Early in release cycle
Best for: Competitive runners, triathletes, and ultramarathon runners who want the complete Garmin premium running analytics suite: ECG, full maps, running dynamics, Triathlon Coach, and the most durable build in the Forerunner line. Replaces the FR965 as Garmin's top running watch.
Full details →Current model just released
Best for: Serious runners on a budget who want multi-band GPS accuracy, a bright AMOLED display, long battery life, and COROS's training analytics (EvoLab) without paying Garmin mid-range prices. The Pace 4's 32g weight also makes it the lightest AMOLED GPS running watch available.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 970 | COROS Pace | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 15 days | 19 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | ecg, hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamics, skin temp | hr, spo2, hrv, training load |
| Released | May 15, 2025 | Nov 10, 2025 |
| Cycle length | 806 days | 800 days |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | neutral | neutral |
| Next model | — | — |
The FR970 is the first Forerunner with ECG and a built-in LED flashlight — plus a sapphire crystal lens and titanium DLC case for durability that rivals the Fenix 8.
Turn-by-turn navigation on preloaded worldwide TopoActive maps, combined with AI-powered Garmin Triathlon Coach structured training plans — a premium combination at any price.
Full biomechanics suite (cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, running power) plus Garmin's most advanced heart rate sensor with skin temperature monitoring.
First COROS Pace with AMOLED — a vivid 1.2" touchscreen in a 32g nylon-band body, making it the lightest AMOLED GPS running watch at this price.
16 more GPS hours than the Pace 3, with 19 days typical use. Best-in-class battery life for a sub-$250 AMOLED GPS running watch.
Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS for precise tracking in cities and trails, plus built-in voice pin recording and audio lap alerts — new for the Pace line.