Though Solar models cost more, it could be worth it if you live the al fresco lifestyle.
One reason Garmin is the best sports watch brand overall is that some watches come in Solar versions that extend the device’s battery life when you spend time outside.
Garmin Approach S62 (Image credit: Tom's Guide)Īnd that’s before considering battery-optimization modes and the Garmin watches with solar charging.
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Garmin plays equally nice with both iOS and Android phones. Also, the Apple Watch is not compatible with Android smartphones.
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No Garmin watches have native support for a voice assistant like the best Fitbit watches, but the Venu 2 Plus does borrow your smartphone’s voice assistant so you can initiate certain commands from your wrist. Every Apple Watch also supports NFC payments through Apple Pay, while only select Garmin models support NFC payments through Garmin Pay.
Garmin watches also offer basic features like notification mirroring, although the Garmin Connect app store is limited compared to Apple’s. Garmin smartwatch features.Įvery Apple Watch model offers notifications, alarms, timers, an expansive app store, Siri and more. If you want your wearable to do more than monitor your health, you’ll want to know the difference between Apple Watch vs. While Garmin is compatible with some third-party workout app memberships, the sole paid service adjacent to sports is a $9.99/month golf subscription that’s not really designed for the company’s wearables. Apple’s $9.99/month on-demand workout class platform integrates deeply with the Apple Watch, encouraging users to close their Apple Watch rings. Fitbit, Garmin doesn’t have a comparable service to Apple Fitness Plus.
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Garmin watches for running and other outdoor sports get GPS, plus some have run-specific training features to help you if you’re figuring out how to train for a marathon or just want to know how to run faster.Īctivity rings on an Apple Watch (Image credit: Future) We know - weird for a GPS company, but the more affordable watches skip on independent location tracking. For one, every Apple Watch has GPS on-board, but not every Garmin does. As of watchOS 8 Apple Watch sleep tracking monitors overnight respiratory rate.īeyond those baseline metrics, you’ll want to review the specs of whichever device you buy. When it comes to sleep, Garmin generally provides more in-depth sleep cycle analysis and reads SpO2 overnight, while Apple Watch focuses more on establishing a bedtime routine and daily sleep goal. All versions of these wearables can monitor your heart rate, steps and calories burned they can also track a wide variety of workouts and sleep. Garmin: Health and fitness trackingīoth the Apple Watch and Garmin watches offer plenty of fitness and health features. Garmin Instinct (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Apple Watch vs. Also, the Apple Watch 7 is the only current option with an always-on display mode, if that setting matters to you. The Apple Watch 7 sizes are noticeably larger than the Apple Watch 3’s, with the Apple Watch SE’s screen sizes falling in between. The only visible difference between the best Apple Watch models is a slightly different screen and bezel thickness. It looks like a miniature computer flat against your wrist. The Apple Watch design is a recognizable squircle with a color touchscreen display, digital crown and side button. MORE: The best smartwatches for women right now Apple Watch vs. Some Garmin watches come in an ‘s’ model, meaning smaller. Garmin doesn’t impose a price difference between sizes of the same watch like Apple does, though. As you see, these are some of the least expensive options.Įven with the best Garmin deals, prices for Garmin watches range greatly depending on features, plus there’s always a premium for versions with solar charging. Finally there are some lifestyle Garmin watches without GPS, like the Garmin Lily ($199) made for smaller wrists and the Garmin Vivomove Sport ($179).