Why Garmin watches are better

Apple Watch vs. Garmin: Which smartwatch should you buy?

Are you in the market for a new smartwatch, but dont know whether an Apple Watch vs. Garmin watch is right for you? While Apples smartwatch is the best smartwatch overall, there could be a Garmin device that better suits your needs.

In fact many of the best Garmin watches are designed with sport enthusiasts in mind, such as runners, golfers and surfers. There are more than a dozen styles of Garmin watches to choose from, ranging greatly in terms of features, design and price.

The current Apple Watch selection is limited by comparison, but ideal for those in search of a well-rounded smartwatch created specifically for the so-called Apple ecosystem. In other words, if you have multiple Apple products, there are benefits to getting an Apple Watch.

Our smartwatch buying guide breaks down everything you should consider while shopping, but to help you narrow your options, here are the key Apple Watch vs. Garmin differences.

Apple Watch vs. Garmin: Models and prices

Theres a big pretty significant contrast between the selection of Garmin watches and different Apple Watch models. The Apple Watch Series 9 ($399 / 419 / AU$629), Apple Watch SE (2022) ($249 / AU$399) and Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799) are the only options you can buy new. They vary slightly in terms of design and features, but all come in two size options, with GPS, Apple Pay, fitness tracking and the ability to answer calls or texts from your wrist.

Also, if you know how to trade in your Apple Watch or use one of the best Apple Watch deals, you can often get an Apple Watch for less.

When it comes to shopping for a Garmin watch, youll have more devices to choose from. The standard smartwatch is the Garmin Venu series, or more specifically the Garmin Venu 2 Plus ($449 / AU$699). The Forerunner series, like the Forerunner 265 ($449/429) and the Forerunner 965 ($599/599), is more of a runners watch with on-board music storage and dedicated training tools. Meanwhile, the Fenix series most recently adding the Garmin Fenix 7 ($699 /AU$1,049) is considered the ultimate multi-sport watch with weeks of battery life and impressive durability.

Outdoor sport enthusiasts might appreciate the ruggedness of the Garmin Instinct 2 ($349 / AU$549), while avid golfers should consider a Garmin Approach model featuring hundreds of course maps and compatibility with swing-tracking accessories. These range from the Garmin Approach S42 ($299 / AU$449) to the Garmin Approach S62 ($499 / AU$799.)

Finally there are some lifestyle Garmin watches without GPS, like the Garmin Lily ($199 / AU$369) made for smaller wrists and the Garmin Vivomove Sport ($179 / AU$279). As you see, these are some of the least expensive options.

Even with the best Garmin deals, prices for Garmin watches range greatly depending on features, plus theres always a premium for versions with solar charging. Garmin doesnt impose a price difference between sizes of the same watch like Apple does, though. Some Garmin watches come in an s model, meaning smaller.

Apple Watch vs. Garmin: Design

The Apple Watch design is a recognizable squircle with a color touchscreen display, digital crown and side button. It looks like a miniature computer flat against your wrist. The only visible difference between the best Apple Watch models is a slightly different screen and bezel thickness.

The Apple Watch 9 sizes are noticeably larger than the Apple Watch SEs screen sizes. Also, the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 come with an always-on display mode, if that setting matters to you.

All Apple Watch options come in multiple metal and color finishes, as well as compatibility with all the best Apple Watch bands to customize your look. You can buy bands directly from Apple or from third-party retailers such as Amazon.

Garmin watches also often come in a variety of colors, though not all have interchangeable straps. Youll also see that all Garmin watches are circular, with the exception of the Garmin Venu Sq.Most of them will have five buttons, two on the right and three on the left, to allow you to navigate around the watch.

Most of the newer Garmin watches, including the Forerunner 265, Forerunner 965, Garmin Epix 2, and Garmin Fenix 7 all have touchscreens, however on all of the watches mentioned, the touchscreen will automatically be disabled in sports modes. It does make it easier to navigate around the watch when you're not running.

Some of Garmin's rugged models like the Instinct look more like a G-Shock and have impressive durability certificates, while the quaint Garmin Lily could pass as a piece of jewelry. Some watches are also button control-only and dont have color displays. It varies greatly from smartwatch-to-smartwatch again, you have lots of options to consider.

Apple Watch vs. Garmin: Health and fitness tracking

Both the Apple Watch and Garmin watches offer plenty of fitness and health features. All versions of these wearables can monitor your heart rate, steps and calories burned; they can also track a wide variety of workouts and sleep.

When it comes to sleep, Garmin generally provides more in-depth sleep cycle analysis and reads SpO2 overnight, while Apple Watch focuses more on establishing a bedtime routine and daily sleep goal. But as of watchOS 9Apple Watch sleep tracking monitors overnight respiratory rate, shows you sleep stages and even monitors your baseline skin temperature sensor.

From a workout perspective, both watches are able to track a wide variety of workouts. The Apple Watch hasmost of the traditional workout modes covered, and you can also customize all of the data screens in each workout mode. That said, most of the best Garmin Watches have a lot more options, especially for niche workouts like stand-up paddle boarding, bouldering and even fishing.

You can also download a Garmin Coach plan to your wrist, or receive daily suggested workouts on most Garmin watches. Newer watches will also have Garmin's advanced training tools, such as the Training Readiness score too. The Training Readiness score gives you an idea of how hard you should train that day, whereas the Body Battery score is a general snapshot of your health.

Not every Apple Watch and Garmin watch offers blood oxygen (SpO2) readings. And only recent Apple Watch flagships have ECG readings Garmin watches cant detect signs of atrial fibrillation.

But Garmin does have some other perks you wont find in Apples health tracking suite. For example, most Garmin watches can monitor stress and read your body battery, giving you a sense for how ready (or not) you are to work out. Newer Garmin watches also have a one-stop Health Snapchat app, which logs a two-minute window of key health stats, showing you multiple important metrics on a single screen.

Unlike Apple Watch vs. Fitbit, Garmin doesnt have a comparable service to Apple Fitness Plus. Apples $9.99 (AU$14.99)/month on-demand workout class platform integrates deeply with the Apple Watch, encouraging users to close their Apple Watch rings. While Garmin is compatible with some third-party workout app memberships, the sole paid service adjacent to sports is a $9.99 (AU$14.49)/month golf subscription thats not really designed for the companys wearables.

Apple Watch vs. Garmin: Smartwatch features

If you want your wearable to do more than monitor your health, youll want to know the difference between Apple Watch vs. Garmin smartwatch features.

Every Apple Watch model offers notifications, alarms, timers, an expansive app store, Siri and more. Garmin watches also offer basic features like notification mirroring, although the Garmin Connect app store is limited compared to Apples. Every Apple Watch also supports NFC payments through Apple Pay, while only select Garmin models support NFC payments through Garmin Pay.

No Garmin watches have native support for a voice assistant like the best Fitbit watches, but the Venu 2 Plus does borrow your smartphones voice assistant so you can initiate certain commands from your wrist. Also, the Apple Watch is not compatible with Android smartphones. Garmin plays equally nice with both iOS and Android phones.

If youre interested in a smartwatch with LTE connectivity, both brands provide options but the features differ. Garmin watches with LTE dont pair with your wireless provider, so you cant send texts when your phone is out of reach. Instead, a $5.99/month LTE plan ensures you can get in touch with your emergency contacts and emergency services if needed. LTE-connected Garmin watches can help someone find you if youre lost or need assistance, say, when youre out hiking.

Apples LTE (or Cellular) options untether your smartwatch from your phone, though in addition to the upfront premium, youll need to pay a monthly carrier fee for your watch to be connected at all times. The Apple Watch with Cellular starts at $499 for the Apple Watch 7 and $329 (AU$479) for the Apple Watch SE.

Apple Watch vs. Garmin: Battery life

Its almost unfair to compare Apple Watch and Garmin watch battery lives. The Apple Watch Series 9 lasts about a day on a single charge, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 lasts up to 36 hours with normal use. Garmin watches last much longer, ranging from a week to several weeks depending on display settings, fitness tracking and more. Models designed for running or outdoor sports get anywhere from 7 hours to multiple days while using GPS too.

And thats before considering battery-optimization modes and the Garmin watches with solar charging. One reason Garmin is the best sports watch brand overall is that some watches come in Solar versions that extend the devices battery life when you spend time outside. Though Solar models cost more, it could be worth it if you live the al fresco lifestyle.

Apple Watch vs. Garmin: Which should you buy?

Garmin has all the options you could ask for. Theres a watch for almost every budget, style and battery life need, plus Garmins native health and sleep tracking is highly comprehensive. If you consider yourself a sport enthusiast of any kind, theres probably a Garmin watch made to benefit your training.

But the Apple Watch is easier to shop for, since the three models currently available all offer key features like GPS, the watchOS app store and fitness tracking. The Apple Watch also gives iPhone users the option to leave their handset behind with a cellular option.

Of course, if you have an Android phone youll want a Garmin, but be sure to review the specs before buying. Not all Garmin watches are made the same.

Garmin vs Samsung Watch

Garmin vs Samsung who comes out on top?

Garmin and Samsung are both household names in the wearables arena and have released many devices over the years. However, if you are new to the world of wearables or are looking for a change of device, working out which brand offers the best can be time-consuming and frustrating. Rather than just sticking with one brand because that is what you know, why not look at our overview of the Garmin Vivoactive 4, Venu 2 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 to help you decide which one to choose. With Garmin there are many options to choose from ranging all the way up to the Fenix/Epix range.

Whats Great About Garmin?

Garmin is not just a well-known brand because they have an extensive range of devices. They are well-known because they make trusted watches that perform well and support users in improving their health. They have been making watches for many years and have become the top choice for runners as they offer a large number of features aimed at getting the most from every step you take.

The Garmin family is filled with smartwatches and sports watches to suit a wide variety of needs, and they are constantly working on their next release so that users can access the very best features without waiting.

Why Are Samsung a Good Choice?

Samsung is another global brand that has been making wearables, phones, and entertainment solutions for decades. Their watches tend to focus more on smart features and connectivity, offering users new and exciting ways to communicate with just the touch of a button. If you also have an android phone then you will most likely get and use more watch features in combination with your phone.

The brand is cash-rich, giving it the scope to trial lots of new concepts to push the brand forward, and you can be confident that if you choose a Samsung device, you will always be connected to the people you need the most.

Which Device has the Best Design Garmin or Samsung?

We looked at the Samsung Galaxy 5, Venu 2 plus and Garmin Vivoactive 4 as part of our research into these two brands and were really impressed with the quality of design with both.

The Vivoactive 4 is a smartwatch that is packed full of fitness and sports features so that you can stay connected and still get the best from your workouts. The watch comes with on-screen workouts, breathing reminders, contactless payments, and music playback. It also has an Sp02 monitor, heart rate tracking, and a Body Battery that will help you work out the best times to exercise and rest.

The Venu 2 Plus is a recent addition to the Garmin range with a bright touchscreen, AMOLED display and also Bluetooth functionality that seemingly connects to your phone. The Speaker and microphone on this watch allow you to make and receive calls on the watch itself which is not that common with other Garmins. Its a great midrange watch from Garmin.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a device that focuses hard on connectivity and smart features and offers many great health and wellbeing options. From NFC payments to GPS and Sp02 monitoring to heart rate and activity tracking, you can look forward to insightful feedback on everything you do when you have your watch on your wrist.

Which Device Has the Best Battery Life the Garmin or Samsung?

The features you make use of will impact the length of battery life, so battery guidelines need to be considered in line with your usage. However, after a month of wearing, you will be tuned into your usage and know how long your battery will last before it needs to be plugged in.

When it comes to battery averages, the Vivoactive 4 beats the Galaxy Watch 5 with ease! Garmin offers between seven and eight days of charge, whereas Samsung manages between two to three days. If you dont mind regular charging, then this isnt an issue, but if you prefer to plug in once per week, the Vivoactive 4 is the best option. It is worth remembering that GPS and music playback are the features that use the most battery, so being mindful of when you use these will help you prolong the battery.

What are the Key Comparisons Between the Devices?

If you are still undecided about which brand suits your needs best, then take a look at our comparison table to find out more about the two devices on offer:

Which Watch Brand Should I Buy the Garmin or Samsung?

When choosing which watch you should buy, you will need to consider what you want the watch for. If you are looking for something that looks great on your wrist and provides as much connectivity as possible, then the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 wins without a doubt. However, on the downside, the Galaxy Watch 5 comes with a pretty hefty price tag, putting it at the luxury end of smartwatches.

Wireless charging

Until now, one of the advantages in favor of Samsung was its wireless charging. This is now equalized because Garmin Vivomove Trend has this option. We believe it would be enrolled in most other Garmin devices.

If you want a watch that offers smart features and excellent fitness tracking, then the Vivoactive 4 is the logical choice and comes with a lower price tag. This watch not only helps you stay in touch with the world, but it will work with you to improve your overall health. Giving you clear insights and tips to follow when you want to get fitter. If you want to achieve even more in terms of features and display from your watch then go for the Garmin Venu 2 plus.

Ultimately, in the battle of Garmin vs Samsung, both brands offer high-quality and reliable devices that will work well and support you to improve your lifestyle. If we had to pick one overall winner, we would say that the Vivoactive 4 is more of an all-rounder and offers unparalleled accuracy.

Have you seen our in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or the latest release from Garmin, the Fenix 7?

Read more: Rumors for the release of Garmin Vivoactive 5

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Last Updated on February 28, 2023

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