It has been nearly two years since I posted my first video reviewing the Garmin Fenix 7X, calling it an expensive mistake.
So… I need to explain something. Because, well, I might have been wrong.
The Apple Watch (specifically the Apple Watch Ultra 3) is, in many ways, the best smartwatch out there. It’s also one of the main reasons why many iPhone users struggle to switch to Android.
But over the past few years, I’ve been testing all sorts of phones (many of them Android), and that meant my Apple Watch usage became on and off.
Enter Garmin.
First, I tried the Fenix 7, then the Epix Pro, and most recently, the pinnacle of Garmin watches: the Garmin Marq.
Now, full disclosure: Garmin sent these watches to me last year. But they’re not paying me for this review, so I can say with absolute confidence that the Garmin Marq at £2,500 is definitely not a sound financial decision in anybody’s eyes.
That said, the Fenix, Epix, and Marq are essentially the same watch under the hood. The main differences? The display technology and the materials used.
It’s similar to the Apple Watch lineup: the SE, Series 10, Ultra, and even the Ultra Hermès edition. Same software, slightly different build.
So, why do I keep wearing a Garmin as well as an Apple Watch Ultra?
It’s not about which one is better; it’s about which one suits your needs. And after wearing two watches for the best part of a year, I’ve learned a lot.
Apple Watch in 2026: What You’re Actually Choosing Between
Before we talk Garmin, it’s worth being clear what “Apple Watch” actually means, because there isn’t just one. There’s a full lineup, all at very different price points.
Right now, Apple officially sells:
- Apple Watch SE 3: the cheapest option, starting around $249, two sizes, two colours, with or without LTE.
- Apple Watch Series 11: the “proper” flagship, from $399, two materials, loads of colours and straps, and LTE as an option.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: the big chunky “do everything” version at $799, one size, two finishes, LTE as standard.
And that’s before you even look at Apple’s refurbished store and places like Amazon, where you can still find Series 10, Ultra 2, and older SE models at much lower prices. Honestly, a refurbished Series 10 or Ultra 2 with full Apple warranty is often a far better value than buying the newest thing just because it’s new.
So when we put Garmin up against “Apple Watch”, we’re really comparing it to a whole range: from budget SE, to mid-range Series 11, right through to Ultra territory that starts to bump into the price of a decent Garmin plus a holiday.
Why Garmin? The Key Benefits Over Apple Watch
1. Works on Both Apple & Android
If you switch phones often (like I do), you’ll love how Garmin makes it easy to move between devices.
- No need for a full factory reset like Apple Watch.
- Pairing takes seconds, whereas Apple Watch forces you to wipe and repair every time.
- Downside: I did have to factory reset the watch after forgetting to unpair it before sending a phone back, meaning I lost all my data (there are no backups once a watch is deleted).
2. A More Reliable Fitness Companion
Apple Watch’s fitness apps are great, but Garmin dominates in consistency.
- Integrates with Vitality (more on that later).
- Data is far more detailed and customisable.
- Works with Strava, MyFitnessPal, and all major fitness apps.
- Strava automatically logs workouts without needing manual imports, unlike Apple Watch.
3. Battery Life: The Ultimate Game-Changer
One of the biggest frustrations with Apple Watch? Daily charging.
Sure, the Ultra 3 stretches to around 42 hours of normal use, and Apple will happily tell you it can last 72 hours if you baby it in Low Power Mode. But once you fire up full GPS and heart-rate tracking, you’re closer to 14 hours, and even in Low Power Mode with LTE, it only reaches roughly 35 hours. Great for short adventures, not so great if you don’t want another device nagging you for a charger.
With Garmin, battery life is a non-issue.
- MIP Display (Fenix) vs OLED (Epix/Marq): The MIP screen is ultra-efficient, lasting weeks on a single charge.
- Perfect for marathon runners, you never have to worry about the watch dying mid-run.
- The charger is proprietary and not wireless, which is annoying, but the battery life makes up for it.
4. Built for Tough Conditions
- Buttons work even when wet; Apple’s touchscreen struggles in these scenarios.
- Customisable data screens let you see everything you want during workouts.
- Sauna mode is great for tracking recovery (without constant notifications)
5. The Best Health & Fitness Tracking
Garmin's metrics are unmatched:
- VO2 Max tracking (though both Garmin & Apple’s VO2 estimates seem off).
- Flashlight on some models, which is actually useful!
- Garmin Smart Scales auto-sync weight & body fat data.
- Detailed strength tracking, including reps, weights, and full breakdowns.
The Downsides of Garmin Watches
As great as Garmin is, nothing is perfect.
1. Fewer Smart Features
- You get notifications, but there’s no voice assistant.
- Garmin Pay is okay, but Apple Pay is more widely supported.
- No LTE, which means you can’t stream music without syncing it manually.
2. Missing Some Health Features
- No AFib detection.
- No fall/crash detection.
- Music syncing is a pain.
3. Less Social Connectivity
- No challenges with friends or workout-sharing like Apple’s Fitness+ rings.
Vitality: The Best Discount You’ve Never Heard Of
Now, let me quickly talk about something that has genuinely been one of the best-value deals I’ve come across.
Vitality Health Insurance Perks (Not Sponsored, Just a Happy Customer!)
- 20% off Garmin watches in the UK.
- Practically a free Apple Watch if you hit activity goals.
- Free cinema ticket every month (my whole family has it, 4 free tickets per month!)
- Free coffee every week.
- 50% off gym memberships.
- 50% off Nike trainers (yes, those shoes people keep asking me about).
- Discounts on food shopping.
- Annual memberships to Fiit & Headspace.
- Cashback on Amex.
The Catch?
You just need to complete 5 x 30-minute workouts per week to unlock these rewards. If you're interested, I’ve left a referral link below for £100 cashback if you sign up.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Get?
If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch (especially the Ultra 3) is the best smartwatch for you.
But if you care more about health, fitness, and battery life, Garmin is unbeatable.
Who Should Get a Garmin?
- Runners, hikers, and endurance athletes, no charging worries.
- Weightlifters & gym-goers; detailed tracking, rep counting, and VO2 Max insights.
- People who want fewer distractions; no notifications buzzing during sauna sessions.
- Those who switch between iPhone & Android; Garmin works great on both.
Who Should Stick With Apple Watch?
- People who love smart features like voice assistant, Apple Pay, and LTE streaming.
- Those who need health monitoring, like AFib detection, fall detection, and crash alerts.
- Anyone who loves Apple’s ecosystem, like iMessage, Handoff, and Apple Fitness+.
Where to Buy a Garmin Watch?
- Vitality members get 20% off.
- Watch for sales (the Fenix 7X is around £500 in the UK).
- Wait for new models, there’s always a price drop when the next version is announced.
The Final Word
I don’t run marathons. But I do focus on health, fitness, and lifting weights.
And for me, Garmin is the better choice with better battery, better fitness tracking, and fewer distractions.
That’s why I’m still wearing it after 18 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garmin vs Apple Watch
Is Garmin better than Apple Watch for fitness?
If your priority is fitness data, battery life, or multi-day tracking, a Garmin is still the stronger choice. You get better long-run battery, more consistent GPS, detailed strength-training metrics, and far fewer distractions.
Apple Watch has improved with the Series 11 and Ultra 3, but it still leans more towards being a convenient smart companion than a dedicated fitness tool.
Which Apple Watch has the best battery life?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has the best battery on the Apple side, with around 18-24 hours on LTE only and up to 2-3 days in normal mixed use. But even the Ultra can’t match a Fenix, Epix, or Marq, which can last days or even weeks, depending on display type and features used.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 worth upgrading to from the Ultra 2?
For most people, no. The Ultra 3’s upgrades (emergency SOS via satellite, a newer chip, and LTPO3 display) sound good on paper, but don’t change real-life use much. An Ultra 2 gives you 95% of the experience for far less money.
