Apple Watch or Garmin? What I Chose After 2 Years

I love the Apple Watch and Garmin watches, and after 2 years of trying both and going back and forth, I chose one, and here's why.
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00:00 Context
00:15 Buttons
01:54 Screen & Processor
02:27 Battery
03:30 Flashlight
03:54 Health Features
05:40 Workouts
08:30 Navigation
09:26 Smartwatch
10:45 Why the Garmin?
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When deciding between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Garmin Epix Pro, it's important to consider their strengths and weaknesses. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 shines in its role as a true smartwatch, offering seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, a vibrant display, and a snappy processor. This makes it ideal for everyday use, with features like Apple Pay, text messaging, and the ability to operate independently of your phone thanks to LTE service. However, its reliance on a touchscreen can be challenging during intense workouts or outdoor activities, especially in adverse weather conditions.
On the other hand, the Garmin Epix Pro stands out for its superior functionality as a sports watch. Its button navigation system is user-friendly and reliable, even when conditions are less than ideal. The Garmin Epix Pro offers impressive battery life, lasting about a week on a single charge, compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2's two-day battery life. Garmin also provides deeper health tracking out of the box, with features like the body battery and Morning Report, which offer comprehensive insights into your fitness and health metrics.
While both watches have their unique advantages, the choice ultimately depends on your primary needs. If you seek a powerful smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with your daily life and offers a host of smart features, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great option. However, if your focus is on sports and fitness tracking, with a preference for a device that is easy to use in all conditions and boasts a long battery life, the Garmin Epix Pro is likely the better choice. For those who are serious about their outdoor adventures and fitness routines, the Garmin Epix Pro provides the reliability and detailed health insights you need.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ToolCraze]

Flashlight on the new Garmins is awesome

[@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.

[@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

[@forrandomstuff8031]

Congradulations on 100k subscribers! You are my go to youtube for everything hiking related !

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@MountainRhode]

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

[@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!

[@JonathanShidler]

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

[@Mdogbrown]

I always look forward to your videos comparing these two. I look forward to your review of the upcoming update that brings maps to the Apple Watch without the use of the iPhone.

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@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?

[@Elmatt13]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@strongjambbyprospeed9499]

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

[@user-jp6ez7yx3c]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheMadmax0609]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@nrg4285]

Very solid review, nice

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@edstar81]

great review :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@ADcrackerjack]

Sublime video brother.!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@gerardweber3733]

Great video as always! I was a Garmin guy after Fitbit and I truly miss the Garmin as an everyday watch. However, I started wearing hearing aids a little over a year ago and they are MFI and the app that I can control them with is on my iPhone. I bought an AWU to remotely control them w/o having to reach into my pocket 5 times a day. Garmin does not play nice with Apple…

[@Enjoythejourney15]

I also have both and mainly use my Garmin Forerunner 965 80% of the time. Like someone stated when i have my Garmin on i know i cant respond to texts but can see them and that's good for me. but on t he other side with the apple watch its just so convenient to do things. for me id say Garmin.

[@vivekningaraju4696]

Best review 🎉

[@paulgal]

Your battery only last 7 days with the Epix ? Mine last at least 2 weeks and that’s me working out every day including 3 hours cycles and some hikes. Do you have always on display ?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Ariozo111]

Have and use both, but my Ultra is the one i use when i on my mx bike with Esim and is way better for smartwatch things. But for most things and training/tracking is Far ahead on my Epix 2 Pro. :)

[@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.

[@davidplotkin5173]

Great video, Cris, even though I'm not in the market for a watch. I have come to rely on my iPhone with Gaia and AllTrails and paper backups. I can't conceive of going anywhere, let alone a trail, without my phone, so the Apple Watch is superfluous. The Garmin's screen looks great for pre-loaded trails, and I'd be curious to compare using an iPhone 15 for simply hiking vs the Garmin watch. I'm not too interested in pulse rate etc. Perhaps you can do a quickie on that!

[@xxtwnz2919]

I got the Garmin after 5 years of GAIA because I got fed up with the number of lost hikes and rides because GAIA blew up or the iPhone died.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@GXPedition460]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@maxquaini1340]

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 :)

[@davidonzolo]

100k 👏🏻🎉🎉

[@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).

[@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.

[@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!

[@jordycassedy4597]

Great video thx. I noticed your cell phone case while watching this video. What type of Phone case is that?

[@Hikingguy]

One I use that allows me to mount camera lens filters - www.polarpro.com/products/iphone-15-case?q=mini+3&variant=iPhone15ProMaxOceanBlueCaseDefender&srsltid=AfmBOoo3PlKoBBLp5bXDSTjyvQ8F8-A2TGEjIc6oI618-rF0YYpHZ7nsriY

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@Aldinequeen]

Garmin! Battery life

[@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)

[@maxiynacho]

You should try Bevel!

[@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.

[@test123]

there is 2$ adapter to place on usb c connector of phone charger and change watch, instead of wearing another cable.

[@ajpoe17]

As a cyclist, I went with the AWU and haven't looked back. I love being able to just leave my phone at home and go ride and still have full cell/data service... no sweaty phone from keeping it in a jersey pocket or no extra tube bag to carry it. Like HikingGuy mentioned, I subscribe to Athlytic to get the daily health info and it has been awesome. I use Workoutdoors to record any workouts that aren't recorded with my cycling computer (lifting, hiking, kayaking, etc.). I want to like a Garmin but I feel like I would be missing WAY too many of the niceties that I get with the AWU. The battery is also not an issue for me. I work at a desk for most of the morning at minimum. So, as soon as I turn on my Mac and it unlocks via the AWU, I throw it on the charger until it is back at 100%. If I forget one day, I still have enough juice to make it to the next morning.

[@lhzsdgsfbvv]

I think you underestimate the functions of the Garmin for cycling, other sports and general health. Next to that it also works better with biking computers and other sensors on your bike than the AWU.

[@ajpoe17]

@@lhzsdgsfbvv no, I'm very familiar. I don't use a watch of any brand to record cycling activities. I have a dedicated computer and all my sensors are connected to that. With that said, I have tested cycling with WorkOutDoors with AWU and all my sensors a couple of times to test it out and it works just fine. Maybe you missed the Athlytic mention but I have compared it with many friends using Whoop bands and Garmin and it is very similar for tracking health metrics. It is more about all the things the AWU can do FOR MY PREFERENCE that the Garmin can't that pushed me to the AWU. This is also personal. A multi day backpacker would probably appreciate the things the Garmin can do that the AWU can't… Like run on battery for several days without a charge. I'm sharing MY experience knowing very well what both are capable of.

[@Adventures4vida]

Garmin is better for cycling, the only thing I like about the AWU over the Garmin, is that AWU starts once you start pedaling where you have to remember to hit the start button with garmin.

[@josecastanon4370]

You said apple watch Ultra for both when you were describing battery life, not sure if you noticed but I understood what you meant😁

[@Blalby]

Hello :) which size is this epix pro? 47 mm? thanks

[@Hikingguy]

51mm - amzn.to/4bk9uOp

[@FreedomToRoam86]

The routing on the Garmin seems pretty awesome, as it should be. But the rest seems obsessive. I like that my Apple Watch does All Trails and pays for things, changes my music, and I can answer my texts. So I guess I’m more the everyday life guy, who likes that it works while I hike, too.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@georgevadnais3516]

I’m in the same situation with my samsung watch 6 44mm and my garmin forerunner 965.

[@doop2541]

Me too, but the more I use my Garmin, the less I care about my samsung brick. It's consistently horrible at HR and workout tracking, and the LTE in my mountainous rural area just isn't reliable so I have to take my phone with me for safety.

[@4500ABC]

Does the garmin do weather alerts? Seems more and more now Weather can change pretty rapidly and with the Apple Watch I can have apps on there that give me alerts when there’s severe weather. Does the Garmin do that at all? Also, I’m not very familiar with the Garmin line which Garmin was featured in the video ?

[@Hikingguy]

It can get any notification from your phone, so if you have a severe weather alert there, you can get the notification on a Garmin (any notification). What's cool about the Garmin is that if you have an inReach, you can also get severe weather alerts outside of cell phone range - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHu7q3V6odxqZ5I And the watch is Epix Pro 51mm - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2iXfJVjqsl_ptk

[@4500ABC]

@@Hikingguy I do not have a Garmin in reach. I have a Zoleo, but they have a new affiliation with somebody also for severe weather alerts. I just like having it on my wrist. I think one of the main selling points for me and why I’m looking at it is the battery life. My Apple Watch, I have to charge every day or two and to be honest, it’s kind of pain in the behind to have to charge your watch when on the trail

[@jesusoffthewalls]

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

[@Hikingguy]

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

[@texasbe2trill]

Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

BIG BIG THANK YOU!!! Appreciate it!

[@martinhoelicker3273]

I have garmin watch . Apple Watch and iPhone. I’m a cyclist and when I have any of these devices with me they log my pedal revolution as a step. Do you know why?

[@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. 🙃

[@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.

[@andyfpt]

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.

[@michaelwilson9557]

Got my wife an apple watch. It would overheat and shutdown during runs on hot days. After a year the battery is completely shot, won't even last a night of sleep tracking. Meanwhile my daily driver is still a fenix 6.

[@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

[@steveglennan]

The Garmin is the best choice for my needs.

[@lesandthecity]

If Apple could get the battery life of a Garmin I would be sold.

[@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?

[@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".

[@davidkipperman5218]

Still sticking with the Garmin until I see how good (easy) the Apple maps work.

[@NeilLavitt]

Here in Australia we haven’t even got the first set of maps for hiking from last year. Now they’re announcing more. Frankly, it’s a US centric feature. Garmin will continue to rule here for many many years to come.

[@Bubba___]

Has anyone else found the calories burned estimator on their garmin to be extremely off? I had an apple watch for a few years and it always seemed to be very accurate for hiking and other workouts (as in the active calories it said i burned during a hike would more or less match up with what an online hiking calorie calculator would say when you enter mileage, elevation, etc.). I got a fenix 7x a few weeks ago and it is a great watch, but the calories it estimates I burn are all over the place. It doesn’t seem to track NEAT calories like walking around cleaning, cooking etc. like my apple watch did (at least not in the active calories). I don’t really have a problem with that, but the workout calories always seem to be off. The average person will burn roughly 100 calories per mile walked or ran and much more if you are hiking adding in your backpack and elevation gain. Yet, my garmin usually gives me about 60 or 70 active calories per mile for walking or hiking (I am 5’11” 160 for reference). The indoor bike and treadmill workouts seem to be more or less accurate on the other hand. For hiking the active calorie estimate is extremely low. It is always less than 100 calories per mile regardless of distance or elevation gain. For example, the first hike I did with this watch was 10.88 miles with 2,031 feet of elevation. It said I burned 1,314 calories which I thought sounded pretty accurate, but I went into the app to look at the stats and that was the total calories burned, the active calories was 908. An online hiking calculator says the calories burned for that mileage and elevation at my weight was 1,370 which would be similar to what my apple watch’s active calories would be for this hike and what the active + resting calories were according to my garmin. At the same time, I tracked a strength training workout and it gave me like 200 actice calories for 20 minutes at light to moderate intensity even though strength training obviously doesn’t burn more calories than cardio. Sorry for rambling so much, but curious if anyone else has also experienced this. This isn’t enough for me to hate the watch or anything (and it is a great watch), but as expensive as it is I wish the calorie tracker was more accurate considering how it compares to a much cheaper apple watch.

[@JasonRaneses]

From experience, no watch tracks calorie burn accurately. The same is true for step counting and other metrics. You’re better off sticking with one platform and keeping an eye on your trends, whether up or down.

[@Hikingguy]

In my experience it's never the same on any device because they all use different algorithms to figure out burn and they're always just estimates. I try to make sure all my personal data is up to date, since that is a big part of the calculation. The main difference between the two as far as I can tell is that Apple might use a more conventional calculation (as evidenced by the closeness of the online calculator to your AW), whereas the Garmin uses Firstbeat ( www.firstbeatanalytics.com/en/features/ ), and I think the Firstbeat algorithm is more in depth than the traditional calculations. Firstbeat has been developed with pro sports teams, etc.: www.firstbeat.com/en/professional-sports/ - again, it's all just an estimate. From my experience with other Firstbeat based data like recovery, etc., it's been fairly accurate for me.

[@Bubba___]

Thanks for the responses guys

[@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

[@sarahsundstrom1425]

Don't forget you're going to do a Garmin for dummies! 😅 I just got my pro and it is definitely a learning curve for me. I don't have a computer All I use is my phone in my normal life so that's to tell you all you need to know but I'm trying to figure it out heading out to the claims for 3 days up and central Alaska and going to see if I can actually find the maps lol Do you have any tips!?! I'm trying not to get overwhelmed with this thing and just keeping it very basic and simple at the moment

[@spinnekopje]

There is a map app on recent models of fenix/epix. Using that you can download the area you need, but it can take a long time to download and make sure to put the watch on the charger to do so. The map app can be opened on the watch just like you would start any sports activity.

[@sarahsundstrom1425]

@@spinnekopje I'm looking for the map app and having a tough time finding it I'm also wondering if the big three trails are downloaded on this already? And also wondering where the backtrack is? There is a lot on this phone way way more than what I'm used to using which is basically nothing on my wrist so far I'm enjoying it but I sometimes feel that it's just complicated my life and I'm all about simplicity one of the reasons why I live in a rustic cabin in the interior of Alaska is to keep things simple but then again Alaska is booming and there's nothing simple about driving into Fairbanks anymore

[@spinnekopje]

@@sarahsundstrom1425 Which model of Garmin do you have? It is useful to look at the guides from dcrainmaker. You can certainly configure Garmin watches to be basic, but you need to take time to do so and certainly if you aren't used to them it can be quite challenging. It can be useful to check out some beginners guides or so from DC Rainmaker. He also shows the map manager on the watch in a couple of videos about the fenix 7, but other models work almost the same.

[@johnbartholomew397]

One of these videos mentioned replacing Apple’s Alpine Loop band with a more convenient band with a magnetic closure. I’ve heard that using a band with a magnet is not a good plan if you will be using the compass on the Apple Watch. Does a magnetic watch band actually affect the compass?

[@Hikingguy]

I haven't had a problem - checked it when I got the magnetic band

[@HHKTUBE]

The hardware of the AWU is far superior to the Garmin, its a shame that Apple didnt package all the data together and present it in a more interpretable manner like Garmin. Take sleep score on Garmin for instance, Apple just gives you a breakdown of sleep stages but it doesnt really tell you if you had quality sleep... Apple has to step up! Besides making things pretty, make things meaningful!

[@ProAdvisors1]

Garmin all day!