Apple Watch or Garmin? What I Chose After 2 Years

[@kohlenpott6631]

Nothing comes even close to garmin when you need an outdoor watch with long battery life and great navigation Features.

[@guzz95]

Fully agree. Like 2 weeks ago I did a century on my bike, I gave the Ultra a try, died 3/4 of the way. Fail!!!

[@rgmALC]

@@guzz95Wierd, people run 100 mile races with Ultras, yet you biked 100 miles at a faster pace and it died?

[@guzz95]

@@rgmALC whether you believe me or not, Garmin hands down has the Ultra beat on battery life. What’s weird is the Ultra having dismal battery performance, when it’s marketed for endurance sports.

[@rgmALC]

@@guzz95 I never said the Ultra has better battery life, I was just saying it’s weird how people literally run 100 mile Ultras with it and you can’t have it last a 100 mile bike ride that doesn’t last nearly as long….but user error is a thing too.

[@Wanderlust073]

@@rgmALC you have a link? Forum posts I’ve seen from ultra runners say the apple watch dies after twenty hours or so, and that’s with it running in feature crippled mode the entire time.

[@guidoordie]

I’ve had an Apple Watch Ultra , as well as a fenix 7x sapphire solar. I sold the Apple Watch and stick with the garmin. It’s a little more finicky than the Apple Watch , but overall it’s a better device for me . Charging a watch every 2 days is not a great experience . Charging the garmin every 28 days is a real treat.

[@willstw]

Apple Watch is a great(maybe the best?) smart device,but Garmin makes better watch

[@mrjkstark]

How often do you charge your phone?

[@guidoordie]

@@mrjkstark Every damn day , sometimes multiple times a day. And I hate it. You think charging a phone and watch every night is better than not ? Give your head a shake.

[@sergiimisiak2388]

For folks who are making a decision on G vs A, I’ve been in your shoes for a while. Watched this channel and tons of others. Intuition helped me make a decision and I never regretted it. Garmin Fenix 7 pro is simply a sooo great tool for my needs!!! Even in the city. The only smart feature I need is notifications. The rest are just toys. But the battery is what really matters! And a flashlight 🔦. I can't imagine how I would feel if I bought an AW. It doesn’t mean that AW is bad. But be honest with yourself, hide the brand name with your hand and answer yourself what features you need.

[@CalTheSmurf-yi4m]

I think I got a garmin for the opposite reasons being able to not respond limits distractions and the other features are far far far more than toys the only thing I agree with here is the flashlight but who dosent love that and also the battery life

[@Bodzio1982]

I’m an Apple Watch user for 6 years now and I’m just in the same situation. Watching a lot videos about garmin but hard to convince me because almost any feature can be fix on AW with an update or an app. It’s just the battery that and flashlight that puts me towards garmin.

[@DimiArt]

@@Bodzio1982 yeah u bought the latest samsung galaxy watch and then swapped it out for a Garmin 965 about 2 months later. I love being able to not charge my watch for 24 days compared to 1.5 days at most with the samsung watch. The garmin has a lot of nice features are built in and just work perfectly that other smart watches don't have. Body Battery, training readiness are 2 i use a lot.

[@akaemzett]

I have both a 965 and an Apple Watch Ultra. I need the connectivity of the Apple Watch, as I am a single dad with small kids and can't just disappear into the woods for hours... I also use the Apple watch for audible audiobooks and listening to music, which works much better than on the Garmin. The Garmin is the tool I need for my training, I can't be bothered configuring all these apps on the Apple and paying for subscriptions to services that should be included in the first place also seems wrong. So most of the time, including while sleeping, I keep the Garmin on my left wrist, for rare social occasions I take the Apple Watch, and for running around in the woods, I have the Garmin on my left wrist and the Apple on the right, looking like a rich noob... which I am I guess.

[@joeliu2003]

Owned both the Epix Pro 2 and AWU2 for about 3 months and chose to keep the AWU2. I run often and leaving the phone behind - using the watch to connect to my HRM and AirPods is perfect. Often stop and get a smoothie and can easily pay without my phone. It’s very freeing. If I hiked longer distances often with a pack I would have kept the Garmin. Really both is the answer, but for my day-to-day the AWU2 is more useful especially considering HomeKit / ApplePay / Cellular

[@bery7028]

Exactly 👍

[@Ptro1]

@@joeliu2003 what HRM do you use?

[@ex6tenceLV]

@@Ptro1 For running and hiking u dont need to use HRM. They are very close to perfect. For others like weight lifting and yeah Ive seen on HIIT and sprinting Id better take HRM for more accuracy.

[@LobsterRavioli]

I prefer the Garmin ecosystem, but I usually go with the Apple Watch. I like the ability to leave my phone at home or in the car, and not have it as a distraction. I still can make an emergency call if needed with the Apple Watch, but none of the distractions a phone provides. If Garmin were to ever create a watch that can do what an Apple Watch does so a phone isn’t needed, I’d be in line to buy it.

[@dub88acc]

Lile you mentíoned with the Garmin you're not always "connected". You can actually disconnect for a bit. Also battery life is a winner over apple watch. Was hiking in big bend and another hiker asked me how long was left on trail since her battery died on an apple watch and iphone. Battery life definitely gives peace of mind on long trails.

[@z3ro7o]

so people go on a hike and dont charge there battery before they going, yeah lol

[@xxtwnz2919]

@@z3ro7oGPS uses a lot more battery than other watch functions. Wouldn’t surprise me that a fully charged Apple watch couldn’t last for a 10 mile hike or a 50 mile ride. The Garmin can do that 10 days in a row on one charge while monitoring 3 different satellite constellations.

[@KorbensBum]

@@xxtwnz2919 yep, exactly.

[@AHungryHunky]

I personally like that my Fenix watch is not my phone, and my phone is not my watch. They are seperate devices with seperate jobs that compliment eachother, and its nice they can connect so I can get notifications, or read health stats on a bigger display, but it is also nice I can just leave my whole phone behind, go out, still have maps, still have contactless payments, still have music and no one can bother me.

[@chriswells156]

I had a lesser Garmin watch with a very clunky interface and limited applications. I used it for a year mostly because the battery was excellent and could theoretically solar recharge (didn’t seem to do much). I went back to an Apple Watch (Ultra 2) because its interface was easy and familiar and allowed me to use familiar hiking apps and maps. Charging is an issue, but it becomes a habit. On backpacks, I recharge with my Nitecore and cable charger.

[@cams3425]

Nice simple video and very fair comparison. I'm an apple user overall. Mac, iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad.... I have used the Apple Watch since its first generation release. Having said all of that I switched to a Garmin Epix 2 when I started running long distances and needed mapping for backcountry skiing. To your point, the Garmin does not come close to Apple for Smartwatch capabilities if that is your main reason and primary use, but if its for sports training/fitness I have not found a better watch than Garmin, period. Great battery life is just a bonus on top of the watch itself is kinda of a motivator for your fitness training.

[@NickBEADG]

One of the deciding factors that I sold my Apple Watch Ultra 2 was like you said, I have my phone on me all the time so I don't need my watch to replicate that. But, mainly I can raise my wrist and see all my health metrics in real time right there on the main screen whereas apple watch you have to dig through to find simple things like your steps and for every health metric it doesn't show, you have to download yet another app. Even then it only updates your health metrics every 15 minutes and not in real time.

[@KnigthMare69]

Updating every 15 minutes and having to dig through the apps and menus to find your info is probably the greatest issue with the Apple Watch - other than battery life. I prefer using the forerunner series, got an amoled display though I barely touch it so it won’t be filled with fingerprints, it gives me all the info I want in real time, all easy to find if not on the main watch face, that I can swap with the press of two buttons, and put all the more important info that I want for when I’m running, cycling, hiking or whatever

[@seantan4702]

omg, you don't know how to use then say so. 99% ppl say otherwise

[@aparagarwal1234]

Good conclusion, the only gripe I have with Garmin is the OS/feature updates which they don't give for older watches. I have Garmin Fenix 6 pro and it no longer receives the new features which Garmin occasionally releases whilst on the other hand Apple gives support for atleast 4-5 years

[@philsviewsfilm]

@@aparagarwal1234 that's a great point

[@waynebinky]

Bought the Garmin965 and absolutely love it. The hard buttons are a huge positive for me. Battery life is crazy long for what activities I do. I'm not attached to my phone while I'm running and couldn't care less about updating my status to friends or having someone text me. I'm trail running or mountain biking and in a happy place with no outside electronic interference. When when I see a runner with an Apple watch (not very often) I think they are not a serious runner otherwise they'd have a Garmin. Garmins are purpose built and so are Apple watches. Each have their own place.

[@blindmown]

@@waynebinky it's mad that you think it's okay to judge someone's running ability from their choice of watch.

[@waynebinky]

@@blindmown Sorry, just calling it like I see it. Go to any new runner in a group and look at their watch. Nothing wrong with a fitbit or apple watch. Apple has stepped up their game but lots of runner prefer the more purpose built Garmin.

[@akaemzett]

@@waynebinky Ever seen somebody with both watches, one on each wrist? That's how I roll 😎

[@waynebinky]

@@akaemzett can't say that I have but anyone that feels the need for contact with the outside world, it would make sense.

[@RodneyClang]

Thanks so much for all of your insights! Your content is of highest value. I flopped back and forth, had both, and landed on Epix, which I'm thrilled with! Have you tried the advanced maps from Garmin on any of the Garmin watches?

[@Hikingguy]

Oh man, thank you so much, I really appreciate that and glad to hear the guides are helpful. That's the whole reason I do them.

[@Stefan-wi1mv]

I only use my Apple Watch Ultra after debating a lot about this topic. When you turn off always on display and mobile data the battery easily lasts 12-13 hours with gps tracking. I run ultra marathon distances without any problems. And for normal training, which is 95% of the time, I also have all the smart functions like listening to or even streaming music and being reachable without a phone. But I also have to charge the watch every day as there is no way that an active person with at least 1-2 hours of running / other gps tracking per day can last more than that (when AOD and mobile data is active).

[@UrbanArmed]

I also own both the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 51mm and the AWU and for me I wear the Garmin 90% of the time as my main sports tracker, I'll throw my AWU on when I go for runs just to use as a phone on my wrist but otherwise my phone is in my pocket. I hate running with "stuff" especially a bulky phone, so the AWU is awesome for that as sometimes I may extend a 5k run to 10k or even further on the fly, I can stop by a gas station, buy a water, text my wife that I'm going on a longer run etc. Garmin hands down is the better option for those focused on working out, training, running, doing long distance outdoors exercises.. but the AWU is nice in that I don't need a phone on me for extended periods of time.

[@emidiopuliti7152]

you could always just bring a credit card too lol

[@wngmv]

@@emidiopuliti7152 Garmin pay exists. You don't need a card or apple watch to pay

[@davidbraswell1481]

I have both too apple watch ultra 1 and Garmin Epix Pro 51 mm and I love both watches, so I wear them both one on each arm. Flashlight on the new Epix Pro is light years ahead of apple's bright screen till it's not funny, but Apple watch Ultra is to me a better watch for all day everyday activities. I am not going to run three days straight any way! I carry battery backups banks everywhere also, so battery is never a problem and the maps on AWU do NOT LAG like my Garmin, the lag on a 1,200-dollar watch is just ridiculous, my AWU is nowhere even close as bad and so I have been using it less and less now and more AWU. I will always use them both I just use my ultra more! Oh, and the complications work a lot better on my AWU I push on time and get my info where I may push 10 times and give up on my Epix pro. I use both watches every day to track every exercise with both watches to see the difference between the two and my Epix is always so far off on distance where I can turn off the apple and I may still walk a Half mile longer to get the same six miles on it! My milage has been measured by the measurements wheel. My apple is always on target or within a few yards of the start/stop.

[@MrMoose-mf1oy]

I had an apple watch ultra and I thought it would be super convenient for the gym and going for runs to never bring my phone with me, but I found that I always ended up bringing it with me anyways. For that reason I switched to the Garmin because I'd rather have better battery life, navigation and fitness features, rather than having another phone on me, but more difficult to use than my phone because it's much smaller. Never used any of the apple watch's cool features because I had a better experience on any app etc. just pulling out my phone.

[@strongjambbyprospeed9499]

I love my Epix gen2 51 mm, with a Samsung S24 Ultra phone. Battery lasts the better part of a month.

[@ravm84]

I have switched to iPhone and MacBook few months ago I was thinking about which smartwatch should I buy. I was using Samsung Gear S3, before, and a lesson from that experience was that battery life matters when you are training with your watch. And all those notifications and messaging were just annoying, making phone calls etc. Sometimes you just want to go offline. This is why I've also selected Garmin Epix2. Just like it was mentioned on this video, you don't have to charge your watch in advance. Just charge it from time to time and so far after almost a year with this watch it never was fully discharged.

[@fitdude]

You have hit the nail on the head with every one of your points. I just wish I had seen this video before having to painfully come to the same conclusion on my own through experience. I have switched between Garmin and Apple watches 3 times and have finally settled on Garmin with iPhone like you.

[@MMMM-wf2ol]

What garmin do you have right now?

[@EricKummert]

I chose the Apple Ultra watch (built in LTE) as my daily carry. I use it for hiking, walking, biking, kayaking, etc. I carry it for the fall and crash detection. I fell down while powerwashing the deck and the watch detected my fall and wanted to call 911 unless I said that I was okay. I also have the Garmin Fenix 6x pro which I also love but It had issues in the past about not contacting emergency contacts unless you had Garmin Connect app actively opened on your phone. When out of cell range. I have the iPhone 15 with satellite service and also the Garmin Instinct. I do prefer at times when doing walks and bike rides to leave my phone behind as my Apple watch does it all for me in the NYC area. Charging the Apple Watch is not a big deal but it is no comparison to my Garmin in that regards. I am also only a day hiker..

[@juffkasvennsson4609]

I wanted to ask you if you could give me a recommendation. I asked a guy from a biking channel for advice . I want a watch for navigation. Because my Iphone with Trailforks or Strava , does a poor job. I like that the Apple Watch still has all the bells and whistles a smart watch has. But it m curious how accurate the awu2 with work outdoors is in comparison to a Fenix 7 from Garmin . I usually do trail and downhill riding , and there is almost always bad cell reception. I really need navigation when I’m at a new trail and don’t know directions. Heart rate etc is not really important . Thanks for your great videos

[@DoctorMiki]

60 min - 15% battery -> Apple Watch 8 41mm in plane mode, AOD on, hike with clear sky, workoutsoors map screen. Just ordered epix for the flashlight and buttons. Will test the battery on both.

[@texasbe2trill]

Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

BIG BIG THANK YOU!!! Appreciate it!

[@Adventures4vida]

I got the Epix pro gen 2 and the AWU and I love both. The AWU is my daily driver for work, its very useful, and the smart features are a bit better for everyday stuff. But when I got out for adventures, the Epix is much better. It tracks me better when I lose cell service, and the battery life isn't even close. I can record many activities with the garmin before I need a charge. If I have to choose one watch it would be the Garmin. I love the style over the AWU. But the connectivity to the Garmin app can be spotty. AWU is a VERY good work watch.

[@alexandrumarina2527]

I have them both .Haven’t been using garmin for some months now .Love the AWU2

[@jonnyc8208]

@@alexandrumarina2527 same here

[@jonnyc8208]

Same here 😊

[@jaime3579]

I wanted to buy Apple Watch. But 2 days of battery it’s ridiculous.

[@cristianocollarin2236]

I sold my Awu just because it was always in low battery when I need it. Switched to a Garmin Epix 2 pro. Just wonderful

[@AnttiEskelinen]

I also moved away from Samsung watches to Epix 2. I just never use the "smart" features on Samsung watch. I never bother to reply to texts on a watch because it is so much more troublesome. Super happy with my Garmin.

[@Tmacademia]

@@AnttiEskelinen same here. I used to have Samsung watches, but I went Garmin 4 years ago and haven't looked back. I love everything about the Garmin better. I never texted with my watch and I hated taking calls on it (that's what headphones are for).

[@93henfan]

I've worn my Fenix 6X daily since August 2020 and it still serves me very well. Not a scratch on it. Gets 21 days per recharge. Perfect on trails and for health stats. Easy to update on Garmin Express. Haven't seen a need to upgrade yet.

[@kermitzforg]

I ditched my apple watch ultra in favor of a Garmin instinct solar 2x tactical and I've never looked back at all. The buttons, battery life (infinite with solar) and simplicity are all I need! (also green LED light is great!)

[@DuKsOmI]

I agree 100 percent. Never had an Apple Watch myself, but my gf and it’s a nice smartwatch, but battery and no button-only are the main reasons, I would never trade my fenix against an Apple Watch. But it really depends on your priorities, of course.

[@sickair45]

best review I have watched on these two products, good job! I have had both and returned the AWU2 for the Garmin Epix Pro 2.

[@garytheg6875]

got the garmin instand of the AWU. In the end the AWU is more of a mini phone as a SMARTwatch; Garmin is just an absolute unit when it comes to sportstracking and battery life

[@JohnTrippe]

Great video. As a guy who wants Apple to win it just does not beat my Garmin Epix Pro. Have literally bought and returned 2 Apple Ultras. As a runner and someone who enjoys the outdoors and a solid sports watch, Apple does not cut the cheese unfortunately. It does not come close to Garmin still (waiting and watching and hoping) and, if you are someone who takes training and the outdoors seriously, I don’t think ever will.

[@BM-ms3gr]

Garmin anytime, battery life, usability, no brainer really for any serious outdoor enthusiast ⛺️

[@JamesWilliam70]

Dont forget the suunto vertical! Real time nav/turning on that suunto looks way better than the garmin high end watches.

[@gbhummel]

I use the Ultra as basically a back up for my iPhone (as these days if you lose your phone without a back-up you de facto cease to exist in modern America!). It has its moments, and I'll strap it on when I don't want to carry my phone, wallet or even when ocean swimming or scuba diving, but basically it is a plan B or emergency back-up for my iPhone. I agree, the frequent charging is its Achilles heel. The Fenix 7 pro is my everyday watch. Charging never factors in with it as a concern, providing uninterrupted metrics and the flashlight is used all the time -surprisingly.

[@richJimZ888]

A voice of reason. Thank you, I thought I wanted an AWU but Garmin's battery is the difference.

[@ToolCraze]

Flashlight on the new Garmins is awesome

[@DeeKay1911]

For me - a pretty serious marathonner with 50+ miles / 90K a week, the Ultra has been a great companion. Yes - I would LOVE the battery to be 4-5 days so weekend trips etc. could be without charging, but it happens a couple of times a year, where it is relavant - in my everyday training the Apple Watch Ultra has been a great tool for my runs with occationally streaming music, my wife is able to get a hold of me or even check up on me if I'm a bit late back and still give me a TON of data - yes I could bring my phone, but for Hikes that might be okay but for runs I really don't like running with all that gear. I do hope Apple focuses more on battery and less on even crazier nits in brightness

[@martbeerman7203]

I have a AW SE2022 and a FR265, always keep coming back to my Garmin. They are both great watches but battery level is always an issue.

[@user-ul5yu5hk9k]

I really enjoyed the Apple Watch nine because it integrates so well with the iPhone and still able to use how to do hiking activities. It’s a hard choice but since I spend more time in urban environments and I able to get an Apple Watch for only $300 brand new it just made sense.

[@TrustaBro1914]

Have Garmin fenix 7x . I felt like I was missing out on having an Apple Watch. Bought the Ap ultra 2 returned it in 48hrs. Lol kept my garmin

[@michaelpaijo165]

How do you return the purchased goods? I thought you can only return if it has defects or errors

[@dons1643]

at 3:10 I think you meant to say Epix pro (it stays charged for 5 days...)... I got the Epix due to I can take a 3 day 30 mile hike in the AT and not have to worry about charging the Garmin...

[@chrisking6448]

I’ve been an Apple Watch user for 10 years and yes , I had the series 0 Apple Watch, first-ever version. I have tried Garmin & COROS twice and each time I’ve returned to Apple Watch because the integration with iOS is so awesome and I find charging my AWU every 2 - 3 days a very small price to pay for the fantastic functionality you get. Battery life is the ONLY thing that other brands have over Apple. However I fully agree with HikingGuy that if there was a way merge the two devices together, that would be awesome. Great video!

[@applemos6714]

@@chrisking6448 Personally I’d add buttons to the list as well. I haven’t tested AW, but my experience with touch screen when running tells me that buttons are superior. Difficult to hit lap button or switch screens while and sweat or rain mess up touch. But I say I’m tempted to try it out.

[@ChefTom777]

The major downside of the AWU2 is not only yhe battery life but also for not having a 5 buttons that can controll all the functions to replace the touchscreen when it rains & the screen is wet.. I cannot use the apple watch when the screen is wet & it isa raining the touchscreen is totally useless & the water drops keep on controlling the apple watch by itself.. On garmin you can disable the touchscreen when it is raining to prevent watter drops from controlling the touchscreen & you can use the 5 buttons to control the watch flawlessly..

[@dbonda02]

I use both. I use Garmin Fenix 7X for my cycling activities because it supports ANT+ and can connect to my bike sensors, like my SRM Power Meter or even my e-bike. The Apple Watch is limited to Bluetooth so cannot connect without some type of bridge. The applewatch email, text, and call capability as well as full apple-pay, makes it my every day watch. Both have advantages and I am glad that I am able to use both.

[@LeeBoris974]

Great comparison. I was an Apple Watch user who switched to Garmin for the last 3 years, but I am now back with Apple. I stopped running as much, and AW is better for me for every day use.

[@Phat-rj3jo]

@@LeeBoris974 yeah as a smart watch Apple is still far superior. I tried to use Garmin everyday after buying the MK3i for diving (as a dive computer Garmin is certainly better) but I missed AW’s convenience, so went back to Ultra and use the MK3i purely as dive computer. FYI I track sleep with Oura ring so Garmin’s superior battery life doesn’t matter for me since I just throw the ultra onto the charger when I go to sleep.

[@katiesays]

I was a faithful Apple Watch user for years. I’m deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. The Apple Watch is an excellent lifestyle watch and it’s good for fitness. The perfect little all rounder and more user friendly. The garmin is an excellent fitness watch and if you want more in depth metrics, this is the natural progression. I value the fitness capabilities more than the other stuff. It took forever for me to make the switch, but I’m glad I did.

[@ROrneli]

The garmin is fantastic and it is on my wrist unless i put on one of my swiss auto watches. I have the fenix and the battery lasts 3 weeks with an always on display. love the metrics on it.. i dont know how to do half the stuff it does but it is usefull to find your car or just set a way point not to get lost . if need my phone then i reach for my phone. i dont need a crappy phone on my wrist . I need an amazing watch with notifications and health tracking with long battery life.

[@Cnsalmoni]

Got the apple only because I and my daughter get svts, and was able to show her cardiologist her ekg during the episode. Saved her having to have a 24 hr halter monitor, and saved myself the cost of the procedure.

[@xxtwnz2919]

The Epix has FDA approved ECG too plus a lot more.

[@msganga1974]

Garmin fenix 7x ...at least 14 days...honestly I could not ever think to change it for an apple....there is more: the environment of Garmin app is another level. If you are an athlete you can set running rep choosing distances for several intervals and variable types of recovery. It means you have a real coach with you. In addition you get a quite accurate premonition of your stamina that can be useful to adjust the work out when your condition is great or a bit low. To sum up Apple is a great Smart watch (for apple mobile only) with some interesting feature for sport lovers, Garmin is a sport watch (for android and apple) with some nice features as smart watch. 🙃

[@niles_stone2742]

Battery is what won me over with the Garmin, as well as the health metrics (but apple is catching up). I did a major event: the Apple watch died 100 feet from the last climb. I just did a double century, and my Garmin watch still had over 30% left on the battery. The Garmin wasn't even fully charged when I started and I used GPS, and several ant+ devices.

[@Neur0bit]

Great analysis. Mimics my experience. My daily driver is a SD Deepsea, so I only use sport/smart watches for workouts, running, and sleep tracking. My Apple watch worked great for a few years (until it died), but the major drawback is the battery. Having to charge it daily is not fun, specially when traveling. I got a Garmin 955 (non-solar) a couple of years ago and I am never going back. The battery is fantastic, which is measured in weeks, not hours, and the ease of use (buttons) and logically designed navigation screens make it a winner in every aspect. Only complaint I have is the proprietary charging cable, but pretty much everyone else does this, so I can’t ding them for it.

[@MountainRhode]

Gotta be Garmin. Just got the Tactix AMOLED. Do I need night vision and a kill switch? No, but it's awesome 😃

[@JonathanShidler]

I love how you just jump into the topic. ❤️‍🔥

[@ChandoraBox]

Because I'm wanting to just get rid of my phone I think I got to go with the ultra. I workout and run everyday but if I can do everything with my watch that my phone can do I'm going to take that option.

[@krollpeter]

I have a Huawei and my son has a Garmin Forerunner 265. I thought my Huawei is good enough, but the Garmin is another level. The Garmin was somewhat expensive, but their software is cool. This is almost as having a personal coach.

[@Bloody9Fingers]

I went with Garmin+iphone over Ultra 2+ Iphone and I don’t regret it. I feel like each device is better designed for its intended purpose and you get a better well rounded experience with having both. The Ultra 2 just felt like a repeat of the device I already had with me all the time anyway(my Iphone) plus the Garmin is far more reliable as a fitness tracker/offline navigation device, and loses almost no ability if something where to happen to your phone.

[@Hikingguy]

Agree 100%

[@Hikingguy]

@@scubasteve1555 same with the Garmin

[@Bloody9Fingers]

@@scubasteve1555 it does, I have both. It loses lots of information as many apps needed for various activities only show you minimal information on the watch itself, and you need to go into the iphone app to see the rest. Also I am not aware of any app that does offline navigation on the watch itself. You can set up a track on your phone and send it to the watch for offline navigation of the immediate area, but if you are off track/out of the area and lose your phone, all you will have is a waypoint direction. Unless there is some app I don’t know about that has this feature?

[@carloscssr]

I've got the epix gen 2 pro 51mm sapphire. It's much better than I ever realized before. The information, the metrics are beyond any other watch. The amoled screen is amazing. Glad i switch the instinct 2x for the epix pro 51mm 🤙🤙🤙

[@xxtwnz2919]

I have the same watch and thought I’d have buyer’s remorse after I got it but like you I immediately loved it and can’t believe how powerful the whole ecosystem is.

[@Momesmor]

3:03 I think you meant to say Garmin there :)

[@HuskyMike]

Decisions... decisions... Thought about getting an AW Ultra 2 (even though my Fenix 5X works fine) because I always use Gaia or Alltrails for hiking because they are more user friendly than Garmin or Caltopo. My Fenix is really just used as a regular watch at this point, although I upload a GPX file for the trail I'm on as a backup to my phone. While, admittedly, I have not done a deep dive into the workflow, it just seems, from my use so far, that the Garmin ecosystem is too spread out. Connect for trails, Earthmate for InReach, Sync to... sync. My thought was that an AW would allow me to continue to use Gaia or AllTrails and keep me from pulling my phone out of my pocket to see at what point/ distance of the trail I was on. But I use my phone for sending messages on the InReach and taking pictures while on the trail so it's always within reach anyway. I'm slowly moving over to Caltopo so, perhaps the Garmin would be a better fit for me. Thanks for continuing to put out valuable content. The information and editing is really first class.

[@ewxlt]

My Epix is SO laggy especially when attempting to use Garmin Pay. Only works 60% of the time. The other 40% it lags so hard i cant use it. Otherwise I love it. Sold my AWU.

[@dennisjames9091]

iOS and Android (and whatever they are called on watches for marketing purposes) are simply not suited as sports watch operating systems (they are also not suited as smartwatch operating systems but that's another matter). Besides the obvious issue of battery life, they have another major flaw: the UI, which must be suited to both regular, non-sport users and sport users. The two categories have very different needs. For sports you need physical buttons, you need shortcuts and behaviors which you simply cannot simulate using a generic smartwatch touchscreen UI. Garmin has built their watches from the ground up with sports in mind, and it shows.

[@GXPedition460]

Had the AWU1 & AWU2 while have the Tactix and Epix Pro AMD. Never again to AWU. Garmin is the best.

[@shafikdiwan1869]

Epix Pro user here, literally never having to check your battery level on the Garmin is what makes it the hands down winner for me. If you enjoy the backcountry and want a watch that has full functionality independent of your cell phone than nothing beats the Garmin. Apple Watch is more for the urban explorer who wants more smart watch features, but anything beyond a front country camping trip and I'm reaching for my Garmin.

[@trailzrock2]

I've been trying to replace my Garmin FR955 with no luck. As much as I'm trying to move to Suunto,Coros, polar or any other watch. They're all missing something my Garmin FR955 has 😢

[@Ramakantdixit-v3q]

I have AW2 and Epix pro, I wear them alternatively and depending on situations, tbh I like both of those. like during my work and sleep I prefer AWU, on my work out days i wear Epix pro , same goes for the nights i workout because for some reason Garmin will tell better recovery metrics since i worked out with them. Another but weird thing i like on AW is i can quickly set reminders with Siri and it will remind me . I also love the cellular capacity on AWU as i often can take calls on watch itself.

[@Shipofice]

I've been having issues with my sleep score not getting recorded and its just started happening over the past couple weeks. It might be because my band was loose but I fear it's something greater. I LOVE my Fenix 7pro ss so I hope that's the problem.

[@wardphillips2104]

So, messaging & notifications don't work on Garmin witb IOS? THANKS

[@justjonoutdoors]

I traded my Apple Watch 5 for my Garmin fenix 7 Sapphire Solar - I couldn’t believe it when someone offered me that trade - my Apple Watch was a good 6 months old and the Garmin was out of the box that morning - he wanted an Apple Watch and was disappointed when he got the Garmin for his birthday - I made out like a bandit, and he’s happy too, so it’s a win-win. Having used the Garmin for well over a year now, I’ll never go back to an Apple watch. If they ever collaborated, I would be interested…

[@brent_f]

Garmin works better for me for all the reasons you stated. The watch’s integration of features plus the battery life is key. The Garmin web / app platform is an all in one depository that logs all your activities and gives you all the metrics you’ll ever need. Why go through extra steps / apps, to access additional info, when you don’t have to. Thanks for another informative video.

[@rgmALC]

My Fenix wouldn’t upload my activity to the Garmin app if I didn’t have cell service. Ironic, when the main attraction to a Garmin is using in the back country. But you couldn’t view an activity in the app in the back country.

[@Vigger_gamin]

Soo buy both?

[@ivailopopov1414]

I think it depends on the user... I needed a simple waterproof watch that I don't need to worry about at all and that will give me real useful info and options. Bought the Garmin instinct 2x solar and forgot about charging for at least a month even with low outdoor use. Have all the information I need and a lot that I can add and use if I want. I tried other smart watches and didn't see any benefits for me, just constant charging and worrying about battery life... Garmin is the best choice for me.

[@dasc2428]

Can the Garmin be used for regular offline navigation? I’m not talking about hiking but Normal city navigation.

[@Hikingguy]

yes

[@sinfam7756]

Which one is more accurate for fitness tracking?

[@JamesWilliam70]

In terms of looks/style/design/visual craftmanship the Suunto vertical & Apple Ultra blow away the boring bottletop look of garmins in general, I think the only half decent looking garmin was the tactix 7 series. Anyway, I know looks aren't everything, but I like a good-looking watch. If I had to choose, it would be the Suunto Vertical solar with its great battery life and navigation.

[@Nick-id1yk]

@@JamesWilliam70 Design is personal taste. I think the apple watches are one of the uggliest out there.

[@CoreyMarlin]

I think every Garmin user just wants their watch to work like an Apple watch, or vice/versa. If Apple catches up to Garmin in the fitness and outdoor department in the next few years, ill gladly switch over from my Garmin Fenix 7x. I also think Apple NEEDS to rework the OS to work button only if desired, and maybe even split the "action" button into two buttons to give us more ways to use it touchscreen-free.

[@andy5478-MTB]

No!

[@NeilLavitt]

I think you’ll be waiting a long time. They always have inferior battery life due to the superior Smart Watch features.

[@CoreyMarlin]

@@NeilLavitt I don’t think it’ll be nearly as long as you’d expect.

[@NeilLavitt]

@@CoreyMarlin Apple putting in button control on their watches. I think it will be a dark cold day in hell before they do that. I think two buttons and a crown is all you’ll get. I’m with you though, it’d be nice to allow full button control in workout mode

[@MrKlyde44]

During scuba you only get 1button, the crown.

[@mtnguy]

I have the 1st version of the Garmin instinct and really enjoy the battery capability. Nowhere near an Apple Watch or even a fenix, but my purpose is for use with the outdoors. Waiting on the Fenix 8 for an upgrade.

[@mateohigueradaza4663]

Great video BUT: I think I read over 100 comments here and couldn’t find an answer for a couple of concerns I have before switching back from AW to Garmin (I used to have a Garmin with an android phone it was PERFECT, but then got an IPhone and realized that some of the garmin features won’t work automatically if the Connect App is not open, so it was quite annoying trying to find my phone from the Garmin watch because it “wasn’t pair”). Anyways, my questions are: 1. What HR sensor is best, Garmin or AW? 2. Can I answer calls from a Garmin watch without having the Connect App open? Equally, can I find the IPhone without having the app open? 3. Can I read WhatsApp/Teams/Outlook notifications? To do that, does the Connect app need to be open on the IPhone? I think Garmin is 100% better sport watch than any other, but still, the “smart” actions I mentioned above are important to me… so not sure what to do! Hope someone can help!

[@Hikingguy]

1 - They're usually within 1-2 beats the same. 2 - No, but you get a notification that there's a call and you can answer or hang up using the watch. 3 - You can get notifications from any app that gives you notifications on the phone. The difference is that you can't interact with them on the Garmin unless it's the Garmin Messenger app.

[@RayHikes]

Does the Garmin still track activity for the Apple fitness rings?

[@Hikingguy]

I think as long as you have it connected to the Health app, yes, it will help close the move ring

[@Eagle_1-327]

I like Garmin products and would prefer a Garmin watch for all the reasons you mentioned. But I have an Apple Watch for what I believe is the better crash detection and 911 notification features.

[@juffkasvennsson4609]

I wanted to ask you if you could give me a recommendation. I asked a guy from a biking channel for advice . I want a watch for navigation. Because my Iphone with Trailforks or Strava , does a poor job. I like that the Apple Watch still has all the bells and whistles a smart watch has. But it m curious how accurate the awu2 with work outdoors is in comparison to a Fenix 7 / epix from Garmin . I usually do trail and downhill riding , and there is almost always bad cell reception. I really need navigation when I’m at a new trail and don’t know directions. Heart rate etc is not really important . Thanks for your great videos

[@Hikingguy]

You might want to invest in an Edge unit for the bike, which I use for the same cases you mentioned. After that, Fenix with maps is a great rugged choice for out of cell range. You can navigate on the fly and integrate Trailforks and Strava.

[@davidligon6088]

Very helpful! I currently use a Fitbit, and I’m trying to decide between these two. I mostly want something for trail maps. I’d surely get lost without it. I currently use my iPhone, but it sleeps and loses connection with maps, the battery won’t last more than a couple hours, and it overheats when I try to leave it on. I’m thinking about an Apple Watch with a Garmin pocket mapping device. Or a Garmin watch with an iPhone.

[@spinnekopje]

I would go for a Garmin Fenix/Epix/.. without any doubt. I used my gpsmap quite a lot, but from the day I bought my fenix 5 plus the gpsmap hasn't seen much use. Now my go-to combination is my fenix 7x in combination with the Garmin Explore app on the phone for use on the trails. Using the phone I can very quickly (create and) load up courses/tracks/routes/waypoints onto my fenix (and start navigation, change on the fly, ..). I rarely use my phone during navigation, but if needed I can see the current track/navigation inside the Garmin Explore app, so when a bigger screen is useful it is there. Garmin Explore doesn't look great, isn't that intuitive when you start using it, but once you know how it works it makes the garmin watch even better on the trail and no internet connection required.

[@raymondr.16]

Unless you are getting a phone line with the Apple Watch I recommend the Garmin. Has the same features and functionality plus more.

[@JasonRaneses]

Appreciate the video, always look forward to these. I’m in the same camp and also happen to have both watches - if the upcoming version of watchOS and future releases keep improving for the outdoors + Apple gets better on the battery life front, the decision to stick with the AW will be an easier one to make. Bonus points if Apple adds at least one more button to the Ultra.

[@andrehufschmid]

This will not happen. Apple is not focused on that. They want an every day watch and they care shit about battery life. They include Sleep tracking but what for? By the time you go to bed the watch needs to be charged. Next morning, the watch needs to be charged again so you can get through the day, its just so inconvenient and ridiculous.

[@simo4068]

Great video i totally agree low battery life is the main problem and you need to load extra apps just to track your workouts and do simple watch things, unlike the garmin you can use it ou of the box. Just genuis Little device

[@worldnomad2301]

Outside of battery life, I can’t think of a good reason to go Garmin. The user experience with the Apple Watch is so much better. And for things like running, the information is 99% of what you need. Maybe Garmin has more niche metrics, but I guess I’m not nerdy enough to care. And like you said, you can get different tracking apps for the AW. Also, The body battery is just HRV, sleep, and activity. Apple has that information too, just not compiled into a score. They probably didn’t go that route because that information isn’t legitimate enough at this point to be giving you a score or workout advice. I would never go off that data, I would still go on feel.

[@SuperNeo]

Garmin is nice if you dont mind bad heart rate accuracy. Better use HR belt with it.

[@Hikingguy]

That hasn't been the case with my wearing both. The wrist heart rate is about the same for both.

[@brettbrunsell5769]

This is good to know. I have been considering a Fenix but I've always heard the Apple Watch has the most accurate HR sensor. I've done tons of workouts with it and a chest strap and it's always within 2-3 beats per minute I feel like.

[@pmedic523]

So with the update to ios18 where Apple will adopt the messaging software that android has been using, do you think that the text message quick reply might be able to be added to the garmins?

[@Hikingguy]

RCS is coming to iPhone with iOS 18, but not sure about Garmin response integration - guessing that the new Fenix 8 / Epix 3 would have better features for integrating with smartphones, but just a guess

[@pmedic523]

@@Hikingguysure would be nice for that to happen!

[@jesusoffthewalls]

Where can I buy that c2c sticker? Need one!!

[@Hikingguy]

Someone sent it to me - maybe you can find on Etsy or something

[@OliverCringle]

I really like the way your watch face looks at 5:50. how did you set it um so the outer strips are that thin? 👍 good video

[@thejosef225]

Awesome video. I came to the same conclusion after using both for a while. Garmin Tactix 7 Amoled has been my go to now. It’s Phenomenal!

[@matthiasschorghofer7129]

Nice Video. Does the Epix really lasts only one week? I thought it would last much longer. I saw people who easily used it for 2 weeks or more with activities

[@Marco-cg7fb]

the apple watch ultra and garmin mix is basically the Fenix 8. That watch is insane.

[@rodrigomil]

There are usb-c to garmin adapters, I bought a pack of three from amazon so when I travel I have to carry only one cable and one of those adapters

[@Hikingguy]

Yes, sorry, I meant direct USB-C on the watch, not a custom charging connector

[@marcella7509]

Does anyone out there use either of these for the ECG function that monitors AFib? I know Apple watch has this for sure, and only heard that Garmin does as well. Any advice would be appreciated!

[@Hikingguy]

The Apple Watch can continually monitor for abnormalities in HRV and rate and alert you when there are signs of an AFib issue. It doesn't take ECG in the background but it will do that monitoring. The Garmins are only ECG on demand. I wish they did though.

[@otepdotnet]

if you dont care about the hi resolution screen on watch plus the software is a bit jurasic, garmin is absolutely a better choice. But modern smartwatches are really good as well. I have galaxy watch pro which is cheaper than garmin but battery life is incredible

[@darcsentor]

For me, the bigger issue is software support. I recently brought a new Garmin watch only to find that Garmin no longer updated software for it. Let’s just say I’m not going be buying Garmin again for awhile. It shouldn’t be up to the customer to have to do lots of research to try to work out if their watch is still supported or not!! Just got an Apple Watch so I know I have probably 6 to 7 years of software support. I’ve got a Windows PC which has had 20 years of support. I don’t like buying paper weights so my minimum for software support is around seven years but I would prefer longer.

[@Hikingguy]

Which watch did you get that wasn't supported. I've found that Garmin is pretty decent about updating the firmware on watches and devices. Not forever but not horrible.

[@darcsentor]

@@Hikingguy D2 Air. Lots of stuff didn’t work well mostly, flying related. Fitness stuff worked.

[@VesaHautala-i1f]

Garmin Epix Pro with phone capabilities and just bit faster processor would be Epic - just now my choice is Epix Pro (47mm battery life is enough for my needs)

[@WeekendGolfernew]

As I see - Garmin improved their displays. I still have an old Garmin Fenix 3 and was never happy with the display. Btw. Did the Garmin App get better? In the past I had a lot of problems with synching and the app crashed.

[@Hikingguy]

Yes, it's all come quite a long was since the 3, which was a classic. Not always perfect, but overall much better experience.

[@WeekendGolfernew]

@@Hikingguy thanks for your reply. I just bought today the 47mm epic pro gen2. There is too much on my Apple Watch Ultra that I don't like, I also did not use most of the "smart watch features".

[@DougForne]

I’m with you I wish we could mush the two together. I’m an apple guy too. I love the smart watch features that Apple has. I use it a lot. I used to switch back-and-forth so often that it would drain my bank account. Every time would come out I get that, put the older Apple or Garmin down but right now I have the ultra apple too and I’m stuck with it. I’m hoping with the new update that’s coming out with new health features that it will compete even better with the Garmin Garmin I think we’ll always have the better battery, and if I went on more weekend type of hikes where I needed that battery relied on that battery I would have to go, but I have never done an overnight hike because of my job and I don’t take vacations so I think I’ll stick with my Apple Watch. Thank you for your video rock on brother.

[@maxquaini]

0:10 I'm just at 10 seconds and I feel like we are on the same page! Just wish there was a mix of both! :) listening to the rest :)

[@TheMadmax0609]

I have a Garmin Marq and i love it. Looks like a real rugged watch.

[@luclevesquephd]

This was an excellent video. Just switched to Apple ecosystem. Long time Garmin user. I was on the fence about a new watch. Likely to stick with Garmin.

[@michellebailey4769]

I have a Garmin Venu 3S and love it. Just wish they had more choices for exercises. I do a lot of canoeing and can’t log my paddling. Also wish the Garmin had a metal case…the plastic body is a little cheesy. I also have an Apple Watch as I have an iPhone and MAC desktop, but prefer my Garmin watch.