The Garmin Forerunner 970, a top-tier running and triathlon smartwatch released in May 2025, is now available at its lowest price ever: $649.99—a $100 reduction from its original $749.99 retail price. This marks the first time the device has been discounted since launch, as is typical for Garmin’s high-end wearables during Black Friday sales. The deal is available across major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Garmin directly, REI, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Why This Matters
The Forerunner 970 is a premium offering geared toward serious athletes. Its price point reflects advanced features like dual-band GPS, a highly accurate Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor, and a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED display. The consistent $749.99 price tag since launch indicates Garmin maintains a premium positioning—making this $100 discount a significant opportunity for runners and triathletes looking for top-of-the-line performance.
Key Features
The Forerunner 970 packs a range of high-end features:
- Display: 1.4-inch AMOLED display for vibrant visibility
- Storage: 32 GB of internal storage for music and maps
- GPS: Dual-band GPS for exceptional accuracy, even in challenging environments
- Battery Life: Up to 15 days in smartwatch mode, 26 hours in GPS mode
- Additional Tools: Built-in LED flashlight, speaker, and microphone for safety and convenience
According to TechRadar, Android Central, Tom’s Guide, T3, and Live Science, the Forerunner 970 receives consistently high ratings (averaging 4.5 stars) for its accuracy, lightweight design, and workout tracking capabilities. As reviewer Andrew Williams notes, the device offers “quality level the best Garmin has to offer in terms of GPS and HR accuracy, which is also among the best found in any wearable at present.”
Alternatives
If the Forerunner 970 still stretches your budget, consider alternatives:
- Garmin Forerunner 965: Now 25% off at Amazon, it provides excellent performance at a lower price.
- Garmin Instinct 3: Also discounted (25% off), this model prioritizes rugged durability and extended battery life over the AMOLED display.
The Forerunner 970 is a solid choice for athletes prioritizing accuracy and features; however, budget-conscious buyers have other options.
In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 970 discount represents a rare opportunity to acquire a high-end GPS sports watch at a reduced price, making it an attractive option for runners and triathletes.
