Garmin’s Forerunner series has long been a favorite among runners, from beginners tackling their first 5K to seasoned marathoners. This week, the company unveiled its latest additions to the lineup at its global headquarters: the flagship Forerunner 970 and the unexpected mid-range Forerunner 570.
While leaks had hinted at the 970, the 570 took many by surprise. Priced at 999), it sits comfortably below the premium 970 and Fenix models while inheriting many of their most useful features. More than just a cosmetic refresh, the 570 marks the end of Garmin’s 200-series, a move the company says better clarifies its product hierarchy.
A Fresh Identity for the Forerunner Line
Garmin’s VP of fitness and outdoor explained that the rebranding eliminates confusion between entry-level and enthusiast models. The 100-series now caters to beginners, the 500-series to dedicated runners, and the 900-series to professionals. The company has also dropped the “S” naming convention, streamlining its lineup.
First Impressions: A Vibrant, Feature-Packed Upgrade
The Forerunner 570 comes in 42mm and 47mm sizes, boasting bold new color options alongside its signature durability. Early hands-on impressions reveal a striking AMOLED display—brighter and sharper than previous models—with resolutions of 390×390 on the 42mm variant.
Garmin’s design team embraced bold aesthetics this time, offering unconventional band combinations like raspberry with translucent bone/mango and indigo with purple. While these choices may polarize users, a classic black option remains for those who prefer subtlety.
Smarter Training Tools for Runners
Beyond aesthetics, the 570 introduces several functional upgrades:
Training Readiness Score: Analyzes sleep, recovery, and training load to recommend workout intensity.
Auto-Lap for Races: Syncs with official course markers for accurate lap tracking.
Wrist-Based Running Power: Includes VO2 max estimates, adaptive workouts, and multi-band GPS for precision.
Extended Smart Features: Built-in speaker, mic for calls, music storage (Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music), Garmin Pay, and safety alerts.
Battery life is rated at 11 days in smartwatch mode—slightly less than the Forerunner 265’s 13 days—but the trade-off brings a superior display and enhanced tracking.
Early Verdict: A Standout Mid-Range Performer
Initial testing suggests the Forerunner 570 could be one of Garmin’s strongest mid-range releases yet. Its vibrant screen, robust build, and advanced metrics make it more than just a running watch—it’s a comprehensive fitness companion. For runners seeking premium features without the flagship price, the 570 is a compelling choice.
