Apple Watch Vs Garmin: Which Is Best?
No one remembers the engineers responsible for the first Apple Watch or the genius programmers behind Garmin’s advanced GPS systems. Like the maternity nurse quietly present at world-changing events, you don’t often notice the painstaking effort underlying wearable tech. But wearables are shaping the way we live and interact with our health.
Choosing between something like the Apple Watch and Garmin is not necessarily about the genius of their creators or the clever marketing campaigns behind these brands. Instead, it’s about understanding what each platform promises and how it fits into your world. The demands of a runner training for their next marathon are entirely different from the aspirations of a busy executive tracking notifications on their wrist.
The comparison lies in how Apple and Garmin have defined their tools to serve different niches, even slightly overlapping ones. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
The Apple Watch has always been a design icon. Its sleek square face, interchangeable bands, and polished minimalism are unmistakably Apple. It’s a wearable extension of the iPhone. The company has deliberately made it look like a piece of tech-meets-fashion, and that gamble has worked splendidly among its audience.
Garmin, on the other hand, takes a more utilitarian approach. Their watches are rugged, often built with adventurers in mind. Many models, like the Garmin Fenix or Forerunner series, are bigger, bolder, and exude a ‘Go out and explore’ energy. Subtle? No. But practical for hikers and athletes? Without a doubt.
If form and aesthetics drive your decision—or if you envision your smartwatch worn at a dinner party—Apple Watch might edge ahead. But if your watch’s design needs to survive the rough terrain of a trail? Garmin could be the clear winner.
Fitness Tracking and Health Metrics
Fitness tracking is where these two brands often come under direct comparison. The Apple Watch focuses on broad inclusivity. It’s perfect for someone who wants to close activity rings each day and monitor their workout PRs without diving too deep. It tracks steps, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and even integrates seamlessly with Fitness+ subscription services.
Garmin, however, levels the playing field when it comes to hardcore athletes. Features like advanced running metrics, dedicated modes for triathletes, VO2 max measurement, and long-distance GPS navigation cater to professional-level training. Garmin’s “Body Battery” is a unique insight into your energy levels, letting you adjust workouts or rest patterns scientifically.
In short, Apple Watch is terrific if you’re starting your fitness journey or looking for casual health insights. Garmin, meanwhile, treats fitness as science—and is far more nuanced in that department.
Battery Life
This is where the chasm widens. Apple Watches typically last around 18 hours on a single charge. You’re looking at a daily overnight charging habit—an easy trade-off for many who love the elegance and ecosystem. But it becomes inconvenient if you need unbroken tracking, say, for multiple-day hikes.
Garmin? It’s legendary for battery stamina. Many models last days, even weeks, especially on a single charge. Add solar charging to some top-end devices, and you’ve got wearables ready for the wild for days on end. If your lifestyle demands that kind of enduring commitment, Garmin is absolutely what you’re looking for.
Smartwatch Capabilities
Apple has set the benchmark for smartwatch compatibility. From answering calls directly on your wrist to controlling music, access to apps, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration, it’s the full package. It works effortlessly with an iPhone and feels like a natural extension of the phone.
Garmin takes a different approach: essential smartwatch features but less emphasis on apps and ecosystem integration. You can get notifications, control your music, and even make payments with Garmin Pay on some models, but the broader smartwatch experience feels secondary to its fitness roots.
If smartwatch functionality is your main criteria, Apple Watch might easily outrun Garmin. But if smartwatch perks are simply a nice-to-have, Garmin won’t let you down.
Price Point
Apple Watches range from the more affordable SE to the ultra-premium Ultra, so there is something for nearly every budget—unless you’re diving into serious pro-level sports tracking. Garmin’s lineup, however, ranges extensively from relatively modest pricing to premium rugged wearables like the Fenix series, setting itself comfortably in the high-performance category.
