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
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Screen: 1.2″ or 1.4″ AMOLED
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Case Size: 42mm or 47mm
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Case Thickness: 12.9mm
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Band Size: Standard 20mm or 22mm
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Weight: 42g or 50g
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Storage: 8GB
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Water Resistance: 50 meters (5 ATM)
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Sensors: GNSS (Multiband GPS, Glonass, Galileo, QZSS, Beidou), Compass, Thermometer, Heart Rate, Pulse Ox
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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
