Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Garmin Fenix 8

Both are premium Garmin multisport watches with a 1.4-inch AMOLED screen and an LED flashlight. The Forerunner 970 is the lighter, running-first pick with a titanium bezel and sapphire lens, and it is the one to buy if you race on roads and want the toughest glass. The Fenix 8 is the more rugged all-rounder: stainless steel or plastic case, Gorilla Glass, 10 ATM and a 40 m dive rating, plus a speaker and mic for calls. Reviewers rate both highly; the Fenix 8 has far fewer ratings so far, so its edge is less proven.

• Choose the Forerunner 970 if you are a runner or triathlete who wants a light watch with sapphire glass, titanium and running-focused training tools.
• Choose the Fenix 8 if you swim, dive, hike or climb and want a tougher case, 10 ATM water resistance and wrist calls.