Garmin vs. Apple Watch: why I made the switch and never looked back

With both watches smart contenders - and a pretty penny - making the right decision of one over the other can be challenging. That’s where we come in. Although we’re not going to discuss any specific models other than when comparing prices, we will help you decide which brand is better for your purposes. So let’s dive into the debate of a Garmin vs Apple Watch.

Garmin vs. Apple Watch: differences at a glance

For a quick look into the differences between a Garmin and Apple Watch, look at the table below. It should give you a few key insights:

Performance breakdown: key specs and features compared

When it comes to a Garmin vs Apple Watch, it's a good idea to get a better idea of what each watch brings to the table regarding features, costs, battery life, and design. 

That’s why we’ve shared this information and more below to help you decide between an Apple Watch vs. Garmin for running and everyday performance:

Battery life

For many people, the most important deciding factor between an Apple Watch and a Garmin watch is its battery capabilities. Unfortunately, although Apple Watches have the upper hand regarding better apps and health features, there is no denying that they fall short on battery life. 

For example, on average, the Apple Watch SE and Series 8, two of the most popular models, last a day to a day and a half on a single charge. If you plan on using these smartwatches by Apple or similar for exercise tracking or outdoor activities, you might need to charge them every day before the day is over to avoid the dreaded ‘black charge screen.’ 

Of course, there is also the Apple Watch Ultra, a newer model from the brand that lasts a couple of days before a charge is needed, thanks to its ‘Low Power’ mode. Even so, when looking at the Apple Watch Ultra vs. Garmin, the Apple Watch Ultra doesn’t compete with even the least longest-lasting Garmin on the market. 

When it comes to Garmin watches, even the least longest-lasting watch gives users, on average, five days of battery life before needing a charge. In contrast, one of the longest-lasting Garmin watches is the Garmin Enduro 2, which lasts up to 46 days between charges, and the Instinct 2 Solar has what the brand likes to call ‘unlimited basic use battery life’ because of its battery solar-charging capabilities.

GPS accuracy and navigation

The Garmin and Apple watches don't offer the best navigation or GPS accuracy. However, the two Garmin watches better suit GPS and navigation needs. This is because Garmin watches can have third-party apps like All Trails and Komoot installed. 

These apps provide navigation tools and maps. They can tell you how much elevation is ahead, help you create round-trip courses, and allow you to tweak a route to add points of interest. You can even scroll offline maps and access turn-by-turn navigation. 

On the other hand, an Apple Watch is a little more rudimentary when it comes to navigation and GPS accuracy. You can do some of the same things using the Apple Maps feature or the watch's compass, but it's tricky. You often have to leave the workout app and go into other apps on the watch to find what you’re looking for while out and about. This means a Garmin watch is usually more user-friendly and better for running and outdoor activities than an Apple smartwatch.

Smart features

Those looking for a smartwatch with multiple features will typically find Apple the superior choice. Apple watches outperform Garmin in terms of features, and Apple's smartwatch store is impressive and currently the best in the world. Garmin watches are significant, but the apps are simpler, and there isn’t as much variety. 

On Garmin watches, you have countless watch faces and basic apps to download, but the software is limited since Garmin users usually have more sporty demands with fewer needs for smart features. With Apple Watches, there are also several watch faces, but the watch itself offers a far more visually rich appearance and complicated applications. 

You can talk to Siri on an Apple Watch and make calls with the watch's built-in mic and speaker. You can do this with a Garmin, but only with a select few, like the Venu 2 Plus. Instead of Siri, it is Alexa, and it's not as streamlined an experience. 

However, it is worth noting that both an Apple and Garmin smartwatch receives notifications from a phone and can be used for wireless payments.

Health and fitness tracking

In today's climate, it's becoming increasingly important to stay on top of your fitness game, and one of the best ways to do this is by using a smartwatch. Garmin set the standard for health and fitness tracking for years, but Apple watches have upped their game.

Garmin and Apple smartwatches are revered for their accuracy in heart rate monitoring, location tracking, outdoor activity tracking, workout tracking, and other health tracking. However, you need to know that not all Apple smartwatches are on par with Garmin regarding health and fitness tracking. The only Apple Watch that is as good as some Garmins, for most people, is the Apple Watch Ultra. 

The Apple Watch Ultra allows you to access custom workouts, workout stat views, heart rate zone alerts, running power stats, and recovery insights that let you know when you’re ready for another workout. 

Although these features are handy, Garmin watches offer greater feature depth in this arena. Most would refer to its suggested workouts as near-encyclopedic, and they cater to all athletes, from runners and cyclists to swimmers and hikers. These workouts are even powered by a cutting-edge statistical, algorithmic engine that helps you determine what your body is capable of and where progress is needed. 

Not to mention, Garmin’s high-end watch models and specific mid-tier models have a ‘Training Load' feature that assesses the collected exertion of your exercise over time to show you how hard - or not - you’ve been working out. A few of the notable features Garmins offers that Apple watches don’t, include the ability to control bike smart turbo trainers and broadcast your heart rate data to other fitness equipment. 

These advanced features make Garmins incredibly attractive. However, the average user may prefer and be happy with the more limited fitness and health tracking features - which are still impressive - offered by certain Apple smartwatches.

Design and build quality

Garmin and Apple smartwatches offer wholly different designs. However, their build quality is on par with being the best in this category, with both brands using premium quality materials and components and expert craftsmanship in every watch. 

Design-wise, the Apple Watch is recognisable with its squircle watch face design and colour touchscreen display, side button, and digital crown. Many would describe it as looking like a miniaturised computer that lays flat on one's wrist. 

The only visible difference between Apple Watch models is the slightly different bezel, screen thickness, and screen size. In addition, Apple Watches have customisable band colours and materials, with third-party retailers and Apple selling different bands. The watch's face itself comes in several colours and metal finishes. 

Like Apple Watches, Garmin watches often come in various colours, although not all models feature interchangeable straps. Most Garmin watches have a circular design, except the Garmin Venu Sq. A typical Garmin watch includes five buttons - two on the right and three on the left - for easy navigation.

Many of Garmin's newer models, such as the Forerunner 265, Forerunner 965, Garmin Epix 2, and Garmin Fenix 7, are equipped with touchscreens. However, during sports modes, the touchscreen functionality is automatically disabled. This ensures better control during activities while offering easy navigation in non-sport settings.

Apple Watch vs Garmin: price comparison

Now that you know more about the differences between Apple and Garmin smartwatches, what about the price differences? Pricing is often an essential factor when choosing a smartwatch, and since these watches can be pricy, they are considered an investment. 

We’ve shared pricing insights on a few popular new Garmin and Apple smartwatch models to help you learn more about their prices. However, you don’t have to buy new. You can also buy verified refurbished Garmin or Apple smartwatches from Back Market. 

Refurbished smartwatches are often just as good as new ones and cost far less! So, we’ve shared how much you’ll pay for verified refurbished to give you more options.

Main models and their pricing: new vs. refurbished models on Back Market UK

There's a notable contrast between the selection of Garmin and Apple Watch models, meaning there are also noticeable price differences.

In the UK, the Apple Watch Series 9 starts at £399, the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) is priced at £249, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 begins at £799. In contrast, Garmin offers a broader range of devices catering to various activities. 

The Garmin Venu series, particularly the Venu 2 Plus, is priced around £399. The Forerunner series, such as the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965, are priced at approximately £429 and £599, respectively. 

Then there is the Fenix series, including the Fenix 7, which starts at £599. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the rugged Garmin Instinct 2 is available for around £299. Garmin also offers lifestyle watches without GPS, such as the Garmin Lily, priced around £199, and the Garmin Vivomove Sport, approximately £179.

On Back Market, you can find many of these Garmin and Apple smartwatches at reduced prices since they have been refurbished. For example, you can get the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) for only £179 and the Forerunner 965 for about £490, meaning both offer significant savings if you buy refurbished.

Which smartwatch is best for you? Garmin Watch vs Apple Watch

For runners, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who take their fitness seriously but aren’t too perturbed about smart features, Garmin watches could be what you’re looking for. However, an Apple smartwatch could be the better choice if you want a watch that you can use daily and has fitness tracking capabilities, stylish designs, and versatility.

Writer’s verdict: which smartwatch should you choose?

Ultimately, which smartwatch you choose will depend on your needs. Garmin watches are usually best for those who need a smartwatch with excellent battery life and fitness features. Most Garmins last days to more than a month between charges, making them ideal for anyone who needs to use their smartwatch without frequent, constant charging. 

Apple Watches are better for those who love the bells and whistles. Apple smartwatches come with an impressive store collection of downloadable applications, and their fitness tracking has been improved in recent years, so they are also suitable for the health-conscious. 

However, Garmin continues to be the leader in connecting with other devices. With a Garmin, you can connect to smart bikes and other fitness tools, which is not something most Apple Watches can do yet. 

Regardless of which you decide to buy, you should consider a refurbished option with us at Back Market. We offer a wide range of Apple and Garmin smartwatches that could meet your needs at lower prices year-round. Our watches also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and are covered by an industry-leading one-year warranty.