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 →First-generation product — no release history to base predictions on
Best for: Mountain runners, alpinists, and expedition athletes who need the longest possible battery life with full navigation maps. Suunto loyalists who want the brand's precision and offline maps for serious alpine or wilderness adventures.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 970 | Suunto Vertical | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 15 days | 60 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 | May 15, 2023 |
| Cycle length | 806 days | null days |
| Cycle advice | good | neutral |
| 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.
60 continuous GPS hours with full offline topographic maps — enough for a 2.5-day mountain traverse without charging or phone dependency.
Downloadable topographic maps for 100+ countries for turn-by-turn navigation in any terrain, no cellular signal required.
The Titanium Solar edition extends battery to 85+ days with sunlight exposure — critical for extended wilderness expeditions.