Garmin’s lineup now has two tempting running watches: the Forerunner 965 (a proven flagship from 2023, now on sale on Amazon@ $499 and Garmin) versus the brand-new Forerunner 570 (launched May 2025).
The 965 was Garmin’s top-end runners’ watch – a big 1.3″ AMOLED screen, full-color topo maps, and around 23 days of battery life – whereas the 570 brings the latest smartwatch features in a smaller package.
In fact, the 570 inherits Venu 3-like perks (built-in speaker/microphone for wrist calls, an updated Gen5 heart-rate sensor with overnight skin-temperature tracking, and flashy new training tools) at the expense of some endurance.
The new 570 debuted at about $549 on Amazon, nearly matching the 965’s original $599 price, though the 965 is now discounted (~$499) in many sales.
Below we break down the key differences – exclusive features, specs, battery, and software – to help you decide which Garmin suits your running style and needs.
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs 570 Exclusive Features
The Forerunner 570 packs a lot of fresh features, especially geared toward smartwatch-style convenience.
It uses Garmin’s new Elevate Gen5 optical heart-rate sensor (no ECG app, but now with skin-temperature sensing) and adds a slew of new training tools – projected race times, load/strain ratios, heat & altitude acclimation, even an evening report, and triathlon-coach training plans – right out of the box.
Notably, the 570 is one of the first mid-tier Forerunners to include a built-in speaker and microphone, so you can take calls from your wrist when paired with your phone.
It comes in two sizes (42 mm or 47 mm) with a light aluminum bezel and weighs only ~42–47 g (depending on size).
The watch UI is refreshed to match Garmin’s latest style (similar to the Fenix 8/Venu 3), with new Focus modes and a large font option.
In short, the 570 is aimed at runners who want modern smart features and advanced training metrics in a smaller, sporty watch.
In contrast, the Forerunner 965 sticks to the classic Garmin multisport formula. It features a larger 1.3″ (47 mm) AMOLED display and a premium titanium bezel (with a sapphire glass option).
Its headline strength is navigation: the 965 includes full-color Garmin topo maps and turn-by-turn navigation, which is a boon for trail runners and explorers.
It also has a massive 32 GB of built-in storage (for music and maps) versus only 8 GB on the 570.
The 965 focuses on training essentials: wrist-based running dynamics and running power (first introduced on the 955) and new long-term load metrics like Chronic Training Load and Training Load Ratio.
It lacks a speaker/mic (so no calls), but it does support features like Garmin Pay (via NFC) and has a premium build.
The big payoff is battery life: up to about 23 days in smartwatch mode (and ~31 hours with GPS), easily outlasting the 570.
In practice, the 965 is a “set it and forget it” watch for serious runners and triathletes who value navigation and endurance.
Here’s a quick bullet summary of each model’s standout features:
- Forerunner 570: Venu 3–style running watch with on-wrist call capability (speaker & mic); new Gen5 HR sensor + skin-temp tracking; advanced training metrics (race-time predictor, Load Ratio, heat/altitude acclimation, Evening Report, etc.); built-in triathlon coaching plans and more sports modes; available in smaller 42 mm size (~42 g) and a 47 mm version. Modern UI and smartwatch conveniences.
- Forerunner 965: Premium multisport watch with a larger AMOLED screen (1.3″, 454×454); full-color offline maps and turn-by-turn navigation (great for trail runs); huge internal storage (32 GB); extremely long battery (≈23 days); advanced running dynamics and training load metrics. Titanium bezel/premium build. Lacks on-watch calling or a speaker, but supports Garmin Pay.
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs 570 Specs Breakdown
- Display & Size: 570 has a 1.2″ AMOLED screen at 390×390 resolution, in a compact 42.4×42.4×12.9 mm case (42 g). The 965 is bigger at 1.3″ (454×454) and measures ~47.2×47.2×13.2 mm (≈53 g. Both have a bright always-on display (Gorilla Glass 3). The larger display of the 965 makes it easier to read maps and data fields at a glance, while the 570 is better suited to smaller wrists.
- Memory & Storage: 570 comes with ~8 GB of internal memory (enough for some music playlists), whereas 965 offers 32 GB. In practical terms, only the 965 can store detailed map tiles and a large music library.
- Connectivity: Both watches support Bluetooth (for sensors and phones), Wi-Fi, and multi-band GPS (GPS/GLONASS/Galileo) for accurate tracking. The 570 adds an on-device speaker and mic so you can accept phone calls on the watch; the 965 does not. Both handle smartphone notifications, but only the 570 lets you actually talk back. (Note: the 965 includes Garmin Pay NFC, whereas the 570 does not appear to.)
- Sensors & Health: Both have heart-rate monitoring, Pulse Ox, barometric altimeter, compass, and gyroscope. The 570’s Gen5 HR sensor is a slight upgrade, and it also adds overnight skin-temperature tracking. The 965’s sensor lacks the new skin-temp or ECG hardware. Both track advanced metrics (VO2Max, Training Status, etc.) and have detailed swim/run modes.
- Strap & Colors: Both use quick-release silicone straps. The 570 is offered in bright “Amp Yellow”, black, or a white/“Whitestone” model (shown above. The 965 comes in black or “Amp Yellow” with a brushed titanium bezel (sapphire glass optional). The 570’s smaller size and lighter weight generally make it more comfortable on petite wrists.
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs 570 Battery Life
Battery endurance is a big factor. The Forerunner 965 has a huge stamina advantage: Garmin rates it for up to about 23 days in basic smartwatch mode (and roughly 31 hours with GPS only). In practice, it easily lasts a week of heavy use.
By contrast, the new Forerunner 570 is smaller and less of a battery behemoth: expect on the order of 10–11 days of smartwatch use (depending on model size) and around 18 hours of continuous GPS.
In other words, the 965’s battery is roughly double the longevity of the 570. If you’re an ultra-runner or hate frequent charging, the 965 wins here.
If your runs are shorter and you like the latest features, the 570’s shorter battery is a reasonable tradeoff.
Garmin 965 vs 570 Software & Smart Features
Both watches run Garmin’s latest watchOS with touchscreen + button control, but the 570 benefits from the newest software tweaks.
The 570 inherits the revamped UI style of Garmin’s Fenix 8 and Venu 3 lines (plus a helpful focus mode for workouts).
It also launched with a handful of software features that the 965 doesn’t have: things like automated triathlon coaching plans, race-time predictors, altitude acclimation tracking, etc.
Over time, Garmin may add some of these features to older watches, but at launch, the 570 is “fresh out of the box” with them.
The 965, meanwhile, runs the mature Forerunner interface that users know, with full Garmin Connect IQ support for apps and data fields. It also features the training load and recovery tools introduced in early 2023 (Chronic Training Load, Training Load Ratio, Body Battery, etc.).
Both support Garmin Connect for routes and workouts. One key difference is navigation: the 965’s built-in maps allow on-watch routing to saved courses or points of interest, whereas the 570 notably does not include full offline maps (it can follow courses but lacks color topo maps).
In short, the 570 is “smarter” in the everyday sense (calls, modern interface, health stats), while the 965 is more capable for complex training and outdoor navigation.
Final Verdict
Bottom line: Your choice comes down to what matters most to you.
- Choose the Forerunner 570 if you want the latest Garmin features in a smaller, lighter watch. The 570 is great for general runners who want on-the-go call capability, a sleeker design, and cutting-edge training tools (plus triathlon plans) straight from the box. It’s an excellent pick for smaller wrists or anyone who values smart features like calls and voice prompts. Just be prepared for its shorter battery life and lack of offline maps.
- Choose the Forerunner 965 if battery life and navigation top your list. The 965’s huge 23-day endurance means less charging and more running. Its big, sharp screen and full-color maps are perfect for long trail runs or ultra events where route guidance is critical. The 965 is also a solid value now that it’s discounted (around $499 in spring 2025). For serious runners and triathletes who need top-tier training analysis and mapping, the 965 remains the more tool-focused choice.
Both watches are capable Garmin runners, but the 570 is the “new shiny” with smart perks, while the 965 is the battle-tested workhorse with legendary endurance. Pick the one that fits your wrist and your run.
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