Garmin Forerunner 970 review: the new benchmark for running watches

Garmin's new top running watch, the Forerunner 970, has very big shoes to fill as it attempts to replace one of the best training and race companions available. Can a built-in torch, a software revamp and voice control really make a difference? The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. The new top-of-the-line Forerunner takes the body of the outgoing Forerunner 965 and squeezes in a much brighter display, useful new running analytics and more of the advanced tech from Garmin's flagship adventure watch the Fenix 8. These upgrades come at a steep cost of 630 ( 750/ 750/A 1,399) – 30 more than its predecessor – placing it right at the top of the running and triathlon watch pile, although less than the 780 Fenix 8.