Garmin Instinct 3 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2—which one’s right for your wrist?

By now, I’ve probably written a hundred comparisons between Garmin and the Apple Watch series. 

Right off the bat, I’ll say these smartwatches are built for different lifestyles—whether you’re focused on tracking workouts or using advanced features like answering calls with a tap on your wrist.

In this article, I’ll break down the key differences between the Garmin Instinct 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to help you figure out which one’s right for you. So, let’s not waste any time—let’s dive in.

Verdict

These two smartwatches couldn’t be more different. If you’re into hardcore outdoor adventures, the Garmin Instinct 3 is definitely the one for you. But if you’re looking for a smartwatch with excellent fitness tracking and a bunch of fancy features like I am, you might lean more toward the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Let’s break it down.

Go for the Garmin Instinct 3 if: (Image credits) – You want a tough, outdoor-ready design. – You need a long battery life (up to 40 days). – You enjoy tracking outdoor activities like hiking and running. – You’re okay with a simpler, black-and-white screen. – You’re looking for a more affordable option. – You prefer a basic user interface with less focus on smart features.

Go for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if: (original photo) – You want a sharp, fancy design with a bright screen. – You like using a touchscreen that’s easy to navigate. – You want health tracking like ECG and blood oxygen. – You’re all in on the Apple ecosystem. – You’re okay with charging it more often (36-hour battery). – You’re fine with paying extra for advanced features.

While I haven’t used the Garmin Instinct 3 extensively, I tested it in-store and analyzed hundreds of reviews from real users.

Most of my research is based on the hundreds of reviews I’ve come across, but don’t worry—I’m not just parroting what’s already out there. You might still pick up a few things in this article that aren’t widely discussed. 

As for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it’s been on my wrist for a couple of months now, and I’ve tested it inside and out. 

Here’s my take on where each smartwatch stands out.

Best Overall: Apple Watch Ultra 2

It’s not set in stone that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the clear winner here. While it definitely has solid reasons to take the crown, the decision really comes down to what works best for you. If you’re someone who values an all-in-one smartwatch experience, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the way to go. It has everything you need—advanced health features, premium materials, and an intuitive interface (which we’ll dive into in the next section).

Best Budget-Friendly: Garmin Instinct 3

The Garmin Instinct 3 is the clear winner if you’re looking for a feature-rich smartwatch without burning a hole in your pocket. It offers fantastic battery life and durability at a much lower price.

Best for Battery Life: Garmin Instinct 3

No contest here—Garmin Instinct 3 crushes it with up to 18 days on a single charge. If you hate the idea of charging your watch every other day, this one’s for you.

Best for Adventure Seekers: Garmin Instinct 3

Garmin Instinct 3 is built like a tank. It’s shockproof, water-resistant, and has top-notch GPS tracking—perfect for hikers, climbers, and survivalists.

Best for Everyday Use: Apple Watch Ultra 2

If you want a smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with your daily routine, Apple Watch Ultra 2 wins. Answer calls, reply to messages, and access a whole ecosystem of apps right from your wrist.

Best for Runners: Garmin Instinct 3

Both are great, but Garmin Instinct 3 edges ahead with its advanced running metrics, ultra-precise GPS, and long battery life.

Best for Health Tracking: Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple wins this round. Apple Watch Ultra 2 has ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and even sleep tracking that beats most competitors.

Best for Customization: Apple Watch 2

Want endless strap options and third-party watch faces? Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers way more customization than the Garmin Instinct 3.

Garmin Instinct 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Price

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $799, but with the Garmin Instinct 3, things get a bit more complicated. It’s available in a variety of models, with sizes ranging from 40mm to 50mm. The 40mm version, called the Instinct E, is a more affordable option. It offers only the basics and lacks features like solar charging, an AMOLED display, and the LED torch.

Now, let’s swiftly go over these four models.

Power Options: The Instinct 3 50mm Solar includes solar charging for longer battery life, while the other models rely on standard charging.

Size & Display: The Instinct 3 comes in 40mm, 45mm, and 50mm sizes. The 45mm and 50mm models feature AMOLED displays, while the 40mm has a more basic display.

Garmin Instinct E 40mm	Garmin Instinct 3 45mm AMOLED	Garmin Instinct 3 50 MM Amoled	Garmin Instinct 3 50 mm SOLAR
$299	$449	$499	$449

Garmin Instinct 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Detailed Comparison

To make things clearer, let’s quickly go over the quirks and advantages of both smartwatches.

Garmin Instinct 3 ✅Rugged, outdoor-friendly design ✅Long battery life (up to 40 days) ✅Advanced outdoor features (GPS, heart rate, etc.) ✅Affordable ✅Built-in navigation  ✅Solar charging option  ❌Basic monochrome display ❌Limited smart features ❌Bulky design ❌No touchscreen

Apple Watch Ultra 2 ✅Stylish, premium design ✅Advanced health features (ECG, blood oxygen) ✅Bright, clear screen ✅Tons of apps ✅Great for fitness tracking ✅Apple integration ❌Shorter battery life (up to 36 hours) ❌Expensive ❌No built-in sleep tracking (needs an app)

Garmin Instinct 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Battery Life

Battery life can make or break your experience. The Garmin Instinct 3 wins hands down here with up to 30 days of battery life. 

That said, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers about 36 hours (72 hours on low power mode), which is decent for a couple of days, but not ideal if you need something for long outdoor trips.

Garmin Instinct 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Design & Durability

The Garmin Instinct 3 is built for roughing it. If you’re someone who’s constantly out in the wild, this watch will be your companion. The design is tough, and the battery life lasts for up to 40 days. If you’re the type who doesn’t mind sacrificing a bit of style for durability, then this one’s hard to beat.

But, if you want something that looks sleek and still tough enough to survive your adventures, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 might be more your speed. It’s got that polished titanium look and a screen that pops. It’s not as rugged as the Garmin, but it’s definitely built to handle most activities. It’s more about balancing design with durability.

Garmin Instinct 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Fitness & Health Tracking

Again, if you run in the mornings, the Garmin Instinct 3 is your best bet. You can track everything from trail runs to mountain biking with great precision. If you’re pushing your body to the limit outside, this watch will have your back.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2, though, is more of an all-around health companion. It does a pretty decent job at tracking workouts and has some advanced features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, but it’s less focused on outdoor activities specifically as the Garmin Instinct 3. If you want something that keeps tabs on your general health—without necessarily focusing on extreme sports—the Apple Watch is a solid pick.

Garmin Instinct 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Smart Features

There isn’t a smartwatch in 2025 with more advanced features than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It’s not primarily focused on workout tracking, as its advantages lie elsewhere. You can take calls, get notifications, and control your smart home. The integration with iOS is smooth, and it feels like it’s part of your daily routine. But beyond that, it also brings unique features like the Siren for emergencies and advanced sleep tracking.

The Garmin Instinct 3, though, is more about function than form. It’s not trying to be your smart assistant, but it covers the basics—notifications, weather, and essential apps like fitness trackers, compass, and even a flashlight. If you’re more into performance than all the extra bells and whistles, you’ll appreciate how straightforward this watch is.

2 Great Alternatives to Garmin Instinct 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2

Aether X Limited Edition Designer Smartwatch

Link to Product: Aether-X

Price:  Subscribe and leave a refundable deposit to reserve for just $255 (regularly $355).

The limited edition Aether X smartwatch is a luxury watch with a modern design and advanced health features. It has a metallic body, a genuine red patina leather strap, and a variety of health-tracking features, including 45 sports modes, sleep tracking, and stress management. Only 10,000 pieces will be available, and the watch comes with free shipping and up to 25% off.

Looking to discover more innovative products? Check out our marketplace at Prelaunch Marketplace for the latest projects and exclusive offers!

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Link to Product: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Price:  $299 for the 40mm version and $329 for the 43mm version

This one’s the top pick for Samsung users. It stands out with health tracking features like body composition analysis and snoring detection. Plus, with personalized workout tips and sleep coaching, it keeps you on track with your fitness goals. The large display and smart features make it a practical yet stylish everyday companion, and it works seamlessly with your Samsung devices.”

Final Thoughts

The Garmin Instinct 3 is perfect if you need a watch that’s tough, reliable, and made for the outdoors. You won’t have to worry about charging it for days, and it’ll keep up with you in the wild.

If you’re after luxury, smart features, and you’re all in on the Apple ecosystem, then the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is your best bet. It’s not as rugged as the Garmin, but it makes up for it with top-notch health tracking, smart features, and sleek style.