Early in release cycle
Best for: Users who want Garmin's best health analytics and sports tracking on a stylish AMOLED watch for everyday wear. Works equally well for Android and iPhone. The Venu 4 adds ECG and a flashlight to the formula — ideal for anyone who wants a capable lifestyle watch with genuine health monitoring depth.
Full details →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 →| Garmin Venu | Garmin Forerunner 970 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Smartwatch | Sports GPS |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 12 days | 15 days |
| Always-on display | ✅ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | ecg, hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, nap detection | ecg, hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamics, skin temp |
| Released | Sep 22, 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
| Cycle length | 746 days | 806 days |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | neutral | neutral |
| Next model | — | — |
The Venu 4 adds on-demand ECG (a first for the Venu line) alongside Garmin's signature Body Battery energy score — combining health monitoring and daily readiness in one watch.
A white/red LED flashlight and a speaker/microphone for hands-free calling — practical features that set the Venu 4 apart from the Venu 3.
SatIQ multi-band GPS for precise tracking in cities and trails, with up to 12 days of battery life in the 45mm model — significantly more than any comparable smartwatch.
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.