Garmin Forerunner

Garmin ForerunnerLatest News & Model Comparison

Last updated

Garmin's running watches, made since 2003. Lighter and more narrowly aimed than the Fenix line, with the same training and recovery data in a watch shaped around running rather than expeditions.
Released
May 15, 2026
Price
$249.99
LIGHT CASE
39g with a 43mm case
WATCH BATTERY
Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode
OCT 8 · LATEST IN SMARTWATCHES
Garmin says a fix is coming for the Fenix 8's stuck-bright screen

A Fenix 8 that drains fast may have its screen stuck at full brightness indoors. Tapping it or pressing a button resets it until Garmin's update lands.

Read the story →

Best for

Running.
This is Garmin's GPS running-watch line.Confirmed: garmin.com
Fitness.
It tracks your workouts and follows a structured training plan.Confirmed: garmin.com
Recovery.
It tells you when you have recovered and when you are ready to train.Confirmed: garmin.com

Comparison

Compare watches

How it compares

Cost over 3 years

$749.99 → $1,001.99

Device price plus up to three years of optional subscription.

Weight

56g

Grams on your wrist. Lower is lighter.

Battery life

15 days

How long it lasts on its own, away from a charger.

Cost over 3 years

Garmin Forerunner 970
$749.99 → $1,001.99
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
$299.99
Pixel Watch 4
$349 → $709
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9
$379.99
Apple Watch Series 11
$399

DeviceOptional subscription

Case only, without a strap, as the maker quotes it.

Battery life can vary based on usage, settings and firmware version.

If not this one

Garmin Forerunner is our pick for running, fitness and recovery. Where it does not lead, here is what does, and why you would switch.

  • If you want the broadest health pictureSamsung Galaxy Watch 9

    Samsung Health coaches you from your wrist.

    $379.99
  • If you spend real time outdoorsAmazfit T-Rex

    Titanium, sapphire, a flashlight and a cold-weather mode for long trips.

    $649.99
  • If you need directions without the phoneAmazfit T-Rex Dual Solar

    Plan routes on the watch from preloaded maps.

    $649.99

Most paired with

Everything it works with

What Garmin Forerunner watches work with

Works with iPhone and most Android phones, but iOS blocks text replies from the watch.

Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with iPhone?

With a limit

Works with iOS 18.2 or later, but watch text replies don't work.

Pair the Forerunner 970 in the Garmin Connect app, not only in Bluetooth settings. Notifications, activity sync and other supported connected features work. You can't reply to text messages from the watch on iPhone.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Android?

Works

Works with Android 9 or later on most compatible phones.

Your phone needs the native Google Play Store and the Garmin Connect app. Pairing, sync, notifications and Android text replies work. Garmin lists some phone exceptions, and Android Go is not supported.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Pixel and other Android phones?

Works

Works with most compatible Android phones on Android 9 or later.

The phone needs Android 9 or later, the native Google Play Store and Garmin Connect. Pairing, sync, notifications, replies and supported Garmin health features work, and ECG does not need a Samsung phone. Garmin says most Android devices work, not every model, so check its phone exceptions if a specific phone has trouble.

See details and sources (3)
  • Garmin: Garmin Connect App Compatibility RequirementsFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Android Operating System 9 or higher
    Android device must natively support Google Play™ Store
    The Garmin Connect™ app is compatible with most Android™ and Apple® devices that meet the following minimum operating system requirements.
  • Garmin: Customizing Android Text Responses in the Garmin Connect AppFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Many Garmin® devices allow you to reply to a text message or an incoming call when paired to an Android™ phone.
  • Garmin: What Garmin Watches Have the ECG App?From the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    The ECG app can only be used on a compatible Garmin watch that has been set up with your Garmin Connect™ account.
    The ECG app requires use of the Garmin Connect app, which is available to download from the app store on your smartphone.

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Samsung phones?

Works

Works with compatible Galaxy phones on Android 9 or later.

Use a Galaxy phone with Android 9 or later, the native Google Play Store and Garmin Connect. Pairing, sync, notifications and replies work, and Garmin ECG does not need a Samsung phone. Garmin lists the older Samsung J3 J320FN among phones that failed its internal tests.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Can you connect Garmin Forerunner watches to a Mac?

With a limit

Garmin Express works on Macs with macOS 13 or later.

A Mac with macOS 13 or later and a USB port can handle supported Garmin Express and USB computer tasks. It does not replace a compatible iPhone or Android phone for the Forerunner 970's normal phone-connected features.

See details and sources (2)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Get Garmin Forerunner updates

Email me when there's news.

Works with

Works

Activities sync to Strava after you link the accounts.

Link the Garmin Connect account paired with your watch to your Strava account in the Strava app or website. After that, saved activities sync automatically.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limit

Works with iOS 18.2 or later, but watch text replies don't work.

Pair the Forerunner 970 in the Garmin Connect app, not only in Bluetooth settings. Notifications, activity sync and other supported connected features work. You can't reply to text messages from the watch on iPhone.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limitWorked out from the maker's minimum

They work with every iPhone that runs iOS 18.2 or later, from the iPhone XR on.

  • iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air and iPhone 17e: yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e: yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max: yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone SE (3rd generation): yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • iPhone 17 Pro: yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • iPhone Air: yes, on iOS 18.2 or later
  • Any iPhone not listed: no, it cannot run that iOS version

Worked out from the maker's minimum ("iOS 18.2 or later") and Apple's list of the iPhones that run it, not a separate test. See the sources.

See details and sources (6)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Works

Works with Android 9 or later on most compatible phones.

Your phone needs the native Google Play Store and the Garmin Connect app. Pairing, sync, notifications and Android text replies work. Garmin lists some phone exceptions, and Android Go is not supported.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limit

Syncs through Garmin Connect on iPhone, not from the watch itself.

On iPhone, turn on Apple Health sharing in Garmin Connect. The app can then send your Forerunner data to Apple Health. This only works on iPhone.

See details and sources (1)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limit

Works with compatible ANT+ and Bluetooth sensors. Apple GymKit isn't verified.

The Forerunner 970 can pair with compatible heart-rate and other ANT+ or Bluetooth sensors using model-specific pairing. Garmin also documents cycling and training sensors, including Edge Extended Display. Apple GymKit support for this exact model was not verified.

See details and sources (1)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Works

Works with compatible Galaxy phones on Android 9 or later.

Use a Galaxy phone with Android 9 or later, the native Google Play Store and Garmin Connect. Pairing, sync, notifications and replies work, and Garmin ECG does not need a Samsung phone. Garmin lists the older Samsung J3 J320FN among phones that failed its internal tests.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Works

Syncs with MyFitnessPal through Garmin Connect.

Link your Garmin Connect account to your MyFitnessPal account. Then Forerunner data can sync over on iPhone and Android.

See details and sources (2)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Show all 20Show fewer
Works

Natural Cycles lists the Forerunner 970 as compatible.

Natural Cycles can use overnight temperature data through its Garmin integration. The Garmin wearable needs a temperature sensor, Garmin software update support and the Natural Cycles setup steps. Compatibility follows Natural Cycles' current supported-device list, and unlisted wearables are not intended for use.

See details and sources (1)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Works

Garmin Connect syncs your Forerunner activity and wellness data to Health Connect on Android 14 and later.

What you need
An Android 14 or later phone with Garmin Connect and Health Connect.
What works
Activity and wellness data such as heart rate and total calories burned go to Health Connect.
See details and sources (1)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Works

Works with most compatible Android phones on Android 9 or later.

The phone needs Android 9 or later, the native Google Play Store and Garmin Connect. Pairing, sync, notifications, replies and supported Garmin health features work, and ECG does not need a Samsung phone. Garmin says most Android devices work, not every model, so check its phone exceptions if a specific phone has trouble.

See details and sources (3)
  • Garmin: Garmin Connect App Compatibility RequirementsFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Android Operating System 9 or higher
    Android device must natively support Google Play™ Store
    The Garmin Connect™ app is compatible with most Android™ and Apple® devices that meet the following minimum operating system requirements.
  • Garmin: Customizing Android Text Responses in the Garmin Connect AppFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Many Garmin® devices allow you to reply to a text message or an incoming call when paired to an Android™ phone.
  • Garmin: What Garmin Watches Have the ECG App?From the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    The ECG app can only be used on a compatible Garmin watch that has been set up with your Garmin Connect™ account.
    The ECG app requires use of the Garmin Connect app, which is available to download from the app store on your smartphone.

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limit

Garmin Express works on Macs with macOS 13 or later.

A Mac with macOS 13 or later and a USB port can handle supported Garmin Express and USB computer tasks. It does not replace a compatible iPhone or Android phone for the Forerunner 970's normal phone-connected features.

See details and sources (2)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limit

Garmin Express works on PCs with Windows 10 or later.

A Windows 10 or later PC with a USB port can handle supported Garmin Express and USB computer tasks. It does not replace a compatible iPhone or Android phone for normal phone-connected features.

See details and sources (2)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limit

Downloads Spotify music with Premium, but only plays saved tracks.

Get the Spotify app from the Connect IQ store, then use Wi-Fi to download music or podcasts. You need Spotify Premium and Bluetooth headphones, and you can only play downloaded audio. Check the Connect IQ store for exact model support.

See details and sources (4)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Works

Garmin Connect works without a paid Connect+ subscription.

You need a Garmin Connect account and app for connected features. Pairing, sync and normal Garmin Connect features stay free. Garmin Connect+ is optional, but some newer premium app features need it.

See details and sources (2)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limit

Some do, but not every service runs as an app on the watch.

Garmin supports Strava account syncing and third-party music providers. WhatsApp can come through as a phone notification, but not every named service is an on-watch app. Current Google Maps support on each watch model was not fully verified. Garmin or Connect IQ setup may be needed, and separate provider accounts or subscriptions can apply.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limit

Uses Garmin Pay with supported banks and cards.

Set up Garmin Pay in Garmin Connect with a participating credit or debit card and financial institution. Bank and card support varies by country, and participating institutions may limit features in some countries. The first-party evidence did not establish Apple Pay, Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet as watch-native payment options.

See details and sources (1)
  • Garmin: Forerunner 970 Watch Owner's Manual - Garmin PayFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    The Garmin Pay™ feature allows you to use your watch to pay for purchases in participating locations using credit or debit cards from a participating financial institution.
    NOTE: In some countries, participating financial institutions may restrict the Garmin Pay features.

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Works

Works with supported phone voice assistants over Bluetooth.

With a compatible phone connected over Bluetooth and its assistant set up, the watch can pass voice commands to Siri, Bixby, Google Assistant or Gemini. Support can vary by phone and assistant. Some Android phones need multiple Bluetooth connections.

See details and sources (2)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Works

Works with compatible 22 mm QuickFit 22 bands.

The Forerunner 970 uses 22 mm QuickFit 22 bands. Garmin also lists earlier Forerunner models such as the 965 and 955, so compatible bands can be reused. Some Forerunner-style bands may need you to remove or reuse the watch pin before attaching QuickFit 22.

See details and sources (2)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limit

Through a child account, not a full kids mode.

Pair the watch to a child account that a parent manages in Garmin Connect, not to the parent's own account. Child accounts can't use Garmin Messenger or Garmin Express, and only get Garmin Connect, Connect IQ, Dive and Golf apps. Some settings and features may be different on a child account.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Most paired with

Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with iPhone?

With a limit

Works with iOS 18.2 or later, but watch text replies don't work.

Pair the Forerunner 970 in the Garmin Connect app, not only in Bluetooth settings. Notifications, activity sync and other supported connected features work. You can't reply to text messages from the watch on iPhone.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Android?

Works

Works with Android 9 or later on most compatible phones.

Your phone needs the native Google Play Store and the Garmin Connect app. Pairing, sync, notifications and Android text replies work. Garmin lists some phone exceptions, and Android Go is not supported.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Pixel and other Android phones?

Works

Works with most compatible Android phones on Android 9 or later.

The phone needs Android 9 or later, the native Google Play Store and Garmin Connect. Pairing, sync, notifications, replies and supported Garmin health features work, and ECG does not need a Samsung phone. Garmin says most Android devices work, not every model, so check its phone exceptions if a specific phone has trouble.

See details and sources (3)
  • Garmin: Garmin Connect App Compatibility RequirementsFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Android Operating System 9 or higher
    Android device must natively support Google Play™ Store
    The Garmin Connect™ app is compatible with most Android™ and Apple® devices that meet the following minimum operating system requirements.
  • Garmin: Customizing Android Text Responses in the Garmin Connect AppFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Many Garmin® devices allow you to reply to a text message or an incoming call when paired to an Android™ phone.
  • Garmin: What Garmin Watches Have the ECG App?From the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    The ECG app can only be used on a compatible Garmin watch that has been set up with your Garmin Connect™ account.
    The ECG app requires use of the Garmin Connect app, which is available to download from the app store on your smartphone.

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Samsung phones?

Works

Works with compatible Galaxy phones on Android 9 or later.

Use a Galaxy phone with Android 9 or later, the native Google Play Store and Garmin Connect. Pairing, sync, notifications and replies work, and Garmin ECG does not need a Samsung phone. Garmin lists the older Samsung J3 J320FN among phones that failed its internal tests.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Can you connect Garmin Forerunner watches to a Mac?

With a limit

Garmin Express works on Macs with macOS 13 or later.

A Mac with macOS 13 or later and a USB port can handle supported Garmin Express and USB computer tasks. It does not replace a compatible iPhone or Android phone for the Forerunner 970's normal phone-connected features.

See details and sources (2)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Can you connect Garmin Forerunner watches to a PC?

With a limit

Garmin Express works on PCs with Windows 10 or later.

A Windows 10 or later PC with a USB port can handle supported Garmin Express and USB computer tasks. It does not replace a compatible iPhone or Android phone for normal phone-connected features.

See details and sources (2)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

What you need

Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Strava?

Works

Activities sync to Strava after you link the accounts.

Link the Garmin Connect account paired with your watch to your Strava account in the Strava app or website. After that, saved activities sync automatically.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with iPhone?

With a limit

Works with iOS 18.2 or later, but watch text replies don't work.

Pair the Forerunner 970 in the Garmin Connect app, not only in Bluetooth settings. Notifications, activity sync and other supported connected features work. You can't reply to text messages from the watch on iPhone.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Android?

Works

Works with Android 9 or later on most compatible phones.

Your phone needs the native Google Play Store and the Garmin Connect app. Pairing, sync, notifications and Android text replies work. Garmin lists some phone exceptions, and Android Go is not supported.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Can you connect Garmin Forerunner watches to a Mac?

With a limit

Garmin Express works on Macs with macOS 13 or later.

A Mac with macOS 13 or later and a USB port can handle supported Garmin Express and USB computer tasks. It does not replace a compatible iPhone or Android phone for the Forerunner 970's normal phone-connected features.

See details and sources (2)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Supports

With a limit

Notifications work on iPhone and Android, but watch replies are Android-only.

Pair a compatible phone through Garmin Connect to get notifications. On Android, the Forerunner 970 can reply with its on-watch keyboard. iPhone does not allow Garmin watch text replies.

See details and sources (2)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Doesn't work

Has no cellular or LTE radio.

Calls, texts and notifications can still come through a paired phone over Bluetooth. The watch cannot get its own mobile data or calls away from your phone. The fēnix 8 Pro is the Garmin model in this pack with LTE.

See details and sources (2)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limit

ECG works in supported regions with watch software 5.02 or later.

ECG needs watch software 5.02 or later, a Garmin Connect account and app, and a supported region. ECG is not available everywhere. The collected evidence did not confirm current answers for blood pressure, sleep-apnea detection or hypertension alerts.

See details and sources (2)
  • Garmin: Garmin ECG App Instructions for UseFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Garmin's ECG app is only available on select Garmin® watches with the latest watch software version and is not available in all regions.
  • Garmin: What Garmin Watches Have the ECG App?From the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Enduro 3: (Minimum watch software version 11.28)
    fēnix 8 Pro (Minimum watch software version 16.56)
    Forerunner 970 (Minimum watch software version 5.02)
    The ECG app can only be used on a compatible Garmin watch that has been set up with your Garmin Connect™ account.

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Needs extra hardware

Needs a separate Garmin inReach device and active subscription.

Pair a Garmin inReach satellite communicator with the watch and keep an active inReach subscription. Then the watch can start an SOS, send messages and preset messages, and view tracking. The Forerunner 970 has no built-in satellite connection, so it cannot send satellite messages or SOS by itself.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limit

Some features, including ECG, depend on your country or region.

Check Garmin's current regional availability pages and use current watch software. ECG is limited by country or region. This research did not fully map every interface or voice language.

See details and sources (1)
  • Garmin: What Garmin Watches Have the ECG App?From the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Enduro 3: (Minimum watch software version 11.28)
    fēnix 8 Pro (Minimum watch software version 16.56)
    Forerunner 970 (Minimum watch software version 5.02)
    The ECG app can only be used on a compatible Garmin watch that has been set up with your Garmin Connect™ account.
    The ECG app requires use of the Garmin Connect app, which is available to download from the app store on your smartphone.

Last checked 2026-09-21.

How it works

Uses Garmin's charging cable with USB-C or a 5 W or higher adapter.

  1. Connect the Garmin charging cable to the watch.
  2. Plug the other end into a USB-C computer port or an AC adapter rated at least 5 W.

Charging is wired with the included proprietary Garmin cable. This research did not establish whether older Garmin charging cables work with the Forerunner 970 or whether it has a named fast-charging mode.

See details and sources (1)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Find My Device works while the watch is still connected.

The watch must be paired and show as connected in Garmin Connect. A connected Forerunner 970 can beep or vibrate so you can find it nearby. This is not like Apple Find My or Google Find Hub: Garmin does not provide remote or crowdsourced tracking, and you cannot remotely track, access or disable a lost Garmin device.

See details and sources (1)
  • Garmin: Locating A Lost Garmin Device Using Garmin ConnectFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Garmin® cannot remotely track, access, or disable lost devices.
    If your Garmin device is paired and shows connected within the Garmin Connect app, the "Find My Device" feature may help you locate it.

Last checked 2026-09-21.

2003 · Went on sale
Forerunner 201 launches the GPS running-watch line
Garmin’s retrospective history confirms the Forerunner 201 was released in 2003. That launch established the Forerunner family as a dedicated GPS watch line for runners.
Aug 18, 2003 · First sign of it
Garmin readies its first Forerunner for runners
A pre-launch report described Garmin’s Forerunner 201 as an integrated GPS training device and put commercial availability in November. It is the earliest dated report on file for the line.
Apr 12, 2011 · Design and hardware
Forerunner 610 brings a touchscreen to the family
Garmin announced the Forerunner 610 as its first touchscreen GPS watch in the Forerunner family. It kept a runner-first focus while moving the line toward more direct on-watch interaction.
Apr 30, 2019 · Design and hardware
Garmin resets Forerunner as a broad running-watch family
Garmin introduced a refreshed Forerunner range spanning the 45/45S, 245/245 Music and 945. The lineup broadened access to training metrics, safety features, music and mapping at multiple price points.
Jun 2, 2021 · Went on sale
Forerunner 945 LTE adds phone-free connectivity
Garmin brought LTE safety, tracking and live-event features to its premium running and triathlon watch. The 945 LTE launched in the United States and Canada at $649.99.
Jun 1, 2022 · Went on sale
Forerunner 955 Solar brings solar charging to runners
Garmin launched its first dedicated running smartwatch with solar charging, alongside touchscreen controls and multi-band GPS. The Solar model debuted at $599.99.
Mar 31, 2023 · Design and hardware
Forerunner moves to AMOLED displays
Garmin announced the Forerunner 265 series and Forerunner 965 as its first dedicated GPS running watches with AMOLED displays. The change modernized the line’s display technology while retaining physical button controls.
May 15, 2025 · Price
Forerunner 570 and 970 push the line upmarket
Garmin unveiled the Forerunner 570 and 970 with brighter AMOLED displays, speaker-and-microphone hardware and new performance metrics. Ordering opened May 21 at $549.99 and $749.99 respectively.
May 12, 2026 · Announced
Garmin expands Forerunner with 70 and 170
Garmin introduced the lower-priced Forerunner 70 and 170 to extend the AMOLED running-watch family. The models were set for purchase from May 15, with pricing starting at $249.99.

Where to buy

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Price compared to others

Price compared to others

Garmin Forerunner 970
$749.99
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
$299.99
Pixel Watch 4
$349
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9
$379.99
Apple Watch Series 11
$399
Apple Watch Series 12
$399
Available nowApple Watch Series 12UnknownGuide News
Available nowApple Watch Ultra 4UnknownGuide News
Available nowPixel Watch 5$399Guide News
Available nowSamsung Galaxy Watch 9$349+Guide News

Frequently asked questions

Questions about Garmin Forerunner

Using it

What does it cost?
It costs $249.99. That is the list price.
Does it measure blood pressure?
No, it does not measure blood pressure.
Does it read blood glucose?
No, it has no glucose sensor.
Does it have GPS?
Yes, it has its own GPS. It works without your phone.
Does it work with my phone?
Yes, it works with an iPhone or an Android phone.
How big is the screen?
The screen measures 1.2 inches.
How heavy is it?
It weighs 40g.
How does it connect?
It connects over Bluetooth.
What kind of screen is it?
It is an AMOLED screen. The pixels light themselves, so blacks are deep and it can dim to almost nothing.
Does it take an ECG?
No, it does not take an ECG.
Does it measure blood oxygen?
Yes, it measures your blood oxygen.
Does it track heart rate?
Yes, it tracks your heart rate.
Does it track HRV?
Yes, it tracks your HRV.
Does it track sleep stages?
Yes, it tracks your sleep stages.
Does it read skin temperature?
No, it does not read your skin temperature.
Does it count steps?
Yes, it counts your steps.
Does it do contactless payments?
No, it has no NFC.
Does it have a screen?
Yes, it has a screen.

Sizing and fit

What sizes does it come in?
47mm case; sapphire lens and titanium bezel.

Battery and charging

How long does the battery last?
It runs 16 hours with every satellite system on. That is 23 hours with GPS only, and 28 days in low power mode.

Water

Can it get wet (shower, pool, swimming)?
Yes, you can shower and swim in it. It is rated to 50m, and for snorkelling.

Price and models

When did the Garmin Forerunner come out?
It went on sale May 15, 2026. Announced May 12, 2026.
Is there a newer one?
No. The Garmin Forerunner is the current model.
How much does the Garmin Forerunner cost?
List price: From $749.99.

Works with

Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Samsung phones?
Works with compatible Galaxy phones on Android 9 or later. Works
Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with MyFitnessPal?
Syncs with MyFitnessPal through Garmin Connect. Works
Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Natural Cycles?
Natural Cycles lists the Forerunner 970 as compatible. Works
Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Health Connect?
Yes. Garmin Connect syncs your Forerunner activity and wellness data to Health Connect on Android 14 and later. Works
Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Pixel and other Android phones?
Works with most compatible Android phones on Android 9 or later. Works
Can you connect Garmin Forerunner watches to a Mac?
Garmin Express works on Macs with macOS 13 or later. With a limit
Can you connect Garmin Forerunner watches to a PC?
Garmin Express works on PCs with Windows 10 or later. With a limit
Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Spotify?
Downloads Spotify music with Premium, but only plays saved tracks. With a limit
Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Garmin Connect without a paid subscription?
Garmin Connect works without a paid Connect+ subscription. Works
Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with third-party apps like Strava?
Some do, but not every service runs as an app on the watch. With a limit
Do Garmin Forerunner watches support phone notifications and replies?
Notifications work on iPhone and Android, but watch replies are Android-only. With a limit
How does it charge?
Uses Garmin's charging cable with USB-C or a 5 W or higher adapter. With a limit
Do Garmin Forerunner watches support tap-to-pay?
Uses Garmin Pay with supported banks and cards. With a limit
Do Garmin Forerunner watches support cellular or LTE?
Has no cellular or LTE radio. Doesn't work
Do Garmin Forerunner watches support phone voice assistants?
Works with supported phone voice assistants over Bluetooth. Works
Do Garmin Forerunner watches support ECG and other advanced health features?
ECG works in supported regions with watch software 5.02 or later. With a limit
Does it work with older Garmin bands?
Works with compatible 22 mm QuickFit 22 bands. Works
Do Garmin Forerunner watches support satellite SOS?
Needs a separate Garmin inReach device and active subscription. Needs extra hardware
How does it help find a lost watch?
Find My Device works while the watch is still connected. With a limit
Do Garmin Forerunner watches support the same features and languages in every region?
Some features, including ECG, depend on your country or region. With a limit
Do Garmin Forerunner watches support family setup or a kids mode?
Partly, through a child account, not a full kids mode. With a limit

The Fenix 9's Remaining Advantage Is Mapping

Garmin is sending Epic, the Stamina features, rowing power and rucking support back to the Fenix 8, Enduro 3, tactix 8 and Forerunner 970. What the older watches cannot have is the new mapping engine, because that one is silicon.

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