Garmin vs Apple Watch
Garmin watches last days to weeks and work with iPhone and Android. The Apple Watch has better smart features and calls but needs an iPhone and lasts about a day (Series 12) or two (Ultra 4).
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Quick answer
Get a Garmin if battery life, training data or Android compatibility matter most; WIRED calls the Venu X1 the best Apple Watch alternative. Get an Apple Watch if you have an iPhone and want the best apps, calls and smart features.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Check Garmin Venu X1 price (opens in a new tab)Check Apple Watch Series 12 price (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| Garmin Venu X1 | Apple Watch Series 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Forerunner 165 $249.99; Vivoactive 6 about $300 | SE 3 $249; Series 12 $399 |
| Phones | iPhone and Android | iPhone only |
| Battery | Vivoactive 6: up to 11 days; Venu X1: about a week (WIRED); Fenix 8: up to 29 days | Series 12: 24h; SE 3: 18h; Ultra 4: 50h |
| Premium model | Venu X1 $700 ($600 on sale); Fenix 8 about $1,000 | Ultra 4 $799 |
| Sleep and training software | Better, per WIRED | Workout Buddy |
We compared the two brands using WIRED’s[1] Garmin guide, Garmin’s battery figures and Apple’s specs, with prices checked October 2026. For model-by-model picks, see best Garmin watches and which Apple Watch to buy.
Garmin Venu X1 vs Apple Watch Series 12: side-by-side
| Garmin | Apple Watch | |
|---|---|---|
| Phones | iPhone and Android | iPhone only |
| Battery | Vivoactive 6: up to 11 days; Venu X1: about a week (WIRED); Fenix 8: up to 29 days | Series 12: 24h; SE 3: 18h; Ultra 4: 50h |
| Starting price | Forerunner 165 $249.99; Vivoactive 6 about $300 | SE 3 $249; Series 12 $399 |
| Premium model | Venu X1 $700 ($600 on sale); Fenix 8 about $1,000 | Ultra 4 $799 |
| Sleep and training software | Better, per WIRED | Workout Buddy |
| Calls and speaker | Venu X1 can take calls; speaker not as good (WIRED) | Better speaker and mic (WIRED) |
| Subscription | Connect+ optional; “probably not” needed (WIRED) | None required |
How much do they cost?
Garmin Venu X1 plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Forerunner 165 | $249.99 | Budget running |
| Vivoactive 6 | About $300 | Best overall Garmin |
| Venu X1 | $700 ($600 on sale) | Apple Watch alternative |
| Fenix 8 | About $1,000 | Outdoors |
Apple Watch Series 12 plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| SE 3 | From $249 | 40mm |
| Series 12 | From $399 | 42mm |
| Ultra 4 | From $799 | 49mm |
What are the pros and cons?
Garmin Venu X1: pros
- Days to weeks of battery
- Works with Android and iPhone
- Better sleep and training software, per WIRED
Garmin Venu X1: cons
- Venu X1 costs $700 list
- Weaker speaker for calls
- Venu X1 has a polymer case and no satellite messaging
Apple Watch Series 12: pros
- Best iPhone integration and apps
- Better speaker and mic
- Hypertension and sleep apnea notifications (Series 12)
Apple Watch Series 12: cons
- iPhone only
- About a day of battery (Series 12)
Which should you choose: Garmin Venu X1 or Apple Watch Series 12?
If you have an Android phone, the choice is made: get a Garmin. With an iPhone, choose an Apple Watch for smart features, or a Garmin if you want to charge weekly instead of nightly and care more about training data.
Choose Garmin Venu X1 if…
- You want a week or more of battery
- You use Android
- You train for running or outdoor sports
Choose Apple Watch Series 12 if…
- You have an iPhone
- You want apps, calls and smart features
- You’re fine charging daily
Garmin Venu X1 vs Apple Watch Ultra
WIRED[1] compared the Venu X1 with the Apple Watch Ultra 3: the Garmin lasts about a week without the always-on display, is about 8mm thick vs 12mm, and has a 2-inch AMOLED screen, but has a polymer case, no satellite messaging and a weaker speaker. The Ultra 4 now lasts up to 50 hours, per Apple.
Android users
Apple Watches need an iPhone. Android users comparing smartwatches should also see best smartwatches, or best smart rings for something smaller.
Frequently asked questions
Is Garmin better than Apple Watch?
Does a Garmin work with an iPhone?
Which Garmin is most like an Apple Watch?
Do I need Garmin Connect+?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- WIRED: The best Garmin watches (wired.com)
- Garmin: Which Garmin smartwatch is right for me? (garmin.com)
- Apple: Compare Apple Watch models (apple.com)
Related
Best Garmin Watches of 2026
The Vivoactive 6 is the best Garmin for most people at $300. Runners should get the Forerunner 970, and the Fenix 8 is the best outdoor watch if you can afford it.
best ofWhich Apple Watch Should You Buy in 2026?
The Series 12 (from $399) is the right Apple Watch for most iPhone owners. The SE 3 (from $249) saves $150 if you can skip some health features, and the Ultra 4 ($799) is for battery life and outdoor sports.
best ofBest Smartwatches
If you have an iPhone, get an Apple Watch Series 12 (or the SE 3 to save money). On Android, the Pixel Watch 5 has the best battery life of the big three, and the Galaxy Watch9 is the pick for Samsung phones.
best ofBest Fitness Trackers
The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is the best overall, the screenless Fitbit Air is the value pick, and the Oura Ring 5 is the best if you don’t want anything on your wrist.
comparisonFitbit vs Garmin
Fitbit is the affordable everyday choice for health and sleep tracking, from the screenless $100 Fitbit Air to the $160 Charge 6. Garmin is the sports and outdoor choice: WIRED calls the Fenix 8 the best sports watch any of its reviewers has worn, and Garmin Connect is free.
comparisonApple Watch Series 12 vs Apple Watch Ultra 4
Both run the new S11 chip and watchOS 27 and have the same health tracking. The Ultra 4 costs twice as much, and for that you get roughly double the battery life, a brighter 49mm screen, dual-frequency GPS, 5G, satellite SOS and a 40-meter depth gauge.
comparisonGarmin Forerunner 570 vs Forerunner 970
Both watches have bright AMOLED screens, a speaker and microphone, and Garmin’s training tools. The 970 adds offline topographic maps, ECG, an LED flashlight, a sapphire lens with a titanium bezel, and longer battery life, for $200 more.
comparisonApple Watch Ultra 4 vs Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is the better everyday smartwatch for iPhone owners. The Garmin fēnix 8 Pro lasts far longer between charges, works with Android too, and goes deeper on training and navigation.