Every time Garmin releases a new model we find ourselves looking longingly at the shiny toy and simultaneously wondering is it worth the extra price? The Garmin 265 has been a stand out for us, but appears to be replaced by the 570 so here’s what you need to know.
While gear testing makes it easy for us to always upgrade to the latest and greatest, for the last year+ I’ve been running with the Garmin 265.
I found that while other models had more features, it really did exactly what I wanted and I didn’t need all the extras. I love the AMOLED screen, the altimeter, the customization, the sleep data, the ease of use.
Thus I was surprised to find the 265 is still on their website, but not in the main list of watches as it’s being phased out. I believe this is because they’re trying to create more differentiation in the Garmin running watch line up.
Garmin 570 vs Garmin 265 Key Differences
Let’s start by recognizing that the Garmin line up is changing. The 265 is going away as they try to create very clear categories of watches so I want to give you an initial comparison of the two, but I’ll do an additional comparison to the 165 below as that model remains available and is the next tier down in Forerunner.
Here’s what the Garmin line up looks like now:
- Forerunner 55 entry level only option without the AMOLED display
- Forerunner 165 better display a few more training features, nice beginner watch
- Forerunner 570 is considered an advanced watch (the only one in that category now)
- Foreunner 970 ideal for triathlons
- Fenix 8 great for every bell and whistle
- Enduro 3 ideal for trail ultrarunning
Quick Differences Garmin 265 vs 570
Many of the features are the same from the incredible AMOLED display to the workout features to the availability in an S model for smaller wrists. Here is where the differences show up:
- 570 built in speaker to take calls
- 570 allows you to dial and make calls
- 570 allows you to control the watch with voice commands
- 265 has a better battery life all around – up to 15 days smartwatch mode to 10 days for the 570
- 265 is lighter, but 570 has slightly larger display
- 570 offers more multisport, outdoor sport, water, golf and snow tracking options
- Golf is a very well built out featured tool for those who play
The Garmin Forerunner 570 is a fantastic watch for athletes who are very active beyound running. Particularly those who golf as it has some very specific features or those who do mountaineering, skiing or team sports. If you want specific tools to track those activities, then the 570 is built for you.
Garmin Forerunner 570 Review
All right now that we’ve talked about the general differences, let’s dive more deeply in to the watch. Having tested a LOT of Garmin running watches over the last 10 years some feel like a massive leap forward (i.e. the 55 to the 265 screen is WOW) and others feel a bit confusing.
In fact, a lot of their watches started to feel incredibly similar and I’m having a bit of deja vu again here.
The 570 is listed as an advanced watch. What I’d really call it is a watch that allows you to take phone calls and play golf or track really specific multisport activities…and that my friends is the extra $100.
However, since it appears they are phasing out the Garmin 265 (currently marked down to $399), it’s actually a jump from the 165 at $249…thus it’s $300 more. And yet of course it’s also $300 less than ramping up to the elite level Garmin Fenix.
My biggest complaint will remain the battery life. Turns out the first model I received actually had a manufacturer issue. The second is clearly better, but still went from 100% to 85% in the span of roughly 24 hours which included only a 1 hour GPS run outside without any music.
Common Features on All Garmin Watches
I’ve already told you I love the Garmin 265 and what you’re going to find on the 570 are all the standard features you would expect!
- Cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation
- VO2Max, training load, running power
- Customizable screens
- Smartphone Notifications
- Water up to 5 ATM
- Breadcrumb navigation
- Sunrise, sunset displays
- Sleep tracking
- Variety of sport tracking options
- Ability to program workouts
- Garmin Pay, Live Track, Safety Track
Phone Calls
This is the feature causing the biggest jump in price. One of the reasons a lot of you like your Apple watch is being able to take or answer a phone call and Garmin heard you loud and clear. Coincidentally, now your friends can hear you too from your watch.
I, of course, chose to test this out on my husband who was like why do you keep calling me on your run?! I never call, I run. But on the times he did pick up, I was pretty impressed to realize I could hear him well and he could hear me.
Of course like a lot of headphones, if it’s super windy you’ll want to try to block the microphone for a better quality. And since it’s a small speaker you aren’t taking a long walk while holding your wrist to your mouth, but it gets the job done.
How to place a call from your watch:
- Top right button (yup same as for activities)
- Scroll down the screen to phone
- Choose your contact (it’s going to only have those you have added via Garmin Connect, which are likely your emergency contacts)
- OR you can hit the middle left button (labeled up) to get a dial pad and place a call
- Then you just talk to your watch like you’re a Secret Service Agent
Voice Command
Tired of scrolling around or want to control things on the move. You can indeed talk to your watch with basic commands to start runs, or utilize other features on the watch.
Great so I can set a timer, find my phone, and a variety of other things.
BUT…the watch isn’t just listening all the time. So to use voice command isn’t hands free, you actually need to select if from the activity list and then start talking. Not quite there yet to be a big win for me personally.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 570 Worth the Price?
Honestly, it’s a fantastic watch.
I’ve repeatedly said I love the 265 and this is basically that same watch with a few technical upgrades, so what’s not to love. Well, the price maybe.
The average runner will get everything they need from the Garmin 165 for $249.
For the extra $300 you can opt to get an S model which does fit a smaller wrist better, you’ll get:
- updated tech for phone calls
- the multi-band GPS which is more accurate especially for trail runners
- training status features
- Gorilla Glass and aluminum for better durability
- multisport workouts and coached workouts for cycling, swimming, strength
- more outdoor profiles like rucking, mountaineering, disc golf, golf, mountain biking, paddleboarding, snow sports, team sports
It really comes down to what you need from a watch.
As noted, from here you’re jumping up another $300 to the Fenix to get even more sport options and more durability from the watch.
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