Which smartwatch gives you the edge on every run?
Whether you’re training for your first 5K or logging ultra-marathon miles, your smartwatch can be one of your most powerful tools. In 2025, the two most popular watches for runners remain: the Garmin Forerunner Series and the Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2.
But these watches are built for different types of runners. Here’s a complete breakdown to help you decide which one belongs on your wrist.
🏃 Quick Comparison: Garmin vs Apple Watch
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 265 / 965 | Apple Watch Series 9 / Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS Accuracy | ✅ Dual-frequency (Ultra-precise) | ✅ Dual-frequency on Ultra 2 |
| Battery Life | ✅ 13–23 days / 20–31 hrs GPS | ⚠️ 18–36 hrs |
| Run Power (Native) | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Only with 3rd-party app |
| VO₂ Max / HRV | ✅ Deep metrics | ✅ Basic (via Health app) |
| Smart Features | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full phone replacement |
| Music / Bluetooth | ✅ Offline sync + Spotify | ✅ Apple Music, Spotify, calls |
| Waterproof / Swim | ✅ Up to 50m / 100m | ✅ Up to 50m / 100m |
| Price | ~$450–$599 | $399–$799 |
🧭 GPS Accuracy & Running Metrics
Both Garmin and Apple now offer dual-frequency GPS on premium models (Forerunner 965, Apple Watch Ultra 2). But Garmin still leads in GPS stability, especially on trails, mountain paths, or urban routes with satellite interference.
Garmin Advantages:
- Faster GPS lock
- Better elevation correction
- More reliable in poor satellite zones
- Tracks ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation
📌 Verdict: Garmin wins for pure GPS + biomechanical depth
🔋 Battery Life
| Activity | Garmin 265 / 965 | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Use | 13–23 days | ~18 hours | ~36–72 hours |
| GPS Use | 20–31 hours | ~6 hours | ~12–15 hours (Low Power mode) |
Garmin wins by a huge margin on endurance. If you’re doing long runs, trail events, or multi-day treks — it’s no contest.
📌 Verdict: Garmin is essential for long-distance runners
🧠 Training Tools & Insights
Garmin:
- VO₂ Max, Training Load, Recovery Time
- Body Battery (fatigue modeling)
- Running Power (native)
- Advanced intervals, HRV status
- Daily suggested workouts
- Real triathlon mode + multi-band GNSS
Apple:
- Heart rate zones
- Running form (via iPhone or 3rd-party)
- Running Power (via apps like Stryd or TrainingPeaks)
- Custom workouts (basic)
- Integrates well with apps like NRC, Strava, Athlytic
📌 Verdict: Garmin for coaching, Apple for companion apps
📲 Smartwatch Features
| Feature | Apple Watch | Garmin Forerunner |
|---|---|---|
| Calls / Messaging | ✅ | ❌ |
| Music Streaming | ✅ (Spotify, Apple Music) | ✅ (Spotify offline only) |
| App Store | ✅ Massive | ⚠️ Limited (Garmin Connect IQ) |
| LTE / Siri / Voice | ✅ | ❌ |
| Productivity / Smart Home | ✅ | ❌ |
If you want a smartwatch that also runs… Apple wins hands-down.
Garmin is focused entirely on sport performance.
📌 Verdict: Choose Apple if you want fitness + daily utility
💡 Everyday Comfort & Design
| Garmin Forerunner | Apple Watch |
|---|---|
| Lightweight (30–50g) | Heavier (Apple Watch Ultra = 61g) |
| Sporty aesthetic | Sleek, minimalist design |
| Always-on display (AMOLED) | Always-on display |
| Touch + button control | Full touchscreen + crown |
📌 Verdict: Garmin is more comfortable for high-mileage runners. Apple wins on looks.
🧠 Ideal Use Case Summary
| If you are… | Go with… |
|---|---|
| Training for a race or improving performance | Garmin Forerunner |
| Running for health, with daily smartwatch use | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| A multisport athlete or trail runner | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
| A runner who wants lifestyle + fitness | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| A long-distance runner needing battery life | Garmin |
🛠️ Compatibility Notes
Both watches sync with:
- Strava
- TrainingPeaks
- Apple Health / Google Fit (via 3rd-party for Garmin)
- Spotify / Komoot / NRC
Garmin uses Garmin Connect, while Apple syncs via Health + Fitness apps.
Conclusion
Both Garmin and Apple Watch are excellent in their own ways — but they serve very different kinds of runners.
- If you want training precision, recovery metrics, and long battery life, Garmin is your coach.
- If you want smart features + casual tracking, Apple Watch is your assistant.
🏁 For serious runners or endurance athletes, Garmin Forerunner wins.
🧩 For everyday users who run — but also want a full smartwatch — Apple Watch is more versatile.