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Garmin Forerunner 570 Review: Running Watch Falls Short

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Garmin has introduced its latest mid-range running and multi-sport watches, which are now equipped with an ultra-bright OLED display, a voice assistant, and enhanced sensors.


The Forerunner 570 builds upon its predecessor with improvements to its running watch capabilities. It features upgraded GPS chips and heart rate monitoring technology. Placing itself just below the 970, it replaces the well-regarded 265. The design closely resembles the Topwatch, though some notable features have been omitted.

However, the price remains steep at £450 (€550/$550/$999), exceeding most mid-range competitors and veering too close to the premium segment.

Offering numerous enhancements in both hardware and software from the 265, the 570 comes in 42mm or 47mm sizes and a range of vibrant color options.




The speaker above the strap delivers clear alerts for laps and other notifications while running, including new Bluetooth calls and voice assistant features. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The polycarbonate body, metal buttons, and aluminum bezel contribute to a high-quality feel, complemented by a vivid and sharp OLED touchscreen.

Like the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 970, this watch includes Garmin’s new Offline Voice Command System, enabling quick timer settings, activity metrics, and more. It also allows you to connect with your mobile voice assistant to interact with Siri or Gemini, or make calls directly from your wrist.

The 570 features the same enhanced interface as the 970, providing improved smartwatch capabilities for notifications and music control. The recently Google Maps app is currently available, but exclusively for Android users.

You can access various apps via the Connect IQ App Store, including options for music streaming without a phone, such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. Garmin Pay also facilitates contactless payments, although banking options in the UK remain limited.




The 570 offers numerous customizable watch faces, with additional options available on the Connect IQ App Store. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery life of the 47mm variant falls short compared to the 970 or 265, lasting around five days of smartwatch use. Adjusting the brightness to a lower setting can extend battery life by an extra day, while the always-on display mode can deplete it in about ten days.

Specifications

  • Screen: 1.2″ or 1.4″ AMOLED

  • Case Size: 42mm or 47mm

  • Case Thickness: 12.9mm

  • Band Size: Standard 20mm or 22mm

  • Weight: 42g or 50g

  • Storage: 8GB

  • Water Resistance: 50 meters (5 ATM)

  • Sensors: GNSS (Multiband GPS, Glonass, Galileo, QZSS, Beidou), Compass, Thermometer, Heart Rate, Pulse Ox

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi

Running and Activity Tracking




The bright and clear display provides visibility of numerous data fields and metrics, allowing for quick reference. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Forerunner is equipped with Garmin’s latest optical heart rate sensor, dual-band GPS, and some of the most precise tracking capabilities available. With over 85 built-in sport profiles, it covers a wide array of activities.

For running and triathlons, it encompasses nearly all the features of the 970, including wrist-based power statistics and running dynamics, training recommendations, performance evaluations, and adaptive coaching plans with various VO2 Max and fitness assessments. However, it lacks offline maps, providing only route navigation or a simple return to the starting point.

It also features Garmin’s helpful recovery tools, offering some of the best training preparation available. Unfortunately, the new shock load and running resistance feature is exclusive to the 970.

Battery life reaches approximately 14 hours, or around 8 hours with the most accurate settings while streaming offline music through Bluetooth headphones.




The watch charges via a USB-C cable, fitting into a port adjacent to the sensor cluster on the back, achieving 70% charge in about 40 minutes and a full charge in approximately 83 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 570 includes all of Garmin’s latest health monitoring features, such as the advanced body battery system, a sleep coach, morning and evening health and recovery briefings, stress tracking, women’s health tools, and heart health metrics. However, this feels lacking compared to similarly priced offerings from Apple, Google, and Samsung, which integrate features for mental well-being.

Sustainability




The voice command feature provides quick access to offline functionalities, although it requires specific phrases to operate correctly. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The watch is generally repairable, with support options available. The battery is designed to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years, based on weekly charging. However, the watch does not incorporate recycled materials. Garmin commits to security updates until at least May 21, 2027, and usually provides support for extended periods. They also offer recycling programs with new purchases.

Price

The Garmin Forerunner 570 is priced at £459.99 (€549.99/$549.99/A $999).

For comparison, the Garmin Fenix 8 starts at £780, the Forerunner 970 at £630, while the Forerunner 165 is available for £250. The Coros Pace 3 is priced at £219, Suunto at £199, and the Polar Pacer Pro at £299.

Verdict

The Forerunner 570 stands out as a strong running watch, albeit with a price tag that detracts from an unreserved recommendation.

It boasts a stunning design with vibrant colors, an exceptionally bright and crisp display, and many desirable features taken from the Forerunner 970. The watch excels in GPS and heart rate accuracy, encompassing nearly every available metric while providing access to Garmin’s exceptional training and recovery ecosystem. It’s also effective as a daily smartwatch.

However, the absence of offline maps, integrated beacons, ECG monitoring, and advanced running resistance features, along with a relatively shorter daily battery life, are drawbacks that would be more acceptable if the price were lower. The £460 cost of the 570 places it unfavorably against more feature-rich competitors.

Pros: Daylight-readable OLED screen, phone capabilities and offline voice control, Garmin Pay functionality, extensive tracking and recovery analysis for running and various sports, offline music support, buttons and touch functionality, and highly accurate GPS.

Cons: High price point, absence of ECG, lack of offline maps, limited running resistance features, no torch, restricted Garmin Pay support, and lesser smartwatch functions compared to Apple/Google/Samsung devices, plus shorter battery life compared to other leading models.




Offline support for Spotify and other music streaming services remains a standout feature that other running watches struggle to match. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Garmin Forerunner 970 Review: Setting New Standards for Running Watches

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gArmin’s latest flagship running watch, the Forerunner 970, aims to take the place of one of the top training and racing companions available. Will the integration of built-in torches, software enhancements, and voice control truly make an impact?


The latest version builds on the body of the previous Forerunner 965 while incorporating advanced tech from Garmin’s top-tier adventure watch, the Fenix 8, which includes a significantly brighter display and enhanced running analytics.

These enhancements come at a price of £630 (750 Euros/$750/$1,399) – £30 more than its predecessor, positioning it at the pinnacle of running and triathlon watches, yet still below the Fenix 8, priced at £780.




The Forerunner 970 is sizable but remains unobtrusive, fitting comfortably under your shirt cuffs while exercising. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 970 retains the same dimensions as the Forerunner 965, featuring a 47mm case and a stunning, bright 1.4-inch OLED display. The touchscreen is shielded by robust sapphire glass, akin to luxury timepieces, while the titanium bezel compliments the polycarbonate body in three color variants.

A notable enhancement is the transition of features from the Fenix 8, transforming the 970 into a more versatile everyday smartwatch. Garmin’s new offline voice control system allows you to quickly set timers, alarms, adjust settings, or initiate activities. The watch connects to your phone’s voice assistant via Bluetooth.

The upgraded interface provides faster access to notifications from your smartphone by swiping down from the top of the screen. With an iPhone, you can view and dismiss text-only notifications, while Android users can interact with images and reply directly from the watch. Although bank support is limited, you can control music on your mobile device and download streaming playlists from services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music for hassle-free listening during workouts.




Having a built-in torch on the watch is something you won’t want to be without. I find myself using it at least five times a day. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The standout feature is the built-in LED torch on the top edge of the 970. It’s incredibly useful, recalling fond memories of the Fenix 8, and is my favorite addition to the Forerunner. The brightness is sufficient to illuminate dark streets at night or to search for items in dimly-lit cupboards, and it can be adjusted to a gentle red light to avoid disturbing anyone at home. It can also be utilized as a strobe light for visibility while running at night.

The battery life is approximately six days with typical smartwatch use including always-on display, health monitoring, night tracking, frequent notifications, and torch functionality. The screen features auto-brightness; however, I adjusted it one notch lower to ensure it’s visible outdoors, which slightly extends battery life. By adjusting always-on display settings, you can gain an additional 12-15 days.

Specifications

  • Screen: 1.4in AMOLED (454×454)

  • Case Size: 47mm

  • Case Thickness: 13.2mm

  • Band Size: Standard 22mm

  • Weight: 56g

  • Storage: 32GB

  • Water Resistance: 50 meters (5ATM)

  • Sensors: GNSS (Multiband GPS, GLONASS, Galileo), Compass, Thermometer, Heart Rate, Pulse Oximeter

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi

Running and Activity Tracking




This watch charges via a USB-C cable which connects next to the sensor cluster on the back, reaching 70% charge in about 40 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The predecessor was an excellent running watch, full of metrics, useful analytics, and features from which the 970 is built. The large screen allows for the clear display of up to eight data fields simultaneously. The maps are notably refined and user-friendly via touch.

Though it includes modern dual-band GPS, Garmin’s algorithm remains superior in tracking accuracy compared to its competitors, even those with similar technology. The upgraded Gen 5 enhances heart rate monitoring in challenging conditions with an improved sensor on the back, enabling ECG (arrhythmia) measurements.

The 970 boasts a top-tier collection of fitness, recovery, and training metrics, along with several new insights designed to help prevent injuries.

Impact load measures how demanding your run is on your body relative to its intensity compared to simple, flat running at slower paces. A 7km uphill run felt comparable to a gentle 12km run, highlighting how it affected my legs and the need for longer recovery before my next workout.




Impact load estimations assist in preventing overtraining by assessing the toll a run takes on your body. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Furthermore, the new running load feature monitors mileage over a week and advises if you’re fit to run without elevating the risk of injury. Many runners, including myself, have suffered injuries during race training when exceeding weekly mileage too soon.

The 970 also introduces a running economy feature tracking the efficiency of your form, including how much speed you lose upon foot strike. However, this requires Garmin’s latest heart rate monitor strap, an additional purchase of £150.

Battery life for performance mode averages over 11 hours while listening to offline music via Bluetooth headphones; without music, expect around 16 hours. Adjusting screen brightness can extend battery life by several hours, while reducing GPS accuracy mode can last up to 26 hours.

Robust General Health Monitoring




The Forerunner watches have vibrant colors on their bodies and straps, yet they remain distinctly sporty, making them less suitable for all occasions. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Garmin provides extensive tracking for running, triathlon, and over 30 other sports. Additionally, it boasts a comprehensive suite of general health monitoring tools, including sleep tracking, activity monitoring, stress levels, women’s health, and heart health metrics, comparable to the Apple Watch.

Garmin’s advanced training tools evaluate your recovery both day and night, advising on your bodily condition. These features encompass built-in sleep coaches, running and triathlon coaches, and various activity suggestions to determine when to engage in hard workouts versus low-intensity sessions. The daily recommended workouts are adaptive, based on your sleep and recovery, preventing you from undertaking intense workouts following a poor night’s sleep. These automatic workouts can also be adjusted using Garmin’s robust tools or third-party resources to align with your race calendar.

Sustainability

These watches are generally repairable, with support options available here. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not include recycled materials. Garmin assures security updates until at least May 21, 2027, but typically offers support for much longer. They also provide recycling programs with new purchases.

Price

The Garmin Forerunner 970 retails for £629.99 (749.99 Euros/$749.99/$1,399).

For comparison, the Garmin Fenix 8 starts at £780, the Forerunner 570 at £460, the Forerunner 965 at £499.99, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at £799, and the Coros Pace Pro is priced at £349. The Suunto Race is available for £299, and the Polar Vantage V3 costs £519.

Verdict

Garmin continues to elevate the standard with the Forerunner 970. While it may not be a groundbreaking leap from the Forerunner 965, it enriches an already stellar design.

The display is brilliant, protected by scratch-resistant sapphire, and accented with titanium bezels for a luxury feel; the interface has become more modern and responsive. The incorporation of voice control and faster access to notifications enhances its usability as a smartwatch alternative. It signifies a sporty lifestyle when worn, differentiating itself from Apple or Pixel watches.

The upgraded heart rate sensor helps you optimize during challenging workouts and includes ECG measurements for thorough heart health tracking. Yet, the integrated torch stands out as an ideal addition for everyday utility—every watch should have one.

Moreover, the new impact load and durability features are incredibly beneficial in preventing overexertion and injuries, enhancing the already outstanding training and recovery metrics. Additionally, it offers top-tier running accuracy and detailed off-board maps for navigation.

For those seeking a premium running and triathlon watch packed with features, the Forerunner 970 remains an excellent choice, albeit at a high price point.

Pros: Comprehensive tracking and recovery analysis, ultra-bright OLED display, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, Garmin Pay, and extensive support for running and various sports, complete offline mapping capabilities, responsive control through buttons and touch, and highly accurate GPS and ECG.

Cons: Despite its cost, Garmin Pay bank support is limited compared to Apple, Google, and Samsung watches, and it still lacks some smartwatch functions while having shorter battery life than some LCD competitors.




There is a wide range of customizable watch faces available from the Garmin IQ store to choose from. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com