Garmin is dropping some serious heat for runners, and it’s not just about flashy wrist candy. The company just announced two new Forerunner watches—the high-end Forerunner 970 and the mid-range Forerunner 570—alongside a new HRM 600 chest strap and a slew of running and triathlon features that, thankfully, won’t be locked behind the new Garmin Connect Plus subscription paywall. Whether you’re a marathon junkie or just someone trying to shave a few seconds off your 5K, there’s something here to get excited about.

Garmin’s Forerunner lineup has long been a go-to for runners who want more than just basic step counting, and these new models are no exception. The Forerunner 970, priced at $749.99, takes over as the flagship, replacing the much-loved Forerunner 965. It’s packed with premium features like offline maps for those trail runs where cell service is a distant dream. The Forerunner 570, at $549.99, slots in as a mid-range option, offering a step up from the budget-friendly Forerunner 265 but skipping the offline maps to keep costs down.

Both watches are getting a glow-up with bolder color options and translucent bands that scream personality—think vibrant hues that pop against your running gear. Garmin’s also leaning into practicality with AMOLED displays for crisp visuals, built-in speakers and microphones for taking calls on the go (because who wants to stop mid-run to dig out their phone?), and skin temperature sensors for deeper health insights. There’s even a new evening report feature that sums up your day, predicts how much sleep you’ll need, and previews tomorrow’s workouts, events, and weather. It’s like having a personal assistant on your wrist.

Garmin’s not just about hardware—they’re doubling down on software to make your training smarter. Both the 970 and 570 will support triathlon training through the free Garmin Coach program, which is a big win for multisport athletes. You can now create custom multisport workouts, so if your day involves a run to the gym, a strength session, and a walk home, you can log it all as one seamless activity. No more fumbling with multiple entries.

For runners eyeing their next race, Garmin’s adding some slick race-specific features. A projected race time predictor gives you a ballpark of how you’ll perform based on your training, while automatic lap logging kicks in when you cross mile or kilometer markers on an uploaded course. And if you’re the type who forgets to stop your watch after crossing the finish line (we’ve all been there), the watch will trim excess data to keep your stats clean.

While the Forerunner 570 is no slouch, the 970 is where Garmin flexes its flagship muscle. The 570 comes in two sizes—42mm and 47mm—with an aluminum bezel and battery life of up to 10 days (42mm) or 11 days (47mm). The 970, available only in 47mm, ups the ante with a titanium bezel, a sapphire lens for extra durability, and a whopping 15 days of battery life. It also throws in a built-in LED flashlight (handy for those pre-dawn or late-night runs) and compatibility with Garmin’s EKG app for atrial fibrillation detection, which could be a game-changer for monitoring heart health.

The 970 also gets exclusive running metrics that dig deeper into your performance. Running tolerance is a new feature that recommends a weekly mileage cap to help you avoid overtraining and reduce injury risk. It’s like a coach whispering, “Maybe take it easy this week.” Then there’s running economy and step speed loss, which focus on efficiency. Running economy measures how much energy you’ve got left after multiple runs, while step speed loss tracks how much you slow down with each foot strike. These metrics are gold for runners looking to fine-tune their form, but there’s a catch—you’ll need the new HRM 600 chest strap to unlock them.

Speaking of the HRM 600, this $169.99 chest strap is more than a heart rate monitor. It’s designed to capture the non-wrist-based data needed for the 970’s advanced running metrics, but it’s also a versatile tool for other activities. It supports activity recording for team sports or workouts where a smartwatch might get in the way (think basketball or rock climbing). With a rechargeable battery that lasts two months and LED indicators to show when it’s active or low on juice, it’s built for convenience. If you’re serious about running analytics or just want more accurate heart rate data, this strap could be worth the investment.

Garmin’s latest moves show they’re listening to their community. Runners have been vocal about wanting more advanced metrics without being nickel-and-dimed, and Garmin’s delivering by keeping these new features free from the Garmin Connect Plus subscription. The addition of triathlon and multisport support also broadens the appeal, making these watches a solid pick for athletes who dabble in more than just running.

The focus on efficiency metrics like running economy and step speed loss reflects a growing trend in wearables: helping users train smarter, not just harder. Nearly 60% of runners cite injury prevention as a top priority, and features like running tolerance could help address that by guiding users to sustainable training loads. Meanwhile, the vibrant designs and practical additions like speakers and flashlights make these watches feel less like niche fitness tools and more like everyday companions.

Price and availability

The Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, and HRM 600 will be available for order starting May 21, 2025, so mark your calendars if you’re ready to upgrade your running game. Garmin hasn’t shared much about what else is in the pipeline, but given their track record, we can expect more updates to their software and maybe even some new accessories to complement these devices.

For now, Garmin’s giving runners plenty to chew on. Whether you’re splurging on the 970 for its premium build and advanced metrics or opting for the 570 as a versatile mid-range pick, these watches are proof that Garmin’s still got its finger on the pulse of what runners want. And with those splashy colors? You’ll look good crossing the finish line, too.