Garmin released Forerunner 970 in May 2025. This makes it the latest Forerunner in the market.
Should you get a Forerunner 970 or prefer a Forerunner 965? Let’s find out in a comparison matrix worth a consideration.
Main differences
- Forerunner 970 is fully compatible with the Garmin ECG app. Forerunner 965 does not support the Garmin ECG app. This, in my opinion, is a plus for Forerunner 970.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 comes with display glass made of Sapphire crystal. Forerunner 965 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX. Again, Sapphire glass is a plus for the Forerunner 970.
- Forerunner 970 has an in-built speaker and mic. Forerunner 965 lacks it. You can read in detail how this will have a bearing on your smartwatch experience.
- Forerunner 965, however, offers higher battery backup.
We review these differences in detail below.
Garmin ECG
Garmin Forerunner 970 is compatible with the Garmin ECG app. The Garmin ECG app is FDA approved. You can use it to take on-demand electrocardiogram readings.
These ECG readings can be shared with a medical professional to seek an opinion. The Garmin ECG app helps to monitor and uncover issues in cardiac health.
Garmin Forerunner 965 does not support working with the Garmin ECG app.
Sapphire Glass
Forerunner 970 uses display glass made of Sapphire crystal. Sapphire is the second hardest naturally available mineral.
Watches with sapphire glass are more durable. These watches can take wear and tear more easily.
Some people also consider sapphire glass scratch-proof. In technical parlance, we cannot call the Sapphire smartwatches scratch-proof. But, it is a proven reality that the Sapphire glasses do not scratch easily.
Forerunner 965, on the other hand, uses a DX coated Corning Gorilla Glass 3. This glass offers a brighter display experience than the Forerunner 970 because DX coating is an anti-reflective coating that helps in improving display brightness and readability experience.
If you are looking for a bright display, choose the Forerunner 965. If you prefer a robust and rugged display glass, pick a Forerunner 970.
Speaker and mic
Forerunner 970 integrates an in-built speaker and mic. It helps in understanding and taking voice commands.
And, you could make calls or answer calls through the paired smartphone right off your wrist.
For athletes, the in-built speaker and mic would be a time saver.
Battery
Surprisingly, the battery backup of Forerunner 965 is longer than the backup offered by a Forerunner 970.
For example, Forerunner 965 can go up to 15 days backup on the smartwatch mode. Forerunner 970, in the meanwhile, could offer up to 11 days backup on the smartwatch mode.
But, in my personal opinion, both watches support fast charging through the proprietary Garmin charger. So, battery backup is largely inconsequential because you could top up an empty battery in less than 2 hours.
Costs
Forerunner 970 is launched at $749.99. Forerunner 965 has a list price of $599.99. As I write this, Forerunner 965 is available through Garmin for a price of $499.99.
Summary
For an additional $250 spent in getting Forerunner 970, you are essentially getting:
- Garmin ECG app
- Sapphire display glass
- In-built speaker and microphone
- Extended suite of workout profiles for runners
Other Forerunner 970 comparisons