Our verdict
A polished advanced training watch with excellent GPS, two sizes and strong coaching tools, but its price sits uncomfortably close to discounted mapped flagships.
What we like
- Bright AMOLED display
- Two case sizes and colourful designs
- Multi-band GPS with SatIQ
- Speaker, microphone and music storage
- Excellent training readiness and triathlon coaching
What to consider
- No onboard maps
- High $999 AUD launch price
- Battery is shorter than older 265/965 models
- Aluminium bezel rather than titanium
Image credit: Garmin (official product imagery, used for editorial review purposes).
Charles Summer’s review note: This is an independent editorial assessment based on Garmin’s published specifications, independent field reviews and attributed owner reports. Running Watches has not claimed a laboratory or long-term hands-on test.
Charles Summer’s take
The Forerunner 570 is the range’s serious training watch for runners who want modern hardware but do not need onboard maps. It is quick, readable and lighter than many lifestyle smartwatches. The question is value: its $999 AUD launch price puts it against discounted premium models that do include mapping.
Fit and controls
Garmin offers 42 mm and 47 mm sizes, weighing 42 g and 50 g. That choice is important for smaller wrists and sleep comfort. The AMOLED display is exceptionally bright, surrounded by an aluminium bezel, and the five buttons let you run every important function without relying on touch. A speaker and microphone add calls and voice commands when paired with a phone.
Training features
The 570 brings training readiness, training status, wrist-based running power and dynamics, acute load, VO2 max, daily suggested workouts and adaptive Garmin Coach plans. Triathlon Coach and custom multisport workouts broaden its use beyond pure running. Auto lap by timing gates and projected race time are small but intelligent race-day refinements.
GPS, navigation and battery
Multi-band GPS and SatIQ are the technical strengths. SatIQ can shift positioning modes to preserve battery without forcing the runner to manage satellites mid-session. What you do not get is the 970’s full-colour mapping and dynamic round-trip routing. Breadcrumb courses are useful, but runners who explore unfamiliar trails should understand the difference.
Official figures are up to 10 days in smartwatch mode for the 42 mm and 11 days for the 47 mm. Garmin’s manual lists up to 18 hours in GPS-only mode, with multi-band figures of 13 to 14 hours. That covers marathons and most training weeks, but it is not the model to choose for very long ultras.
Verdict
The 570 is technically excellent and particularly good for athletes who want two sizes, newer sensors and multisport coaching. At full RRP, however, compare it carefully with sale-priced 965 stock. Maps and longer battery may be worth choosing the older flagship.
Sources
- Garmin Forerunner 570 product page
- Garmin 570/970 announcement and AU pricing
- Garmin Forerunner 570 owner’s manual and battery table
Read our Editorial Policy and Affiliate Disclosure. Compare this model with the current best running watches in Australia guide.
