The Garmin Forerunner 970, a premium smartwatch lauded by tech reviewers, is currently available at its lowest-ever price as Black Friday sales continue into the weekend. The device, released in May 2025, now costs $649.99 – a $100 discount from its initial $749.99 MSRP. This price is matched across major US retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Garmin’s own store.
Exceptional Performance and Features. The Forerunner 970 received a 4.5/5 star rating from TechRadar, Android Central, Tom’s Guide, T3, and Live Science, with testers consistently praising its accuracy, lightweight design, and vibrant 1.4-inch AMOLED display. Advanced features include multiband SatIQ GPS and the Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor – technology shared with the high-end Garmin Fenix 8.
Battery Life and Practicality. While Garmin claims up to 15 days of battery life, real-world testing shows approximately 4-5 days with the always-on display enabled. Users can extend this by adjusting brightness settings. The watch also includes NFC payments, offline music playback, and voice control for added convenience.
Why This Matters. The Forerunner 970 is a top contender in the high-end fitness smartwatch market, but its original price put it out of reach for many. This discount makes it an attractive option for serious runners and fitness enthusiasts seeking premium tracking capabilities. The smartwatch is equipped with a built-in LED flashlight, speaker and microphone, and 32GB of internal storage.
Alternatives to Consider. For budget-conscious buyers, the older Garmin Forerunner 965 (currently 25% off) offers a similar experience at a lower cost. The Garmin Instinct 3, also discounted by 25%, provides superior waterproofing for water sports.
The Garmin Forerunner 970’s current price represents a rare opportunity to acquire a world-class fitness tracker at a compelling value. The sale is expected to continue through Cyber Monday, but availability may vary.
