynamics, including cadence, stride length, ground contact time and more
- Wrist-based running power gives you a continuous measurement of how much power you're applying to the ground
- Multisport auto-transition detects sport changes between swim, bike and run in multisport activities so you can focus and let your watch take care of recording splits
- From the moment you wake up, get a training readiness score based on your sleep quality, recovery, training load and HRV status to decide whether it's a good day to go hard
- Training readiness score data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked
- ECG app can record your heart rhythm and check for signs of atrial fibrillation (not available in all countries; for people 22 years or older)
- Using indicators such as HRV status, recent exercise history and VO2 max, get insight into training effectiveness with training status
- Training status helps you know whether you're training productively, peaking or strained (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Get personalized daily suggested workouts adapted to match performance and recovery
- Morning report also provides HRV status, training readiness and weather (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Before you go to bed, you'll get an evening report with a reminder of sleep needs, tomorrow's workout, weather and events
- Incident Detection and Assistance can send a message with your live location to emergency contacts (during select activities; requires pairing with compatible smartphone)
- Incident Detection and Assistance require setup and your smartphone to be in an area with network coverage where data connectivity is available
- Listen on the go with downloaded songs and playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer (subscription required); pair with your wireless headphones for phone-free listening
- Pay on the go with Garmin Payâ„¢ contactless payments (with a supported country and payment network)
Imported.
- Smartwatch: up to 15 days
- GPS-only GNSS mode: up to 26 hrs.
- SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS mode: up to 23 hrs.
- All-systems GNSS mode + multi-band: up to 21 hrs.
- GPS-only GNSS mode with music: up to 14 hrs.
- SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS mode with music: up to 13 hrs.
- All-systems GNSS mode + multi-band with music: up to 12 hrs.
| Best Use | Multisport |
|---|---|
| Average Battery Life | Smartwatch mode: up to 15 days; GPS-Only GNSS mode: up to 26 hrs.; GPS-only GNSS mode with music: up to 14 hrs. |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Display Size | 1.4 inches |
| Illumination | Luminous Face |
| Altimeter | Pressure-based |
| Compass | Yes |
| GPS/Satellite Detectable | Yes |
| HRM Included/Integrated | Yes |
| Heart Rate Sensor Type | Wrist-based |
| Average Heart Rate | Yes |
| Pulse Oximeter | Yes |
| Heart Rate Target Zone(s) | Yes |
| VO2 Max Estimate | Yes |
| Recovery Advising | Yes |
| Tracks Steps | Yes |
| Pedometer Type | Digital 3-axis Accelerometer |
| Pace Alert | Yes |
| Interval Training | Yes |
| Tracks Calories Burned | Yes |
| Water-Resistant Depth | 50 meters |
| Pool Lap Recognition | Yes |
| Stroke Recognition | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
| Time Display | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes |
| Visual Map Display | Yes |
| Basemap | Yes |
| Preloaded Map | Road / Topo |
| Programmable Routes | Yes |
| Number of Routes | 30 |
| Number of Waypoints | 1,000 |
| Customization | Apps Data Fields Watch Faces Widgets |
| Smart Device Notifications | Yes |
| Data Exchange | ANT+ Bluetooth |
| Compatible Fitness Accessories | Cadence Sensor Heart Rate Monitor Power Meter |
| Gender | Unisex |
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Customer Images
Amazing Watch!
I went from an Apple Watch Ultra 2 to the Forerunner 970 and it’s the best switch I have done!
99% Perfect!
I've owned a couple of Garmin watches before and the FR 970 is by far the best of them. The addition of the sapphire screen, flashlight, mic, and speaker while remaining fairly light is a plus for runners like me who prioritize comfort over rugged looks in a watch that is intended to be worn 24/7. And that I do with the FR 970. For me, it's almost perfect. The only area I wish was a little better is battery life, which is significantly less than it's predecesor, the FR 965. Nevertheless, it's nothing I can't deal with, and I am quite enjoying using this watch.
Change over from Apple Watch
I got this a month ago when I realized my battery degradation on my Apple Watch wouldn’t last me a marathon. So it was either replace it with an Ultra or a Garmin. So far like everyone says it’s a great exercise tracker. I didn’t use a lot of smart watch features so don’t really miss them. There is a little bit of a learning curve. Been a few times my exercises ran over because I didn’t end them right or I didn’t click a button. The apple detecting when you aren’t moving needs to be incorporated into this. Overall I’m glad I made the change an am enjoying the Garmin run coach, not to mention charging once every five or six days!
Great Amoled Look
I like the look of the watch. It seems to be a bit heavier than my previous Forerunner 955. I have not had the opportunity to fully explore all the features. I was quite disappointed a couple of swims when the watch was way off on the lap counts. That had not happened to me with any of my previous Forerunners. Today I simulated a triathlon to practice for a real one next week and it worked great. I disconnected the auto detection of transition because it has never worked well for me. GPS syncs very quickly. Hiking works great; it finds the trails! I like the music feature; I don’t need to bring the phone to listen to music.
Upgraded from FR 945 – Worth It!
I recently upgraded from the Forerunner 945 to the FR 970 as part of my preparation for the TCS New York City Marathon, and so far, I’m impressed. The AMOLED display is a game changer - bright, crisp, and easy to read even in direct sunlight. It makes glancing at metrics during workouts feel much more natural and engaging. The overall resolution and responsiveness also feel like a noticeable step up from the 945. While I haven’t had the chance to fully test the mapping/navigation features yet, I’m planning to explore that soon, especially for long runs in new areas. Everything else - from the daily suggested workouts to recovery metrics - feels more refined and helpful for structured marathon training. So far, it’s been a solid investment and exactly the kind of upgrade I was hoping for.
Game Changer
I had a Fenix 7 but hated the excess weight. It was way too heavy for running but I loved the flashlight (I use it a number of times a day). The Forerunner 970 is the best of both worlds. It’s much lighter. It has an Amoled display, and it comes with the flashlight. It’s a great watch for everyday use and training runs. My Forerunner 955 is still my go to watch for long runs and races because it is so light but the 970 is on my wrist 90 percent of the time. My only complaint is not with the watch but ConnectIQ. It’s a terrible interface for changing watch faces. I absolutely hate it. Try to channel a little bit of Apple and give us an easier system for modifying the watches.
Needs bug fixing
I really loved this watch but it kept shutting off randomly. I contacted garmin support and what they suggested didn’t help, so there’s still some bugs they’re working out. It was impossible to use, and I returned it.
Bright Screen with the Latest UI & Features
This is a fantastic watch and a total leader in about every category. I highly recommend it in general. I am coming from the 965, so I would not recommend it as in incremental upgrade unless you are a hobbyist and want the latest product. The little things I noticed and like: 1. The screen is a little brighter than the 965 2. The UI is slightly tweaked - I prefer the activity selection UI in the 965 3. The alert sounds are new (thanks to the full-range speaker) 4. Setup was a snap - it imported almost everything from my old watch 5. I don't notice the size and weight differences from the 965
Everything I wanted and more!
I recently switched from an Apple Watch to the Garmin Forerunner 970, and after a few weeks of using it, I’ll never look back. It’s definitely a shift if you’re used to Apple, but the level of detail and insight this watch provides—especially for training—is next level. It tracks everything so accurately, from runs to hikes to gym sessions, biking, and even sleep. Despite being packed with tech, it’s super lightweight and comfortable—I even forget I’m wearing it overnight. The flashlight feature is a surprisingly handy bonus, and I use it way more than I expected. The only downside is that the battery seems to drain a bit faster than some other Garmin models (so I’ve been told), but considering all the features packed into this watch, it makes sense. If you’re serious about running or just lead an active lifestyle, I highly recommend the Forerunner 970. It’s a powerhouse!!
Expensive but worth it
I've always told people Garmin is expensive but worth it. This one tested me. I never thought I'd pay this much for a watch but I decided to treat myself. So far, it's not disappointed. What an amazing watch. From the running features to the smart features and the little things like (yes) the convenient always on your wrist flashlight that is much brighter than I expected. Plus, of course, the battery life Garmin is known for. I was hesitant to buy this watch due to the price but I am so glad I treated myself.