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 →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Health-conscious users on any platform who want continuous stress monitoring (EDA sensor), ECG, and Fitbit's deep wellness coaching — without paying Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch prices. Particularly strong for iPhone users who want serious health tracking at under $250.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 970 | Fitbit Sense | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Smartwatch |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 15 days | 6 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | ecg, hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamics, skin temp | ecg, eda stress, spo2, hr, skin temp, hrv |
| Released | May 15, 2025 | Sep 28, 2022 |
| Cycle length | 806 days | 733 days |
| Cycle advice | good | bad |
| Deals advice | neutral | good |
| 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.
The EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor tracks physiological stress throughout the day — a feature absent from most competitors at this price.
Comes with Fitbit Premium for advanced sleep analysis, HRV trends, stress management scores, and personalised health insights.
Unlike Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch, Sense 2 pairs with any smartphone and runs 6 days before charging.