The Garmin Forerunner 570 is a feature-rich multisport GPS smartwatch designed for runners, triathletes, and fitness enthusiasts who want advanced performance metrics without stepping into ultra-premium territory. Positioned as the successor to the Forerunner 265, this 2025 release brings a brighter AMOLED display, improved heart rate accuracy, and a host of new sport modes—all wrapped in a lightweight, stylish design. Whether you’re training for a marathon or juggling workouts with daily life, the Forerunner 570 offers a compelling mix of athletic precision and smart convenience.
Display and Design That Impress
Garmin has upgraded the Forerunner 570 with a vibrant 1.41-inch AMOLED display boasting a 454 × 454 resolution. The screen is crisp, colorful, and easily readable in direct sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor workouts. The UI has been refreshed to match the Fenix 8 series, offering smoother transitions and larger font options for better visibility.
The watch comes in two sizes—42mm and 47mm—with aluminum bezels and fiber-reinforced polymer cases. Weighing just 42g and 47g respectively, it’s comfortable for all-day wear and durable enough for rugged use. The 5 ATM water resistance rating ensures it can handle swimming, rain, and sweat without issue.
Performance and Sensor Accuracy
At its core, the Forerunner 570 is powered by Garmin’s Elevate Gen5 optical heart rate sensor, which delivers improved accuracy during high-intensity workouts and interval training. It also supports multi-band GNSS and SatIQ for pinpoint GPS tracking, even in challenging environments like urban canyons or dense forests.
The watch includes advanced metrics such as VO2 max, HRV status, Training Readiness, Recovery Time, Load Ratio, and Heat & Altitude Acclimation. These insights help athletes fine-tune their training, avoid overtraining, and monitor progress over time. The addition of skin temperature tracking (overnight) and past ovulation estimates adds depth to wellness monitoring.
Sports Modes and Activity Tracking
Garmin has expanded the Forerunner 570’s sport profile library to include over 90 activities. New additions include obstacle racing, gravel biking, cyclocross, snowshoeing, kayaking, and pool triathlon. Structured multisport workouts and Garmin Triathlon Coach plans are also supported, making it a versatile tool for endurance athletes.
Running dynamics like cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation are available when paired with compatible accessories. Swim tracking includes stroke detection, lap counting, and SWOLF scoring, while cycling metrics support power meters and cadence sensors.
Smart Features for Everyday Use
The Forerunner 570 isn’t just a training tool—it’s a capable smartwatch. It includes a built-in microphone and speaker for Bluetooth calling and voice assistant support. Users can take calls, send voice replies, and interact with their phone hands-free. Music storage and control are available for Spotify and Amazon Music, and Garmin Pay enables contactless payments on the go.
Notifications for calls, texts, emails, and apps are customizable, and safety features like incident detection and live tracking add peace of mind during solo workouts. The Evening Report feature summarizes daily metrics and suggests recovery strategies, while the Low Battery Alert ensures you’re never caught off guard.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is solid, though slightly reduced compared to its predecessor. In smartwatch mode, the Forerunner 570 lasts up to 10 days, while GPS mode with music playback offers around 20 hours. Charging is done via Garmin’s proprietary cable, and quick charging support helps minimize downtime between sessions.
While the battery life may not match the Forerunner 265 or Fenix series, it’s sufficient for most users and strikes a balance between display quality and endurance.
Limitations and Value Considerations
Despite its strengths, the Forerunner 570 lacks offline maps and ECG functionality—features available in higher-end models like the Forerunner 965. This omission may be a drawback for trail runners and users seeking deeper cardiac insights.
Priced at $549.99, the Forerunner 570 sits uncomfortably close to more feature-rich alternatives. While it offers meaningful upgrades in display, design, and sensor accuracy, users may find better value in discounted premium models or competing brands offering similar features at lower prices.
Final Verdict
The Garmin Forerunner 570 is a polished, capable multisport watch that delivers excellent tracking accuracy, smart features, and a refined design. It’s ideal for runners, triathletes, and fitness enthusiasts who want advanced metrics and everyday utility without stepping into flagship pricing. While it lacks some premium features, its strengths in performance, comfort, and versatility make it a strong contender in the mid-range smartwatch category.
FAQ
Q: Does the Garmin Forerunner 570 support offline maps?
No, it does not include full-color maps or turn-by-turn navigation. For mapping features, consider the Forerunner 965 or Fenix series.
Q: Can I make calls from the watch?
Yes, the Forerunner 570 supports Bluetooth calling when paired with a smartphone, thanks to its built-in microphone and speaker.
Q: How long does the battery last?
Up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and around 20 hours in GPS mode with music playback.
Q: Is the watch suitable for triathlon training?
Absolutely. It supports structured multisport workouts, Garmin Triathlon Coach plans, and tracking for swimming, cycling, and running.
Q: Does it support music playback?
Yes, it includes onboard music storage and control for services like Spotify and Amazon Music.
Q: Is the heart rate sensor accurate?
The Elevate Gen5 sensor offers improved accuracy, especially during high-intensity and interval workouts.
Q: What sizes are available?
The Forerunner 570 comes in two sizes: 42mm and 47mm, both lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear.
Q: Is it water-resistant?
Yes, it has a 5 ATM rating, making it suitable for swimming and water-based activities.
