makes arguably the best on the market. Garmin's Forerunner heart rate monitors are a series of dedicated GPS running watches. Whether you're a beginner, seasoned athlete, or elite runner, you'll find your running watch among the heart rate monitors in the .
In this article, you can learn more about the differences as I compare , , , , , and .
See guide to choosing a Garmin running watch below.
OVERVIEW
This article consists of the following sections. You can click on one of the headings to go to the desired section.
- COMPARISON OF GARMIN FORERUNNER SERIES - TABLE
- GARMIN FORERUNNER 165 / 165 MUSIC
COMPARISON OF GARMIN FORERUNNER SERIES
Here you get the big overview of what all the GPS running watches in Garmin's FORERUNNER series can actually do when we compare Garmin Forerunner 70, Garmin Forerunner 170, Garmin Forerunner 255 Music, Garmin Forerunner 265, Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar, and Garmin Forerunner 965.
GARMIN FORERUNNER 70
Forerunner 70 sets a new standard for watches at an advantageous price. Garmin Forerunner 70 has more than 80 sports functions, and Garmin's recovery and performance algorithms allow you to grow as a runner and athlete.
It is a GPS watch for you who strive to get more movement into everyday life, become more aware of your overall health, and make training a fixed part of your daily routines. Track your sleep, HRV, and much more 24/7 with Forerunner 70
Recommended for: Garmin Forerunner 70 is an affordable GPS watch for beginners, as well as more experienced athletes who want an overview of your basic and advanced health and training data.
ADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 70
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Long battery life
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AMOLED screen
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Advanced sleep monitoring
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40 grams
- Smart notifications
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Enhanced running features, including:
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Recommended workouts
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Recommended recovery time
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Race predictor
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PacePro™ pacing strategies
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Interval mode
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Finish time estimator
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DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 70
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Does not support Garmin Music, Garmin Pay, or built-in maps
GARMIN FORERUNNER 170
Garmin Forerunner 170 builds on Forerunner 70. Here you get smart features that can make everyday life and training easier: Shop on the way home from a run or take a bakery pitstop and pay with Garmin Pay.
Track health data like HRV, heart rate, and your blood oxygen level throughout the day to gain insight into how your training affects your body. Use this along with Garmin's algorithms like recovery calculator, sleep analysis, and Body Battery to plan your training.
Recommended for: Garmin Forerunner 170 is the GPS watch for you who don't want to miss anything during or after the run. Garmin has gathered all their most essential training features in an ultra-compact, discreet watch case.
ADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 170 / 170 music
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Garmin Pay
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AMOLED screen
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Advanced sleep monitoring
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41 grams
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Smart notifications
- Barometric altimeter, electronic compass, Gyroscope
DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 170
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Slightly worsened battery life compared to Forerunner 70
GARMIN FORERUNNER 165
Garmin Forerunner 165 / 165 Music is a light, delicate, and user-friendly running watch. Forerunner 165 is a smaller watch with big ambitions. You get some of the most useful features for those who strive to become a better runner and gain greater insight into your training and performance.
Garmin Forerunner 165 / 165 Music comes with great features like AMOLED touchscreen, Garmin Pay, Morning report, Sleep score & HRV status, and much more. All features from some of the larger watches, but in a lighter and more user-friendly package.
ADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 165
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Very user-friendly design – easy to get started with
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AMOLED touchscreen for sharp and colorful display
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Supports Garmin Pay (contactless payment)
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Low weight – comfortable for both training and everyday use
DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 165
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Does not support Multi-Band GPS
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Cannot connect to power meter
GARMIN FORERUNNER 265
Like Garmin Forerunner 165, available in two sizes (Garmin Forerunner 265 and Garmin Forerunner 265S). Garmin Forerunner 265 is the pure running watch in Garmin's watch series and the successor to Garmin Forerunner 255. A range of new features have been added to the new watch, all enhancing the watch experience.
Recommended for: If you want a solid and good watch but don't want to invest in top models with the latest features, Garmin Forerunner 265 is a great choice. You get an incredible number of features and fundamentally a really good watch.
Garmin Forerunner 265 is known as the pure running watch in Garmin's watch series. However, the newer generations in the series also include many other sports, making the watch overall a really good choice for a training watch, whether you want to use it for running, cycling, swimming, or something entirely different.
ADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 265:
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Includes all features from Garmin Forerunner 165
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AMOLED touchscreen in two sizes:
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1.1” (265S)
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1.3” (265)
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Updated and modern design
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Supports Training Readiness
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Music playback on all models (not just selected ones)
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Wrist-based Running Dynamics and running power
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8 GB memory – double that of Forerunner 165
DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 265:
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Lacks certain features only found in Forerunner 570, 970 and Fenix series
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Does not have built-in maps and does not offer full turn-by-turn navigation
Garmin Forerunner 570
Garmin Forerunner 570 is the latest GPS watch for running enthusiasts. If you want a light and comfortable watch for your training – without missing out on Garmin's impressive training features – then Forerunner 570 is an obvious choice. The watch has a new, bright screen, available in two sizes, and comes with a lightweight aluminum frame, making it both robust and comfortable to run with. It helps you stay focused and achieve your training goals.
Recommended for: The dedicated runner chasing new personal records – or the triathlete wanting a light, advanced watch for both training and competition.
Garmin Forerunner 570 is the second most advanced watch in the Forerunner series. It gives you everything you need – and a bit more. With a built-in speaker and microphone, you can take calls directly from your wrist, so you don't have to interrupt your training when the phone rings. You can just keep going and get even faster.
ADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 570:
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Includes all features from Forerunner 265
Additionally, you get: -
Improved build quality
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New and even more bright AMOLED screen
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Built-in microphone and speaker – option for calls via phone
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Improved Garmin Coach, now also supports triathlon training
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Evening Report helps with recovery and preparation
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Option to create seamless multisport workouts
DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 570:
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Lacks built-in maps and true navigation
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Does not have flashlight and lacks some advanced running features from Forerunner 970
GARMIN FORERUNNER 965
Garmin Forerunner 965 is the former top model in the Forerunner series. With a Forerunner 965, you get extremely advanced features and a more robust watch with a titanium frame and a beautiful AMOLED screen.
Recommended for: The serious runner or triathlete who wants the best and won't compromise on function and performance.
ADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 965:
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Sharp and colorful AMOLED touchscreen
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Titanium frame (bezel) for a light and exclusive look
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Wrist-based Running Dynamics – no need for extra equipment
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Supports acute/chronic load measurement
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Built-in maps and full turn-by-turn navigation
DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 965:
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Not as durable as Forerunner 970 and Fenix series
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Lacks built-in flashlight
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Does not support calls and messages directly from the wrist
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Does not have sapphire glass – less scratch-resistant
GARMIN FORERUNNER 970
Garmin Forerunner 970 builds on the extremely advanced Forerunner 965 and offers everything you need – and more – in a surprisingly light and elegant package. With an even brighter AMOLED display, built-in flashlight, and the ability to take calls directly from the wrist, Forerunner 970 is made for those who want the best of the best.
Recommended for: The dedicated runner or triathlete who demands high functionality, performance, and training technology.
ADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 970:
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Includes all features from both Garmin Forerunner 965 and Forerunner 570
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Even brighter AMOLED touchscreen
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Sapphire glass for extra protection and scratch resistance
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Real-Time Stamina, Running Tolerance and Running Economy (requires purchase of HRM-Pro Plus or HRM-Fit)
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ECG monitoring directly from the wrist
DISADVANTAGES OF GARMIN FORERUNNER 970:
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Lacks some features only found in the Fenix series
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Available in only one size – no option to choose between different watch cases
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