Often, Garmin and Apple dominate the discussions on smartwatches. Both have built strong reputations in the market, yet they cater to different user needs and preferences.
Whether you’re a hardcore athlete, a health enthusiast, or someone who loves tech, choosing between these two can be tricky.
This article will guide you through the differences, helping you decide which one suits you better, and will also suggest some alternatives that might be a perfect match.
Garmin vs. Apple Watch: The Verdict
Choosing between the Garmin and the Apple Watch can be challenging because both excel in different areas, catering to distinct user needs. Below, I’ll break down the verdict based on key aspects to help you understand which might be the best fit for you.
Best Overall: Apple Watch
When it comes to the overall package, the Apple Watch stands out. It's not just a smartwatch; it's an extension of your iPhone, seamlessly integrating with the Apple ecosystem. Whether you’re using it to respond to messages, stream music, or monitor your heart rate, the Apple Watch excels in providing a smooth, user-friendly experience.
Its expansive app ecosystem, intuitive interface, and regular updates make it the go-to choice for those who want a versatile device that can handle everything from communication to fitness tracking.
Best by Price: Garmin
Garmin offers a wider range of pricing options, making it more accessible for those on a budget. While the top-end Garmin models can be as expensive as an Apple Watch, Garmin also offers more affordable models that still pack a punch in terms of features.
If you're looking for a smartwatch that provides excellent fitness tracking and essential smart features without breaking the bank, Garmin has options that can meet your needs.
Best for Health Monitoring: Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is a leader in health monitoring, offering advanced features like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and fall detection. Apple has heavily invested in making the Apple Watch a reliable health companion, which is evident in its ability to provide critical data that can be shared with healthcare providers.
Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or just looking to keep an eye on your wellness, the Apple Watch’s health features are unparalleled.
Best for Fitness Enthusiasts: Garmin
For fitness enthusiasts, Garmin is the clear winner. Garmin watches are built with athletes in mind, offering a range of features tailored to specific sports like running, cycling, swimming, and even triathlons. The detailed tracking capabilities, including VO2 max, recovery time, and training load, are features that serious athletes will find invaluable.
Garmin’s battery life is also superior, often lasting several days or even weeks, which is crucial for long training sessions and outdoor adventures.
Best for Customization: Apple Watch
When it comes to customization, the Apple Watch offers an extensive selection of bands, watch faces, and third-party accessories. You can easily switch out the band for a formal event or customize your watch face for the gym.
Additionally, the variety of apps available for the Apple Watch means you can personalize its functionality to match your lifestyle.
Garmin vs Apple Watch: Detailed Comparison
Let’s break down the comparison into essential aspects that users typically consider when choosing a smartwatch. We’ll examine design, health and fitness tracking, battery life, app ecosystem, price, and more.
Design and Display
- Apple Watch: Apple has always been known for its sleek and modern designs, and the Apple Watch is no exception. The square face has become iconic, offering a large, vibrant Retina display that’s easy to read in various lighting conditions. The Digital Crown and customizable watch faces add to its sophisticated look. The Apple Watch is also available in different materials, from aluminum to stainless steel and even titanium, catering to a range of tastes and budgets.
- Garmin: Garmin, on the other hand, offers a more rugged and utilitarian design, especially in models like the Fenix series. However, the brand also provides sleeker options, such as the Venu series, which features AMOLED displays that rival Apple’s Retina. Garmin watches are known for their durability, making them ideal for outdoor adventures. They might not be as flashy as the Apple Watch, but they excel in functionality and sturdiness.
Health and Fitness Tracking
- Apple Watch: One of the strongest features of the Apple Watch is its health monitoring capabilities. It includes an ECG app, blood oxygen monitoring, fall detection, and a host of workout modes. The Apple Watch also integrates seamlessly with the Health app on iOS, offering a comprehensive view of your health metrics. This makes it a powerful tool not just for fitness enthusiasts but also for those who want to keep a close eye on their overall well-being.
- Garmin: Garmin is a leader in fitness tracking, particularly for serious athletes. Their watches offer in-depth metrics for a wide range of activities, from running and cycling to swimming and even golf. Garmin’s Body Battery energy monitoring, VO2 max estimates, and advanced sleep tracking are particularly useful for those training for specific goals. While Apple focuses on general health, Garmin zeroes in on performance.
Battery Life
- Apple Watch: Battery life has always been a sticking point for the Apple Watch. With typical usage, you can expect around 18-24 hours on a single charge. This is fine for day-to-day use, but if you're planning on long hikes or need to track sleep, you'll find yourself reaching for the charger more often.
- Garmin: Garmin watches shine when it comes to battery life. Depending on the model, you can get anywhere from a few days to several weeks of battery life. The Garmin Instinct Solar, for example, can last up to 54 days in smartwatch mode with sufficient sunlight. This makes Garmin the clear winner for those who prioritize battery longevity.
App Ecosystem
- Apple Watch: The Apple Watch’s app ecosystem is extensive, benefiting from the strong support of developers who create apps specifically designed for watchOS. Whether you need a meditation app, a to-do list, or something more niche, chances are there’s an app for it. The integration with iOS is seamless, providing a consistent and unified experience across Apple devices.
- Garmin: Garmin’s app ecosystem, through Garmin Connect, is more specialized, focusing on fitness and outdoor activity apps. While it may not have the breadth of Apple’s App Store, it offers deep insights into your fitness metrics and allows for extensive customization of data fields on your watch. Garmin Connect is a robust platform for those who want detailed fitness tracking and analysis.
Price
- Apple Watch: Apple’s smartwatches come at a premium. The Apple Watch Series 8 starts at around $399, with higher prices for models with cellular capability or premium materials. However, Apple also offers the more affordable Apple Watch SE, which starts at $249.
- Garmin: Garmin offers a wide range of watches across different price points. Entry-level models like the Garmin Forerunner 45 start at around $199, while high-end models like the Fenix 6 can go up to $699 or more. Garmin provides options for various budgets, often offering more specialized features at each price point.
Customization and Personalization
- Apple Watch: Apple provides extensive options for customization, including different watch faces, bands, and materials. The integration with other Apple devices allows for easy syncing of preferences across your devices, and the watchOS platform is continually updated with new features and options.
- Garmin: Garmin offers customization through its Connect IQ store, where users can download different watch faces, data fields, and widgets. While it doesn’t match Apple’s level of polish in terms of UI customization, it excels in function-oriented customizations, particularly for sports and outdoor activities.
Durability and Water Resistance
- Apple Watch: The Apple Watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming. However, its glass face is more prone to scratches and cracks compared to Garmin’s more rugged models.
- Garmin: Garmin watches are built for durability. Many models feature sapphire crystal displays, which are highly resistant to scratches. Garmin watches are also designed to withstand harsh conditions, whether you’re hiking in the mountains or diving in the ocean. Water resistance varies by model but generally meets or exceeds the standards set by Apple.
3 Alternatives to Garmin and Apple Watch That Might Fit Better to Your Needs
While Garmin and Apple dominate the smartwatch market, there are alternatives that might be a better fit depending on your specific needs. Below are a few noteworthy options:
1. Aether X Smartwatch: Better Design and Battery Life
Aether X, particularly the Aether X Limited Edition powered by Tiktik, is a designer smartwatch that excels in both style and functionality. It’s perfect for those who want a unique timepiece that stands out from the crowd. With a battery life that outlasts both Garmin and Apple, it’s an excellent choice for those who need a long-lasting smartwatch without compromising on design.
Check it out here: Aether X Limited Edition
2. Fitbit Sense: Better Sleep Tracking
Fitbit Sense offers some of the most comprehensive sleep tracking features available in a smartwatch. It includes stress management tools, ECG, and skin temperature tracking, making it a strong contender for those focused on holistic health and wellness.
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Better Integration with Android
If you’re an Android user, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 might be a better choice than either Garmin or Apple. It offers excellent integration with Android phones, a sleek design, and robust fitness tracking features. Plus, it comes at a competitive price point.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Garmin and Apple Watch ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you’re deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and want a smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with your other devices, the Apple Watch is likely the best choice. It offers a wide range of health monitoring features, a polished design, and a robust app ecosystem.
On the other hand, if you’re an athlete or outdoor enthusiast looking for a durable, specialized device that offers unparalleled fitness tracking, Garmin is the way to go. With a range of models catering to different sports and activities, there’s likely a Garmin watch that fits your needs perfectly.
For those who feel that neither Garmin nor Apple perfectly aligns with their requirements, considering alternatives like the Aether X, Fitbit Sense, or Suunto 9 Baro might lead you to the smartwatch that best suits your lifestyle. Ultimately, the best smartwatch is the one that fits seamlessly into your daily life, helping you achieve your health, fitness, and connectivity goals.