The Garmin Forerunner 570 is the latest mid-range running smartwatch from Garmin, succeeding the popular Forerunner 265. Packed with advanced training tools, recovery insights, and a bright AMOLED display, this watch is designed for performance-driven athletes.
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore its display, build and design, running features, new sensors, battery life, and pricing—helping you decide if it’s the right upgrade for your training needs.
Display: Brighter, Sharper, and More Vibrant
The Forerunner 570 features Garmin’s brightest AMOLED display yet, offering vivid colors and excellent visibility in all lighting conditions.
Forerunner 570 Display Specifications
- Size: Available in 42mm (1.2-inch screen) and 47mm (1.4-inch screen) variants.
- Type: AMOLED touchscreen with an optional always-on mode.
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for durability.
Compared to the Forerunner 265, the 570’s display is roughly twice as bright, making it easier to read under direct sunlight—ideal for outdoor runners.
Build and Design: Lightweight Yet Durable
The Forerunner 570 retains Garmin’s sporty aesthetic while introducing premium materials and a refreshed design.
Garmin Forerunner 570 Specs
Weight: 42mm model is 42g while 47mm model is 47g (slightly heavier than the Forerunner 265 due to the aluminum bezel).
Case Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer body with an aluminum bezel (upgrade from the Forerunner 265’s polymer bezel) .
Size Options:
- 42mm (1.2-inch display)
- 47mm (1.4-inch display).
Button Configuration: 5-button layout (including a dedicated backlight button) for easy navigation in all conditions.
Color Options: Fun new variants like raspberry/mango, amp yellow/turquoise, and indigo/purple.
The translucent bands add a stylish touch, making it one of the most visually appealing Garmin Forerunner models yet.
Running Features: Advanced Metrics for Serious Athletes
The Forerunner 570 introduces new running and recovery insights, making it a powerful tool for triathletes and marathoners.
Key Running Metrics
These are features that are also in the Forerunner 265.
Training Readiness Score: Garmin Forerunner 570 Analyzes sleep, recovery, and training load to suggest optimal workout intensity.
Running Power (Wrist-Based): Measures effort without needing a separate pod.
Training Effect & VO2 Max: Standard in Garmin watches, but still useful for tracking aerobic and anaerobic gains.
Acute Load & Performance Condition: Helps avoid overtraining.
New Race-Specific Features
- Auto Lap by Timing Gates: Ensures accurate mile splits in races by syncing with course markers.
- Suggested Finish Line: Automatically trims extra distance if you forget to stop your watch post-race.
- Projected Race Time: Predicts finish time based on current training progress.
Recovery & Health Insights
Evening Report: Summarizes daily activity, tomorrow’s workout, and sleep needs.
Skin Temperature Tracking: Monitors overnight changes for health insights.
Past Ovulation Estimates: Helps female athletes track menstrual cycles (not for medical use), a useful feature in women’s health.
New Sensors: Elevate Gen5 HR & Multi-Band GPS
The Forerunner 570 debuts Garmin’s latest Elevate Gen5 optical heart rate sensor, improving accuracy—especially during high-intensity workouts.
Previously seen in the Venue 3 and Fenix 8, the Elevate Gen5 now arrives in the 570.
Sensor Upgrades
Elevate Gen5 HR Sensor: More precise than the Forerunner 265’s Gen4 sensor.
Multi-Band GPS (SatIQ): Auto-selects the best satellite system for superior accuracy while optimizing battery life.
Pulse Ox Sensor: Measures blood oxygen saturation (not available in all regions).
Missing Feature: Unlike the Forerunner 970, the 570 lacks ECG functionality—a puzzling omission given its price.
Battery Life: Slightly Shorter Than the Forerunner 265
While the Forerunner 570 improves in some areas, its battery life is slightly reduced compared to the Forerunner 265.
Battery Comparison (47mm Model)
| Mode | Forerunner 570 | Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | 11 days | 13 days |
| GPS-Only | 18 hours | 20 hours |
| All-Systems + Multi-Band | 14 hours | 14 hours |
| GPS + Music | 9 hours | 7 hours |
Takeaway: Music playback efficiency has improved, but general usage sees a slight dip. Still, 11 days in smartwatch mode is impressive compared to Apple Watch alternatives.
Battery reduction is probably due to increased brightness on the display and the new heart rate sensor which consume more power with additional LED lights.
Pricing: A Significant Jump
The Forerunner 570 is priced at $549.99 (same for both sizes), a $100 increase over the Forerunner 265’s original MSRP.
This watch has few more advanced features than the Suunto Run watch by Suunto, and is more than twice the price!
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
✅ Brighter AMOLED display
✅ New running metrics (Auto Lap, Race Predictor)
✅ Speaker & mic for calls
✅ Skin temperature & advanced recovery insights
❌ No ECG or maps (unlike Forerunner 970)
❌ Battery life slightly reduced
Final Verdict: A Strong Mid-Range Contender
The Garmin Forerunner 570 is a solid upgrade for runners who want advanced metrics, a brighter display, and smart features without needing full mapping.
However, the higher price and missing ECG may give some pause. If you prioritize battery life and affordability, the Forerunner 265 remains a great option. But if you want the latest training tech, the 570 delivers.
Availability: Garmin Forerunner 570 release date is May 21, 2025, on Garmin.
