Garmin’s Approach: The Limitations of Mid-Tier Watches Such as the Forerunner 570
Garmin has established itself as a leading player in the fitness wearable sector, providing an extensive array of GPS-enabled smartwatches suitable for runners, cyclists, swimmers, and outdoor enthusiasts. However, as the company unveils new models like the Forerunner 570 and 970, a notable trend has become apparent: Garmin is intentionally limiting features in its mid-tier watches to ensure a clear distinction between them and its high-end models. While this may be a smart business decision, it increasingly disappoints consumers, particularly as prices escalate.
The Forerunner Series: A Story of Two Watches
The Forerunner 570 and 970 are the newest entries in Garmin’s sought-after running series. The 970, retailing at $749, boasts an array of high-end features: the latest Elevate v5 heart rate sensor, ECG functionality, skin temperature monitoring, a built-in flashlight, microphone and speaker for making calls and issuing voice commands, and sapphire crystal protection. Additionally, it introduces novel training metrics such as running tolerance.
In contrast, the Forerunner 570, priced at a hefty $549, is missing several key features — most notably offline maps and ECG functionality — despite having the hardware to support them. It offers the same advanced heart rate sensor and skin temperature monitoring, but Garmin has conspicuously created a divide to ensure the 970 remains more attractive.
Artificial Feature Restrictions
This approach isn’t new for Garmin. The company has a history of withholding features from its lower-tier models, even when the hardware is capable of supporting them. For instance, the budget-friendly Forerunner 165 tracks training load in the background but doesn’t show it to users. That information is only accessible on the pricier Forerunner 265, effectively transforming a software option into a $200 upsell.
Likewise, the Instinct 3, branded as an adventure watch, lacks offline maps — a feature available on less expensive rivals such as the COROS PACE Pro and Suunto Race S. Garmin’s rationale? The Instinct 3 focuses on battery life and utilizes a lightweight CPU. However, when the Forerunner 570, equipped with sufficient storage and processing capability, also lacks offline maps, the justification shifts from technical limitations to marketing strategy.
The Cost of Progress
Garmin’s pricing strategy mirrors a wider industry trend: each new feature or hardware advancement incurs a price increase. Transitioning from MIP (memory-in-pixel) to AMOLED displays raised the cost of Forerunner and Instinct models by $50–$100. The Fenix 8, which introduced AMOLED technology, enhanced sensors, and voice functionalities, experienced a $200 price hike.
Even features that are becoming commonplace in the industry — such as dual-band GPS, ECGs, and offline maps — are secured behind Garmin’s higher price brackets. You won’t find dual-band GPS on any Garmin watch priced below $300, and offline maps remain exclusive to models above $600.
This strategy contrasts with competitors like Apple and Samsung, who frequently embed flagship features in their base models to remain competitive. Garmin, on the contrary, seems to be solely competing with its own lineup.
Why Garmin’s Strategy Works
Despite the backlash, Garmin’s approach continues to succeed — at least for now. The brand has developed a devoted user base that is heavily invested in its ecosystem. Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts depend on Garmin’s rich data analytics, prolonged battery life, and sturdy hardware. Switching to another brand often entails forfeiting some of those advantages.
Garmin is also aware that its customers are prepared to pay a premium for the newest features. As it rolls out subscription services like Garmin Connect+ and as watch prices rise, many users opt for upgrades rather than changing brands.
The Discontent of Mid-Tier Consumers
For those considering the Forerunner 570, the frustration is tangible. At $549, it’s far from a budget-friendly option — it costs more than an Apple Watch Series 9 or Galaxy Watch 6. Yet it lacks features that are standard on those devices and even on more affordable Garmin models at times.
The lack of offline maps and ECG capabilities on the 570 appears less like a limitation and more like a marketing tactic aimed at steering consumers towards the 970. As Garmin continues to segment its product offerings more aggressively, mid-tier consumers are left questioning whether they are receiving genuine value for their investment.
The Conclusion
Garmin’s strategy of limiting features to bolster its flagship models is unlikely to alter in the near future. The company has signaled that every new feature — whether hardware or software — will come attached to a price tag. For consumers, this translates to the need to carefully assess the cost of each upgrade and determine if the extra features justify the additional expense.
In the meantime, savvy shoppers might discover better value in previous-generation models like the Forerunner.
