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Garmin Forerunner Black Friday 2026 UK: Which Running Watch?
Garmin Forerunner running watches for Black Friday 2026 in the UK: how the model numbers work, screen types, music, and how to check a listing.
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The Garmin Forerunner for Black Friday 2026 in the UK is best chosen by tier and year. The 970 and 965 are the map-equipped flagships, the 570 and 265 are mid-range training watches, and the 2026 Forerunner 70 and 170 are the newest entry models for people starting to run. Every Forerunner from 2023 onwards has an AMOLED screen.
The tiers, newest first
Garmin has kept the hundreds digit as a rough guide to where a Forerunner sits, so compare the year as well as the number.
Flagships. The Forerunner 970 (2025) is 47 mm only, with an LED torch, full-colour maps, a sapphire lens, a titanium bezel and up to 15 days in smartwatch mode. The 965 (2023) is also 47 mm, with a 1.4-inch screen, maps and a titanium bezel, rated for up to 23 days.
Mid-range. The Forerunner 570 (2025) comes in 42 or 47 mm with an aluminium bezel, music storage and up to 11 days. The 265 (2023) comes as the 46 mm 265 and the 42 mm 265S.
Entry. The Forerunner 70 and 170 arrived in May 2026 with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen and five buttons. The 170 adds Garmin Pay and the 170 Music adds music downloads. Older entry models, such as the Forerunner 165 from 2024 and the 55 from 2021, are still around.
The fēnix line and the brand background are on the Garmin Black Friday UK guide.
Garmin Forerunner watches to compare
The model number is the main thing to match, such as Forerunner 165 or 265. Check the case size and whether it is the Music version, then look for the charging cable in the photos.
Live listings, shown by eBay
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Screen, size and battery
The 265 and 965 brought AMOLED to the Forerunner line in 2023. Garmin describes the 570 and 970 screens as its brightest AMOLED so far. The 55 came before that change, so check its product page for the screen type if you are comparing it.
Case size changes more than fit. On the 265 pair, the smaller 265S is rated for up to 15 days against 13 for the 46 mm model. Among the 2026 entry watches, the 70 outlasts the 170, up to 13 days against 10.
| What to check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Model and suffix | 265 or 265S, 170 or 170 Music: each is a different watch |
| Case size in mm | 42, 46 or 47 mm on the mid and top tiers |
| Maps | Full-colour maps on the 965 and 970 |
| Music | Built into the 570; a separate Music edition on the 170 |
| Torch | On the 970; check the product page for other models |
If you want a tougher watch for hill walking and long days out, compare the Garmin fēnix UK guide.
Checking a listing before you buy
Read the title for the full model name and the generation, because a 965 and a 970 look much alike in photos. Confirm the case size in millimetres and that the charging cable is included. On a used or refurbished watch, ask about the lens, the screen and how the battery holds up, and check that the seller has removed it from their Garmin account. If Garmin Pay matters to you, check that your UK bank supports it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Forerunner 70 and 170?
Both are 2026 entry models with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen and five buttons. The 70 is rated for up to 13 days, the 170 for up to 10 days and adds Garmin Pay, and the 170 Music adds music downloads, which need a subscription to a music service.
Should I pick the Forerunner 965 or 970?
Both are 47 mm flagships with full-colour maps and titanium bezels. The 970 is newer, from 2025, and has an LED torch and a sapphire lens. The 965 is rated for longer battery, up to 23 days against 15.
Sources
Part of our guide to Garmin Black Friday 2026 UK: Forerunner and fēnix Watches.