Garmin Forerunner 570 Review: The Best Mid-Range Triathlon GPS Watch?
The Garmin Forerunner 570 is the latest mid-range entry in Garmin’s most popular running watch line, sitting between the entry-level 265 and the flagship 970. Launched in early 2026, it brings an AMOLED display, dual-frequency GPS, and a comprehensive triathlon mode to a price point that makes it accessible to a wide range of athletes looking for a capable everyday training and racing tool.
Key Features to Consider
- AMOLED Display — Crisp, high-resolution screen with excellent readability in all conditions, including bright sunlight during outdoor training and racing.
- Dual-Frequency GPS — Multi-band satellite tracking captures accurate position data in challenging environments: under tree canopy, near buildings, and on technical course sections where single-band GPS often struggles.
- Battery Life — Up to 18 hours GPS battery life in standard mode, sufficient for long-course triathlons and ultra endurance events. Battery life reduces with AMOLED always-on enabled alongside multi-band GPS.
- Triathlon Mode — Dedicated multisport mode covers swim, bike, and run with auto-transition detection. Captures swim stroke rate, SWOLF score, pool lengths, and pace per 100m.
- Training Readiness and Recovery — Garmin’s training load and body battery metrics help you plan harder sessions around adequate recovery — a critical advantage for triathletes managing high training volumes across three disciplines.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 570 (47mm)
The 47mm Forerunner 570 is the standout choice for most triathletes. The larger case provides a bigger display — ideal for reading data at a glance while cycling or running — and accommodates a larger battery for extended battery life. If you are training for Olympic or 70.3 distance events, this is the version to prioritise. AMOLED display, dual-band GPS, and full multisport mode make it a complete training and racing tool.
Best Value: Garmin Forerunner 570 (42mm)
The 42mm variant is a better fit for smaller wrists and comes in at a lower price point. It carries the same core features as the 47mm — AMOLED display, dual-frequency GPS, and full triathlon mode — with slightly reduced battery life. If you find the larger case uncomfortable during the swim leg, the 42mm delivers the same functionality in a more compact package.
Premium Upgrade: Garmin Forerunner 970
If budget is less of a concern, the Forerunner 970 adds a larger display, extended battery life, and additional training metrics including advanced running dynamics and expanded multisport analysis. For full IRONMAN racing where battery life is a genuine concern through a 10-15 hour event, the 970 is worth the step up. See our full Forerunner 970 review for a detailed side-by-side comparison.
Buying Tips
- Choose the 47mm if your wrist circumference is over 170mm and you prioritise battery life and display size over compactness during the swim.
- The 570 is primarily a training watch rather than a pure racing watch. If you want the lightest possible option for race day, some athletes prefer a lightweight racing watch for racing and the 570 for training.
- Check Garmin’s official UK site for bundle deals including extra bands, which are typically available at launch pricing before settling at standard retail.
Care and Maintenance
Rinse the Forerunner 570 with fresh water after open water swims or exposure to salt water to prevent corrosion of the charging contacts. Charge regularly — avoiding full discharge extends long-term battery capacity. Store the watch at room temperature and avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure during storage.
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