Garmin Forerunner 570 vs. 965: Which Smartwatch is Right for You?

Size and Fit Options

• 📏 The Forerunner 570 offers two case sizes (42mm and 47mm), while the 965 comes only in a 47mm size.
• ⚖️ Both watches are described as thin and lightweight, suitable for running and other sports, with the 965 being slightly thicker but not noticeably so.

Materials and Display

• 💎 The 965 features a titanium bezel, whereas the 570 has an aluminum bezel; both use resin cases and Gorilla Glass lenses (DX on the 965, standard on the 570).
• 💡 The 570 boasts a brighter AMOLED display (1.4-inch on the 47mm model, 1.2-inch on the smaller model) compared to the 965's 1.4-inch display.
• 👆 Both have touchscreens, but the 570 includes a 'touch lock' feature for added convenience.

Smartwatch Features and Connectivity

• 📞 A significant difference is the 570's built-in speaker and microphone, enabling taking calls, using voice assistants, and voice commands.
• 🎶 Both watches support onboard music storage for phone-free listening, with the 570 also allowing playback through its built-in speaker.

Health and Fitness Tracking

• ❤️ The 570 utilizes Garmin's latest fifth-generation heart rate sensor, which is generally more accurate, especially during challenging workouts like HIIT and weight training, compared to the 965's fourth-generation sensor.
• 🌡️ The fifth-generation sensor on the 570 also includes a skin temperature sensor for sleep tracking.
• ⚠️ Neither watch has ECG capabilities, which is noted as surprising for the 570 given its advanced sensor.
• 🔋 The 965 offers significantly longer battery life (up to 23 days in smartwatch mode) compared to the 570 (10-11 days), with both experiencing reduced battery life when the always-on display is enabled.

Software and Navigation

• 🗺️ The 965's standout feature is its full offline topographical maps with street and trail information, enabling on-demand routing and turn-by-turn directions.
• 🧭 The 570 offers 'breadcrumb' style navigation, showing a trail of where you've been but lacking the underlying map data for detailed routing.
• 🌄 The 965 also includes ski maps, while the 570 has a more organized interface with refreshed sport profile and app lists, including new 'Evening Report' and 'Morning Report' features.

Advanced Training and Connectivity

• 📊 Both watches share many training metrics like Training Status and Training Readiness, but the 965 offers advanced cycling dynamics and features like Strava Live Segments, Power Guide, and ClimbPro.
• 📡 The 965 supports a wider range of external sensors, including Garmin's inReach devices and action cameras.
• 🚀 Both feature dual-band satellite chipsets for accurate GPS tracking.

Key Differentiators and Conclusion

• 🔊 The 570's primary advantage is its speaker and microphone, enhancing smartwatch functionality and phone integration.
• 📍 The 965's key differentiator is its offline mapping capability, making it more suited for outdoor navigation.
• ⏳ Considering the 965 is a two-year-old model, it may be two years behind on future software updates compared to the newer 570.