Compatible Accessories
Charging Data Cable Multiple Garmin Devices
Train smarter. Recover faster. Perform stronger.
The Garmin Forerunner 970 is Garmin’s most advanced running and multisport smartwatch yet — engineered for elite athletes and serious performance tracking. With a stunning AMOLED touchscreen display, next-gen training tools, and all-day health monitoring, the 970 helps you push limits while staying in tune with your body.
Whether you're chasing a PR, managing race-day recovery, or dialing in your sleep and stress, the Forerunner 970 delivers the data that matters — in real time.
Performance & Training Features
-
Real-Time Stamina Monitoring – Track your remaining energy in long efforts
-
Training Readiness Score – Know how prepared you are for your next workout
-
HRV Status – Measure heart rate variability to understand recovery and stress
-
Training Load Focus – Balance anaerobic, high aerobic, and low aerobic work
-
Race Widget – View race countdowns, course prep, weather, pacing strategies
-
Running Dynamics (with compatible HRM) – Track cadence, stride, vertical ratio & more
-
VO2 Max (Run, Trail & Cycling) – Gauge your aerobic fitness in multiple sports
-
Lactate Threshold (with compatible accessory) – Fine-tune intensity zones
-
PacePro™ – Smart pacing strategies based on elevation and route
-
Daily Suggested Workouts – Auto-adapts to your performance and recovery
-
Garmin Coach Plans – Adaptive training plans from real coaches
-
Multi-Sport Mode – Triathlon, duathlon, brick workouts, custom combinations
-
Track Run Mode + Virtual Run – Run with precision indoors or online (Zwift)
Navigation & GPS Features
-
Multi-Band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SatIQ™) – Premium accuracy in any terrain
-
Full-Color Maps + Navigation – Preloaded topographic & street maps (depending on region)
-
Turn-by-Turn Navigation – Stay on track, even off-road
-
Round-Trip Routing & Popularity Routing – Plan safe and scenic runs
-
ClimbPro™ – Real-time elevation breakdown of upcoming climbs
Health & Wellness Tracking
-
Wrist-Based Heart Rate – 24/7 monitoring with abnormal HR alerts
-
Body Battery™ Energy Monitor – Track energy levels throughout the day
-
Sleep Score + Advanced Sleep Monitoring – Insights into sleep stages and quality
-
Stress Tracking + Breathing Exercises – Manage mental wellness
-
Pulse Ox Sensor – Measure blood oxygen levels at altitude or during sleep
-
Women’s Health Tracking – Menstrual and pregnancy tracking in Garmin Connect
-
Hydration & Respiration Tracking – Stay informed on recovery and wellness
Smartwatch & Lifestyle Features
-
AMOLED Touchscreen + Button Control – Bright, fluid navigation with tactile backup
-
Smart Notifications – Receive calls, texts, and app alerts when paired with smartphone
-
Music Storage & Streaming – Sync playlists from Spotify®, Deezer, Amazon Music
-
Garmin Pay™ Contactless Payments – Tap to pay on the go
-
Safety & LiveTracking – Share real-time location during activities
-
Find My Phone/Watch + Calendar & Weather Widgets
-
Works with Android & iOS – Seamless mobile app integration
Battery Life
-
Up to 23 Days in smartwatch mode
-
Up to 31 Hours in full GPS mode
-
Power Manager & Battery Saver Modes – Extend usage with custom settings
-
Rapid Charging – Quick top-ups before long workouts or races
🆚 Garmin Forerunner 970 vs 965
| Feature | Forerunner 965 | Forerunner 970 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.4" AMOLED Touchscreen | Same (AMOLED Touchscreen) |
| Bezel | Titanium | Titanium |
| Case Size | 47mm | 47mm |
| Multi-Band GNSS + SatIQ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Training Readiness Score | ✅ | ✅ (refined with more inputs) |
| HRV Status | ✅ | ✅ |
| Real-Time Stamina | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recovery Tools | Standard | ✅ Expanded recovery insights & integration with Training Readiness |
| Wrist-Based Running Dynamics | ❌ (requires HRM accessory) | ✅ Now built-in without chest strap |
| Sleep Coach | ✅ | ✅ Personalized sleep targets & coaching |
| New Race & Stress Widgets | ❌ | ✅ Includes race-day planning, stress score visualization |
| Daily Suggested Workouts | ✅ | ✅ (refined with improved responsiveness) |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 23 days | ⬆️ Expected equal or slightly longer |
| Music + Garmin Pay | ✅ | ✅ |
| Touch + 5-Button Control | ✅ | ✅ |
🆕 What’s New or Better in the Forerunner 970:
-
Wrist-based running dynamics without needing a chest strap
-
Sleep Coach for more detailed rest & recovery planning
-
Updated Training Readiness score with more nuanced data
-
New stress and race planning widgets
-
Likely improved battery efficiency under high-use conditions
-
More polished interface and responsiveness
🏁 Who Should Upgrade?
-
Serious athletes who want next-level recovery + race prep tools
-
Runners who prefer no extra gear (no chest strap for running dynamics)
-
Existing 945/955 users skipping 965, now ready for AMOLED + upgrades
-
Tech-savvy Garmin fans who want the latest ecosystem features
⚠ Ca Residents: Proposition 65 warning