Garmin - Fenix Chronos

1-2 gen old garmin fenix should be around that much new old stock, or see if you can find a refurb epix 2. I used an Apple Watch 4 before I got the epix 2. It’s fine for heart rate and mileage if that’s all you want. In fact any watch that has a hr monitor will be fine for basic training.

I’ve had both and definitely have had more issues with Garmin. I have yet to experience a mid activity crash on my AWU in over a year, something that I’ve had happened multiple times on every Garmin device I have ever owned (a lot, I started with a FR 205 or 305). I still own a Garmin edge and it happened again last week. Riding along and you look down and the screen is just shut off. I do miss the battery life of my old Fenix but I got used to putting the AWU on the charger every time I shower and that seems to work 99% of the time. I don’t see a bright future for Garmin. There’s companies like Coros that make arguably better watches now for a fraction of the price (don’t take my word, look at all the pros using Coros now). When my Edge dies I’ll probably switch brands.

I switched from a Garmin Fenix to an Ultra 2 and I’m never going back to Garmin. Most of your peeves can easily be remedied by going in the Watch app on your phone and setting up what you want to allow to show up on your watch as notifications. It’s 100 times more fine grained than what Garmin does (pretty much all or nothing). Not that it’s Garmin’s fault, they just don’t have access to the OS on your phone the way Apple does. I was overwhelmed at first but quickly turned off notifications for all but a few apps. Now, if you want something more focused on sports then you’ll be better served with Garmin, although Apple’s Ultra variant is no slouch either, especially paired with an app like WorkOutdoors. If you’re going to go that route I would take a serious look at Coros though, they make arguably better watches for much cheaper in my opinion.

Apple has more features, particularly if you pay for pro apps. I use a Garmin, it tracks my score, shows distance to greens and hazards, I can use it for running/sleep/gym and the battery lasts days. I wouldn’t change.

Yes, they’ll basically have whatever the phone app does. Garmin stats are the basic ones. (Penalties, GIR, FIR, Putts). No strokes gained is the biggest omission really. Can track shot distances. Keep score. Has distances to greens and hazards. Also different models will have reduced features, the Fenix are full featured of what’s offered in the Garmin range. Doesn’t really bother me though, and I like the Garmin for other sports.

Sapphire screen on a Fenix, or the instinct 3 tactical given the ruggedness of his future work.

I just recently got the Fenjx and switched from my ultra … I wasn’t a fan of the garmin app or overall UI , seemed a bit clunky for my liking. Ended up returning and upgrading to the Ultra 3.

I used Garmin for about 7 years, about 5 models (all from the Fénix line which is their flagship), I loved them, I really did, I was obsessed with them, and it is not just the battery life, the look, they look so gorgeous, like a proper watch compared to the black rectangle the Apple Watch was (Always On Display wasn’t so much of a thing back then). Then I received an Apple Watch as a gift , and everything changed, for starters it was so much more comfortable and light, I’m not a big guy so the massive Garmin Fénix didn’t really look that good on me looking back at old photos of me wearing them, a smaller profile watch looks much better. Then there’s the matter of the smart features, I am now an Apple Shortcuts power user (it is silly but it is true) I have so many and the fact that they integrate to the Apple Watch simply cannot be understated for me, I couldn’t go back to Garmin now, it is just so much part of my life now. There’s also Apple Music which just works fantastically on Apple Watch, albeit not Garmin’s fault but the integration with Spotify in their watches leaves so much to be desired in comparison. Every now and then I look a Garmin watches and still think they look better “on paper” but maybe not on me. In terms of Running, I have to be honest, Garmin does it much better than Apple’s simplistic implementation, but then again I don’t do that much running anymore, I used to run much more back then, probably encouraged by the watch 😄 , but now I focus more on weightlifting and other workout types, I found it is better for me.

“‘Best’ is kind of impossible without knowing your budget and what you care about most, but here’s the short version for 2025: * **If you mainly want fitness + crazy battery** → look at **Garmin** (Forerunner / Venu / Fénix / Epix depending on your budget and if you want AMOLED or not). Great GPS, stats, and works well with both Android & iOS, but smart features are more basic. * **If you want a “do everything” smartwatch and you’re OK with daily charging** → * On **iOS**: Apple Watch (if your iPhone is recent enough, that’s still the most seamless option). * On **Android**: **Galaxy Watch** or **Pixel Watch** families for the best apps + integration. * **If you want something cheaper but solid for fitness** → Amazfit (T-Rex, Cheetah, etc.) gives good GPS + long battery for the price, with decent app support. Since you have both Android and iOS, I’d start by asking: * Do you care more about **fitness metrics + battery** or **apps + smart features**? * Max budget? Answer that and people here can give you 2–3 very precise models instead of generic “get an Apple Watch” replies.”

This is what I did. I bought the Fenix with the intention on switching completely, but I realized that I missed a lot of things about my AW. So now my AW is my daily wear and also for occasional shorter runs, walks, etc. I use the Fenix for hiking, diving, long activities, etc.

I keep my Garmin for workouts and sleep & I am using my Apple Watch through the day for notifications and iMessage.

If you bike, then Garmin probably the best option if you want a dedicated bike computer. I also like that as an eBiker my Fenix watch shows all my bike status specs, watts etc for the one that is able to send the data.  Went back to Polar since I like Polar's overall approach to activity instead of steps+intensity minutes+floors etc fragmentstion. Plus now I can wear a smartwatch as a phone on one wrist and screenless Polar on the other when not working out.