Garmin and Apple are two giants in the wearable industry and offer exceptional devices for consumers to choose from. Apple has focused its efforts on connectivity and usability, whereas Garmin focuses more on fitness and data. However, choosing between the two is difficult, especially when the price tags are a significant investment.
Read our guide to discover more and find out which option best suits your needs, the Apple Watch vs Garmin. For a comparison of the current flagship popular models, the Apple Watch 6 and Fenix 6X Pro – click here. You could also read more about the advances made in the Apple Watch 7 in this post.
Garmin gives all the options you could wish for. There’s a watch for practically every financial, style and battery life demand, plus Garmin’s native health and sleep tracking is incredibly thorough. If you consider yourself a sport fan of any type, there’s definitely a Garmin watch built to enhance your training.
But the Apple Watch is easier to buy for, given the three versions now available all have crucial functions like GPS, the watchOS app store and fitness tracking. The Apple Watch also allows iPhone customers the option to leave their device behind with a cellular alternative.
Of course, if you have an Android smartphone you’ll want a Garmin, but just be sure to examine the specs before buying. Not all Garmin devices are built the same.
The History of Apple Watch and Garmin Watches
Apple Watch was first launched in 2015 in response to the growing demand for smartwatches. It claimed to be the perfect companion to the iPhone. Furthermore, it offered more smart features than any other watch at the time. It was an instant hit, mainly because it was part of the Apple family. It offered the exclusivity that people were looking for. Since it was first launched, there have been six versions. Each offering more than before and encouraging consumers to invest in the new tech.
Garmin beat Apple to the market by releasing their first Forerunner in 2003. That’s a huge twelve years before the first Apple Watch. Their original aim was to create a device that would help people navigate their surroundings, offering a robust capability that had not yet been seen on a watch. As time has passed, Garmin has become well known for making perfect devices for people who like to exercise outdoors and want accurate results. Garmin watches are compatible with iOS and Android, enabling a wider audience to purchase and use them.
| Garmin Product | Supplier | |
| Fenix 7 | Amazon | View Offer |
| Fenix 7 | eBay | View Offer |
| Fenix 7 | Garmin | View Offer |
| Fenix 7 | Target | View Offer |
Which is Designed Better?
The great thing about the Apple Watch and Garmin watches is that amazing design teams create them both. Garmin watches are made to be great companions to everyday life, with a clear focus on fitness. Still, they also offer the capability to download many apps. Consequently, users can personalize their experience and get exactly what they need from their devices. There is a considerable range of Garmin watches available too. Some are designed for runners and others offer the most modern smartwatch features.
Apple Watch is designed to offer everything that is important on your iPhone, on your wrist. It comes with its own app store, and you can get your calls, messages, and emails delivered and responded to without having to pick up your phone. The Apple Watch offers a strong fitness suite and has a number of health features aimed at informing the user so that they can make good health choices. Of course, the Apple Watch also includes Siri as the voice assistant so that there is continuity from the iPhone to the Apple Watch on lots of levels.
Apple Watch 2022 lineup
Apple Watch Series 7: The Apple Watch Series 7 is the latest and greatest wearable from Apple, though it’s not a huge upgrade from the Series 6. Performance and battery life are same to the previous generation of wearables despite a larger display and a more sturdy design. The Series 7’s heart rate sensor, on the other hand, was a bit of a pain to use.
Apple Watch Series 6: If you can get your hands on one, we think the Series 6 is still a worthwhile investment if you can get your hands on one. GPS and heart rate tracking, all-day battery life, and a beautiful display are just some of the features of the Series 6.
An Apple Watch SE: The Apple Watch SE is the company’s entry-level model. With the exception of the ECG and SpO2 monitors, the Apple Watch SE is a good wristwatch that will save you money if you can go without them.
The Apple Watch Series 3 goes for for about $199. In terms of Apple Watches, the Series 3 is the most recent. It’s still available alongside newer models like the SE and Series 6 and 7, as well as the Apple Watch. We, on the other hand, do not suggest purchasing a Series 3. Hardware and internals are obsolete at this point in time. WatchOS 9 will not be released this autumn.
Compare prices and choose your favorite merchant to buy the Apple Watch
| Product | Supplier | |
| Apple Watch 8 | Amazon | Check Price |
| Apple Watch 7 | Amazon | Check Price |
| Apple Watch 7 | eBay | Check Price |
| Watch Ultra | Amazon | Check Price |
| Apple Watch 7 | Apple | View offer |
| Apple Watch 7 | Target | View offer |
| Apple Watch SE 2 | Amazon | View offer |
Garmin line up
Venu 2 Plus
The Venu 2 Plus is a complete smartwatch. The original Venu 2’s fitness and health tracking functions are expanded upon, and voice assistant support and on-wrist phone calls are also included. A beautiful AMOLED display, on-device music storage, and compatibility for an increasing number of third-party apps are all included.
Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4S
Even if there isn’t a Vivoactive 5 yet, we still suggest the Garmin Vivoactive 4 line of fitness trackers. They are excellent multisport watches with a week’s worth of battery life, a GPS built in, and other smartwatch functions.
Garmin Venu Sq
The Venu Sq is for you if you’re interested in the Garmin Venu 2 range but would like something a little less expensive. This is a low-cost, square smartwatch with an LCD screen.
Garmin Vivomove Sport
The newest Vivomove sport is one of Garmin’s most distinctive product lines. This hybrid smartwatch has actual watch hands that tick. Additionally, it includes a covert LED display that conceals itself while you are not actively looking at the watch while still displaying data and notifications when you need them.
Forerunner
The Garmin Forerunner series is your best choice if you’re a runner. There is a device in this portfolio for every runner, from low-cost options like the Forerunner 55 to all-in-one options like the Forerunner 955. In our assessment of the Garmin Forerunner 255, we praised the line’s most recent improvements.
Fenix 7
The Garmin Fenix 7 series is your best option if you’re looking for the most feature-rich multisport smartwatch available. These expensive timepieces are intended for dedicated athletes who spend the most of their time outside. Even solar models are available.
Garmin Instinct 2
The tough Instinct 2 offers outdoor lovers more than ever. The most recent model comes in a variety of colours and sizes, has a long battery life, and is compatible with the Garmin Connect IQ app.
Garmin Lily
The Lily is designed for ladies and anyone with smaller wrists in general. Although it has a lightweight, comfortable design, it lacks several functions.
What Fitness Features Are There On Each Device?
Apple Fitness and Apple Fitness+ are designed to offer a suite of fitness tracking features for all users. The watch counts your steps, gives you reminders to move, and gives you a standing goal to work towards. It also automatically tracks exercise if you forget to turn a workout on and comes with many sports to choose from so that you get the best insights when you are done. The latest models come with ECG, heart rate monitoring, and Sp02 monitors too!
Garmin watches come with a suite of features that rival the Apple Watch and take the lead on tracking exercises like running. Their more modern watches can track an extensive list of exercises and offer many health and fitness features to keep you in great condition. One of the best things about Garmin’s fitness features is that you can send your data to several third-party apps to get targeted feedback on your efforts, unlike Apple Watch that keeps your data to itself.
Battery Life on Apple Watch vs Garmin Watches
There is no competition when it comes to comparing battery life on Apple devices and Garmin devices! Apple Watch tends to last around eighteen hours a day and needs a couple of hours to charge fully. This is an area of frustration for consumers but has not yet been changed by Apple. Unfortunately, as the watch is feature-rich, it needs a lot of power.
Garmin watches are a different story, with some of their devices being able to last weeks on battery saver mode! However, the smarter a device is, the lower the battery life is. The good thing about Garmin watches is that many of their battery-draining features can be turned off so that you can pick and choose the bits you need the most and lengthen the battery life as much as possible.
When comparing the battery life of an Apple Watch to a Garmin watch, it’s almost unfair. A single charge of the Apple Watch lasts around a day. Garmin watches last substantially longer, ranging from a week to several weeks, depending on display settings, fitness tracking, and other factors.. GPS-enabled models for running and other outdoor activities can last anywhere from seven to several days on a single charge.
Then there are the Garmin solar-charging watches and the battery-optimization modes. Garmin is the greatest overall sports watch company since certain watches come in Solar variants that prolong the battery life of the gadget when you spend time outside. Even while solar versions are more expensive, if you enjoy spending time outside, it can be worth it.
Apple Watch vs Garmin – Which should I choose?
The decision over which device to buy is not easy when choosing between The Apple Watch vs Garmin, as both companies offer brilliant choices. However, some simple pointers may help you with your decision.
If you own an iPhone, then the obvious choice is an Apple Watch, as it is a companion to your phone and can be set up in the same way as an iPhone to give you the best user experience. It is also informative with health and wellbeing and offers some great support features to keep you in great condition. However, if you are looking for long battery life, then this device will not impress!
Garmin watches are great for Android and iOS users and offer a focused look at fitness, especially running. Not only will they accurately monitor your movements, but their watches come with lots of great features that aim to keep you in shape. Plus, they have good battery life and come in a range of prices. Ultimately, whichever you choose, Apple or Garmin, you are sure to be impressed with the technology on offer.
So, did you decide between the Apple Watch vs Garmin? If you’re not convinced, check out the new Fitbit Charge 5.
See the latest Apple Watch deals or check out prices on Amazon or eBay directly.
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Last Updated on July 19, 2022
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