Garmin · Smartwatch
Garmin Forerunner 970
The runner’s flagship. First Forerunner with an ECG, maps, and a flashlight.
$749.99Garmin →
Battery15 days
Water5 ATM
Weight56g
Sensors12
OSStandalone
The 970 replaced the 965 and adds the three things it was missing: an FDA-cleared ECG app, a built-in flashlight, and a speaker and microphone for calls. Full TopoActive mapping, multi-band GNSS with SatIQ, and a sapphire lens over a titanium bezel are standard on every version, not reserved for a pricier tier. The new running metrics — Running Economy, Running Tolerance, Step Speed Loss — layer on top of the usual Training Readiness stack, though two of the three need Garmin’s HRM 600 chest strap to work. Fifteen days in smartwatch mode, 26 hours of GPS.
Strengths
- ECG app and full onboard maps in a running watch
- Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ and 32GB for music
- Sapphire lens and titanium bezel on every colourway
Tradeoffs
- The most expensive Forerunner Garmin has shipped
- Running Economy and Step Speed Loss need a separate chest strap
- 56g is heavy next to the 570
Full specs
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Common questions
- How much does the Garmin Forerunner 970 cost?
- The Garmin Forerunner 970 has a list price of $749.99.
- Does the Garmin Forerunner 970 require a subscription?
- No. The Garmin Forerunner 970 has no subscription — you pay for the hardware once and the Garmin app is included.
- How long does the Garmin Forerunner 970 battery last?
- About 15 days of typical use per charge. Heavy GPS use, an always-on display, and continuous sensing all pull that number down.
- Is the Garmin Forerunner 970 waterproof?
- The Garmin Forerunner 970 is rated 5 ATM (50m), which covers showering, swimming, and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating.
- Do you need a phone to use the Garmin Forerunner 970?
- No. The Garmin Forerunner 970 records, stores, and shows your data on the device itself — a phone is for syncing and review, not for tracking.
- When was the Garmin Forerunner 970 released?
- Garmin released the Garmin Forerunner 970 in 2025, and it is still in the current lineup.