Apple Watch Series 12 vs Garmin Forerunner 970
Critics score the Apple Watch Series 12 87 and the Garmin Forerunner 970 86 out of 100, from 13 and 9 professional reviews. 5 outlets reviewed both: 3 scored the Apple Watch Series 12 higher, 1 scored the Garmin Forerunner 970 higher and 1 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple Watch Series 12 3 points ahead.
Image: AppleApple Watch Series 12
Praised for: health tracking (13 of 13), performance (6 of 13)
Criticised for: battery life (7 of 13), software (2 of 13)
The catch: Battery life is still only about a day.
All 13 reviews of the Apple Watch Series 12 →
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
Image: GarminGarmin Forerunner 970
Praised for: health tracking (6 of 9), display (3 of 9)
Criticised for: price (9 of 9), battery life (5 of 9), software (3 of 9)
The catch: It is very expensive, and battery life is shorter than the 965.
All 9 reviews of the Garmin Forerunner 970 →
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Apple Watch Series 12 | Garmin Forerunner 970 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WIRED | 90 | 80 | +10 |
| Wareable | 89est. | 83est. | +6 |
| TechRadar | 95 | 90 | +5 |
| Trusted Reviews | 90 | 90 | same |
| DC Rainmaker | 74est. | 79est. | -5 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple Watch Series 12 minus the Garmin Forerunner 970. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Compare either one with another smartwatche → · All smartwatches ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Apple Watch Series 12 or the Garmin Forerunner 970?
Critics rate the Apple Watch Series 12 higher: 87 against 86. 5 outlets reviewed both: 3 scored the Apple Watch Series 12 higher, 1 scored the Garmin Forerunner 970 higher and 1 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple Watch Series 12 3 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Garmin Forerunner 970?
The Apple Watch Series 12: broad agreement, scores from 74 to 95. The Garmin Forerunner 970: critics agree, scores from 79 to 90.