Garmin Fenix 8 vs. Venu X1 vs. Forerunner 970: Key Differences and Buying Guide
DC Rainmaker compared Garmin's Fenix 8 ($999+), Venu X1 ($799), and Forerunner 970 ($749), highlighting that while all three now share identical core software and menu navigation, hardware differences sharply divide them. The Venu X1 features a thin chassis and a 2-inch display, but testing revealed roughly two-day battery life with always-on display enabled, no ECG capability, and only two buttons. Athletes prioritizing battery longevity, physical five-button controls, or water sports like diving are advised to stick with the Fenix 8 or Forerunner 970.
The author finds the three watches broadly similar in software, but says battery life and hardware-specific features are important differentiators; they prefer returning to the Fenix 8 for its battery life.
What the source liked
The article compares more than 234 settings, options, and features across the three watch series.
The author reports similar GPS and optical heart-rate results across the watches in most tested scenarios.
The author says the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 970 handled longer activities better than the Venu X1 in their use.
Trade-offs & limitations
The author reports much shorter battery life for the Venu X1, especially during GPS activities.
The Venu X1 lacks ECG hardware, has two physical buttons, and does not support dual-frequency GNSS, according to the article.
The watches differ in certain sports features, including diving and some golf functions.
Source testing context The author says they used all three watches for extended periods and compared settings and features. They describe GPS and heart-rate use across mountains, dense trees, and urban areas, as well as battery observations during hikes and daily use.
Questions this review helps answer
Which watch does the author say has the longest battery life in their use?
The author reports that the Fenix 8 lasted longer than the Forerunner 970 and Venu X1 in their use.
Which watch includes diving features, according to the article?
The article lists snorkeling, scuba diving, and apnea diving as Fenix 8-only profiles among the three watches.
What does the article say about the Venu X1’s ECG capability?
It says the Venu X1 lacks the hardware required for ECG.
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AI brief
Source-based
A detailed comparison of Garmin’s Fenix 8, Venu X1, and Forerunner 970 smartwatches, covering their hardware, software, sports features, accuracy, and battery life.
Highlights
The watches share many software features, but differ in hardware, sport profiles, and some golf and diving capabilities.
The author reports that the Venu X1 has the largest display but substantially shorter battery life in their use.
The article says the Fenix 8 offers diving features and higher water resistance, while the Forerunner 970 includes some distinct multisport profiles.
Consider before buying
The comparison’s software observations use public beta versions current as of August 6, 2025.
The author reports that the Venu X1 lacks ECG hardware and dual-frequency GNSS.
Product facts & conditions
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