Garmin Forerunner 955 vs Garmin Forerunner 970
Two generations separate these: the 970 brings max-tier analytics, ECG, and built-in calling for $250 more, while the 955 stays a genuinely capable but older-generation training watch.
GarminGarmin Forerunner 955
GarminGarmin Forerunner 970
- •You can find the 955 discounted as an older-generation flagship
- •You don't need ECG or built-in calling features
- •You want Garmin's current flagship with max-tier analytics and calling
- •$250 more is worth two generations of hardware improvement
The 955 was Garmin's flagship running and triathlon watch before the 965 took over, and it still holds up: touchscreen, full-color maps, Training Readiness, and 32GB of music storage. Superseded by newer hardware, but a genuinely capable watch wherever you can find one discounted.
The 970 adds a built-in speaker and mic for calls, an ECG sensor, and Garmin's deepest race-specific analytics in a Forerunner-sized package. If you're a serious runner who wants the top training tools without going full Fenix, this is the watch.
*Estimated — this model's exact GPS battery life isn't published by the manufacturer. All figures are standard GPS mode, midsize case, no solar boost.
†Estimated — this model launched too recently to have an established customer rating yet.
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