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 →Early in release cycle
Best for: Pixel phone owners and Android users who want clean Wear OS integration, Fitbit health tracking, and safety-focused features. Ideal for fitness-focused users who prefer Google's approach over Samsung's more feature-packed ecosystem.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 970 | Google Pixel Watch | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Smartwatch |
| Platform | iOS & Android | Android only |
| Battery | 15 days | 1.5 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ✅ |
| Health sensors | ecg, hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamics, skin temp | ecg, spo2, skin temp, hrv, loss of pulse |
| Released | May 15, 2025 | Oct 9, 2025 |
| Cycle length | 806 days | 394 days |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | neutral | neutral |
| Next model | — | Pixel Watch 5 (Expected fall 2026) |
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.
Pixel Watch 4 can detect when your heart stops and automatically call emergency services — a unique safety feature not found on Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch.
Six months of Fitbit Premium comes in the box, with daily readiness score, HRV analysis, and advanced sleep stages.
Google's cleanest Wear OS implementation with fast updates, Gemini AI on wrist, Google Maps, and Google Wallet built in.