Garmin vs Apple Watch Comparison: Features, Fitness & More
In 2023, Apple sold over 38 million watches (Statista). That’s more than the entire Swiss watch industry combined.
Surprised? Most people are. And it tells you something: ‘Smartwatches aren't just accessories anymore; they’re essentials.’ But the real question is… does everyone really want the same one?
The Garmin vs Apple Watch debate isn’t about fashion or brand loyalty. It’s about how you train and how you recover. How much data do you want? Or don’t. Some people want a tracker. Others want a coach. Some need a battery that lasts for days. Others want messages on their wrist.
So ask yourself this: “Do you want something that keeps up with you or something that keeps you connected?” That’s where the difference lies.
Especially if you’re a runner, you’ve probably typed Garmin or Apple Watch for running into Google more than once. You’re not alone. The answer isn’t obvious.
But by the end of this blog, it will be.
What’s the Real Difference Between Garmin and Apple Watches?
Garmin focuses on fitness and endurance; Apple Watch prioritises connectivity and daily convenience.
The Garmin vs Apple Watch comparison isn’t just about style or price. It's about purpose. Garmin builds watches for people who train hard, go long distances, and need metrics that mean something. Apple makes watches that fit smoothly into your digital life: quick replies, calendar sync, a voice assistant and smart features right on your wrist.
If you’re looking for GPS accuracy, long battery life, and training feedback, Garmin wins; if you're more about daily notifications, a smoother iPhone sync, and a sleek interface, Apple is the better fit.
Choosing between them depends less on specs and more on how you use your time, your body, and your tech. Here’s a quick Garmin vs Apple Watch comparison you need before buying.
| Feature | Garmin | Apple Watch |
| Audience | Fitness-focused, multi-sport users | iPhone users, lifestyle-focused |
| Battery Life | 5–48 days (depending on model) | 18-36 hours |
| Display Options | AMOLED / MIP | OLED only |
| Fitness Tracking | Advanced, detailed | User-friendly, general |
| GPS Accuracy | Dual-band GNSS: better signal in rough terrain | Standard GNSS, less precise |
| Smart Features | Basic notifications, music, limited apps | Full app support, calls, Siri |
| Compatibility | Android+iOS | iPhone Only |
| Health Monitoring | Continuous HR, HRV, stress, sleep | ECG, sleep apnea, SpO₂, temp sensor |
| Best For | Runners, cyclists, outdoor athletes | Casual exercisers, iPhone users |
So, the key differences?
Short answer: Garmin focuses on performance. Apple focuses on integration.
Garmin builds tools for training. You get long battery life, data-rich tracking, and a screen you can read under sunlight. Apple offers a smartwatch first. It shines in design, daily use and communication features.
Garmin works well with both iPhone and Android. Apple only works with iPhones. That choice alone will rule one out for many people.
Is Garmin more accurate than Apple Watch?
Yes, especially for GPS and outdoor workouts.
Models like the Garmins Forerunner 265 or Fenix series use dual-frequency GPS. This means better accuracy in forests, cities or mountains. It’s something casual users might not notice. But for runners or cyclists? You’ll feel the difference in route tracking.
Apple has improved over the years, but its watches still tend to over- or under-estimate distances slightly more. If you’re logging every mile, that matters.
Display Technologies for Different Priorities
Apple uses OLED. It looks great, sharp, bright, and vivid. Indoors, it's hard to beat. Outside in full sun? Not always easy to see.
Garmin gives you a choice. AMOLED in models like the Venu 3 and Fenix 8 AMOLED or memory-in-pixel displays in watches like the Instinct 3. These aren’t flashy but shine, literally, in daylight. Plus, they help with battery life.
Some users say Garmin’s newer AMOLED watch faces feel too cartoonish. One Garmin user noted the Forerunner 965’s screen was “plastic and childish”. MIP might look basic, but it’s built for training, not show.
Materials and Durability
Apple’s Series 10 comes in aluminium or titanium, with Ion-X or sapphire glass. It handles splashes and showers (up to 50m water resistance). It’s sleek, comfortable and designed for daily life.
Garmin goes further. Most models start at 100m water resistance (10 ATM). Fenix and Instinct series meet military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810). You get tougher materials, such as chemically strengthened glass, Gorilla Glass, or sapphire and better protection.
Garmin’s watches feel more rugged. Heavier on the wrist, sure, but built to last.
Battery Life: Days vs Hours
Garmin crushes Apple here.
Even Garmin’s more visual AMOLED models last 5–14 days. The MIP display watches stretch into weeks. The Fenix 8 Solar? Up to 48 days with sunlight. If you're comparing options across smartwatches for men or women, Garmin’s battery advantage stands out.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers up to 36 hours. Series 10 lands closer to 18. You’ll need to charge it every day. Some users say the Apple Watch battery drops so fast after a year that they’re forced to recharge midday.
Pete Matheson, a long-time Apple user, switched to Garmin after a year and said, “I was wrong; Garmin's battery life and running stats completely changed my training.”
(Source: Pete Matheson on Medium)
Garmin vs Apple: How Do They Compare on Fitness Tracking?
Garmin watches log over 80 activities… Apple supports around 25 workout types. If you're exploring general smartwatches, both brands offer excellent entry points depending on your priorities.
And not just basic tracking; Garmin watches give you training load, recovery time, stamina scores, and even altitude-adjusted pace with features like ClimbPro or PacePro. The Body Battery feature is a user favourite; it tells you how “charged” your body feels based on stress, sleep and effort.
On the flip side, Apple offers clean visuals and motivation: rings to close and badges to win. With watchOS 11, they’ve improved with load tracking and custom goals. But the depth just isn’t there.
Garmin or Apple Watch for Running?
If running is your main thing, go Garmin. The Forerunner 265 and 965 are made for it. You get race predictors, VO₂ max, real-time pacing and detailed post-run reports.
Apple tracks basic running well (distance, pace, heart rate) but lacks detailed insights. And unless it's snug, it may bounce during runs.
One runner said, “Apple feels loose unless tightened too much. Garmin just fits better when I’m moving.”
How Do They Handle Health Monitoring?
Apple leads with medical-grade tools: ECG, SpO₂, skin temperature, sleep apnoea detection, and more. It’s good at spotting changes and alerting you to take action.
Garmin doesn’t offer ECG but gives continuous HR monitoring, HRV trends, advanced sleep analysis, and stress tracking with breathing prompts.
One user mentioned that drops in their HRV often predicted illness before symptoms hit. That’s useful feedback for anyone who trains regularly.
Smart Features and Notifications: Who Does It Better?
Apple, hands down. You get Siri, message replies, calls, apps, and tight integration with iPhone features like Apple Pay or HomeKit.
Garmin supports notifications, music storage, and limited app functions. You’ll get weather, calendar alerts, and widgets, but not the full smartphone-on-wrist feel.
If smart features are your priority, Apple wins. If they’re a bonus, Garmin works just fine.
Which Watch Works Better with an iPhone?
The Apple Watch is made for the iPhone. That’s the whole point.
Garmin works with iPhone and Android. It won’t integrate as deeply into iOS, but it’ll sync workouts, show messages, and connect with your favourite fitness apps.
So, if you might switch to Android or want flexibility, Garmin’s the safer bet.
Quick Comparison between the latest Apple Watch Series 10 & Garmin Forerunner 265*
| Specs | Apple Watch Series 10 | Forerunner 265 |
| Display | OLED LTPO3, up to 2000 nits | AMOLED, 416x416 (1.3") |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 13 days |
| Workout Modes | ~25 with customisable goals | 80+ (PacePro, ClimbPro, VO₂ Max) |
| GPS | Standard GNSS | Multi-band GNSS |
| Health Features | ECG, SpO₂, sleep apnea, temp | HRV, Body Battery, sleep tracking |
| Smart Features | Calls, Siri, Apple Pay, App Store | Notifications, music, Garmin Pay |
| Weight | ~39g | ~47g |
| Compatibility | iOS only | iOS + Android |
So, Which Should You Buy?
Choose Garmin if you:
- Train regularly and need deep-performance data
- Want a battery that lasts a week or more
- Use Android or plan to switch phones
- Spend time outdoors or travel without charging often.
Pick Apple if you:
- Already use an iPhone
- Want daily fitness reminders and a cleaner design
- Care more about apps and communication than VO₂ max
- Need health alerts like ECG or sleep apnea tracking
Final Thoughts!
The Garmin vs Apple Watch debate isn’t about better or worse. It’s about priorities.
Garmin builds training tools with smart features. Apple builds smartwatches that track workouts. Both are good. You just need to choose the one that’s good for you.
Garmin vs Apple Watches: Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on what you need. Garmin is better for fitness, battery life, and outdoor tracking. The Apple Watch is better for smart features, communication and iPhone integration.
Yes, especially for GPS and workout tracking. Garmin uses dual-frequency GPS and delivers more reliable data in tough environments like forests or cities. It’s built for performance.
Garmin uses power-efficient screens and software built for endurance. Many Garmin models last a week or more on a single charge. Apple’s features demand more power, so most users charge daily.
Garmin is better for serious swimmers. Garmin watches have 10 ATM water resistance (up to 100 metres), swim tracking modes, and stroke analysis. Apple Watch works well for casual pool use.
Yes! Garmin watches work with both iOS and Android. You can sync workouts, view notifications and use fitness apps with your iPhone.
