Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Garmin Venu 3 Smartwatch

Buy the Forerunner 970 if you train for races and want multi-band GPS, full-color maps, a titanium case with sapphire lens, and a built-in flashlight. Buy the Venu 3 if you want an everyday health watch with speaker and microphone for calls, an ECG app, and a sleep coach. The 970 is the more rugged, running-focused tool; the Venu 3 is the friendlier all-day watch. Owners rate both highly, with the 970 slightly ahead on rating and the Venu 3 ahead on review volume.

• Choose the Forerunner 970 if you run or race and need accurate multi-band GPS, on-watch color maps, and a sapphire-and-titanium build that survives hard training.
• Choose the Venu 3 if you want one watch for daily health tracking, wrist calls, an ECG app, and sleep coaching rather than race-day navigation.