Compare Garmin Forerunner 570 vs Google Pixel Watch 3

P1 Garmin Forerunner 570
P2 Google Pixel Watch 3

Comparison Takeaways

Garmin Forerunner 570

Where It Has the Edge

  • cross-platform compatibility is 4.1 vs 2.5. Cross-platform use is solid for notifications on Android and iPhone, but iPhone reply limitations keep it short of...
  • durability is 4.5 vs 2.9. Durability evidence is mostly positive, with bezels, bands, water use, and glass holding up well, though one review...
  • GPS accuracy is 4.7 vs 3.2. GPS accuracy is one of the strongest attributes, with reviewers repeatedly calling tracks excellent, flawless, near-perfect, or among...
  • band quality is 4.4 vs 3.2. The silicone/translucent bands are generally praised for softness, fit, sweat comfort, and durability, with one reviewer noting a...

Google Pixel Watch 3

Where It Has the Edge

  • ECG functionality is 4.4 vs 1.0. ECG is present as part of the health suite, but reviewers tended to mention it alongside other sensors...
  • LTE connectivity is 4.0 vs 1.1. LTE is available but typically framed as an optional paid upgrade rather than a transformative feature.
  • reliability is 4.5 vs 2.3. Reliability was strongest around battery consistency and stable software, though GPS and durability kept it from being flawless.
  • mapping and navigation is 3.9 vs 2.2. Offline Google Maps improved navigation utility, but workout-integrated navigation still lagged specialized sports watches.
Average score
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.0
Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2
activity auto-detection
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.0

Reviewers noted helpful race/activity automation, especially AutoLap timing gates and finish-line cleanup, but evidence is narrow rather than a broad auto-detection theme.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2

Auto-detection was usually praised for reliable workout or bedtime recognition, though one reviewer said it missed training sessions.

app ecosystem
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.2

Garmin's app ecosystem is useful through Connect IQ and watchface downloads, though reviewers repeatedly describe it as more limited than Apple or Wear OS.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.6

Reviewers liked Wear OS app availability and found the platform close enough to mature smartwatch ecosystems for most users.

band quality
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.4

The silicone/translucent bands are generally praised for softness, fit, sweat comfort, and durability, with one reviewer noting a strap tail/bump annoyance.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.2

The default band could be comfortable, but reviewers disliked the proprietary connector, strap mechanism, and 45mm band reset.

battery life
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
3.3

Battery life is divisive: still far better than mainstream smartwatches for some users, but several reviewers saw a drop from the 265 and short always-on endurance.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.3

Battery life was a consistent improvement, especially on 45mm models, generally landing between a full day and close to two days.

blood oxygen tracking
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.0

Blood oxygen tracking is present and used in overnight health tracking, but reviewers mention it as part of the health suite rather than a standout accuracy feature.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.0

Blood oxygen data appears as part of the health metrics stack, but reviewers discussed it as one metric rather than a headline strength.

Bluetooth connectivity
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
3.6

Bluetooth supports calls and pairing with phones/sensors, but one reviewer reported frequent phone disconnect notices, making connectivity evidence mixed.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Bluetooth was viewed positively for upgraded specs and stable phone pairing, with some ecosystem unlocking benefits tied to connectivity.

brightness
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.7

Brightness is one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers calling the AMOLED screen brighter, vivid, and among Garmin's brightest.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Brightness drew strong praise after the jump to 2,000 nits and better sunlight readability.

build quality
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.4

Build quality is viewed positively thanks to a robust-feeling case and upgraded aluminum bezel, with no major build concerns outside price-tier omissions.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Build quality felt refined and premium, though ruggedness concerns remain separate from the basic construction impression.

button controls
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.6

The five-button setup is repeatedly praised for sweaty, rainy, gloved, and swimming use, while also complementing the touchscreen well.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

The crown and side buttons were generally responsive, with reviewers appreciating the haptic crown and physical controls.

call handling
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.2

Call handling is a solid new smartwatch feature via microphone, speaker, and Bluetooth, though reviewers usually treat it as handy rather than essential.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2

Call features were useful, especially Ask to Hold and watch-based call handling, with Pixel phone integration adding value.

calorie tracking usefulness
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.0

Calorie tracking is available and tied into activity details, including pack-weight calculations, but reviewers do not deeply validate calorie accuracy.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.0

Calorie tracking was treated as useful for general fitness context, not as a dedicated precision tool.

charging convenience
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
3.7

Charging convenience is acceptable but not premium: Garmin's connector is functional and fast enough, yet the lack of wireless charging is a recurring caveat.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.3

Charging convenience was mixed: the puck could be secure and useful for quick top-ups, but some found accessory options or cable behavior limiting.

charging speed
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.4

Charging speed receives positive user evidence, with one long-term reviewer saying it can recharge during a morning shower.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Charging speed improved meaningfully, with multiple reviewers noting fast partial top-ups and shorter full-charge times.

coaching features
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.4

Coaching features are a major strength, including Garmin Coach, triathlon plans, daily workout suggestions, and adaptive training guidance.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Coaching improved substantially through custom runs, voice cues, Cardio Load, and AI-style suggestions, though it still leans runner-first.

comfort
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.4

Comfort is broadly strong, with reviewers calling it light and wearable all day; only larger-size sleep comfort and strap buckle issues temper the praise.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.6

Comfort was a recurring strength, with reviewers finding both the strap and larger model wearable day and night.

companion app quality
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.2

Garmin Connect is powerful and data-rich, though one reviewer notes its learning curve and depth can feel overwhelming.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

The Fitbit app and data presentation were repeatedly praised for clarity and explanation, though Premium still complicates the value.

contactless payments
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.4

Contactless payment support is confirmed through NFC payments, but reviewers mention it briefly rather than as a major buying reason.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Contactless payments are well supported through Google Wallet or Google Pay and treated as a normal smartwatch strength.

cross-platform compatibility
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.1

Cross-platform use is solid for notifications on Android and iPhone, but iPhone reply limitations keep it short of Apple Watch-level integration.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
2.5

Compatibility is good across Android phones but limited by no iPhone support and a few Pixel-exclusive features.

customization options
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.4

Customization is strong across watchfaces, widgets, data fields, layouts, colors, and report options, with several reviewers highlighting personalization.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.7

Customization is decent for watch faces, tiles, and runs, but sport data screens and non-running workouts remain constrained.

display quality
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.7

Display quality is a standout: the AMOLED panel is sharp, vivid, responsive, and frequently cited as a major upgrade.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Display quality was one of the strongest upgrades thanks to bigger screens, slimmer bezels, sharper visuals, and more usable space.

durability
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.5

Durability evidence is mostly positive, with bezels, bands, water use, and glass holding up well, though one review noted small scratches or heat-related unresponsiveness.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
2.9

Durability was a repeated caveat because Gorilla Glass and the domed design lack the rugged protections of some rivals.

ECG functionality
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
1.0

ECG functionality is the clearest omission: many reviewers criticize the lack of ECG despite the newer heart-rate sensor and the price.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

ECG is present as part of the health suite, but reviewers tended to mention it alongside other sensors rather than testing it deeply.

fit
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.5

Fit is praised for secure, no-bounce wear and useful size options, particularly for smaller wrists.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Fit was praised through the flush case, comfortable underside, and wearable larger size.

fitness tracking accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.6

Fitness tracking accuracy is strong overall, anchored by consistently praised GPS and heart-rate performance across running, cycling, and multisport use.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Fitness tracking accuracy was generally strong for workouts and heart-rate-based exercise logging, especially for casual and mainstream use.

GPS accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.7

GPS accuracy is one of the strongest attributes, with reviewers repeatedly calling tracks excellent, flawless, near-perfect, or among the best tested.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.2

GPS opinions were mixed to negative: lock-on and casual tracking could be fine, but precision lagged behind stronger sports watches.

health tracking accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.3

Health tracking is broad and useful, covering heart rate, sleep, stress, skin temperature, respiration, and wellness metrics, but some illness/sleep limitations appear.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.8

Health tracking accuracy was praised when compared with Apple Watch, Fitbit expectations, and reviewer lived experience.

heart rate accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.5

Heart-rate accuracy is highly rated across most reviews, especially for running and intervals, though lab-style testing found some delays and dips.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.6

Heart rate accuracy was a standout, with several reviewers finding it close to chest straps or leading wearables.

LTE connectivity
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
1.1

LTE connectivity is not offered; reviewers explicitly note the lack of cellular connection or cellular smartwatch capability.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.0

LTE is available but typically framed as an optional paid upgrade rather than a transformative feature.

mapping and navigation
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
2.2

Navigation is the biggest tradeoff: breadcrumb routing works, but the absence of offline/topographic maps is repeatedly criticized at this price.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.9

Offline Google Maps improved navigation utility, but workout-integrated navigation still lagged specialized sports watches.

materials quality
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.4

Materials quality improves over the 265 with an aluminum bezel and Gorilla Glass, giving the watch a more premium feel.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Materials felt premium with aluminum cases and curved Gorilla Glass, though the absence of sapphire limited rugged confidence.

menu navigation
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.5

Menu navigation is mostly intuitive and easy, supported by buttons, touchscreen, Glances, and refreshed menus, though phantom clicks hurt one review.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2

Menu navigation improved with the grid launcher and intuitive controls, but some Wear OS screens still required extra scrolling.

music controls
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.0

Music controls are available alongside notifications and calendar previews, but reviewer evidence is brief.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2

Music controls and media access were useful, including workout-screen controls and phone or streaming-player control.

onboard music storage
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.1

Onboard music storage is supported through 8GB storage, MP3s, and streaming-service syncing, giving it better music capability than many sports watches.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2

Onboard storage helps with offline maps and music, making phone-free runs more practical.

operating system experience
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.0

The updated operating-system experience is cleaner and more modern, with Garmin aligning the 570 with newer Fenix/Forerunner UI styling.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Wear OS was usually described as smooth, polished, and increasingly mature, especially in Google’s own ecosystem.

outdoor visibility
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.9

Outdoor visibility is excellent, with reviewers praising sunlight readability and the bright AMOLED display in harsh outdoor conditions.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
5.0

Outdoor visibility was very strong thanks to the 2,000-nit display and better sunlight readability.

pairing reliability
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
3.6

Pairing and syncing are mixed: some reviewers found smooth iPhone/Strava syncing, while another saw repeated phone disconnects.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.8

Pairing and setup were reliable in the scored reviews, including easy setup and stable use across Android phones.

recovery insights
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.6

Recovery insights are a major reason reviewers liked the watch, especially Training Readiness, Body Battery, HRV, and sleep-informed rest guidance.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Recovery guidance improved through Readiness, Target Load, and Cardio Load, giving more actionable daily training context.

reliability
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
2.3

Reliability is mixed: core tracking is reliable, but reviewers cite occasional crashes, overheating unresponsiveness, software bugs, and phantom clicks.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Reliability was strongest around battery consistency and stable software, though GPS and durability kept it from being flawless.

safety features
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.3

Safety features are solid, with LiveTrack, Incident Detection, and safety/tracking features mentioned as part of the package.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.8

Safety features were robust, including fall detection, emergency calls, check-in tools, and loss-of-pulse detection.

size options
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.5

Size options are a strength because the 570 comes in 42mm and 47mm, making it more accessible than single-size Garmin alternatives.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.7

The new 45mm option was one of the most agreed-upon wins, broadening appeal and improving screen and battery life.

sleep tracking accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
3.3

Sleep tracking is useful but not class-leading; some found it reasonably accurate while others called it less robust or less complete than competitors.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.2

Sleep tracking was generally viewed as accurate or useful for timing and sleep context, though not always deeply insightful.

smartphone notifications
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
3.1

Smartphone notifications work, but evidence is mixed because one reviewer found notification handling intrusive during workouts.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.6

Notifications were a core strength, with prompt delivery and enough wrist interaction to reduce phone use.

smartwatch features
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.1

Smartwatch features improved meaningfully with mic, speaker, calls, voice commands, music, NFC, reports, and notifications, though it is not a full smartwatch.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.6

Smartwatch features were broad, including Google app integrations, smart home control, Recorder, TV remote, Wallet, and safety tools.

software smoothness
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.5

Software smoothness is generally positive, with reviewers describing the interface as polished, faster, and modern, but not bug-free.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.7

Software smoothness was highly rated, with reviewers noting snappy app loading, no perceptible lag, or no stutters.

step counting accuracy
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.3

Step counting appears accurate in direct step tests and is part of the daily tracking suite.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.5

Step counting tested very accurately in one review and reasonably close in another.

stress tracking
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.4

Stress tracking feeds into readiness and wellness guidance, giving it practical value for recovery decisions.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.6

Stress tracking was useful for some, especially cEDA responsiveness, but other reviewers found the explanations less actionable.

style and design
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.5

Style and design are a standout upgrade, with reviewers praising the colorful, expressive, more premium look.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.7

Style and design were a major strength, with repeated praise for the pebble-like, elegant, distinctive look.

third-party app support
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
3.5

Third-party app support exists through Connect IQ, but reviewers view Garmin's store as useful yet limited versus full smartwatch platforms.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.2

Third-party support was good for apps, but external sensor pairing and some data export workflows were limiting.

touchscreen responsiveness
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.6

Touchscreen responsiveness is widely praised as responsive, fast, and useful, especially alongside the physical buttons.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.6

Touch input was responsive in normal use, though sweat or water could make it less dependable.

user interface
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.2

The user interface is cleaner and easier to navigate than before, though Garmin's learning curve and rare menu quirks remain.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.7

The interface was clean and straightforward overall, despite some round-screen inefficiencies and sparse layouts.

value for money
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
2.6

Value for money is the most common concern: reviewers like the watch but repeatedly say the price is high versus the 265, 965, 970, and rivals.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.3

Value was mixed: reviewers liked the watch but cited high pricing, cheaper alternatives, or weak upgrade need.

voice assistant quality
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.1

Voice assistant and command quality is good for watch tasks and commands, while phone-assistant workflows can be clunky or dependent on the phone.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.8

Google Assistant worked well for some tasks, but the lack of Gemini and awkward voice experiences limited enthusiasm.

watch face quality
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.5

Watch face quality is strong thanks to customization and readable data layouts, with reviewers highlighting clean default faces and useful widgets.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
3.6

Watch faces were mixed, with some reviewers liking Active but others wanting more variety and better defaults.

water resistance
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.4

Water resistance is well supported for swimming and real-world water exposure, including pools, lakes, ocean use, and a 5ATM rating.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.3

Water resistance was consistently supported through IP68 and 5ATM claims, suitable for showers and swimming contexts.

wellness insights
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.5

Wellness insights are deep and actionable, especially Body Battery, readiness, stress, sleep, and recovery metrics that shape daily decisions.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.4

Wellness insights improved through Morning Brief, Readiness, Cardio Load, and Fitbit health summaries.

Wi-Fi connectivity
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
No score yet
Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.3

Wi-Fi connectivity improved through faster 5GHz support and was referenced as part of stable daily connectivity.

workout tracking variety
Product 1: Garmin Forerunner 570
4.6

Workout tracking variety is excellent, with triathlon/multisport support, many sport modes, open-water swimming, gym profiles, and new activity types.

Product 2: Google Pixel Watch 3
4.0

Workout variety is broad enough for casual users, but reviewers repeatedly noted the strongest new tools favor runners.