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Garmin vs. Apple Watch: Which One Should You Buy?
By Dr. Krishna Athmakuri, Co-Founder & CEO of Clearcals
When it comes to choosing a smartwatch, two brands dominate the market—Garmin and Apple.
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or someone who wants a smartwatch for everyday use, deciding between a Garmin vs an Apple Watch can be challenging.
Both brands offer powerful features, but they cater to different needs.
In this guide, we compare Garmin vs Apple Watch Ultra, as well as standard models, to help you make the right choice based on your lifestyle, fitness goals, and smartwatch requirements.
Garmin vs Apple Watch: Key Differences
While Garmin watches are known for rugged durability, advanced fitness tracking, and superior GPS accuracy, the Apple Watch stands out with its sleek design, seamless iOS integration, and smartwatch features. Below is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Garmin Watch | Apple Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Rugged, durable, and built for extreme sports | Sleek, stylish, and modern |
| Fitness Tracking | Advanced metrics for running, cycling, triathlons, and hiking | General fitness tracking with strong health insights |
| Battery Life | Long battery life (up to weeks in some models) | Shorter battery life (1-2 days) |
| GPS Accuracy | Multi-band GPS with top-tier accuracy | Good GPS but less precise in extreme conditions |
| Smartwatch Features | Focused on fitness and outdoor tracking | Superior smartwatch features like Siri, apps, and messaging |
| Ecosystem | Works well with iOS and Android | Best for Apple users (iPhone required) |
Now, let's look at how specific Garmin watches compare to Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Ultra vs Garmin options for extreme sports and adventure users.
1. Garmin Venu Sq 2 vs Apple Watch SE
If you need a stylish fitness smartwatch with strong health tracking, both the Garmin Venu Sq 2 and Apple Watch SE are great choices.
Garmin Venu Sq 2 Key Features:
- AMOLED touchscreen display
- Built-in GPS tracking
- Up to 11 days of battery life
- SpO2, heart rate, sleep tracking
🔹 Available for ₹ 20,500 at the Clearcals Store, along with one month of free Hint Premium worth Rs. 1999.
Apple Watch SE Key Features:
- Retina display with always-on mode
- ECG, blood oxygen, temperature tracking
- Siri integration and Apple Pay
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
🏆 Best For: Those who want iPhone integration and advanced smartwatch features should choose the Apple Watch SE, while those who prioritize battery life and fitness tracking will love the Garmin Venu Sq 2.
2. Garmin Vivoactive 6 vs Apple Watch Series 10
For those looking for an advanced smartwatch with multi-sport tracking, comparing the Garmin Vivoactive 6 vs the Apple Watch Series 10 is essential.
Garmin Vivoactive 6 Key Features:
- AMOLED touchscreen display
- Preloaded sports apps include yoga, strength, HIIT, and running
- HRV status, skin temperature tracking, and nap detection
- Up to 11 days of battery life
- Sleep coaching and wellness insights
🔹 Available for ₹ 39,990 at the Clearcals Store, along with one month of free Hint Premium worth ₹ 1,999.
Apple Watch Series 10 Key Features:
- Larger Retina display with always-on mode
- Advanced fitness and health tracking
- New AI-powered training insights
- Battery life: Up to 24 hours
🏆 Best For: The Apple Watch Series 10 is great for Apple fans who want the latest health features and AI-powered training. The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is ideal for users focused on fitness, wellness metrics, and battery longevity.
3. Garmin Instinct 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2
For extreme adventure enthusiasts, comparing the Garmin Instinct 3 vs the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is crucial.
Garmin Instinct 3 Key Features:
- Solar charging for extended battery life
- Multi-band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou)
- Military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810H)
- Tactical editions with night vision and stealth mode
- Advanced sleep, stress, and training status
🔹 Available for ₹ 52,990 at the Clearcals Store, along with one month of free Hint Premium worth ₹ 1,999.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Key Features:
- 49mm titanium case with sapphire crystal display
- Dual-frequency GPS for better accuracy
- Action button and precision start for athletes
- Battery life: Up to 36 hours
🏆 Best For: Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if you’re an Apple user seeking a rugged smartwatch with advanced navigation. Opt for the Garmin Instinct 3 if you prioritize solar-powered battery, durability, and elite GPS performance.
🎁 Exclusive Offer: One Month of Free Hint Premium Access
When you purchase any of the following from the Clearcals Store:
- Garmin Venu Sq 2
- Garmin Vivoactive 6
- Garmin Instinct 3
You’ll receive one month of free Hint Premium (worth ₹ 1,999), which includes:
✅ Unlimited dietitian consultations
✅ Personalized diet and workout plans
✅ Advanced calorie and nutrition tracking
🚀 Visit the Clearcals Store today and unlock your free Hint Premium access!
Final Verdict: Garmin Watch vs Apple Watch – Which One Should You Buy?
- Garmin Venu Sq 2: Best for users who value battery life and fitness over smartwatch features
- Apple Watch SE: Ideal for iPhone users looking for an affordable, feature-rich smartwatch
- Garmin Vivoactive 6: A strong pick for multi-sport athletes who want wellness insights and a longer battery
- Apple Watch Series 10: Great for those who want cutting-edge Apple features with a sleek design
- Garmin Instinct 3: Perfect for adventurers who demand durability, solar charging, and superior GPS
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: Best for Apple users needing a rugged premium device with dual-frequency GPS
About the Author
Dr. Krishna Athmakuri is the Co-Founder and CEO of Clearcals, where he leads the development of data-driven health technology through the Hint app.
With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York, his expertise spans analytics, protein chemistry, and biotechnology.
Earlier in his career, he developed biotherapeutics for diabetes and metabolic diseases at companies like Aurobindo Pharma and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories.
At Clearcals, he now applies that scientific rigor to build personalized fitness tools, including Hint Pro Workouts, nutrition tracking, and real-time metabolic insights — helping users make smarter health decisions through technology.
🔗 Connect with Krishna on LinkedIn
