Garmin Venu 4 vs. Garmin Forerunner 570: Which sports watch should you get?

When the Garmin Venu 4 launched in September 2025, it immediately struck me how similar it was to the Garmin Forerunner 570. The two watches share all the same sports tracking and training analysis features, are a similar size and weight, and cost the same.

There are a couple of telling differences between the two Garmin watches, though, and most of these run in favor of the Venu 4, which features the notable extra of a built-in flashlight in particular.

While some will value the extra buttons on the Forerunner 570, which makes it easier to control during workouts and especially when swimming, after testing both watches, I’d say the Venu 4 is the better option for most people.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Garmin Forerunner 570: price and availability

Both watches come in two sizes — there are 42mm and 47mm models of the Garmin Forerunner 570, and 41mm and 45mm models of the Garmin Venu 4. Both sizes cost the same with each watch, and the Venu 4 and Forerunner 570 share the same price of $549.

There are three colors of each size of the Forerunner 570 — black, light blue, and raspberry for the 42mm watch, and black, purple, and yellow/blue for the 47mm model. The smaller 41mm Venu 4 comes in gold, silver, or black, while the bigger 45mm watch only comes in silver or black.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Garmin Forerunner 570: specs

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Garmin Forerunner 570: design

The most important differences between the Forerunner 570 and Venu 4 are found in their designs. Both watches are similar in size and weight — the Forerunner 570 is a little larger and heavier, but I didn’t notice this on the wrist — but the Venu 4 has more metal on its case and only two buttons to the Forerunner 570’s five.

They have the same size AMOLED display — 1.2in on the smaller models and 1.4 on the larger ones — but the Venu 4 has smaller bezels around the screen. It has a sleeker look in general, thanks to having fewer buttons and more metal on its case, and looks more like a smartwatch than the sportier Forerunner 570.

The Forerunner 570 does come in brighter colors, though, and I love the look of the yellow and blue watch, as well as the raspberry option. It’s more fun and distinctive than the usual Garmin style, and having five buttons makes it easier to control when your fingers are wet or sweaty, or when wearing gloves.

Perhaps the biggest difference in design is the built-in flashlight on the Venu 4, which is extremely handy to have on your wrist. Garmin has added a flashlight to most of the new watches it’s launched this year, but the Forerunner 570 missed out.

Otherwise, the key elements of the design are the same across both watches, which have the same 5 ATM waterproof rating and sensors on board.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Garmin Forerunner 570: sports tracking

In the past, the Garmin Venu line has lacked many of the sports features you get on Forerunner watches, but that’s no longer the case with the Venu 4, which has all the same tracking and analysis tools you get on the Forerunner 570.

Both have been impressively accurate throughout my testing as well, producing accurate GPS on all my runs.

The heart rate tracking has been a little less impressive on the Venu 4 than on the Forerunner 570 for me, but since they have the same sensor, this is likely just down to random variation. With both watches, I'd pair a chest strap for more reliable results.

However, the extra buttons on the Forerunner 570 do make it a little easier to control during workouts, for me, most notably when outdoors in the rain or wearing gloves, when trying to use the touchscreen on the Venu 4 is trickier.

If you’re a swimmer in particular, the extra buttons on the Forerunner 570 will be invaluable if you want to scan through data screens during your training.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Garmin Forerunner 570: battery life

While the listed battery life of both watches is quite similar, it’s worth noting that the smaller Forerunner 570 lasts slightly longer on a charge than the smaller Venu 4, and the larger Venu 4 slightly outlasts the larger Forerunner 570.

During my testing, I had the displays set to always-on with both watches and the GPS in the most power-intensive multi-band for outdoor activities. The 47mm Forerunner 570 and 45mm Venu 4 both usually lasted me four to six days, depending on how much time I was running outdoors.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Garmin Forerunner 570: health tracking

The Venu 4 has a few extra health features compared with the Forerunner 570, most notably the ability to take ECG measurements.

It also has on-watch widgets for Garmin’s new lifestyle logging and health status features. Forerunner 570 owners can use these features in the Garmin Connect app, and a future update might bring the widgets to the watch, but for now, you can’t use the features on the watch itself.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Garmin Forerunner 570: verdict

While the Forerunner name and five-button design will ensure the 570 still has a lot of appeal for keen athletes, I do think the Venu 4 is the better buy of these two watches, even as a marathoner myself.

I love having a flashlight on my watch, and while having to use a touchscreen instead of buttons was an occasional annoyance for me during workouts, it’s worth it for the flashlight.

The other key deciding factor will be which design you prefer in terms of aesthetics. I’m undecided on this one because I like the bright colors you get on the Forerunner 570 range, but the Venu 4 does have a more premium look, and is slightly smaller and lighter.

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