The Garmin Venu 3 and Apple Watch Series 9 are great smartwatch choices for fitness enthusiasts and suit different user needs. In this article I’ll break down the key differences between Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch 9 to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle better. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Garmin Venu 3 Wins!
When it comes to the Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch Series 9, the Garmin Venu 3 comes out on top for fitness buffs and anyone looking for amazing battery life.
Its strong health-tracking features and impressive battery life make it an excellent choice for users who prioritize exercise and outdoor activities.
However, the Apple Watch 9 remains an excellent alternative for individuals who value a seamless integration with their iPhone and a broader app ecosystem.
If you’re interested in a more detailed, technical comparison of these two devices, continue to the next section.
Best Overall: Garmin Venu 3
The Garmin Venu 3 takes the crown as the best overall smartwatch for fitness-focused users. With its vibrant OLED display and extensive battery life, it allows for prolonged use without frequent charging. It also packs advanced fitness tracking features, making it perfect for serious athletes who count on reliable performance during their workouts.
Best Budget-Friendly: Apple Watch 9
If you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly option, the Apple Watch 9 stands out as the more affordable pick compared to the Garmin Venu 3. It covers the basics of health monitoring and fitness tracking without breaking the bank. While the Garmin Venu 3 steps things up with advanced fitness features and longer battery life, it does come with a slightly higher price tag.
Design and Build Quality: Garmin Venu 3
The Garmin Venu 3 features a circular design, which sets it apart from the rectangular shape of the Apple Watch 9. Both watches are available in two sizes, making them suitable for various wrist sizes. The Venu 3 is constructed from fiber-reinforced polymer and stainless steel, while the Apple Watch uses aluminum or stainless steel, which gives it a more premium feel. Also, the choice of materials affects their overall weight, with the Apple Watch being slightly heavier.
Best Fitness Tracking: Garmin Venu 3
If you prioritize fitness tracking above all else, the Garmin Venu 3 excels with its comprehensive suite of health metrics. It includes advanced features such as VO2 max estimation and recovery time suggestions, which are invaluable for serious athletes. The watch also supports various sports modes, providing tailored insights that enhance training efficiency.
Best Health Monitoring: Apple Watch 9
When it comes to health monitoring, both watches bring impressive features to the table, but the Apple Watch 9 stands out with its wide-ranging health system. It packs in advanced sensors for ECG and blood oxygen levels, while easily syncing with health apps on iOS. This makes it a great pick for users who want detailed health info and a proactive approach to wellness.
Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch 9: Detailed Comparison
Disclaimer: This is not a product review. I’ve gathered information from multiple sources, verified its accuracy, conducted additional research, and condensed it all into this section. I haven’t personally tested these devices.
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Weight | 31.9g (41mm), 51.5g (45mm) | 34g (41mm), 42g (45mm) |
| Case Material | Aluminum or Stainless Steel | Fiber-reinforced polymer and stainless steel |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Lens Material | Ion-X glass (Aluminum), Sapphire crystal (Stainless Steel) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display | AMOLED (Optional Always-On mode) |
| Display Resolution | 352×430 pixels (41 mm), 396×484 pixels (45 mm) | 454 x 454 pixels |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours | Up to 26 days |
| Storage | 64GB | 8GB |
| Operating System | watchOS 10 | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Sensors | Optical heart rate, ECG, SpO2 | Garmin Elevate Gen 5, SpO2, ECG |
| Single-band GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Charging | Wireless charging | Proprietary Garmin cable |
Below is a detailed comparison of their specifications and functionalities.
Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch 9: Design and Build Quality
- Apple Watch Series 9: Available in aluminum or stainless steel, it has a stylish rectangular design that resembles a piece of jewelry.
- Garmin Venu 3: Features a round design made from fiber-reinforced polymer with a stainless steel bezel.
Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch 9: Display
- Apple Watch Series 9: The Apple Watch comes with an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display that can get super bright, reaching up to 2,000 nits, so you can see it even in bright sunlight. The smaller model has a resolution of 352×430 pixels, while the larger one has 396×484 pixels.
- Garmin Venu 3: Utilizes an AMOLED display that supports an optional always-on mode but lacks specified maximum brightness levels. The display resolution stands at 454 x 454 pixels.
Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch 9: Battery life
- Apple Watch Series 9: Offers a battery life of up to 36 hours, which can diminish significantly with regular use. Users often find themselves charging it daily, especially when making use of features like sleep tracking.
- Garmin Venu 3: It beats its competition with an amazing battery life of up to 26 days in smartwatch mode. Even with everyday use, it can easily go about a week before you need to plug it in.
Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch 9: Health and Fitness Tracking
Both watches come equipped with essential health monitoring features such as heart rate tracking, blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2), and ECG capabilities.
- The Apple Watch Series 9 has greatly improved its fitness tracking, making it a great option for casual fitness fans. WatchOS 10 features automatic workout detection for activities like running, cycling, and swimming, along with advanced metrics such as heart rate zones and calorie burn. The built-in GPS lets users track their distance and pace during outdoor activities without having to bring their phone, making it a handy buddy for staying active.
- The Garmin Venu 3, however, is tailored for serious athletes, offering extensive performance metrics through the Garmin Connect app and multiple workout profiles for detailed post-workout analysis.
Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch 9: Software and Features
- Apple Watch Series 9 runs on watchOS 10, providing access to a vast array of apps and features like the new Double Tap gesture for quick navigation.
- The Garmin Venu 3 operates on Garmin’s proprietary OS, focusing more on fitness-related functionalities but may lack the app variety found on Apple’s platform.
Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch 9: Price
While both devices are similarly priced, the Garmin Venu 3 is often slightly more expensive due to its advanced fitness tracking capabilities and longer battery life. The Apple Watch Series 9 provides excellent value for users looking for a comprehensive smartwatch experience within the Apple ecosystem.
2 Great Alternatives Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch 9
Aether X Limited Edition Designer Smartwatch
Ultimate luxury smartwatch
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
Best for Samsung users
Starting at $299 for the 40mm version and $329 for the 43mm version, the Galaxy Watch 6 is a top-tier smartwatch, especially for Android and Samsung users. It excels in health tracking with features like body composition analysis and snoring detection.
Designed to help you reach your fitness goals, it offers personalized workout guidance and sleep coaching. Its stylish, large display and smart features make it a versatile companion for everyday life. This smartwatch provides both style and practicality.
Conclusion
In the showdown of Garmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch Series 9, both devices bring unique benefits to the table for different users. If you’re serious about fitness, the Garmin Venu 3 is a fantastic option, featuring impressive battery life and outstanding health-tracking capabilities. Conversely, the Apple Watch Series 9 stands out for its smooth integration within the Apple ecosystem and a wider selection of apps. At the end of the day, our decision should hinge on whether you prioritize fitness features or a comprehensive smartwatch experience.