Garmin Forerunner 970 vs. Fenix 8: Garmin’s Best Sport Watches Go Head-to-Head

Side-by-side view of Garmin Forerunner 970 and Fenix 8 smartwatches showing display and design differences

Garmin has been refining its multisport lineup for years, and in 2025, two of its most powerful wearables—the Forerunner 970 and the Fenix 8—are going head-to-head. While the Fenix series has long been synonymous with rugged outdoor adventure, the Forerunner line continues to close the gap, particularly with the launch of the 970.

The Forerunner 970 brings a sleeker, lighter, and more affordable option into the mix while borrowing many flagship-level features from the Fenix 8. From AMOLED displays to onboard maps, health tracking, and even a flashlight, these two watches have more in common than ever before.

But that overlap creates a dilemma. With recent sales making the Fenix 8 more affordable, many athletes and adventurers are left wondering: is the extra cash for the Fenix 8 worth it? Or is the Forerunner 970 the smarter buy for daily comfort and performance?

This comparison breaks down every detail—from design and materials to dive capabilities and golf profiles. Whether you’re upgrading from a previous Garmin or choosing your first premium multisport watch, we’re here to help you decide.

Let’s dive into what makes each of these watches unique and who they’re best suited for.



Size Options & Wearability:

Side-by-side view of Garmin Forerunner 970 and Fenix 8 smartwatches showing display and design differences

Garmin gives you more size flexibility with the Fenix 8, offering three distinct options: 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm. The Forerunner 970, in contrast, only comes in a single 47mm size. While that middle-ground sizing works well for many, users with smaller or larger wrists may feel limited.

On a 185mm wrist, the 47mm Fenix 8 and 970 both wear comfortably, but the 51mm Fenix 8 starts to feel cumbersome—especially during sleep or long wear sessions. Meanwhile, the 43mm Fenix 8 offers a welcome reprieve for smaller wrists, something the 970 doesn’t match yet.

For those prioritizing comfort and fit, this lack of variety on the 970 is worth considering. That said, Garmin does include a smaller band loop to accommodate excess strap length on the 970, which helps slightly with fit.

Still, the Fenix 8 wins in flexibility, especially if you’re looking for a watch that feels just right.


Weight & Thickness:

When it comes to all-day wearability, the Forerunner 970 shines with its lightweight build. It’s about a millimeter thinner than the equivalent 47mm Fenix 8 and roughly 15–20 grams lighter, depending on band choice and materials.

While that may not sound like much on paper, it’s noticeable on-wrist—particularly during sleep, running, or extended workouts. Less bulk means fewer wrist adjustments and better sensor stability, which can even lead to improved heart rate accuracy in motion-heavy sports.

On the flip side, the Fenix 8’s extra heft comes from its reinforced metal components and larger battery. It’s more robust but slightly less comfortable for extended use.

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If comfort and discretion are top priorities, the 970 has a clear edge.


Watch Bands:

Both watches come standard with silicone bands, but their attachment systems differ. The Fenix 8 features Garmin’s QuickFit system, which allows for effortless band swaps with no tools. The Forerunner 970 does not ship with QuickFit bands but is compatible with them once the stock pins are removed using a small screwdriver or pin tool.

You can pair both with Garmin’s UltraFit nylon bands, which are lighter, more breathable, and offer a snugger fit—ideal for workouts and sleep. While silicone holds up better in wet environments, nylon’s soft texture provides superior comfort overall.

One advantage to nylon? It shaves off a few extra grams, enhancing wearability even more. That said, it tends to retain moisture slightly longer after showers.

In terms of personalization and comfort, both watches deliver, but the Fenix 8’s out-of-box QuickFit experience adds convenience.


Materials & Construction:

The Forerunner 970 strikes a thoughtful balance between durability and weight, featuring a fiber-reinforced resin case paired with a titanium bezel. This combination keeps it lightweight while still offering a degree of ruggedness. The Fenix 8, however, doubles down on sturdiness with more substantial materials—offering both titanium and stainless steel models. Notably, the Fenix 8 adds a metal rear cover for added reinforcement.

The bezel on the Fenix 8 is noticeably thicker and extends over the lugs, offering better protection against dings and drops. In contrast, the 970’s bezel, while premium-looking, is slimmer and more refined.

Ultimately, the Fenix 8 is the more rugged of the two, built to endure harsher environments. But that added protection does come at the cost of increased bulk and weight. For those who want toughness without compromise, the Fenix 8 is unmatched. For those prioritizing wearability without sacrificing too much durability, the 970 hits a sweet spot.



Lens & Display Protection:

One of the biggest upgrades on the Forerunner 970 over the previous generation is its new sapphire crystal lens. It brings significant scratch resistance to the table and closes a key gap that once separated it from the premium-tier Fenix line. This addition gives peace of mind for anyone using the watch in rough terrain, gym settings, or daily wear scenarios.

The Fenix 8, depending on the variant, comes with either a sapphire crystal (on the titanium models) or Corning Gorilla Glass DX (on stainless steel variants). Sapphire is the gold standard for durability, and both watches deliver here—just make sure to choose the right Fenix 8 model if that’s your priority.

Another notable difference is in screen curvature. The 970 has slightly curved edges on the display, which give it a more refined aesthetic but make full-screen protectors trickier to apply. The Fenix 8 uses a flat lens, which is more compatible with edge-to-edge screen protectors and slightly better at avoiding glare in some lighting.

In day-to-day use, both watches resist scratching well, but if you’re going to be roughing it with rock climbing, trail work, or obstacle racing, sapphire should be a must—and both watches now offer that option.


Water Resistance & Dive Capabilities:

This is a key area where the Fenix 8 flexes its muscle. It carries a 10 ATM water resistance rating and is certified for recreational scuba diving down to 40 meters. Additionally, it features leak-proof buttons, a specialized sealed case design that further guards against water ingress.

The Forerunner 970, while still solid, is rated for 5 ATM, and supports snorkeling profiles, but not full-fledged dive features like apnea/freedive mode or scuba tracking. That makes it suitable for swimming, showering, and water sports—but not professional diving.

For most users, the 970’s water resistance is more than adequate. However, divers or water athletes may find the Fenix 8’s suite of features, including tide widgets and free dive support, far more appealing.


Aesthetics & Style:

Side-by-side view of Garmin Forerunner 970 and Fenix 8 smartwatches showing display and design differences

Looks are subjective, but the design language between these two watches speaks to their intended audience. The Forerunner 970 has a sleeker, cleaner appearance with more flowing curves and accent colors. It leans more toward a sporty, lifestyle-friendly vibe—even with a touch of neon flair near the sensors.

The Fenix 8, on the other hand, is chunkier and more industrial. It looks like it’s ready to scale Everest—or get dropped off a cliff and still function. It’s the choice for those who want their watch to look as tough as it is.

That said, Garmin offers both watches in multiple color and material configurations, with all-black Fenix 8 models available for those who want subtlety. The 970, even in black, includes some color contrast. Choose the 970 if you want a refined yet athletic aesthetic, or the Fenix 8 if you want a bolder, expedition-ready look.


Display Types & Brightness:

Both watches use AMOLED displays, offering rich colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. The display size on the 970 is 1.4 inches—the same as the 47mm and 51mm AMOLED Fenix 8 models. If you prefer a slightly smaller screen, the 43mm Fenix 8 AMOLED offers a 1.3-inch version.

The Fenix 8 also comes in memory-in-pixel (MiP) solar models, which prioritize battery life and outdoor visibility, but at the cost of vibrancy and resolution. These are ideal for ultra-endurance athletes or those in extreme sun.

The Forerunner 970 takes a step forward with a brighter updated AMOLED panel, making it more readable in direct sunlight than the Fenix 8 AMOLED versions. While Garmin doesn’t publish nits, real-world tests show the 970 has an edge in visibility, especially in dynamic lighting.

For anyone prioritizing display quality and legibility, the 970’s screen is top-tier. But for battery savers and long-distance trail runners, the MiP solar Fenix 8 remains an appealing option.


LED Flashlight:

One of Garmin’s most practical innovations in recent years is the built-in LED flashlight, and thankfully, both the Forerunner 970 and Fenix 8 now include it. This tiny addition might seem trivial, but once you have it, it’s genuinely hard to give up.

Whether you’re getting out of bed at night, running in low light, or needing visibility during emergency situations, the flashlight is incredibly handy. The 970’s light is bright and versatile, offering multiple intensity levels and a red safety mode for night vision preservation.

The Fenix 8, however, offers slightly more intensity levels and configuration options depending on the variant. It also benefits from more robust housing, which can subtly affect light diffusion and reach.

For daily practicality and safety, both deliver. If you’re someone who runs or trains at night—or just fumbles for the light switch—this is a feature you’ll come to rely on.


Microphone & Speaker:

Both watches are now equipped with a microphone and speaker, which is a notable upgrade—especially for the Forerunner line. This allows users to take phone calls, interact with voice assistants, and play music directly from the watch, provided it’s paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth.

Voice clarity on both models is excellent, though the 970 might actually sound louder. This could be due to the resin case material amplifying audio more efficiently than the denser metal body of the Fenix 8.

Both watches also support voice commands for setting timers, starting activities, and responding to notifications. And with onboard storage for music and apps like Spotify and YouTube Music, users can pair Bluetooth headphones for a phone-free workout experience.

The speaker is also used for audio prompts, alarms, and feedback during workouts—something athletes training with interval sessions or guided runs will find valuable.


User Interface & Watch Faces:

The user interface (UI) is where some subtle personality differences emerge between these two powerhouse watches. Both run Garmin’s latest UI framework with touchscreen navigation, customizable data fields, widgets, and real-time stats. However, the 970 leans into a slightly more modern visual aesthetic.

Fonts on the 970 are rounder and friendlier, while the Fenix 8 sticks to sharper, more utilitarian typography. Menus, animations, and transitions feel a bit more fluid on the 970, possibly due to its newer hardware design.

Watch faces also differ. The 970 features a set of sportier, vibrant AMOLED-optimized faces with dynamic elements. The Fenix 8, by contrast, offers a broader range of utilitarian and analog-inspired designs—especially on the MiP models.

Functionality is identical: you can swipe through widgets, access maps, view notifications, and quickly jump into workouts. Both watches also support third-party apps and custom watch faces via the Garmin Connect IQ store.

Whether you prefer minimal data-heavy looks or animated displays with flair, both options cover you. The choice here largely comes down to visual preference rather than features.


Health Sensors:

Garmin equips both the Forerunner 970 and the Fenix 8 with its fifth-generation Elevate heart rate sensor, capable of continuous 24/7 monitoring, HRV (heart rate variability) tracking, and ECG functionality.

These watches also track SpO2 (blood oxygen) levels, skin temperature variation, breathing disturbances, and sleep stages with impressive accuracy. The new Evening Report on the 970 gives users a nighttime summary, and while not yet on the Fenix 8, it’s expected via firmware update.

One unexpected factor that may give the 970 an edge is its lighter weight. Heavier watches can shift more on the wrist during intense activities—like trail running or mountain biking—leading to less consistent sensor contact and slightly less accurate readings.

That said, both watches offer top-tier health monitoring, and differences are minor for the majority of users. If you’re focused on deep recovery data, VO2 max, training readiness, or temperature shifts, either model will meet your needs.


Battery Life:

Battery life is one of the few areas where the Fenix 8 holds a clear advantage—especially in its solar-powered variants. In smartwatch mode, the 970 manages around 4–5 days with always-on display, and a bit more with it turned off. During GPS workouts, it can last close to a full day depending on accuracy settings.

The Fenix 8 AMOLED (47mm) edges ahead slightly with 5–6 days in similar use cases. Meanwhile, the MiP Solar models can stretch to weeks, especially with solar assist and conservative settings.

This difference is mostly due to internal space—the Fenix 8 simply has room for a bigger battery. Still, the 970’s endurance is respectable and very usable for most routines, even with daily workouts and sleep tracking.


Price Comparison:

At launch, the Garmin Forerunner 970 retails for $750. The Fenix 8, on the other hand, commands a premium starting price of $1,000, with top-end models hitting $1,200. However, recent discounts have leveled the playing field. Depending on the variant, you can now find the Fenix 8 for as little as $950—or even less with promotions.

This pricing shuffle narrows the gap between the two. In fact, in some regions, the difference drops to just $50–$100. That small price delta complicates the decision: should you go for the lighter, newer 970 or the more rugged, feature-rich Fenix 8?

If you’re looking strictly at value, the 970 is compelling. It now includes a sapphire display, flashlight, speaker, and mic—features previously reserved for the premium tier. But if your needs lean into durability, diving, or extensive sport tracking, the Fenix 8’s extra investment may be justified. Buy on Amazon now!


Verdict:

Both the Garmin Forerunner 970 and Fenix 8 are phenomenally capable multisport smartwatches, offering cutting-edge tracking, accurate health metrics, full offline maps, and modern smartwatch features like speakers, microphones, and AMOLED displays.

If you want the toughest, most full-featured watch with deeper water sports capabilities and extreme durability, the Fenix 8 is your answer. It’s especially compelling when sale prices narrow the gap between the two.

However, the Forerunner 970 holds its own—offering almost every feature of the Fenix 8 in a lighter, thinner, and slightly more comfortable package, making it a better fit for those who wear their watch to bed, during runs, and all day long.

Ultimately, your choice should come down to priorities: durability and extended sport features (Fenix 8) vs. comfort and modern styling (970). Either way, you’re getting one of Garmin’s most advanced wearables to date.


Pros and Cons

Garmin Forerunner 970 – Pros:

  • Lighter and thinner for better comfort
  • Brighter updated AMOLED display
  • Includes speaker, mic, flashlight, and sapphire glass
  • More modern and fluid user interface
  • Slightly louder speaker and improved wearability

Garmin Forerunner 970 – Cons:

  • Only one size available (47mm)
  • Lacks full diving features
  • QuickFit band requires extra setup
  • Buy on Amazon now!

Garmin Fenix 8 – Pros:

  • More durable with metal rear and thicker bezel
  • Scuba diving and freedive support
  • Wider range of sizes and band options
  • Optional solar models with extended battery life
  • More sport profiles, including golf and jumpmaster

Garmin Fenix 8 – Cons:

  • Heavier and bulkier, especially in 51mm size
  • Less bright AMOLED than the 970
  • More expensive (unless heavily discounted)
  • Buy on Amazon now!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which is better, the Garmin Fenix 8 or Forerunner 970?

  • The Fenix 8 is better for diving, durability, and battery life. The 970 is better for comfort, screen brightness, and lighter wear. Choose based on your priorities.

Can the Forerunner 970 track scuba diving?

  • No. The Forerunner 970 is only rated for snorkeling and general water use. For scuba diving, the Fenix 8 is the better choice.

Does the Forerunner 970 have the same heart rate sensor as the Fenix 8?

  • Yes, both use Garmin’s fifth-generation Elevate sensor with ECG, SpO2, and temperature tracking.

Do both watches support offline maps?

  • Yes. Both have full-color, routable offline topo maps with 32GB of internal storage.

Which Garmin watch has the best display?


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