Wear Radar

Xiaomi Smart Band 10vsGarmin Forerunner 970

Xiaomi Smart Band 10
Buy/Wait:bad

Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming

Best for: Anyone who wants basic health tracking — steps, sleep, heart rate, SpO2 — without spending more than $40 or carrying a bulky watch. Works with both iPhone and Android. A popular choice for kids, older adults, and budget-conscious fitness beginners who want the world's top-selling fitness band.

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Garmin Forerunner 970
Buy/Wait:good

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.

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Xiaomi Smart Band 10Garmin Forerunner 970
TierFitness TrackerSports GPS
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS & Android
Battery21 days15 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorshr, spo2, stress, sleepecg, hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamics, skin temp
ReleasedJun 30, 2025May 15, 2025
Cycle length343 days806 days
Cycle advicebadgood
Deals advicegoodneutral
Next model

Why buy each?

Xiaomi Smart Band 10

Brighter AMOLED at under $40

The Smart Band 10's 1.72" display peaks at 1500 nits — 200 nits brighter than the Band 9 — making it more readable in sunlight, all for around $40.

21-day battery with health monitoring

Continuous heart rate, SpO2, stress, and sleep tracking — all running for 3 weeks before charging. Seven more days than the already impressive Band 9.

Works with iPhone and Android

Full functionality on both platforms via the Mi Fitness app, including notifications, sleep analysis, and health trends. Bluetooth 5.4 for improved connection stability.

Garmin Forerunner 970

ECG, flashlight, and sapphire lens

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.

Full color TopoActive maps + Triathlon Coach

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.

Running dynamics + Elevate Gen 5

Full biomechanics suite (cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, running power) plus Garmin's most advanced heart rate sensor with skin temperature monitoring.