I've been running with the Garmin Forerunner 570 for the past few weeks, and I can see why it's generating so much buzz in the running community. This is Garmin's new mid-range flagship, replacing the popular Forerunner 265, and it's packed with features that blur the line between "mid-range" and "flagship."
What's New
The Forerunner 570 isn't just a minor refresh — it's a significant upgrade in many ways. Here's what you get that's new:
- Bright AMOLED display — One of the brightest screens Garmin makes
- Gen5 optical heart rate sensor — Same sensor found in the Fenix 8 series
- Speaker and microphone — Take calls directly from your wrist
- Skin temperature tracking — Overnight temperature readings
- New running features — AutoLap by timing gates, training load ratio, race time predictor
The 570 comes in two sizes: 42mm and 47mm. I tested the 47mm version, and at 47g, it's surprisingly light on the wrist.
The Price Problem
There's no way around it — $549 is a lot for a mid-range running watch. That's $100 more than the Forerunner 265 launched for, and it's getting close to the Forerunner 965 ($599). As DC Rainmaker pointed out in his hands-on review, Garmin seems to have combined the Venu 3's smartwatch features with the 265's running features... and their prices too.
That said, you are getting a lot for that money. The AMOLED screen is gorgeous, the Gen5 heart rate sensor is a genuine improvement, and having a speaker for calls is surprisingly useful.
Performance
In my testing, the GPS accuracy has been excellent — exactly what I'd expect from Garmin. The new Gen5 heart rate sensor performs better in tough conditions like cold weather intervals and downhill running, though optical heart rate still has its limitations during high-intensity efforts.
Battery life is solid:
- Smartwatch mode: Up to 11 days (47mm)
- GPS only: Up to 18 hours
- With music: Up to 9 hours
The Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 570 is an excellent running watch that's held back by its price. If you're coming from a Forerunner 255 or 265, you'll love the upgrade. If you're looking for the best value, the COROS Pace 4 at $249 is hard to beat. But if you want that Garmin ecosystem and the brightest screen in its class, the 570 delivers.
Best for: Runners who want flagship features without flagship prices
Skip it if: You already have a Forerunner 965 or want the absolute best value
What do you think — is the Forerunner 570 worth the premium, or should Garmin have kept the price lower? Let me know in the comments below!