Apple - Ultra Series

I use it for my workout. Its great, it has also greatly improved over new versions for tracking the meters better. I would never consider switching, most likely will get a new one in a year or 2. I also use it in open sea training.

I also went from apple, to garmin… then back to apple. I loved the body battery features and stress level features of the garmin in addition to the recovery estimates… but the garmin is really slow, its bulky, I missed being able to answer texts, change my music when working out, Apple Pay, etc. with the Apple Watch. I honestly regret buying the garmin but I do see how people would love it. It’s just not for me.

Apple Watch, using WorkOutDoors for the run itself and then looking at them afterwards in Strava and Tempo. I found my S7 watch was fine for marathon distance as long as I enabled low power mode for the runs, but when the battery health went down to 80% I decided to upgrade to an Apple Watch Ultra 2.

AWU2. Then just use it for swimming and running. Use your bike computer for riding (with cell phone in jersey). Race with Garmin.

The expensive ones aren't any more accurate than the cheap ones, but they do last longer. I'm on my third Apple Watch and likely will never switch to anything else, so take my advice with all the weight of a single grain of salt.

I wear an Ultra. So I don’t need to carry a phone. Ever.

Exactly this. With my Ultra I don’t need to carry a phone. A watch isn’t smart if it needs a giant phone.

It is way more accurate than most runners need. If you do want or need more accuracy you need dedicated accessories or devices. Like a chest strap. Anecdotally, Apple has edged ahead of Garmin in most metrics. But that’s the way of Apple. Slow and steady with incremental improvements. Apple is the tortoise in this race.

Right? It’s actually amazing to have all this tech in a tiny device strapped to your wrist. Lots of people only dwell on things that aren’t there. But the things that are there? Pretty cool: You can call your mom with it or have it tell you which way to turn so you don’t get lost. It will call 911 for you if are moving and get stopped fast enough that your brain noped out. It will warn you if have afib or sleep apnea. It’s a jukebox. You can play a game on it while waiting in line. It will tell you when to turn off the quinoa pot. It nags you if you’ve sat on your ass too long. Mine nags me if I start to get dehydrated. Because it has its own friggin App Store. Oh yeah . . . you don’t have to drag a big slab of iPhone everywhere you go. And it will do all this 24/7 for some years. It’s really hard to break. Plus all the athletic/health data you actually need as a layman. For $800. This is by far the best device Apple has built yet for my personal use case. My phone might sit on the counter in the same place for a day or two. But my Ultra is all over the place.

Apple Watch every time. Allows me to control my iPhone on the floor or outside if I want to switch tracks or start stop my timer. No issues so far.

AW is a better watch. Garmin is a slightly better sports tracker, but only barely, and lacks a lot of features the AW has. Neither is incredibly accurate, so I would just pick the better watch.

I can’t stand my Apple Watch. It always turns off during my workouts and counting “exercise minutes” is literally pointless. I bought an Ultra 2 because I wanted to have the best shot at success with it and that thing is a POS for health tracking. The whoop is so much more comfortable and consistent at tracking with better data analytics. I have the 5.0 and the band is fine. Idk what everyone is complaining about. Is it something you would wear to dress up an expensive outfit? No, but that’s not really what it is intended for. Personally, I would wear it with a suit without thinking twice because I don’t really care what other people think.

I'm on a Samsung smartwatch with my Pixel but I am also sorta eyeing switching to iOS. You can get used Galaxy or Pixel watches cheap or if you're just using it to track swimming Samsung makes a cheap fitness tracker for like $70 but that's compatible with only Android. Cross compatible trackers I think there's Amazon and Garmin but if you're planning on switching I think you'll get a better experience with an apple watch

I have an infrared sauna that goes to 170 degrees. I wear my Apple Watch in it all the time to track my heart rate, because I workout in the sauna

Depends on what type of fitness that you do. If you’re just working out casually, apple watch may suffice but if you want to see more detail/data or get more “nerdy” regarding your fitness i think a Garmin forerunner (55 or 255) may suit you better.

I compare my apple watch logs with my pedometer. Ultimately, the device that exists for that single function will be more accurate.

To be honest I just use my AW for structured running workouts and for cycling as well. If I need some data if you started a cycling workout your phone can display them so I use this method, I mount my phone on the bike. Garmin and other sport watches offer a wide variety of sports related features so you have to decide whether you need those. For me it was also important that I can use my watch as an everyday watch so I kept the AW.

there are third party data analysis options available. and yes, i agree, if you're a serious athlete, it's where AW falls short. actually, if you do lifting or climbing or, hell, even rowing, the oura is uncomfortable - and in some cases, actively dangerous (you sure as hell should not climb with a ring on)

Tried whoop, Fitbit, and now am on Apple Watch. I loved whoop but I couldn’t justify the monthly subscription. So if money isn’t an issue, I recommend whoop. Fitbit sucked. At least for me it did. Loving my Apple Watch the most. It’s easier to see how my heart rate is going and it keeps me motivated during the day outside of working out. Plus it has the find my phone feature which helps my flakey ass.

Apple Watch with the MySwimPro (https://www.myswimpro.com/) app. Super cool workouts with splits, super accurate for metrics.. Catches multiple stroke types, works for flipturns. Nothing more I could ask for tbh.

I just use an Apple Watch because I like it for out of the pool too. Does all I need it to do is

I use my AWU1 without cellular (and don’t take my iPhone)with me everyday for my fitness regime, during the week I typically freestyle it (don’t follow a map), I just sync my watch when I get home via my home internet connection to upload my stats. On the weekends, if I am hiking and need turn by turn navigation or access to an OS map, I still do not need to take my iPhone with me (although I have my rucksack so always do), I will set up my activity the day before and sync the route and full map to my watch so I can use it offline, GPS plots my exact position and movement on the map during the activity not cellular. If I was to get into difficulty and need assistance I would use one of the AWU’s, non-dependant cellular features to request help / show my location via satellite rather than needing cellular. I absolutely love my AWU1 but do not see the need for a cellular connection. The apps I use daily for my workouts are RunKeeper and at the weekend, Footpath Elite (and RunKeeper).

If you have an Apple Watch, you can program it to intervals for an outdoor run!

You can do repeats up to 99! It’s really easy. I do 90/30 and it took me less than two minutes to get it set up.

Apple Watch is fine if you have one. The modern apple watches are pretty good, and the GPS models will do everything you need, with great accuracy. You need to remember to lock them out (use the water button) to prevent errant screen taps by clothing or just sweat dripping. Battery life is fine on Apple Watch, unless it gets old and the battery needs to be replaced (which only the store can do), and should easily last you an 8 hour workout. But it won't last much longer than that. Without workouts battery life on Apple Watch is around 1 day, that's it. You have to charge every night. Garmin is better if you want a dedicated running or workout watch. Garmin will have much, much longer battery life (depending on model an usage, between a week and a month), a more focused interface, and physical buttons to perform certain activities.

Nice summary! I wish I could test the MG, but as it stands my order 12 days ago isn’t even worked on yet! I can only imagine how long it takes to even ship. However, I won’t extend my membership after this anyway, unless they cut down the yearly price *significantly* AND I end up being in love with the MG afterall. I am finally okay just using my Apple Watch and the PeakWatch app. I guess I kind of have to thank Whoop for cutting me loose from my whoop data addiction 😄🫶🏻

I find that the Apple Watch , or at least mine, often adds a length for kick sets.

My Apple Watch paused my work out 10 miles into a half marathon race. Went out that same day and got a garmin. I like the physical buttons the garmin has. Multi-week battery life is amazing. The only things I miss is the phone locator (the one on garmin isn’t that good) and replying to text messages from my watch.

I have Garmin and AW ultra 2 and I prefer the AWU2 for gym stuff in combination with the app "stronger." Garmin is the best watch for ultra endurance events or serious endurance athletes, although AWU can be acceptable for that as well. Battery life on top garmins is the killer feature and Garmin connect has a lot of features for endurance athletes.

If you're in the apple ecosystem, get an apple watch.

BUTTONS I had a 245 that broke a couple years back, and while I waited to get a new one I borrowed my wife's old apple watch, and hated every minute of using it due to the touch screen for everything interface. Now I've got a nice sleek 965 my dad gifted me last year and it's so nice. Love the AMOLED screen.

It's a good device for the price but if i has an iphone i would take an AW

I believe Garmin's strengths are these: 1. Better mapping and step-by-step directions. Apple is just introducing them and only for parts of the world. 2. Fitness coaches and programs included. 3. Continuous HR / HRV measurements 24x7. Based on this data more analytics can be done. 4. (please don't boo me) Statistical data from all users is in the cloud, allowing Garmin easier analysis and advancements. Apple needs to do everything in its labs or with studies, they don't have their customers' data to analyze. 5. Buttons to use when weather conditions are harsh (rain, snow, etc.) 6. Battery capacity. I am an Apple watch Ultra 2 user and I have been using the ecosystem (WorkOutdoors, AutoSleep, Eclipse Yourself, EliteHRV, etc.), but it's not a seamless experience like Garmin's and it's based on data measured a few times over 24 hours (less data points).

I think AW has better GPS tracking than Garmin - I have Garmin and a friend I ran a HM had AW - I had to run an extra 300 meters to complete the same distance- Garmin was cutting off the corners on turns!!

I'd agree, OP may find the Apple Watch better for their use at the moment. Garmin's HRV is shit though. I would not ever suggest that it's a deal breaking feature that would make someone ever want to get a Garmin over something else. Apple Watch apps can take them far though. Bevel and Athlytic can get users chronic and acute load details, which I would argue is a much better feature to have than the HRV feature on a Garmin watch.

Same on this. Had my ultra since release day and loved it. Tried Whoop for a year in combo just to see, but once I realize Athlytic was getting better and my Whoop felt like a chore to not lose the battery, I ditched the sub before it was even up.

I have a Garmin Epix Pro and an Apple Watch Ultra 2. They’re both great. Garmin should be worried. At this point the only real reason I’m keeping the Garmin is because I like how it looks and there’s a bit of an “exclusivity” factor. I was a watch guy before I ever got a sports watch and I enjoy watches as accessories as well as fitness trackers. Garmin watches look good and they’re not as ubiquitous as Apple Watches. I have struck up conversations with other Garmin users in public and made friends and running buddies. At this point, Apple watches, even the Ultra, say essentially nothing about you other than that you have an iPhone and you enjoy better battery life. Unlike phones, one wears a watch so I like it to say something about me and my interests. This is a pretty flimsy reason to justify owning a $1000 Garmin. I’m definitely interested in seeing what they do with the upcoming Fenix 8 with, apparently, a microphone and speaker built-in.

Same. I’m a triathlete, ultrarunner, hiker, etc. I use the watch to the max not only for endurance stuff, but also the smart functions. I use Shortcuts, make phone calls, dictate texts, and manage emails and Reminders. The battery life has almost never bothered me. The watch charges amazingly quickly and it lasts forever in Low Power Mode. It looks great at the beach with the Ocean band, on the weekends with the Alpine loop, and at a wedding with a leather band. …but my dream sports watch is the Garmin MARQ, not the Apple Watch Ultra. Again, not a great reason and it doesn’t make a lot of sense. In the end I’ll probably keep the AWU and just live with blending into the crowd. Honestly, I do see plenty of Garmin users who don’t seem to be endurance athletes or outdoor enthusiasts. Just Android users or guys who fish or hunt or just prefer the look of a Garmin.

I have both! Epix Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 2. I'm selling both of them and going for the Fenix 8. I'm a triathlete, ultrarunner, hiker, adventurer, open water swimmer, etc. * **Customizable:** I can make my own data fields for many different sports profiles. I have a regular Run profile and a Stroller Run profile that doesn't record VO2max. I have crazy multisport profiles that cycle through sports other than swim-bike-run, something Apple cannot do. * **Garmin is obsessed with athletes:** Little touches like the lap-undo feature, built-in critical swim speed test, FTP detection, lactate threshold detection, training calendar, etc. Garmin sits around all day and tries to make a watch that endurance athletes will love. * **LED flashlight:** During a 5 AM trail run in the dead of winter, I discovered that my headlamp's battery had been depleted by my toddler the night before. It died 2 miles into my 10 mile run. I used the LED flashlight on my epix to not die. I was actually wearing my AWU on the other wrist, and I can tell you that its flashlight was not helpful. * **Buttons:** I use my watch while running in storms, running-while-drenched-in-sweat in extreme heat, skiing, swimming, SUPing, kayaking, and the buttons allow you to operate it very easily. You can get by on the AWU with its buttons + Siri commands, but it is fairly limited. * **No extra apps or subscriptions:** Garmin does almost everything with the Connect app. Here is a list of apps I use to manage fitness with my Apple Watch: * WorkOutDoors * Bevel * HealthFit * Watersports Tracker * Tide Alert * Slopes * RunGap * Navigr8 * Fitness+ (strength workouts) * **Smarter and more reliable health/training metrics:** Bevel is narrowing the gap here, but I still trust Garmin more for stress, body battery, and training readiness. Lots of people complain about Garmin sleep tracking, but mine has always been great. * **Built-in coaching:** During many stretches of the year I use Daily Suggested Workouts to manage my training for running, cycling, and triathlon. I'm definitely excited to start using the new strength plans on the Fenix 8 * **Looks/vibes:** Everyone has an Apple Watch. Even the Ultra is ubiquitous now. Unlike phones, we wear our watches. Apple Watch is like a dystopian uniform piece that everyone wears. Garmin has personality and flair. I've loved every Garmin I've ever owned. I will never, ever love an Apple Watch. **Edit:** typo

I agree with the sentiment that it's not worth it for most people to upgrade from Epix or Epix Pro to Fenix 8. But for me, the Fenix 8 will replace *two* watches. I've gotten really dependent on the mic in my AWU2. I use it multiple times a day. I run with both watches (Epix Pro and AWU2) because I can quickly send texts, add items to Reminders lists, etc. I prefer to leave my phone in my backpack or my pocket because it allows me to stay more present. But I do prefer to have the phone with me so that I can take pictures or do other productive things. So the Fenix 8 will finally give me a Garmin that will allow me to leave the phone in a pocket or backpack. It's a really big deal to me! Very much worth it.

Apple Watch. I cover it with a sweat band to protect it when climbing. I use an app called pinnacle so I can track the boulder levels I climb. I’ve benn climbing 3+ years and I’ve never caught the wrist band on anything.

I feel naked without it lmao. I swim long distance usually I start with half hour straight (I use the timer) and then I see how much yards I swam. It’s so helpful keeps track of my splits as well

I swim in a 25 yard pool and for me the Apple Watch is very accurate with freestyle and breastroke. The other strokes tho not so much. It also doesn’t record if u just do a kicking workout. Overall, I just do freestyle and breastroke so for me it’s great

Ooooh no way. I gotta get me one ty. That just changed the game for me

I have the third generation. Maybe it can do it I just never knew about the update

Tbh when I had an Apple Watch I’d just click strength training and do my workout.

I don't believe any wearable fitness tracker is good for CrossFit, mainly because calculating the strain on your body from the weightlifting type activities based on your heart rate is not going to be very good. Most of them have a way to manually enter exercises you are doing, which is a cumbersome effort especially when you're doing something fast paced like CrossFit, that's more like something you do sitting on a bench between sets head down on your phone. Some you can go back after the fact and enter the lifts, but I'm not really sure how accurate that is anyway. If you're just interested in tracking your heart rate then one is as good as another, probably. They all differ a little in their data. My beef with Apple Watch personally was you have to explicitly start the workout most of the time and if you don't you don't get data. Also AW only can be worn on the wrist which gets in the way for multiple CF moves and gear. I went with one I can wear on my bicep.

It’s really unfortunate that WHOOP has decided to take this route — not updating devices for existing subscribers with active plans. For example, I cancelled my subscription yesterday and don’t plan to renew it. It’s disappointing to see this approach from WHOOP. And I especially feel bad for people who just subscribed. Like my boss, for instance — I recommended WHOOP to him, he purchased a yearly subscription, and received his new device only three weeks ago. Now, every time he opens the WHOOP app, he’ll get a reminder that a new device is available — but to get it, he’ll have to pay an extra fee. Sadly, this will be the case for all new users who joined at the last minute. They’ll constantly be getting follow-up prompts: “You’re not using WHOOP to its full potential,” or “Discover more – upgrade, subscribe, pay extra.” As for me, I’ll stick with Apple Watch, a one-time purchase, paired with an app like Athletic, which costs significantly less. I’m confident this combination will cover 90% of my needs. And if one day I feel that I’m missing something, I’ll just buy an Oura ring — and even then, it’ll still cost less than WHOOP.

The issue is that he is checking just the hardware accuracy, not the whole ecosystem (hardware+software). Whoop app is incredible. What is the alternative for AW?

On top of that, AW sensor actually works kind of funny. It measures your HR just 1 time per minute, while Whoop does it 100 times per second. Therefore, if you have a spike in heart rate you can derive much more related info about it, while AW could lose this whole event altogether.

Mine randomly adds laps, especially at the beginning of my swim. I’ve recalibrated and fiddled with the settings, but can’t find a consistent fix. It’s annoying

I have both. Apple Watch does not record VO2max data for my daily exercise, which is “Nordic Walking with poles”. The ring does record it although for some unknown reason that data is not copied over to the Apple health app! Another reason for having both is sleep tracking. The ring gives several days worth of battery life. The watch only a day and a half. (For data collection other than VO2max I take the Watch off overnight putting it into low power mode.) I have found that using the ring and its app my sleep have improved significantly.

This guys results never line up with people like dcrainmaker and desfit who actually use the watches how they are supposed to be used. I think people dont realise that sensors just need to be fit for purpose , after than it's makes no real difference to what you get out of wearing the watch, that comes down to other things like features and battery life. I currently wearing an apple watch ultra , before that an epix2 before that Samsung watches and other Garmin's , honestly the sensor accuracy differences between them have little impact on anything for most people. That said I would rather it be more accurate than less , need to at least keep up with your direct competition.

I've been trying to figure out exactly this right now.... Here's some info which may help. I have an Apple Ultra 2 and that is my everyday smartwatch. It works OK for run run tracking and there's a pretty good app for surf tracking. I just recently tried it with swim and it's OK. The auto sets feature (e.g. recognizing 4 laps as a 100) is pretty reliable, but I don't think that the automatic split times are especially accurate. HR is somewhat accurate. I've tried both the built-in workouts app as well as the [swim.com](http://swim.com) app and although the latter is generally better for "real" swimming it doesn't really fit with my training workflow which involves transferring workouts to Training Peaks. I also wear prescription goggles (-3.0) and find the display very difficult to read in certain scenarios, especially when the screen dims. Some of the data fields are ridiculously small and there is no way to change them. I also have a couple of Garmin devices (Forerunner 955 and Epix gen 2) and for the sake of this discussion both are the same with the exception of the screen technology. The Epix is AMOLED and objectively "better" but the 955 is so much easier to read at the pool. Garmin's auto rest feature (automatic lap/set vs rest feature) is almost good. The issue is that the motion detection is way too sensitive so if I move my arm at all during rest it thinks I'm still swimming. The algorithm also has trouble with rests shorter than 20s so it's common to see workout sets recorded as one big swim blob with some periods of no movement sprinkled in. HR accuracy is similar to apple... at least it was similar for the few times that I wore both to compare. I think that I've settled on wearing the 955 for swimming in the manual mode where I have to press the lap button at the start end end of each rest period. This gives me the most accurate representation of what I did for that session along with pace and HR data that makes sense within the context of the workout. The display is super-easy to read and gives me the information that I need in the pool. The transfer to Training Peaks is seamless and everything appears to be working well at this point. At some point I'm sure I'll stop caring about the exact structure of the workout that I did and just use the watch to record the whole thing. It is possible to pre-build workouts in both platforms and there are virtual coaching products that work with both. I never investigated what's available as I have a human coach who takes care of dictating my daily torture. I will say that having the watch execute the workout isn't all it's cracked up to be. Neither platform is especially good about providing visibility into what is coming up and in some cases barely conveys what you're supposed to be doing right now. If the watch messes up with counting laps then it could put you into a rest period at the wrong time and generally get you out of place in your workout. In some cases it's extremely difficult to go back and repeat a section of a workout. I've gone back to the post-it note stuck to my water bottle as the high-tech way of bringing my workout to the pool. With the workout transcribed in pencil and a rubber band as a safety it's pretty much fool proof.

I went through exactly the same scenario recently. Here's the brief version of what I found. Apple Watch Alone: Does an excellent job of recording sessions, but the data display during the workout is limited and doesn't include some fields I want. Personally I found the display slightly difficult to read. It was also quite frustrating that when transferred to Training Peaks the workout was broken up into 25yd pool lengths rather than the actual sets I swam. Apple + swim.com: This one works really well. I'm still not thrilled with the data display, but it is more useful than AW alone. Recording accuracy is excellent. The only issue that I had was the quality of the downloaded data into Training Peaks. No matter how I did it (and I took a number of different approaches) the HR data was wonky. Garmin (I'm using the 955, but they're all essentially the same): Data display is fully customizable so I can show exactly what I want and the rest timer display is useful. Note that the 955 has the older MIP display rather than the AMOLED that is all the rage now. The MIP is absolutely my preference as it is far easier to read in/at the pool and the rest timer screen is much clearer. Data transfer to Training Peaks is perfect. I don't use the auto-set feature on Garmin as it is far too sensitive of motion during rest, plus it's really unreliable if the rest interval is less than 20s (which most of mine are). I had one session where a descending set of 100s was recorded as one 800 since the rest was only about 15sec between. Now I have auto-lap off and hit the lap button when I push off at the start of a lap and again when I touch the wall at the end to start the rest timer. The watch does an excellent job of recording pool lengths and overall lap distance. I started out by trying to program the workout into the watch and then have the watch run it, but this proved to be cumbersome. First off, there's no truly clean way to get my coach's workout into the watch directly so there was always some manual intervention required. Second, if the watch mis-counted something or I needed to re-start a set the process was extremely frustrating in the pool. Now I just write the workout on a post-it with pencil and stick that to my water bottle. I just use the watch to record the workout. I'm currently using the Garmin to record swim workouts and it's working very well for me.

It’s OK, but the workout builder is kind of cumbersome to use. Lots of tapping, then turning dials, then tapping. Just a poorly conceived user interface. The issue I have with all of them is that you become a slave to the watch in the pool. Need an extra 10s rest? Well you had better hurry up and pause the watch because if you let it get into the next interval then it’s a total pain to back up. I had one workout where it was a series of 25yd sprints with short rest in between. The Apple Watch got totally confused and double-counted laps so it was having me finish the set in half the time. There was no easy way to get out of that so I ended up pausing the watch and finishing the set without recording. It’s so much easier just to write the workout down and let the watch record it. Plus I find that the act of writing it down commits it to memory. I’ve settled on Garmin as it just works better with Training Peaks and that’s a key feature for me. I do wish it was smarter about auto-lap but it has been 100% accurate hitting the lap button after every lap. To be clear when I say lap I don’t mean length of the pool I mean collection of lengths (eg 50s, 100s, etc)

It has some form of auto detecting activity but it logs the time of the activity not the break down like zones and intensity like when you start the work out option manually. I would not replace the Apple Watch because the Apple Watch will track intensity, length, location, and more automatically when it detects work out where the ultra human will not. Also working out with weights will be asking for trouble with the ultra human ring. Where the ultra human shines is - stress detection - sleep details (also much better comfort to wear at night with longer battery) - caffeine time recommendation - auto detect sun exposure - recovery score - a more reliable Vo2Max daily update where Apple Watch measure whenever it feels like it sometimes takes weeks to even tell me anything. I use both at the same time and I feel I get substantially more accurate information together than apart.

Are you going to train seriously for anything? If yes, Garmin din bagsak mo eventually. Kulang kulang stats ng Apple Watch when I started training seriously for a marathon.

I would keep the AWU you already have for running and workouts and add a Series 10 (titanium is my preference) for daily use and sleep tracking. I’ve always kept either two Apple Watches (one old one and current one) or and Apple Watch and Garmin and never have any battery issues. One watch is always charging. Apple makes it so easy to switch between watches and resale values are so low it makes sense to always hang on to an old one.

Also, I think the AWU coupled with a Nike Sport Loop makes the weight/bulkiness of the AWU more tolerable. But the S10 titanium is perfect for daily wear (except that it lacks the Modular Ultra watch face, which is the best watch face Apple has designed IMHO).

I hope it works out for you. I’m currently using a S10 titanium with a refurb AWU 2 (trying to replace my Garmin 965) and it’s a great combination. I’ve had a S7 graphite as my primary watch in the past but the redesign of the S10 is much better than the written specs would leave you to believe. Good luck.

Getting an ultra helps a bit, but even then, you still really need to have a daily charging routine because it’s not like getting 2, maybe 3 days out of it is that different. Hitting 24 hours consistently is great, which the ultra can do, but until it hits 7 days consistently, it’s still kinda eh

Amongst 12 runners in my group, 3 have appl watches sitting Ina drawer, all of them use Garmins except me. It's just designed so well in not only tracking but the way data is presented. I love my Apple Watch but I preferred the way Fitbit presented the data to me.

Apple watch is a great fitness watch with some modifications. I had a Garmin Fenix for 4 years and its a great watch, certainly better looking than an AW (imo). But it fell short in a few areas Sleep tracking - its heavy and I would remove it in the middle of the night. Sports where you can’t have something on your wrist. For me, this was Climbing and Jiu-jitsu. So I had to get polar verity sense to track those sports. And polar didnt sync with Garmin Connect that well. Music - needed your phone near by. So still running with a phone. Enter the AW… Lightweight makes it forgettable. Bicep band accessories convert it into a HR tracker off your wrist super fast. Music, even without cellular I can download playlists and podcasts from my phone to the watch. To make it a great fitness watch: Create a focus mode to not receive calls/texts while working out ( personal preference) Buy HealthFit $6, like Apple health on steroids, syncs all your activities into a single app and gives you rest, recovery, training effort based on your workouts and sleep. Honestly the only app that I would say is required, but the next ones are super nice. Buy Autosleep $5, terrible UI but great tracker and more stats than you’ll ever need. Buy WorkOutdoors $5, another steroid app that makes the Workout app seem like a Fischer-price toy. So for the price of the watch and <$20 for one time purchases, you have a powerhouse fitness platform.

Well Apple Watch has lumi health and rewards that you can earn back the cost of your watch and more.

It’s meant to motivate you. Cumulative over time. It’s not a lot but not little either. We are the only country that paired up with Apple on this, so make sure to take advantage. I didn’t even get a new Apple Watch tbh. Got a used one off Carousell. Just make sure it’s not tied to Apple ID by accident or stolen. The extension of the Apple watch if you’re an iPhone user is unmatched. Paying for public transport is way more convenient with an Apple Watch.

My Apple Watch works just fine

I use the Ultra currently and previously had a series 4. I love it. I think the main issue with the Apple Watch is battery life, specifically for 70.3 and Ironman. The Ultra and Ultra 2 can handle that distance but I doubt a regular series could. And when you are spending Ultra money you can also buy a Fenix 7, Epix or 965 for basically the same money which has better battery and better integration with things like ANT+, plus some software stuff like body battery. Durability is also a consideration for bike crashes, salty swims etc. My Ultra has held up well but my series developed several scratches in the year I had it.

I personally like to track my workouts as well as my sleep. I wear an Apple Watch to bed, then workout first thing in the morning (after getting the kiddos off to school). After the gym/shower, I put the Apple Watch back on the charger and put on one of my Omegas and wear it throughout the day (work, etc). At the end of the day, I put my Omega in my watch winder box and put the Apple Watch back on before bed. Rinse and repeat…

It completely depends on how you want to use NRC. If you want to do Training Plans and listen to Audio Guided Runs, your only options are an Apple Watch or an Android watch with Wear OS, as those are the only wrist devices that run NRC natively. If you just want to record runs and view your data in NRC *afterwards*, you could also include Garmin or COROS devices in your search, as they have the ability to sync to NRC, but not run the app natively.

Used apple watch. You might need to charge it every evening but it's your best bet. You really don't want to buy a cheap fitness watch.

Background: I'm new to smartwatches, having only worn Seikos and Casios before. I started running regularly a few months ago when I signed up for a half-marathon in October. Before August, I was using my phone to track runs on Strava and listen to music. I almost bought the Epix Pro 42mm but decided to wait for the new Fenix release in September. To bridge the gap, I picked up an Apple Watch Ultra 2 on August 1st with a 90-day return policy. Last week, I got the Fenix 8 43mm, and so far, it's been disappointing. Here's my experience: * **Fit and Finish:** This is extremely subjective, but still meaningful in my opinion. I prefer the look of the Garmin compared to the AWU. The Garmin case is slightly smaller and thinner in the 43mm size, and it looks much more like a traditional watch. However, somehow the Garmin watch feels cheaper / less premium than the AWU. This could just be a weight thing, as the Garmin is definitely lighter, but feeling less premium is a tough pill to swallow when the Garmin is $400 more expensive than the AWU. * **User Interface:** I've found the UI of the Garmin to be poor in comparison to the AWU. Features within the Garmin take digging and digging through menus to find what you're looking for. I had to watch hours of DC Rainmaker videos just to find half the features. I can't imagine someone trying to figure out this watch without having those videos as a resource, Garmin does not teach you how to access or use the watch in any significant way. Even basic things like setting a timer take like 5-6 button presses, whereas, on the Apple watch you can have a timer complication set on your watch face and it takes 1-2 taps. * **Watch Faces:** This kind of goes hand in hand with the user interface, but the default watch faces available for the Garmin are not attractive. They all look super tacti-cool, except the analog ones, but they hardly show any data. Then if you want to explore other 3rd party options, you need to download a separate app called connect IQ. There are much better options on the AWU, and the complications on the watch face you can just tap which will open the app on the watch. It is much easier to navigate. * **Payments:** I realized Garmin Pay isn't supported by Citi, which is the primary daily credit card I use. Therefore this feature isn't even available to me whereas I was enjoying using my AWU for apple pay on a daily basis. * **App Availability:** One of the primary complications I was using on my apple watch face was from Lose It! which I have a lifetime subscription to. It shows me how many calories I've eaten and how many I have remaining at a glance on my watch face. No such feature is available on Garmin. They only have an integration available with MyFitnessPal, but I don't plan on switching. * **Activity Tracking**: Feels the same between the two watches, at least from a running perspective. There's nothing that the Garmin has been offering to me that the AWU wasn't. AWU has fitness rings, which I didn't think I'd care about but now I feel like I've been missing since I switched to the Garmin. The strength training workouts that Garmin offers have been underwhelming. * **Battery Life:** Everyone touts the battery life of Garmin watches, but when you compare the 43mm Fenix 8 in always on display to the AWU, this argument essentially goes away. Battery drains pretty quick on the Garmin when listening to music + using GPS activity tracking. I still have to think about charging each of the watches every other day or so. * **Cellular Connectivity:** If I'm out running for longer than 30 minutes I feel much safer having communication available in case of emergency. This creates a need for me to carry my phone on me when I use the Garmin, which negates the reason I got a fitness watch in the first place. * **The Dealbreaker:** I have Airpods Pro 2 that I use on a daily basis for everything. During runs and activities, the Garmin watch cannot maintain bluetooth connection to the Airpods, and music starts cutting out. It gets resolved temporarily by pressing play/pause in the Spotify app on the watch, but the connection will cut out again within 5 minutes. I've searched Garmin forums and found that this issue has persisted since the Fenix 6, with no indication that Garmin plans to fix it. The #1 feature I bought a fitness watch for is essentially broken. The only remaining feature I have yet to test with the Garmin that I was very interested in is playing golf. I'm playing a couple rounds over the next couple weekends so it'll be interesting to see how much I enjoy using the watch. I think the big thing for me is that when I use the Garmin, it feels like a watch that should cost $500 or $600. Knowing that I spent $1,100 on it is very difficult to get over. Despite the potential benefits for golf, the overall experience with the Garmin Fenix 8 feels lacking for its price, and I'm strongly considering returning it in favor of the AWU.

I’m picking up my first ring next week and currently use an Apple Watch Ultra for my workouts. I used to run/ride with a Garmin but hate carrying my phone when I workout and the cellular on the AWU solves that problem.

It took one injury while running and a long cold limp home to help me make the switch from a Garmin to AW with LTE.

This is an excellent breakdown and is helping to sway me to buy a Ring 4. I used to run/ride with a Garmin but hated to carry a phone, that pushed me to an AWU w/ cellular after an injury and no way to call my wife. I can’t stand sleeping in my apple watch and work night shift so I’m trying to get better view of my horrible sleep schedule and how to improve it. Overall I can use the Apple Watch for all things fitness and Ring 4 to tie in everything else.

Why it’s worse: charging is something you remember daily if you want sleep tracking.

My awu is a pain in the ass to keep charged. If you use it for gps activity tracking every day you’re not getting 2 days

The whoop has better battery life. I have both a whoop and a AWU. I’ve had an Apple Watch since the first gen. Battery life is not its strong point.

Moved from Garmin to Apple when I got the Apple Watch Ultra. No regrets at all. Left behind the Fenix 6x pro, Garmin scales, chest strap, foot pod, tempe and bike sensors. I’ve owned Fenix watches of every model back to the 3HR. I prefer Apple Watch to the Garmin watches. The hardware and software works flawlessly. The metrics are decent. And the health data is better than Garmin. Fitness is about on par with Garmin. Whereas Garmin hardware is good, if a little dated, but the software is poor. Often glitchy, clunky and slow to modernise. Apple health absolutely hammers Garmin Connect. And another benefit to Apple is it talks to most things. It accepts and shares data, no issue and without having to mess around. Hardware at my gym, my blood pressure monitor, my non-Apple scales - whatever I want. And it just works, first time, every time. Add to the mix my AirPod pro 2 and how easily they connect to my watch on mobile data without having to take my phone - game changer when running, walking or in the gym and leaving my phone at home or in the locker. Live maps on Apple, way better than Garmin. I can use data on the go and navigating the map is a lot easier and quicker. All the features I used on the Fenix I’ve added to my watch. Including the elusive body battery. And I get better metrics for sleep, heart rate and other data. And the ecg is decent too. All apps work with it where as I was limited with Garmin. Genuinely, I don’t miss a thing about Garmin. Apple Watch Ultra is a Garmin beater. Garmin got a bit stale and unreliable. Unfriendly with other systems and apps. Apple have got the right idea and if they keep going down the same path, they’re going to cause Garmin some problems in the coming years unless Garmin do some firing and hiring in their research and development team.

Absolutely, yes. Apple Watch - the best smart watch that’s very good at fitness tracking and health tracking. Garmin - a decent fitness tracker that’s a poor smart watch. Garmin’s decent hardware is always let down by its incredibly dated and poorly managed software. Whether that be the OS and UI on the watch or the connect software - it’s clunky and often has problems. It doesn’t talk nicely to other services and devices a lot of the time and the hardware team and very much let down by the programmers. Having moved over from Garmin to Apple Watch Ultra, there’s no regrets here at all.

I wear my Apple Watch every time I climb, I have scraped it, but one of my friends wears a sweat band over it to protect it.

Apple Watch, most precise health tracking. Garmin is better for sports as has better gps tracking and sports features

My Apple Watch is incredibly accurate for high-level training. I have started using the Phlex app, which gets it even more accurate. But I still just print out my workouts and slap them on a kick board with some water. I don’t like the idea of my watch guiding me through the workout because I might make changes on the fly or add some rest when I need it and I don’t want to have to fuss with the watch just to do that.

Swim - Apple Watch Cycle - Wahoo Element & Wahoo HR Cycle Indoors - Kickr and Zwift Run - Apple Watch Thinking of switching to Garmin though depending what the next Apple Watch Ultras have as features…I feel they focus too much on the recreation and apps rather than fitness.

The “rumour” is that the next one will have features for hiking and trails…and if that’s the case I may stick. But else-wise I’d prefer a sport watch from a sport watch company.

Garmin Forerunner does a great job. I like the Apple Watch, but the battery life kills me. With my Garmin, I can use it to track swims, runs, and bike ride and I still only need to charge it once a week.

I guess I'm the odd one out here- I tried using my Apple Watch when swimming, but found it doesn't sit tight enough on my wrist to be effective. I've since started using the Form 2 goggles & find them much more effective (and motivating!). I don't really track my activities, it's more important to me that I make it to the gym at least twice a week than that I keep track of what I'm doing once I get there, but I live a pretty active lifestyle.

What killed my desire for AWU2 after using it for 3 weeks is complete lack of central overview of metrics... AWU2 lags behind Garmin in terms of what you can see on the watch and Apple Health became just a hub to upsell you other apps.. If Apple Health actually owned all the metrics I would have stayed with it as sensors are superb to anything else...

If you consider sleep tracking important, AWU beats everything out there.

This is my perspective as someone who uses Whoop and wears an SMP or a Speedy that I rotate according to how I feel. Also, I've tried Oura, and liked it, but it wasn't for me. And I have an AW Ultra that I use when running and hiking, and this is after a few years of using a Garmin Fenix. Most people think of Whoop as simply a fitness tracker, which it is, but it is much more. What seperates Whoop from other things is how it shows you the impact of your behaviors. Yes, I think Whoop was less than honest about their upgrade policy with the new 5.0 and MG release, but I still can't find anything like it. The "magic" of Whoop is that it allows you to pre-select certain behaviors that will appear in a daily journal. Each morning you take 30 seconds to check yes or no on these items, e.g. Did you consume added sugar yesterday? Did you eat a late meal? There are endless options. As times goes on, Whoop continues to show you how these behaviors are impacting your sleep so that you discover how far before bed you should stop eating, or what's the latest time of the day you can drink caffeine without it impacting your sleep (even though you may think it doesn't because you fall asleep quickly). I'm not trying to sound like an advertisement for Whoop, but I think most people evaluate Whoop without knowing what it really does. So when I run or hike I use my Ultra for reasons that don't overlap with Whoop. But the rest of the day, when wearing my SMP or Speedy, or when I sleep, I wear Whoop because it is providing overall health insights that I find valuable and have led to lifestyle changes that I may not have made otherwise--even as a person in great shape who works out six days a week.

Honestly, an Apple Watch.

This is often an underrated factor in why people choose Apple devices. It started with me choosing a Mac computer because it was just better and I don't play games. Then I have to use iPhone to get all continuity features. Then when I need a Bluetooth TWS I have to use Airpods Pro 2 because even if a "better" TWS exists, I'd lose auto switching if I switch. And I can't use another fitness tracker because as far as I know, Apple Watch is the only one that can ping my phone when I misplace it.

I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. I hear this sentiment all the time, but my AW (both older one and a brand new ultra) are consistently recording about 10% over on laps. Usually I will swim 100 yards and take a rest then sets of 200 with a 1-2 min break between. I almost always have an extra lap recorded with each break. I have started to pause after each 200, but this isn’t ideal 25 yard pool, free, touch turns. About 1:40/100

OP already has iphone. and there's nothing comparable to crapple watch especially higher end ones, but even cheap is superior to what else is out there. the only exception is if OP only needs a "fitness band" as in a thing that has a battery life of 2+ weeks and only tracks steps/basic sleeping etc, in that case I'd recommend any recent xiaomi band, like v8 or v9. i've used those before switching to apple watch, and real battery life is really close to 2 weeks, especially if all you do is fitness tracking with it (i.e. no continous notifications of useless shit from phone etc).

for me it was nfc/felica support and ability to track running/walking offline (has its own gps). i've disabled every other feature (notifications from apps etc) as I never used that on xiaomi either. also I don't charge mine every 18 hours, i throw it on the charger during shower for 10-15 mins and that's enough to keep it mostly charged (i have ultra2)

Not a hard core trainer, but I had s imple Fitbit that lasted like a month, but because of that I had no "routine" to charge it and I'd often find myself with a dead fitbit and when I was finally thinking about it and in a position to charge, I'd then have to go searching for the adapter, (which was awkward and often didn't clip in correctly, so I'd wake up to a still dead fitbit. Vs my AWU which I drop on my charger stand after a wake up while I go do my morning ritual in teh bathroom, get dressed, etc. By the time I'me ready to head downstairs is fully charged, and its just part of my morning ritual. I have an Ultra so on teh days I can't it makes it through day two no issue TLDR - I actually find the routine of daily charging easier.

As far as fitness is concerned, i've been very happy with AW. My only complaint is the support for cycling, the data tracking randomly stops and every now and then I don't get any sort of elevation/speed/GPS data for some of my cycling workouts. It doesn't bother me, but it's very peculiar and it might bother some people that are meticulous in their tracking.

I wear my Apple Watch for swim/exercise/sleep tracking but don’t feel I really consciously change my habit based on the data. Just more investing than anything.

AW does support power meters, but does not seem to actually use the data from the power meter directly for calories burned. My AW always says I burned about 40-50% more cycling than my wahoo does, despite both being connected to the same power meter and both showing same power data.

Down voted but you're right. My partner tried an apple watch and couldn't even track his sleep because the battery died so quickly. I brought him a Garmin amd he's never looked back.

Apple watch Ultra works great. I think Surfr recently also improved their support for Garmin (which was not as good previously). You need to have the right band. The Ocean band is secure

I use Apple Watch

I use the AWU2 all the time even for sleep, and charge it once a day (like 20 minutes of charge to make it full)

I just got the Garmin Forerunner 265 and absolutely love it. I got rid of my Apple watch and won’t go back. I’ve had it for about a month now and while the NRC integration is only in sharing the stats, all of the other metrics, and battery life, far surpass the Apple Watch as a fitness tool Imo.

Try the WorkOutDoors app on the Apple Watch. It’s pretty great. That’s what I used and just uploaded directly to Strava from there. I would recommend either an Apple Watch, a Garmin, or a Coros. You need a real fitness watch to do marathon training tracking.

G shock. I m considering getting one. A real watch with tracking features. Have an apple watch. Biggest cons - one more thing to charge everyday - whatever pros they have, I dont want another screen on my wrist. - notifications, sometimes useful but not worth it - looks and feel, the novelty fades very quickly. Doesn’t even compare to wearing an actual watch. Tldr. Be a man, get a real watch.

Honestly? Obviously an Apple fanboy. Thing is, the awu is a great smartwatch. As a sports watch for real athletes it falls way short. My Suunto for instance tells me my CTL and ATL (how your training is going), gives you AI based coaching, offers more than 3x GPS recording time, offers various plug ins to undertake all manner of training from Cooper Tests to ultra marathon intensity scores and on and on it goes, all for one price, which is way less than half the cost of a product that needs additional apps to make it useful. Yes the awu is a step up for an Apple Watch but they’re years behind in fitness features. You need to be objective and not just ingest everything Apple is telling you.

I’ve been using training load feature - it’s rubbish and suitable only for kids. Of no use at all. No idea why people hype these features up as they’re so far behind real sports watches. Guess I’ll stick with Training Peaks..

OHR is fine but you need to wear it a little higher up from your wrist bone. Doing this I found the HR to be pretty good. Sleep tracking has been excellent. Better than my Apple Watch Ultra by a mile. Body battery = resources in Suunto. Same tech as used by Garmin and wearing my Garmin and the Race S gives the same results for me. Build quality is exceptional. This is my third Suunto and they’re the only watches I won’t sell on. Suunto app is fantastic with a ton of data and metrics.

FWIW I saw a huge jump in accuracy going from an S3 to AWU with dual-frequency GPS

Hi! Yes, I swim with my Apple Watch and use it for all my workouts. However, I’m currently considering switching to Garmin for the longer battery life. In general, I’d say Apple Watches are very popular among people who aren’t super serious about training but still work out regularly.

I nave with Komoot, but record the actual ride with Apple fitness on my AWU. I record hikes, walks, strength training, indoor rowing, etc. all within Apple fitness. The one exception is snowboarding: Apple fitness doesn’t record a GPS track for the snowboarding activity, and I want to know what runs I’ve hit, so I record that directly on Strava.

Another for Apple Watch.. works well for me once I fixed the wrist settings

I use HealthFit with my Ultra2 and it has solved pretty much all of my multisport / Strava sync issues. Without HealthFit a triathlon syncs to Strava as one big “workout”, but using HealthFit along with AW automatic activity detection, it separates all activities (including transitions) along with GPS for each.

Same. I think I’m in my 4th year and I don’t see the benefit of upgrading aside from the longer battery life and this age thing. Big deal. EKG I have with my Apple Watch and I don’t even use it. If they could get the step counter to work properly, I’d be happy.

I got my Apple Watch to track my swimming. I've found I love it for daily life but I think it's great for swimming. I love the splits feature.

I’ve been using my Apple watch paired with the Peloton app. I got the bike during the pandemic, and it got me into outdoor cycling, but I also use the yoga and strength training classes a lot so I like having all my fitness metrics in one app. The only downside is it needs GPS and data to function, which usually isn’t a huge issue, but I’ve gone on some remote rides in dead zones where it doesn’t work.

I think to each his/her own. I started with an Apple watch but the golf app was laughable at the time, so I got a garmin for golf and used the Apple watch for everything else. But when my bank stopped supporting Apple pay and I started running and biking and swimming, I decided to upgrade my garmin and stopped using the Apple watch because garmin features were better AND it was just really annoying that I had to charge the apple watch every single day. With the Garmin I only really have to charge it max once a week and so I get good sleep data with it too which I could never get with the Apple Watch consistently because it had to be charged all the time. I really enjoy the virtual caddy function which Garmin has. I agree that the Apple watch looks better, but that’s not the reason I bought the Garmin, though honestly it looks pretty good and other than like a black tie event, I feel like I can wear my garmin watch all the time. I am thinking of upgrading from Garmin S70 approach golf watch to something that looks a bit nicer and am definitely considering getting the Fenix 8 as it seems it has the same golf features plus additional sports features my watch doesn’t have. I just watched the Apple keynote. Seems a lot of the newer golf apps are similar to garmin. Cannot say if they are better/worse. Apple claims the new watch can charge 80% in 30min so that sounds promising, but I am 99% sure I’d still have to charge it every day regardless and that to me is a dealbreaker. I wear airpods too, but always have my phone with me so I’ve never had a problem. Look, If you want something that has a friendly UI and nice design so you can wear it even to nice events with general overall sports features, and you’re ok charging it everyday, get the Apple. If you’re sporty and want something durable to deal with harsh outdoor conditions and prefer to wear the watch on 24/7 to also track sleep so you need better battery life, get the garmin.

Have a regular peloton bike (not a bike+). I tried an Apple Watch and an oura ring. Best thing I’ve done is buy a regular Garmin forerunner + hrm strap for the best output capture. The hrm can be synced to the device for real heart rate during exercises.

Do you use a branded smart phone, tablet or laptop is so google will already have your data. As to fitness trackers Fitbit are best but they are changing to google wear or something like that. And either Samsung watch or Apple Watch are far superior in build and use for health and fitness tracking in all fairness.

I came from daily wearing a Fitbit luxe and added a Garmin 735 for run tracking. I became disillusioned with the google ecosystem as they don’t share data with apple and wanted to force me to sign up for a google account. I simply don’t trust google with my data in general. Garmin freely shares your data, but has other issues. Apple Watch has objectively the best HR and sleep tracking sensors available. Add music on the watch with large capacity, and the fact that Garmin doesn’t offer the right combination of features for me, and I was pushed toward AW. All I really want is a fitness tracker with good recovery metrics (sleep, fatigue, etc.) and Garmin’s sleep tracking is crap. Their body battery system only works with one device- I can’t do a ride with another Garmin device and have it count toward body battery without wearing the Garmin watch at the same time…. Apple has athlytic as well as fatigue integration soon. Anyways, the combination of features and lack thereof is what pushed me this way.

I second this, garmin seems like the best Although.. I use a Apple Watch

Apple Watch, bar none, is best smart watch sold today when you are already in the Apple ecosystem. The way notifications, complications, the optional cellular, crash detection, incredible screen and myriad of other features work is heads and shoulders above all the alternatives from Garmin and Fitbit... it's the best SMARTwatch. Notice I said nothing about fitness and health tracking. There is no question Apple Watch lagged for years (and still does) the advanced features and metrics found on modern fitness watches like Garmin, Polar, and Coros (Fitbit has never been advanced and Apple had them beat early). Despite this many people felt Apple had \*enough\* of the most important features that its fitness capabilities were "good enough" to accept so they could get the best Smartwatch on the market. In the last 3 years of watchOS revisions Apple has steadily started catching Garmin and others on more advanced features like running power, cycling power, triathlon support, and now this year begin to catch up with running and hiking mapping. Garmin still has many very, very niche features that Apple doesn't and may never have, but the number of people who need them are vanishingly small and growing smaller as Apple adds features. Also it has to be said, Apple has had the best watch sensors bar none in the industry, the accuracy of the optical heart recognition and sleep sensing is well ahead of Garmin, Polar and others so while the watch still does "less" what it does do is actually more accurate, which is the most important part anyway. Bottom line? The Apple Watch has long been and remains the best daily smartwatch for the 22-23 hours you aren't working out and a good fitness watch when you are. As each year goes by the watch is becoming closer to a great fitness watch and making the number of people for whom the Garmin's of the world are a better fit smaller and smaller.

The WatchOS 11 sleep tracking is the best of any consumer wearable. Oura 3 (and hopefully 4) is very close. Fitbit/Garmin are a step down from both of those with Polar, Coros and others even further away. Heart Rate tracking is by far the best on Apple Watch (both resting and during fitness activities) with Garmin, Polar, and Coros being fairly close. Oura is very accurate with heart rate when at rest, mostly accurate when moving with daily activities, and only fair to poor when doing cardio exercise. O2 monitoring is good on Oura, and unavailable in the USA (for now, there are rumors of a pending settlement now that the company that sued Apple for the O2 tech has fired their CEO and founder) on Apple Watch. Both are similar. Temp monitoring is good on Oura and Apple Watch. So... Apple Watch has the best DATA in all categories (except O2 for now) but Oura still has very good sleep, O2, temp, and heart rate (except during fitness activities) data. The difference is the software... Apple dumps tons and tons of data in the Apple Health app on the iPhone from the watch. In general its endless graphs and numbers but ZERO interpretation of that data, they leave that to you or your doctor. For the first time in WatchOS 11 they added a "vitals" app that tracks 5 of the main metrics (RHR, O2 (when available), temp, sleep etc.) and tells you if they are out of the norm each day, but very little information of why, what the norm is, what to do etc. There ARE several very good apps you can download and either are free or a reasonable yearly cost (ie. sub $30) like Athlytic that take the data from the Apple Health app and provide "Oura-like" interpretation of the information including stress, readiness, etc. The question here is how accurate those apps are, most of them are created by a team of one or two developers vs. a company like Whoop or Oura that in theory has doctors and scientists aiding the development of the intrepation of the data. Your mileage may vary. Oura on the other hand is all about taking the data it gets and interpreting it and putting it in forms that are actionable. It's not just how much you slept, or what your HRV was, or your RHR was... its how all 3 of those (and more) represent your readiness to tackle stress or heavy fitness loads that day etc. It's interpreting your overall cardio vascular health etc. The software makes the difference. Now Oura knows their weak spot is data accuracy in HR during fitness so it works with Apple Health to import fitness tracked by Apple Watch and use that data in place of its own if you want, a best of both worlds situation. So... Apple Watch is the best at gather data in essentially every single metric except O2 (and probably not for long) but Oura is "close enough" most of the time and you can use your Apple Watch, Garmin etc. data to supplement the Oura during its weak spots (cardio fitness activities) but the software is so much more holistic and willing to take a stance. With Apple YOU need to do the work to understand what the data means for the most part. They dipped their toe into interpretation with WatchOS 11 but Oura is already in the pool. None of this also accounts for comfort, ie. if you don't want to wear a watch at night, or if you want wear a non-smartwatch on occasion etc., obviously Oura excels at those situations. For me? I'm fortunate. I wear an Apple Watch Ultra 2 (except at night for comfort) and an Oura and while they overlap they help each other and help me in different ways.

Any Apple Watch will do a good job of combining the Apple ecosystem smartwatch features with excellent fitness tracking that is shared with Oura. For now your Garmin will provide similar excellent fitness tracking with Oura, the only part you won’t have is the Apple smartwatch features and integration with your apps, notifications etc. I enjoy the Ultra series primarily for the long battery life and style, but the regular “Series” of watches has the same features effectively just with 1 day battery life.

Calorie burning will never be accurate if the wheelchair user doesn’t have fully innervated muscles. The formulas are based on able bodied formulas. You might get an idea for how many “calories” are burned for you in a more abstract way, but I wouldn’t rely on it for calculating calories you want to then eat back, etc. The Apple Watch is great for not nagging you to walk more, you can change to the wheelchair mode (tells you to push instead of stand).

Fitbit is surprisingly good. Outstanding battery life. Apple watch, but get the app WorkOutdoors and use that.  It's less than 10 bucks.  No subscription.  Watch videos on YouTube about it. Here's one.  You don't need the ultra to use it. https://youtu.be/0CO4Nqn1PVQ Garmin is highly recommended for athletes but I've never used it so can't compare.

Apple Watch is probably the best for HR currently but is out if you are not in the walled iPhone garden. Also note that a lot might come with how are you wearing the watch. Samsung Galaxy 7 is being launched in like one week and apparently is a huge lot faster than 6 (like 2-4 times faster). Battery life remains to be seen but Watch 6 like latest normal Apple Watch models were "charge daily devices" (with AoD and most of stuff you normally want to use on). If you want 2-3 days then look at the "huge" models (but wait at least one week to learn how things are with the new Samsung Watch 7 Ultra or whatever will be called). If you want more battery life you can look at Garmin Venu 3 (or 3s for a smaller watch) and the much less expensive (but apparently better on HR) [Huawei Watch Fit 3, see my mini-review](https://old.reddit.com/r/smartwatch/comments/1db9i4s/quick_minireview_of_huawei_watch_fit_3_vs_huawei/).

This is the same reason I've been considering Whoop for the longest time. But I just don't think I can commit to the lifetime subscription cost. Currently wearing a Charge6 and it's been fine for now. I came from Apple Watch, but found it too uncomfortable wearing that and a mechanical watch.

Apple Watch Ultra. Syncs well with the rest of my ecosystem. Touch screen is terrible for swimming- but it gives me an excuse not to swim anyways!

I have had the gen4 for a couple weeks and really like it. I wore a whoop for many years but got tired of wearing a strap. I have a specific need for data again so I went with the Oura. I wear it instead of my wedding ring and so far it’s great. I also use my apple watch with it for workout where I like to see data and zones easily without my phone. Anything in particular people are complaining about? I have had tons of wearables and it’s solid.

I use the Garmin Instinct 2 and really happy with the tracking and training guidance it provides. Being able to customize the screens I see during my swim is something that I really like. Previously, I used an Apple watch for track my swims, and that was pretty accurate too, but because it was all touch interface I would end up accidentally pausing or ending my workout without intending to. Also, I realise now that Apple’s insights don’t even come close to the detailed analysis and guidance I get with Garmin.

Have friends that used both for sport tracking and to all of them it's no competition - garmin. I personally only used AWU2 and can confirm that it's so-so regarding sport activities, but can't say about garmin from personal experience.

I’ve had Apple Watch since the Series 2 (currently wearing an Ultra 2) and Garmin since the Vivoactive HR (currently wearing an Epix 2 Pro). For most of that time I’ve worn both devices (in my “I’m not crazy” defence for the first part of that time I was doing graduate research on wearable tech). I have a husky, so I’m out on local trails a lot for hours at a time. I trail run but have zero ambition to go further than 50k distances. I enjoy camping (usually no more than 3 nights). When I finally decided it was time to cut down to a single device the Apple Watch Ultra won. I do have to charge it when I’m on camping trips but that doesn’t bother me at all. I have a small portable battery with the Apple Watch mag charging dock built in. (It weighs 94 grams and is smaller than a Snickers bar. Charges the Ultra 2x.) Aside from multi night camping trips I’ve never once had a problem where I ran out of battery, including all day runs. The handful of apps I pay for on my Watch plus the cost of the Ultra itself doesn’t come close to the price of the new Fenix 8 (you can literally buy several models of MacBook for less than a Fenix 8). The only time I miss the Garmin is when I’m falling asleep listening to podcasts. Having a physical button to skip ahead through ads without opening my eyes was nice. For a long time I was really fixated on “muh data!” with the Garmin. There are a lot of fun metrics and charts which for whatever reason are a delight to look at. But when I started thinking about it, a lot of them are estimates based on estimates. And even if I assume they are accurate, they’re not meaningful to me. Is it fun to see my Hill Score go up? Absolutely! I even bought an incline sensor for my treadmill so I could have that “elevation” data factored in. But is that actionable in any way? Nope. It’s functionally useless to me.

I do since yesterday. Its a gamechanger. Tracking training progress makes it so much easier to visualize your progress. (and i like numbers, they do funny things to my brain)

I wear an Apple Watch (I forget what model) and it works great for me! I track all the important things: time, distance/GPS, heart rate. Plus I can build interval workouts into it. Battery is fine if you turn off cellular, but that’s not a problem either because you still get GPS and can have your songs downloaded to the watch itself.

Playing devil's advocate, Garmin and Coros are much better sport watches, but AW is a better smartwatch. So if you're looking for text messages, Siri integration, emails, NFC payments, notifications etc..AW is going to do a better job. So how to make an AW more bearable to use as a sports watch; use apps like WorkOutdoors and HealthFit that sort of emulate Garmin features. You can build intervals, set routes, get HR or pace notifications. HealthFit gives you a better visual health data while bridging data over to Strava. Create workout shortcuts that plays your music, start your workout and puts you in a focus mode. The Apple fitness app is catching up...but at a molasses pace. The rate its going, its going to be years before you get the level of customization the third party apps provide. Even with third party apps, AW feels a bit clunky to juggle multiple apps to get the functionality of a Garmin. Personally I'd like a Garmin for Christmas for my running, but the rest of the day, I prefer an AW. Also another thing to note, AW sucks running in the rain. Physical buttons is something you really miss when you realize the screen doesn't work when you're soaked in water.

Love my apple watch, use it for every game and it is pretty great. (I turn it around to face the inside of my wrist so my goalie glove doesn't hold down the crown, and since doing that it's been more accurate, too)

I’ll piggy-back on this excellent review, since I generally agree with it. Sleep: I have both the ring and pay for Sleepcycle on the watch and find the ring to be more accurate than the watch but also on the conservative side — I don’t feel like I’m getting credit for sleeping when I should but it’s hard to know since human memory is not accurate either. Data: You can download your data if you want and there’s a lot of it. Advice/coaching: turning data into things you can do differently is probably a lot of their R&D and it is annoying because it can’t be turned off, nor can you streamline what data you’re shown to reduce obsessive thinking but the language choices are surprisingly not off putting Vs Apple Watch: Agreed on it being okay for exercise but short of the watch, which seems more accurate and easier to use. If you just want a vague sense of your activity level it’s good. Ring best for sleep, watch best for exercise

Given that the AW doesn’t measure HRV often at all through the day, body battery is a total guess with all of them. I wouldnt bother focusing on that metric with the AW.

It’s not false. You’re expecting people to enable a function reserved for people diagnosed with afib. Apple even says that it’s for people diagnosed with afib. The average person won’t know to do this. This is a “hack”, not a normal feature. The Apple Watch doesn’t measure HRV all day long, it’s not a feature. Even with afib on it measures sporadically

Had a charge 5 for over 3 years. Battery was still lasting a week but felt the last half of the battery was dying a bit faster than before. The charge did pretty much everything I really cared about for just day to day stuff. I have an Apple Watch but the short battery life just kills it for me for every day but I will use it if I’m going somewhere. Was mostly happy with the charge 5 as a simple fitness tracker, biggest complaint was comparing the heart rate on it vs Apple Watch or polar monitor the charge way overestimated once I was at about 70% max heart rate. I had heard the 6 had a better algorithm for heart rate and they had a ok sale for Black Friday so I figured I’d grab one. So far so good, need to do a head to head with my old one and see if the heart rate is different. I didn’t abuse my 5 but didn’t baby it either. Wore it most every day for over 3 years and the biggest issue I had was having to reset it to get it to sync again but that seemed to have gotten better recently to. I know I see people saying theirs didn’t last a year but I can’t say that was my experience.

Apple Watch + spigen case, haven’t had any issues over many years!

As an ultra runner with both a Garmin Fenix and AW, Garmin is by far superior for fitness and running metrics, but it’s the only time I wear it. For the rest of the day, I’m wearing my Apple Watch. I think for casual athletes, Apple is fine, but all the hardcore mountain & trail athletes, serious runners, and triathletes I know are all using Garmins or Coros.

As a fellow ‘elite’ runner, I agree with you in that AWU is getting more and more attractive as an alternative option - I was thrilled when they entered the game not only as an avid Apple-user, but in terms of having more competition for brands like Garmin that dominate the space and had gotten pretty stagnant over the last few watch iterations. However, Apple’s still sorely lacking in battery life (ultra runners like me could never realistically use an AWU), integrated/native GPS navigation (especially one that doesn’t destroy the battery), accessories for better accuracy and more data like the HRM-pro, and an app that’s geared for serious athletes who want all of the data. Trust me, I would love nothing more than to just have one watch, but for me Apple’s just not quite there yet (and as a woman, the ultra is also just way too big and bulky for my wrists, especially for things like sleep tracking) Excited to see how the next edition develops though! Planning on buying my husband, who is more of a recreation athlete, the new black Ultra for Christmas :) (also in the process of trading in my 8 for a new 10 haha)

It’s honestly why I’d probably keep my ‘old’ 10 at that point if I ever get an Ultra and just use it for sleeping since the 8 I have now doesn’t bother me at night - unless the future AWU3 has a way thinner profile (unlikely due to battery needs)

The majority of people just assume that Garmin is the better fitness tracker because that’s what seems to be the general consensus to the masses. I think it’s total baloney. Apple has been proven to be as good as, if not better in wrist based heart rate and sleep monitoring. Apple has brought numerous improvements to their workout app, especially for running (pacer and heart rate screen I’m looking at you) and they are a huge amount of apps to give you different UI and software experiences. Watch GPS accuracy Garmin may have the upper hand for a total accuracy but really, does that affect training? You still did the work who cares if the map line is a few metres out in some spots. And half the time Apple Watch users actually use the iPhone GPS which is better because bigger antenna anyway. “Oh but Garmin has the body battery etc” - For anyone serious about fitness and conditioning I think they’d have better intuition themselves then to rely on some software telling them what they should do today. Body battery and stress monitoring are not accurate enough to be relied on, despite anecdotal evidence you’ll hear from those people who probably got 5 hours sleep after a hard training day and then commended their Garmin body battery for telling them to take a rest day. “Omg my Garmin just knows, you know”. With training load coming to Apple, just use that - pure quantitative data, baby. But if you want to consider why Garmin is objectively better, then look at battery life. Still annoys me that I gotta charge AW all the time. And subjectively- how much better are round watches! TLDR Apple is a great smart watch and a great fitness tracker. Garmin is a shit smart watch and a great fitness tracker.

I don't see a whole lot of other Apple Watches at Ironman events, but I've had various models since 2019. The Ultra has the battery life to get through everything up to a 70.3 with plenty of juice to spare. (I've actually done a full with one as well, which required a little bit of help to get through the 140 miles.) I can link the watch to the power meter on my bike, and my data has always been accurate on my rides and runs. I have the cellular model, and it's a great peace of mind to go out and leave my phone at home. I know if something comes up, I can call my wife for rescue on my watch. Only real complaint is the lack of structured workouts with swims. For bike rides and runs, I can import workouts from TrainingPeaks. But swimming in general leaves a lot to be desired compared to what Garmin offers.

I don't see a whole lot of other Apple Watches at Ironman events, but I've had various models since 2019. The Ultra has the battery life to get through everything up to a 70.3 with plenty of juice to spare. (I've actually done a full with one as well, which required a little bit of help to get through the 140 miles.) I can link the watch to the power meter on my bike, and my data has always been accurate on my rides and runs. I have the cellular model, and it's a great peace of mind to go out and leave my phone at home. I know if something comes up, I can call my wife for rescue on my watch. Only real complaint is the lack of structured workouts with swims. For bike rides and runs, I can import workouts from TrainingPeaks. But swimming in general leaves a lot to be desired compared to what Garmin offers.

I agree that the Apple Watch's battery life is a weakness. My approach is to charge it while I am showering and getting ready in the morning. I charge it to ~80-85% and it easily lasts until the next morning.

Me and my wife used to have Apple Watches but when we ran together we noticed a wide difference in distances on our watches for doing the same route. Like one watch would say 4 miles while the other would say 2.4 miles for doing an approximately 4 mile run. Additionally during summer months when I was doing workouts, I got tired of my watch face being sweaty and making it difficult to start/stop during intervals. Navigating the touch screen was less than ideal when sweaty so the Garmin has actual buttons to mark laps, start/stop runs, and so forth.

Everyone is going to say Garmin… if you already have an Apple Watch or really like the smart features of it, it will still work great and integrates with a lot of running apps

I have experience with Garmin and Apple. Go back and forth to between the 2… I wish I was just ok with wearing my Garmin while exercising then Apple the rest of the day but that would render most of Garmins metrics useless since it’s not getting the whole picture by measuring 24/7. The fact is with 3rd party support the AWU can do everything the Garmin can do only limited by battery. And then the Apple Watch can do so much more beyond fitness & tracking. I really like Garmin connect and the monthly challenges, they encourage me to run/bike/walk and many other things. Apple challenges and rings are such a joke. I hate that you can change the ring goals to whatever you want, to me that takes the challenge away. Also the stand ring is pointless to anyone that trains daily and is active. I’ve been using my AWU lately and then syncing data over to Garmin connect via rungap app and that works pretty good, just not as seamless.

Every single time. Calories, yards, time are pretty much all I use/ need

It didn’t always; the enhancement came a couple years ago.

I’ve been using one for the past 4 years; first the 6 and then the Ultra. No significant problem with front crawl or keyboard, but I have had trouble with accurate reading on backstroke.

I have been using an Apple Watch for the last four years. I started with an Apple Watch 6, and upgraded to the ultra a couple of years ago. For my swims, the ultra provides no advantage, so if you’re going to get an Apple Watch, just get the regular one and you should be fine.

I have an Apple Watch with LTE. I do receive calls while I’m swimming, though I must say I don’t ever take them!

Apple Watch Ultra. Tracks pool lengths and time and I’ve found it to work for most strokes.

I’ve been using it for swimming over the last six years, about 300 times a year, and it works well for me. I can count on one hand the number of times that it has glitched.

Apple Watch is great. Shows the swolf also which is useful for efficiency. Downside is it won’t actually stop the timer if you’re resting. So pause it by pressing both buttons simultaneously.

I loved going to Apple Watch after having a Fitbit. It actually was a big game changer for me because I’m very closing all the rings motivated haha. It is different than Fitbit but I like it better. I use it with the Peloton app and the Lifesum app. I like how it does the rings (and how the details are all laid out) and how easy it is to start/log a random exercise. I also feel it’s more accurate than a Fitbit. I no longer have “swim” exercises whenever I do laundry lol. I vote give it a try! But also, you do you. :) 

Can’t speak for 4 but I’ve really enjoyed 3. I can honestly say It’s really helped me improve my overall well-being over the last 3 years. I use my Apple Watch specially for tracking performance metrics during workouts (and for work notifications when I’m away from my computer).

Yes! It’s very likely. I had an Apple Watch several years ago and it would pause basically as soon as I started a workout. So frustrating. It was the worst of the three fitness trackers I’ve had.

I do recommend an Apple Watch if you have an iPhone/airpods. It’s v convenient to pair with your phone and track your steps etc (10k steps a day for fat loss), weightlifting tracking mode (do note that all watches have some level of inaccuracy in calorie tracking) but it’s still nice You can pair your workout music etc and use it for other purposes like Apple Pay etc so that’s a plus also Battery life lasts a day so you might have to charge it when you sleep + wearing watch while asleep is uncomfortable for me so I wouldn’t recommend it for sleep tracking

The Apple Watch SE has been great for me. I did switch to a different watch, but if all I cared about was swimming the Apple Watch would always be my personal favorite.

I’d love to get a proper running/multisport watch, but I couldn’t change my AW for anything else because there’s so many non-fitness related features I’d miss. I have thought about getting a sports watch in addition to my AW, but I’d need to wear it 24/7 in order to get relevant data, and I’m not going to be wearing two watches all the time.

Yep! I use it for every single activity and utilize its health features heavily.

My partner also wanted me to start wearing a heart rate/fitness tracker but I couldn't stomach putting my Apple Watch back on, so I bought an Oura ring. The Whoop fitness tracker also seems like a good alternative to a smart watch. For a fitness tracker it is 100% best practice to wear it 24-7 for at least the first few months - but if you don't want to do that, workout + sleep is a good compromise that should still create plenty of data for your health apps to analyze.

I went back to Apple and got an Ultra 2. I miss aspects of the Garmin (morning report, sleep score) but I’ve been using the Bevel app and it’s really good.

Usually mine’s accurate, but it sometimes misses laps or counts extras, and if I’m doing kick only, it misses a few.

I have both a AWU and a fenix 5s and I have almost the opposit feeling on all of them. * prefer the garmin UI and in particular mechanical buttons when doing sports or being wet. * faces and quality feeling is the same for me. Prefer garmin notifications to the AWU ones. * my banks (not us) were easier to connect to garmin pay than apple pay. * you can’t compare battery life if you try to be anything close to fair. Perhaps if I maximize battedrain for the garmin and minimize it for the Apple watch theyll be on par? * activity tracking (running and cycling) are superior on garmin both during the activity and when reviewing the stats afterwards. Etc etc. Just goes to show that people value different things.

I do triathlons, so similar training, and battery life is only big factor - I can do a 3-4hr bike ride with AW, or Olympic distance Tri, but battery wouldn’t last a whole Ironman. I actually think swim tracking (front crawl) with AW is better / more accurate than garmin. Looking at both traces uploaded to Strava of others and comparing distances over measured courses (buoy marked loops on reservoirs). This was a big differentiator for me. One thing I’d like on AW is more flex on planned workouts, eg programmable interval sets with rest periods. Supposedly coming to swimming this update, would be really helpful with my training. This is something Garmin does well. I currently use a phone app for this which suffices, but I’d rather have it all on my watch.

I use it for counting laps which it is pretty good at, and I will admit that I feel sad when I don't close my activity circles (although I'm trying to not be so hard on myself). I recently received a set of Form googles, so I've added those to my daily data addiction. Notably, the calorie counts on the Form goggles are much lower than on the Apple Watch; I'm pretty skeptical about both of those anyway. (for reference, I'm 62, male, swim 3x/week averaging 1500-2000 m per session). Hope this information helps you

I use my Apple Watch for swimming - it’s great as the fitness app can track your pace and can tell what stroke you’re swimming. I also use ‘my swim pro’ which is a swimming workout app you can connect to your watch - creates sets, tracks pace, suggests improvements.

I’ve used mine for years. It’s not going to ruin it as it’s designed for swimming. I also use mine for day to day use.

Chasing the summit has a video where he does an ultra marathon with an Apple Watch Ultra the battery last 16 hours.

I run the Apple Watch to pull a average heart rate for the session but use the finis goggles for timing sets etc, import the finis data into Strava and add the average HR data manually

As someone who had every single Apple Watch between the series 3 and the Ultra 1....it's not a real sports watch, don't try to make it one. Get the best Garmin watch you can. It's the gold standard among runners and cyclists and its compatibility with a wide variety of apps, sensors, and devices is unparalleled.

I could write a book about this topic, you have no idea how much time I've spent playing with both my Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin Fenix 8 and their respective software apps (Health and Connect). I own both. Long story short, neither are perfect. Here's my opinion per your categories: * Daily activity (steps, calories, heart rate) - Apple wins here. The HR sensor on the Apple Watch is just better. Apple Health does a MUCH better job of aggregating activities and accurately accounting for calories. * Sleep tracking. Garmin wins here, no question. Why? Battery life of the Fenix means I don't have to charge it overnight and therefore much more likely to wear it to sleep. I get 20 days of battery on my Fenix, and I ride my bike every single day. * Recovery metrics (Body Battery, HRV, etc.). Garmin superior here. * VO2Max and training guidance. Garmin blows away Apple. Apple does a poor job of tracking Vo2Max and doesn't have distinct running and cycling vo2 max like Garmin does. In fact, Apple Health won't even estimate your vo2 max unless you go for an outdoors run...it completely ignores any other activity including cycling. Clarity of data and presentation: Apple is just better. They understand UI and navigation, Garmin is piss-poor at this. Other apps to track: Yes, Strava. To me it is a ecosystem-agnostic tool that does a great job of tracking my long-term performance. Subscription not required but IMHO its worth it. Summary: the Garmin hardware is better, more premium-feeling, and its screens and metrics are tuned more for athletes. Apple's software (Health) is 100x better than Garmin's awful Connect, it also does a better job of tracking things like medications, and non-fitness related health aspects. The good news is that Garmin workouts/inputs captured on Garmin devices can feed to Apple Health as well as Connect so you can get the best of both worlds. The biggest drawback to Apple is that its ecosystem is much more closed, it doesn't like to share Apple Watch HR data for example, and it's really more of a smartwatch (still) than a true fitness watch like the Fenix, but Apple is definitely closing the gap each year.

Garmin isn’t for you since the stuff you want so bad you’re already getting from the ultra. I have both watches and no the ultra is not better than the 8 in the fit and finish department. I prefer the 8 over the ultra 2. If you’re gonna compare the battery at least compare it to the 47 which will smoke the ultra. I’m selling my ultra because I got tired of charging it every other day. Now with 51mm I can go almost 2 weeks and yes I always have the AOD on at all times.

My wife does marathons and ultras and switched both of us from apple to garmin. The Apple Watch is better for all the other stuff (music, home control, navigation). For anything sports related, the Garmin is far superior.

It’s all about the battery for me. My wife loves her Apple Watch Ultra but I can’t figure out why the damn thing is so expensive when it essentially has to be charged every 36 hrs.

I wore no watch for a long time. No problems or hitting wrists on anything that I noticed. Was gifted an Apple Watch. Wore it climbing once. Didn’t catch band at all, but afterward noticed a large single scratch along the center of the face. Never wore it climbing again.

I'm an recent amputee and started getting fat. Ditched the apple watch for garmin and i am much more active now and have lost 55 lbs. I just love the data the watch gives me and enjoy not having to charge it much. Started with the forerunner 965, traded for a epix pro 2 51mm sapphire then just sold that and got the fenix 8 amoled 51mm sapphire. They aren't cheap but I find it worth it for me and won't have to upgrade for a while.

Apple watches are toys. Garmin watches are premium watches with tons of features. I had Apple watch ultra 2 then went to samsung then Garmin. Have had a forerunner 965, epix pro gen 2 51mm sapphire and now the fenix 8 51mm sapphire amoled and all 3 beat any Apple or samsung imo. Maps, more activities, flashlight, 29 day battery life, body battery, tides, and so much more with Garmin. Def recommend trying one.

I have a Whoop (obviously), Oura Ring 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (+ Bevel App) in daily use. If I would need to remove one device it would be the Whoop. If I would need to remove two devices it would be Whoop + Oura Ring. In my use the Whoop is the most unreliable in terms of data collection. It regularly detects workouts when I do nothing. Recently had a „workout“ of Yoga that moved my strain on that day from 4.1 to 17.3 in just 20min. Problem was I was sitting on my chair doing office work. This stuff happens every few weeks and definitely lowered my trust in the accuracy of the device. Apart from that it is more comfortable to wear than the Apple Watch but less comfortable than the Oura Ring (especially for sleep tracking). What I like is the customization options with different bands (I have a black and a blue one) which you can use to make it fit your outfit better. I thought about getting a biceps strap but I‘m not paying the ridiculous prices Whoops charges for this. Oura is obviously always looking the same and I don’t like that it scratches relatively easily especially if you wear it while lifting. Build quality on the other side is perfectly fine for me. The Apple Watch feels most premium out of the three devices, has the most functions and I trust it‘s data the most in terms of accuracy. In combination with the Bevel App it gives me a lot of insight. Honestly without Bevel I would not get the Apple Watch if your only purpose is health tracking. Apples pre-installed health apps on the watch/phone have all the data but they way it‘s displayed and summarized is awful. I don’t mind paying my 6$ per month for Bevel and I got the Watch not only for health reasons but also to use its other features but keep in mind that Bevel is something you probably need to replace Whoop/Oura with the Apple Watch. If my Oura Ring 3 fails in the future I will probably get a Gen 4 ring. If Apple introduces a Ultra 3/4/5 etc with new useful sensors I can imagine upgrading. If my current watch breaks I would buy it again without a doubt. For Whoop I’m currently on the road to not extend my subscription once it expires. I‘m a bit over half way through my 2 year subscription and since I anyway paid for it I will continue wearing the Whoop daily but as of now I don’t really see a reason to renew it. Hopefully when this time arrives the introduced Whoop 5 or made significant improvements to the software and features. For those interested: Battery life I get with Whoop + Oura is basically the same of around 5 days. The Apple Watch lasts around 4 days (I have Always on off which boost the battery life significantly).

For the biggest scam is that they try to use the different subscriptions in order to have you pay as a user who has over 6 months remaining in their subscription. Given the prices it takes like three years of Whoop to have a fully paid off Apple Watch Series 10 + Oura Ring. Money is not the factor for me when going after health gadgets but this feels like a scam to me still. Additionally like others pointed out no word on improved sensors and the low accuracy of the sensors is my biggest issue with Gen 4. Sure a 14 day battery life is cool but I anyways charge my Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Oura Ring 3 every 4-5 days so it doesn’t matter to me if my Whoop needs a charge then too.

I suggest you check out the test from “The quantified scientist” on YouTube. He did a great review on the Oura Rings pro and cons. Personally I use it in combination with the Whoop and an Apple Watch Ultra 2. In this combination it works great for me.

I dropped the whoop for : Apple Watch + Athlytic app.

I like the Ultra + Woo app.  While I have the Ocean band I prefer the Solo band for kiting and swimming. Personal preference OP. Being able to phone for help is nice third layer of safety in some of the spots I go.

I have an Apple Watch and it works very well. Usually accurate to within 0-150m over 2.5-3km practices. No trouble with it tracking kick sets for me. I wouldn’t count on it for tracking split times. I never find them accurate. Tbf it’s hard to figure that out depending on which arm moves first or touches first or when your feet hit the wall on a turn. Total practice time and total meters along with a breakdown of the total by stroke/kick is great though.

Apple Watch is a better activity tracker but oura is better for all around health. If you care about your streaming heart rate or monitoring your heart rate during your workout, the Apple Watch or Garmin is better than oura. I use my Apple Watch when I work out but I never really take off my ring so I can see metrics like resilience and HRV (and watch them improve as my fitness does!)

While I agree and have gone this route, my last watch went 3.5 years before the battery started not even lasting a day. Also, you require an iphone for it to work. YMMV

I used a Whoop for a while but went back to an Apple Watch. Whoop has a lot of metrics and I liked that it could go days without a charge, but I like all the other stuff the watch does - like show me the time. 😉 I also didn’t want to wear both. I know that’s an option some choose to go with. Edit to add: I don’t really *need* it for CF. I mostly like to keep an eye on my heart rate, primarily because I find it interesting to watch my perceived exertion vs. where my heart rate is at. I also get a kick out of seeing what the watch says vs. the C2 rower for calories - they usually are very close!

I have been using Garmin for a couple of months now instead of my Apple Watch. I honestly don’t miss my Apple Watch.

J'ai une Apple Watch Ultra, une Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, une Suunto Vertical et eu un Fenix 6 Pro Solar! L'Apple Watch Ultra avec son magnifique écran, son titane et son interface très aboutie n'arrive pas à la cheville des 3 autres montres question sport, incluant la Garmin Instinct 3 avec son écran LCD des années 80's c'est pour dire! Quand j'entends que l'AWU rivalise avec une Fenix 8 c'est soit de la mauvaise foi d'Apple Fan soit des personnes qui ne pratiquent pas de sport, bien sur en utilisation montre connectée l'AWU est géniale mais un peu chère pour cette utilisation non ? Question autonomie, je recharge mon AWU tous les deux jours et je ne fais rien avec, quelques notifications, le SPO2 la nuit, écran éteint, pas de musique. 2 jours pour juste surveiller mon rythme cardiaque, mon O2 la nuit et quelques notifications on ne peut pas dire qu'Apple s'est foulé question optimisation d'autonomie. Pour le sport environ entre une et deux heures par jour avec GPS j'utilise mes autres tocantes, je reçois aussi mes notifications, j'ai des métriques à gogo et je recharge tous les 10 ou 12 jours pour la Suunto et 15 jours la Garmin. Conclusion des mes comparaisons : L'AWU est superbe, un écran magnifique, une interconnectivité avec l'iPhone parfaite (bien sur), une qualité de construction irréprochable, des capteurs précis il faut le dire mais c'est vraiment tout! j'ai eu beau me forcer à l'utiliser en sport, randonnée, marche et musculation en ce qui me concerne c'est trop compliqué, il faut des applis tierces pour arriver à juste essayer de se rapprocher des applis natives Garmin ou Suunto et je reste sur ma fin à chaque fois. Il faut penser à recharger tous les jours (si sport) bref.... je suis désolé mais APPLE est à des années lumière de Garmin et même Suunto en utilisation sportive.

If you’re doing more steady state stuff I think Samsung is totally fine. If you’re doing high intensity stuff then Apple Watch or Garmin are the way to go

Apple Watch Ultra wearing. Love it and it seems to match up with machine data

Apple Watch Ultra certified to 100m. I have not personally tested that claim.

I have limited experience with both. Garmin (Swim) was not as good as AW for counting laps without flip turns. I killed an AW by swimming in a saltwater pool though.

I use my Apple Watch in the sauna up to 190F for 20 minutes top.

I have an ultra 1. Only gripe is the battery life. It has Strava, lap pacing etc. I’m with you. Going to run this baby into the ground until I go buy another fitness watch.

I first had AWU and the Athlytic. Trying Whoop 4.0 right now and I don’t seem to understand why would I switch, it is very similar with no subscription w AW

I think it is worth it.  I have an Apple Watch Ultra, a Garmin forerunner 265, and COROS Pace 3 and have _enjoyed them all_.  I prefer the Garmin because I do not view it as a smart watch, which requires extra "management effort (charging, planning notifications and complexity) and I think Garmin as a platform and experience are more mature when compared to COROS. I think all three of those companies have watch features that work great for motivating people to stay healthy and motivated.  Hope my perspective helps 👍

I started running with an apple watch and eventually switched to garmin and I would never go back.

You will be paying for a whole bunch a shit you don’t use if you buy Garmin. Just get an Apple Watch or Samsung.

I’ve gone to the ultrahuman as a daily wearer, however I use my Apple Watch for tracking workouts. I find the ring uncomfortable when gripping dumbbells. I still love my Apple Watches, don’t plan on getting rid of them anytime soon, but this has given me the flexibility to wear my other watches while being able to track stress/sleep/recovery.

When I was researching which fitness watch to buy, everything I read said that I should get a Garmin if I'm really serious about fitness. Now that I've tried both, I have to say that I totally disagree for one big reason: cellular. The ability to go out for a run, walk, bike ride or hike with *only* my Apple Watch Ultra makes the watch, IMO, the best fitness watch on the market. (I say specifically the Ultra because of the better battery). I go out for runs about five days a week. One or two of those days I do trail runs. For safety reasons, I want to have some sort of cellular connection. But Garmin expects me to bring my phone with me? No thanks. I *love* the freedom of running without a phone. I know Garmin comes with some features built in that Apple doesn't have, but I've been able to replicate many of them with third party apps. But there's one things Garmin can't do... and that's cellular! Edit: Also I realize that this post probably won't be an "unpopular opinion" in this subreddit, but it would be in a lot of others. Hence the title.

Good point on the UI. I think the only thing Garmin has that I'm jealous of is (1) better battery and (2) more physical buttons that actually do stuff.

Rumor has it the U3 *could* be announced in September. I would wait at this point to see what happens. If it's not announced this year though, I wouldn't wait *another* year for the U3. I have the U2 and it's fantastic. Most people will tell you it's no different than the U1 but for me it's worth the upgrade just to be able to use Siri without my phone or an internet connection. But if you don't care about that, then you can buy a used U1 for a great discount

I switched from Fitbit to Apple Watch 3 years ago. I know I wasn’t using all the features Fit Bit has to offer, but I like the Apple Watch better because: -I can share my fitness data with friends. This has been great for some of my long distance friendships to help us stay in touch and to motivate each other. We love sending each other the cheesy messages they offer to send after a friend completes a workout -I can text/call/get emails/all phone notifications on my watch. Personally this has made my job so much easier and I look at my phone a lot less -completing my “rings” for the day is great motivation and makes me feel accomplished. Forget about the blue standing one though, it’s useless. -Apple Watch sends me notifications about my “trends” changing which has been really motivating, just as motivating as seeing a progress photo. Like my resting heart rate decreasing, my average time walking a mile, etc -I can pause, skip, like or replay a song from Spotify on my watch instead of picking up my phone while working out -it pairs with apps like couch 2 5k -I like the charts and work out data thats available to see after -the “take a photo” button is helpful for taking certain progress photos Honestly there’s more reasons but can’t think of them. I was bummed to lose the 10k steps celebration but now I have an app that helps me track step counts

I use the Apple Watch and a bike computer and my apple watch is way more accurate and reliable

Because of this i am wearing na Apple Watch Ultra on my left wrist for the smartwatch functions And an Garmin Watch on my right wrist for the best health metrics. The garmin measures your heart every sec. 24/7 where the Apple Watch does this every 5 minutes for a few seconds. Also does the Garmin measures stress, that Apple can’t. And also the body battery feature is One of my favorite.

Apple Watches aren’t particularly crazy, and they’re state of the art for HR monitoring on the wrist. You can get them for dirt cheap and turn the other notifications off if that isn’t your jam.

I’ve had an Apple Watch and used it for lifting and running. Liked it very much but it died… don’t swim with it in salty water… Now a Garmin forerunner 265, also for the same sports. Like them both, different but they do the job. For the criteria you’re mentioning, I think the Apple Watch is a better choice since you’re already in that ecosystem (I’m too) and besides sports, it’s a great device.

Nope. My old Apple Watch for hikes (altimeter) and workouts. But the ring is better for everything else.

I use the [swim.com](http://swim.com) app on Apple Watch. It’s better than the built in workout App.

Apple Watch and strava. Used to use runkeeper way back in the day.

The Apple Watch is good enough for me. Over 2000 yards it might be 50 yards off. When I use the kickboard, I have to huge arm swings to make sure it registers. I don’t use any analyzing apps.

Apple Watch for daily usage and strava app on the watch for distance and HR when rowing m. Doesn’t do stroke rate and doesn’t pause when sitting still, so the split time for the workout is always off. Apple Watch just added native “outdoor rowing” to the workout app. I haven’t tried it yet. Native workout app “indoor rowing” is way low on calorie burn imo. That’s my experience so far.

As a few others also noted, the Apple Watch works really well.

I disagree Ultra 2 totally sucks for my work outs. I wear a Samsung Classic 6 for side by side comparison and the Heart rate vary consistently between both up to 20 bpms. The Ultra 2 on the treadmill winds up looking for a heart rate a lot. If you try and use it for Boxing work outs or jump roping it goes haywire by switching screens, creating new segments every few seconds depending how hard the work out is. As a smart watch its probably the best but work outs it has me frustrated where I am looking to get a chest strap instead and take the watch off as it becomes a hindrance more than useful

Apple Watch is good only if you rely on 3rd party Apps (Hevy or Strong for example) or even if you pay a subscription to something like that, but just by itself (the Strenght workout on AW) it's worst than Garmin, as it will only give you the timer and heart rate, it won't count reps, track weight or give you the option to see and edit your workouts when you're done.

I generally prefer Apple stuff and when the Ultra 1 prices were reduced I bought a refurb one. I could still live without any sort of watch, but I do like the health tracking features, Apple Pay, and other info widgets. Calling someone from your watch can be a fun party trick too. I'd resisted getting a watch for over 20 years ... the Ultra 1 broke me because it finally offered the kind of baseline battery stamina my lifestyle demands (I'm from a generation who is used to watch batteries lasting for a decade, or allowing self-winding, or kinetic charging etc)

I came very very close to getting their solar charging watch. But ultimately I preferred getting by with the 1.5 day battery stamina of AW Ultra 1 on sale.

It’s particularly sensitive to being set to the correct wrist. Have you checked this? I swim with my Apple Watch all the time. It works great

Accuracy of the apple watch is significantly lower - theres a third party, peer reviewed journal article somewhere that says as much. I can confirm, I’ve had an Apple Watch Ultra and whoop for 2+ years.

If you have an iPhone, i suggest Apple Watch since it has many other uses. For my experience, also old models work very well to get path/time data.

If you are a beginner runner you may be better off getting a coros pace 3, it is cheaper and has all of what you need. I started off with an Apple Watch as I got is as a smart watch and then became a runner, for me garmin was the better choice since it has great smart watch capabilities but much better running metrics and battery life than the AW. But it is because having Spotify and Apple/garmin pay were super important for me. If all you want is to run I would go with a coros.

I wear both and have the exact same feelings. With a microphone and speaker on the Fenix 8, I would sell my AWU2. I don’t mind carrying my phone in a Flipbelt for pictures. The flashlight on the watch is super handy as well.

I am in the same boat. I wear both watches running and then typically the AWU2 during the day for work. I am debating selling both and grabbing the 8 as well. I am waiting to use my insurance discount in a couple months, but I feel like I can achieve the same by wearing AirPods.

I actually did have a Fitbit before I had an AW. I gave away my Fitbit because I was tired of getting friend requests from random men I didn’t know. None of that happens on my AW. And it fits into my Apple ecosystem nicely.

AW + Stryd has been my setup for years - 100% worth it. I also have no desire for a Garmin because it just seems too unnecessarily complicated.

Yes, I always use my Apple Watch while swimming.

The AW ultra 2 will last easily for a 70.3

Been using it for over a year and I think in all that time it’s missed two lengths. Form goggles on the other hand miscount about 75% of my swims by 1-2 lengths.

I used an Apple Watch for years until it died. Decided to replace it with the garmin venu and I’ve been happy with it. Did the whoop for a bit and didn’t like not having a watch face.

I'm an Apple Watch person, have been for years. I love it, and with the new sleep features, warnings, etc I like it even more. If being too connected is a concern, just remember, you can disable all the warnings and notifications you don't want. I only have messages come in from my wife and kids and most apps are shut off notifications so it's not vibrating my wrist all the time.

I'm going to be the person who would question why you need a different watch for tracking fitness when your current watch does the job. Does the Apple Watch not have lap pacing? I've only ever had Apple Watches (currently on the Ultra) but reckon I'd probably be able to get away with just the regular Apple watch. I know a fair few people with Garmin watches but for general running / cycling they seem to have feature parity? I run and cycle long distances and never had a problem, it connects to my chest HRM, and even if I run it parallel to my cycle computer it basically gives me the exact same data. The only thing I can think your Apple Watch won't do is the recovery / load tracking but that's already available in the WatchOS beta for Sept / Oct release.

If it’s battery life during activities that’s the issue then using a chest mounted HR monitor really helps - I think optical HR monitoring on the wrist takes a lot of energy. Obviously day to day it’s far from the other fitness focused watches but I don’t mind because I like the other features. I’m probably going to run this one until it can’t get me through my longest activities then get whatever ultra is available then.

Umm I like mine. I had to use HOA dollars so I bought it. Here’s my take: I’m a poor sleeper and I already knew that. I wanted to see what the ring said about it for someone reason and of course it confirms but like so what. Now I am reminded about my poor sleep. It’s also a very poor fitness tracker so far. I’ve had an Apple Watch and a Fitbit and both were much much better I’m still wearing it but I for me I’ll just buy another fitness tracker. After a week of sleep results I’ve seen my patterns and that’s about all I wanted to know

I have an Apple Watch and use Nike Run Club app. Haven’t had any issues with my battery on any of my long runs or marathon

I have 10 months left on a 2Y subscription + $150 invested in 4.0 bands + $40 for a spare charger. I considered 5.0 for the $49 upgrade fee (thought it was going to be free when I signed up) and another $49 for a non-black band. Then realized that's effectively $10/mo more out of pocket for the 14 day battery life... And another year for $240 ($20/mo feels quite steep for these metrics now). I'll stick with the 4.0 (\~3 day battery currently) until my subscription runs out and go over to Apple Watch Ultra. Regrettable.

I've had mine since 2021 and I love it. It does have it's moments but overall it has helped me to provide data to my doctor. I do wear an apple watch on my opposite wrist primarily for day time activity tracking and I use the ring all day but primarily for the night time data.

That sucks. My Apple Watch tracks laps better than my garmin 965

Garmin user for years and also AWU2 user - AWU2 is more flexible in terms of integration with other gadgets by using Apple Health. Garmin is more all in one solution but you have to wear it 24/7 to get full benefits. There is no smart ring that will push sleep or HRV data into Garmin ecosystem. And Garmin loses it's functionality if you use it with Iphone. Garmin and Android are a perfect match - enough smarts (reply to messages with quick replies, see whatsapp pictures, see calendar, listen spotify, pay with watch), only downside there is no LTE option for Garmin as it is for AWU.

I’m using Ultra 2 and I’m a bit surprised by your issues. I also use Athlytic, to track recovery and exertion. I charge it one a day or two, it tracks running perfectly, lots of stats. For running in UA shoes I use their app (lots of statistics). For bike or indoor rides I use Wahoo Elmn and Trainer Road. Swimming is also accurate. Additionally I have a polar HR monitor mainly for outdoor rides. Everything is syncing correctly across the platforms. On Sunday I will use it on 70.3 + wahoo elmn, polar hr, power meter. I use my watch also for non training tasks like smart home, smart door, music, voice notes, communication, tracking family. It just works.

Apple Watch. I use the direct connection to Apple Fitness on the bike+ and the Peloton App on the Tread. It automatically connects when it detects a workout.

Another vote for Apple Watch.

I recently got an Apple Watch Ultra II. Nice watch, but I agree that you have to adjust your workout to get better accuracy in counting laps and yards. I am a geezer (70+) and still compete. I also still do freestyle and backstroke flip turns which loses a yard or so on many turns. Kick-only laps lose yards if you do not move your arms regularly. Breast and butterfly strokes work best if you do legal two-hand touches at the wall. I keep an analogue record of my yardage/meters so I can get to 100 miles during the calendar year. Meeting that goal gets me a "T-SHIRT" at the local YMCA. Woo-hoo!!! Keeps me motivated and out of the house when my bride of 50 years needs some undisturbed "me time". Any yes, I am retired.

I like the Ultrahuman for just my sleep score. I use my Apple Watch for everything else, including fitness.

One more pro is that in this life full of distractions - Whoop doesn’t keep going off all day with notifications from apps and people. Really helps stay focus and does it job as effective. My apple watch keeps going off every now and them distracting me both during workouts as well as during office!

I wear my Apple Watch when I swim, but not to analyze my stroke. I use it to count and time my laps to push myself to go a little farther/a little faster. I could count laps in my head or move my water bottle to track laps, but with the watch I can just zone out for most of my swim and I like that. That said, I’m annoyed when it doesn’t give me credit for half of my one-armed fly drills. :-)

Garmin is full of navigation features apple don’t have my last apple watch did not even have xc skiing.

The Apple Watch rings keep me pretty motivated to do at least 60 minutes of walking a day. I’m pretty active but def have those days where I’m a couch potato and the watch minimizes that

I actually run with both a Garmin 955 and an Apple Watch Ultra 2 so I can keep my phone at home. The AW definitely can give some funky HR data and a lot times measures short or maybe the garmin measures long on the runs but they’re always off by about 0.02 every 1-2 miles ish.  One thing to consider is if you run during the winter. I used to run with AW series 7 and my battery would freeze and the watch would die in the middle of a run regardless of my battery charge. The garmin hasn’t died in the winter before. This will be my first winter with the AWU so we’ll see how it does. 

On par if not better than Garmin. Apple really made progress in the running department, many pros athletes are actually using it. 

Apple Watch is pretty good, sometimes misses kicking sets but is always within 50m of an average 3k workout. My coach sends my workouts via training peaks which integrates to the Apple Watch fitness app. I have used swim.com on the Apple Watch and it works great also

Mine misses laps when I do drills more often than not. It’s +\- one lap. So to play it safe I always swim till an even ten number. Doesn’t care for the paddle board(correct name?) drills the most

Previously I used the Apple Watch Ultra with the MySwimPro app (one of the best apps I’ve ever used). Now use the Form Goggles v2 which are also awesome.

I had an Apple and switched to garmin, I like the garmin way better. More accurate for my bike rides and HR. The battery life is way better too

I use my Apple Watch

Apple ultra for fitness, running and sleeping. It really is amazing at what it does.

Yepp, done haemorrhaging money. Moving to the apple watch, quantifiedscientist on yt has proven accuracy is miles ahead anyway

If WhatsApp and Spotify got upgrades my AW experience would improve a LOT!

Apple Watch allows me to run with out a phone and still be able to listen to music, receive phone calls and text as needed. Garmin can do that.

I just moved to an AWU2 and one of my biggest reservations was worrying about how it would be to sleep in compared to the Whoop. It's perfectly fine to sleep with on. For me at least. And I have the titanium band, which I would've thought was uncomfortable.

I tend to mostly see Garmin and Apple Watches in my boat house. Garmins have a solid built-in support for on-water rowing workouts and a relatively long battery life. However, if you want to use your watch as a general smartwatch, I personally prefer the Apple Watch. While the built-in support for rowing workouts isn't ideal, there are several third-party apps that provide the same high-quality data as a speed coach would right on your wrist. As the developer of PocketCox, one such app for the Apple Watch, I must admit I'm biased. But if you have the chance to borrow someone else's watch and compare the data a Garmin provides to the data an Apple Watch provides, I suggest you see which one works best for you.

I came from a Garmin watch. My 645 forerunner broke and I wanted to try apple for a change (as I'm deep in the Apple system anyway). I'll immediately say any Garmin is better for running, but I like my Apple watch better for just about anything else. I do greatly miss the battery life of my Garmin tho

I’m loving it. It gives you understandable insights, analyzing your data., tips etc. other wearables provides similar info but not in the same user friendly way. Eg I have an Apple Watch that use to track my workouts but in terms of sleeping only tells the time you slept and the phases. Oura tells you if your sleep was repairing, if you had movement during your sleep, advise on the best time for you to go to sleep…

Ultra works wonders for me, and I am a  serious track runner

There’s a YouTube channel called ‘The Quantified Scientist’; he goes into depth on all trackers & their accuracy. I’m currently using an Apple Watch.

Apple Watch does count strokes. It’s the number after the / in your auto sets and splits. In your screenshot you can see 52 for the first 825, 53 for the next 125 and 57 for the last 950. You can see a lap by lap breakdown in the splits. It’s very obvious when you do a kick set as it is 0.

Check out Oura ring as well. I’d say it’s between that and the whoop as you’ve already pointed out. I’m that guy from time to time who wears both an Apple Watch and Seamaster.

The thing to understand is Apple Health, which is the name of the app that collects Apple Watch data. You setup Strava to import data from Apple Health. Once done, just use Strava for run tracking and Apple Watch for data collection. I had a Garmin Forerunner 935 before my Apple Watch Ultra. The Ultra is better all the way around. There’s nothing the Garmin did better except battery life. I get almost 2 days out of the Ultra which is sufficient. My wife just bought a newest model Apple Watch and it lasts all day even with tracking her at the gym and during dog walks. You can track a 5:30 marathon with a five year old Apple Watch if you put it in low power mode.

But nobody say what garmin works with messages better of do it APW with same iPhone. I switched APW to Fenix namely this reason. I dont miss any whats app call or telegram call or messages from it with fenix. But AWU at all is very very good thing, especially if calls and messages from all messengers not matter for you (I apologize in advance for my English)

I’ll start swimming without a coach and I need something to help me tracking distance, recording time and to show me the sets and reps. I swam with an Apple Watch of a friend, and it recorded my training session perfectly! **Even the laps when I just used the kickboard (no arm movement) was recorded correctly.** The downsides with the Apple devices for me are battery life (AW’s is horrible) and I would avoid being locked into Apples ecosystem. My budget allows me to get the Forerunner 255 or something cheaper. My Apple alternative is the Apple Watch SE 2. I saw some people complaining that the Garmin don’t track well the laps, but I question myself if the case is that these people are just very bad swimmers.

When I tried yesterday with the AW, it even counted some very bad simple turns correctly.

I love my Apple Watch for lap counting. I do 100 laps straight every morning and it used to be a nightmare to try to count it. Can’t say a garmin or another might not be just as good but I’m in the Apple ecosystem and it works great. I’ve been considering getting some water-proof audio like you. My big turnoff to that is that I believe there is some value in just turning off the world for 45 minutes. The other minor thing is that I would get into a groove and certainly slow down. The big pro is that I would love to just knock out 45 minutes or an hour and listen to my favorite podcasts and really bump up my distance because of the distraction as opposed to me just searching for how close I am to 100 laps.

Can’t speak to the Fitbit, but I’m generally happy with my Apple Watch

Just dont fall for Apple Watch Ultra. It’s a beautiful watch but it is not a sports watch.

I bought it couple of months ago, it is not a sports watch. I have had Garmin Fenix 3 for some 7-8 years and I think in some ways it is still superior to Ultra. Until it can mark a lap/segment manually while swimming, I don’t think it can be considered a sports watch. It can’t show the training segment goal (like in which target HR zone you should be). You can’t customize screens so that you don’t have to scroll between 3 screens via touch screen while running/cycling. Hopefully new WatchOS solves some of these pains, but right now it is not a serious sports watch.

The HRV obsession of the recovery score was a key reason to not extend/renew. It makes no sense. Now trying Apple Watch + my gen 2 Oura .. and also not happy. I liked having everything in one place, only one device, without screen, that I can use for sports. Oura doesn't go well with weights/kettlebells, and I dont long rings that much. Close to going back, honestly.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 which connects to and uploads all my runs to Strava.

I got an Apple Watch. Started playing and got an Apple watch to keep track of everything, couple it with Hockey Tracker and you're golden. Make sure you get the AppleCare (monthly) on it, you never know if it's going to take a hard hit.

Which version of the Apple Watch do you have? Mine does count kicking, and the last version I had did also. It was an update a few years (about 3 I think) ago.

I am on Apple Watch and actually considering changing to Venu 3. The thing is that Apple Watch resting heart rate, hrv and sleep tracking are atrocious. Sensors are the best for single measurements, but interpretation of the data is the worst.

APPLE WATCH ULTRA 2 because of cellular data and WHOOP MG. Has been a real game changer for me.

I hated wearing a garmin all the time because it just felt aesthetically unpleasing. I sold mine and usually use an Apple Watch but I did buy a coros pace 3 for a relatively low price that I wear for long training and long races it my Apple Watch battery won’t last. Not for everyone but turns out I did need a smart watch and a sport watch.

If Garmin is just a sports watch, why doesn’t it stick to MIP displays with a cheaper price? MIP is obviously a much better option, widely recognized by most serious sports users. Why incorporate features like AMOLED, a touch screen, waiting on LTE, and Garmin Pay? It doesn’t really make sense, as a SPORTS WATCH, does it? I'm not going to lie either, I was a loyal Garmin Fenix user for over a decade, starting with the Fenix 1, 3, 5, and the last one of Epix Pro Gen 2. Now, I’ve switched to an AWU, and with the release of the Fenix 8, I doubt I’ll ever go back to Garmin. It’s true that the AW lagged behind Garmin in terms of sports functionality a decade ago, but things have changed dramatically since then. Every point made by OP is valid, as a SPORTS USER! In simple terms, Garmin seems to be stuck in the past, and while Garmin and its users may claim it’s a "sport watch," they don’t acknowledge that this has led to a growing divide with competitors like Apple. Last but not least, battery! That's the only thing Apple insists on, and Garmin can take pride in, even equipped with an AMOLED screen. With Epix Pro Gen2, 47mm, always on, all activities and GPS, 5 days guaranteed, which AWU can never reach.

I have an apple watch and it's phenomenal. A much higher price point, but the activity tracker and goals has made a big difference in my weight loss goals.

Same deal here - big Apple Watch user but wanted more insights on sleep. Looking at oura for sleep insights and analysis (health) vs that of fitness

I am afraid there is no Garmin that currently can do that. I run with apple watch on my other wrist as a phone. If you are on Android then pixel watch or a Samsung watch.

I had Apple Watch and didn’t really like it and I think whoop is better. Never had a garmin so Can’t speak to that. My freind has an aura ring and it looked the same as whoop with all the same stats and if I was a girl I would prob just get that bc it’s lower profile😭😭 but I just don’t wanna wear a ring around Edit but also whoop is def more health and wellness focused then fitness and training. But if you do the same lifts every week and only change every 6 weeks like I do it’s easy and I log them each week and just change the numbers real quick and the workouts are already saved.

I recently got the FR265. My Apple Watch screen cracked and I was tired of having to charge every night. I gotta say, I’ll never look back - garmin has been legit for everything so far. I do a lot of running and biking. The stats they provide like lactate threshold and FTP outperforms the Apple Watch by miles. It suggests the next days workouts and tracks my body fatigue levels to let me know when I should ease off. With that said, I decided not to track gym/weight lifting sessions on it because I have to push a button after each set. Too much work. The Apple Watch was better for that because I could set it to weight training and it’d just record the entire 60 minute session. But overall the fr265 is great! I’m still learning all about the features. Edit: also, the Apple Watch just gives average pace whilst this one gives me my real time pace all the time. Game changer

I use on a daily basis the walkie talkie feature, calendar, reminders, Siri, HomeKit, find my phone, and app to unlock my Tesla on my watch. And I can leave my phone in the car on runs and stream music and take an emergency call if needed. I hear so many people say garmins are better but there’s so many things I would lose. The battery life is my only issue so I’m really hoping Apple releases a new watch with improved battery in September.

Same. It’s so nice to not have to haul around my phone on my runs and I can stream music and take a call if needed. My only issue is the battery.. six mile runs is about all I can do with it. Holding out for a September Apple release for the the X.

Get an Ultra lol. They advertise 36 hours. I’ve been wearing my ultra gen 1 since they came out and battery is still awesome as far as Apple Watches go anyways.

Garmin is a superior sportswatch and the Apple Watch is a better smartwatch. If your interest is more for sports tracking, get a Garmin and vice versa for an Apple Watch. But if you like me and care more about sport tracking but need to have cellular on your watch, the Apple Watch is the only way to go. Hate going for runs with my phone but need to stay connected, saved my ass a few times

Both are fine. I would put the Apple Watch as slightly more accurate given it has dual band GPS versus the single on the 165. Personally I think the metrics on many higher end Garmin watches are overboard so this 165 might be ideal for your needs. Apple metrics are very accurate, i’m just not so fond of the touchscreen and button arrangement for runners. And of course the battery isn’t as long as 165.

I had an AW Ultra and currently have a Tactix AMOLED. One is a toy, one is a tool.

I can confirm my Apple Watch overheats and shuts down at any temps above 170. Fit Bit seems to handle it. I stopped wearing mine, I was doing it out of curiosity to see how high my HR would get based on temps.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 for work outs. I like the track distance and speed when bike riding, running or swimming. Then wear a regular watch other than that

I disagree with this. Garmin connect works well on iOS platform and just because you use an android doesn’t mean you need the fitness tracking capabilities of a Garmin. The Garmin vs Apple Watch update debate is entirely driven by your level of fitness and the types of activities you do. Garmin is much better at tracking real time stats and telling you your training load. It’s much better at expedition activities and anyone doing >6hr races / workouts. Apple Watch is better at being a smart watch which is absolutely an excuse to prefer it. It’s why I have an U2. There are apps that can bridge the gap to garmin, but even Athlytic and WorkOutDoors doesn’t match the amount of data you get from the garmin platform out of the box.

Long distance running is only one part of this. Any sort of back country expedition is out for the Apple Watch. I did a short 4 day canoe trip and my U2 didn’t perform. It became such a hassle to charge it I just let it die by the end. My wife had a perfect trip report from her Garmin and didn’t even bother bringing a charger.

Im using Apple Watch Ultra

i dont know why it was asked about initially, but im happy to share why i need one! i use my apple watch, by the way. i primarily use my own lyra, but regardless, i would be hard pressed to take it off. especially as i can change the watch band to a once piece slip on. no edges. that said: i have a medical bracelet. i wear my bracelet next to my watch, because i / others can see certain data on the screen always that wouldnt be on my phone screen. additionally, my watch and phone can unlock each other. the other reason is that all of my doctors can see the same exact data, in the same exact format and i dont run the risk of forgetting to jot something down. (i wouldnt be in the air if i was unsafe or at any risk that would come from being there, versus being at target, for example. also, my cardiologist, autonomic neurologist, sports medicine team, and so on are aware and encouraging of this.)

Agreed. If you’re planning to get the Apple Watch anyway, it works incredible well and smoothly. I don’t remember how much fiddling with settings it took, but I’ve never had to worry about it. As someone else mentioned, I used to have a Fitbit that would double count the steps for a workout. Only mildly related: With any wrist based device, crocheting always counts as steps and sometimes triggers the “it looks like you’re working out” prompt. A few other activities can do it as well but with crochet it’s pretty much guaranteed for me lol

I use my garmin edge for cycling and my Apple Watch’s built in workout app for everything else.

Thanks for the great write up! I am one that is also frustrated with WearOS in a sense none of them do well for fitness focused people :( . I want to like it but im always drawn back to Garmin. I also use apple phones so i have an apple watch as well which is pretty good at fitness. I love garmin for fitness but lacks anything smart really even their latest watches. (cant voice to text translate a reply to a message) Is there some reason WearOS doesnt allow HR straps to connect that would fix alot of the fitness data for me. I mean come on even apple allows my HR strap to pair with apple watch

I just use my Apple Watch and the Atlon app, it’s designed to track movements automatically

I’ve got an ultra 2, you can either use the runna app for spoken cues and a bit more of a “guided run” or have the runs in the native workouts app where it’s a bit more basic where your watch beeps and vibrates as you run (which I prefer). If you’re only using the watch for runs then I’d def reach for a Garmin 265 or similar with dual band GPS (will sort those gps issues)

Apple Watch with Strava app is fine.

Mas isso não novidade o garmin sempre foi um aborto tipo ms dos quando comparado com o Apple Watch Ultra , entendo ser comprado por quem ou não sabe trabalhar com um awu ou acha que é mais desportivo ter o que os outros tem , menus horríveis , vários softwares  para quê, até agora o look horrível , sinceramente acho que nem com este 8 convence quem tem um ultra . O awu faz coisas fantásticas  , já tive corus vertix , suunto ambit 1,2,3 ,vector ,x10 etc etc inclusive garmin 310xt e nada se aproxima do awu.

Right? I knew the Apple Watch was better, but I was surprised how much better. Probably will switch to apple next phone I get, Samsung just hasn’t been impressing me much lately and my s20 sd slot is what kept me with them this long.

I can only speak for runners and from my limited knowledge within my group of running friends. They all have their coaches who would plan their running schedule for them. No one really uses all the training load or coaching stuff that Garmin has. Are you going to relax and do recovery runs instead of following your training plan just because your Garmin told you you had a bad sleep? Most of us are no. We rather just get it done with. I dunno is it similar for other more serious runners? They all use it the same way my Apple Watch Ultra is capable of, like custom workouts setup, track mode, and Stryd pod integration, which Apple Watch 1 issue I dislike is unable to see GPS and Stryd data metrics at the same time. Maybe the battery life is the biggest plus for Garmin; otherwise, I myself am struggling for a reason to get a 965 to replace my AWU1.

I use Apple Watch with data so I can listen to podcasts/ music. I use Apple workout to track my runs, Apple Health linked to Strava. I also use custom workouts for speed workouts. Set up warm up, speed repeat distances with pace range, recovery, etc. Battery doesn’t last as long as running watches but I enjoy the features and mine lasts through my long runs (although, I don’t listen to anything on those).

My Apple Watch seems to lock as if I’ve taken it off waaayyyyyyy more frequently now with my forearm/hand tattoo. I’ve been wondering if the ink could be part of that.

I've been swimming with an Apple watch for years. It has done me well; I currently have the Apple Watch Ultra, because I also scuba with it. My daughter swims competitively, and uses the Apple Watch SE. It has also worked well for her. Those are the two extremes of the pricing spectrum, and when it comes to tracking the swim, they function the same. We both use the built-in Apple Fitness for tracking. It does well except in very specific scenarios, eg, if I do a set with fins and my stroke count is halved, the distance might not be correct for those laps.

I was willing to live with the cost and all its issues - dealbreaker for me was lack of VO2 and continuous HRM and Afib. AW has everything and so do the rings etc.

I have an AW ultra 2. I wear it to work all day and just switch the band out when I get off the site and head to the gym 

I had a garmin when I was doing a ton of distance/trail running and apple was just introducing watches. I don’t do that anymore, my garmin is way out of date and I’m pretty imbedded in apples ecosystem. The lowered amount of fitness I’m doing is absolutely fine with an Apple Watch.

I use my Apple Watch and My Swim Pro app to count laps, get splits, and stroke count. Plus design workouts, set intervals, etc.

That’s right. I’m using my Apple Watch at the gym for strength training because I feel it’s closer to accuracy comparatively and it’s much safer not to have something interfere your full hand grip. For work (&sleep) I prefer wearing the UH ring and rocking a mechanical watch

By work I meant I generally wear it for constant tracking of all the various parameters at work. I use the ring instead of an Apple Watch to track my HR, steps and walking I do at the office. Not just that, I prefer a normal watch on the outfits I wear to the office. A ring would work out in your case if you ask me if none of the calling, message notifications matter to you. Forgetting to charge is also an issue in the ring. I just make it a point to top up the battery every time I go to a shower so that bit of battery at least gets me through that day and night.

As someone who owned the following devices in order: Forerunner 745, AWU, Forerunner 965 and recently ordered the AWU2, my opninion is as follows: Garmin only beets AW in 2 points: battery life( by alot, like 10+ days on the 965) and the off the shelf fitness experience) With third party apps the second point becomes irrelevant. So it’s basically battery life vs smartwatch. As someone who works out between 4 - 6 times a week and is a tech enthusiast AWU is the better choice. I can‘t speak for the standard AW even though i believe as long as you don‘t plan on multi hour activities the AW would still take it. Edit: Since a lot of people asked about my favourite apps, here we go. There are only two since I try to not overcomplicate things. 1) Workoutdoors By far the best training app I used across any device. Takes some time to get familiar with but lets you customize screens for any activity you can imagine. 10/10 would download again. 2) Athlytic Gives you all the information about training load, fatigue etc. I would say it mimics Garmins metrics quiet nicely. 7/10 since it is a monthly subscription. Also I believe that as a hobby athlete the data is nice but listening to my body is far more reliable then the fatigue metrics. And reps, pace and/or distance are still the best values to measure progress.

As someone who owned the following devices in order: Forerunner 745, AWU, Forerunner 965 and recently ordered the AWU2, my opninion is as follows: Garmin only beets AW in 2 points: battery life( by alot, like 10+ days on the 965) and the off the shelf fitness experience) With third party apps the second point becomes irrelevant. So it’s basically battery life vs smartwatch. As someone who works out between 4 - 6 times a week and is a tech enthusiast AWU is the better choice. I can‘t speak for the standard AW even though i believe as long as you don‘t plan on multi hour activities the AW would still take it. Edit: Since a lot of people asked about my favourite apps, here we go. There are only two since I try to not overcomplicate things. 1) Workoutdoors By far the best training app I used across any device. Takes some time to get familiar with but lets you customize screens for any activity you can imagine. 10/10 would download again. 2) Athlytic Gives you all the information about training load, fatigue etc. I would say it mimics Garmins metrics quiet nicely. 7/10 since it is a monthly subscription. Also I believe that as a hobby athlete the data is nice but listening to my body is far more reliable then the fatigue metrics. And reps, pace and/or distance are still the best values to measure progress.

I just use the Apple Watch. I find this more usually the remaining 23 hours a day when I’m not working out. 

My Apple Watch is not great about recording kick board laps. Not sure if other watches are better.

I swim with my Apple Watch Ultra all the time. It vibrates for the phone but I’m not going way underwater.

I have an Apple Watch Ultra. It’s better, but still not accurate. I’d rate it around 80%. This is why i still count strokes/laps in my head.

I swim with my regular Apple Watch all the time in the gym pool and I can know when a call comes through. Answering it is sometimes a different story but I can tell who is calling, so if it were the school I can hop out of the water.

I used bevel with my AWU2 after first leaving Whoop. It's does pretty much the same along with food tracking too. I've figured out enough now that I no longer even pay for Bevel. Hopefully at WWDC Apple will add some more data to their vitals and strain app. Battery really isn't an issue with Apples fast charger. I just pop it on charge while I have a shower every morning.

Glad I cancelled. Enjoyable device, but needs to be a fraction of its current price, not more. Wearing my Apple Watch Ultra has been close enough, once I found the right band (titanium Milanese loop).

AW will automatically detect intervals you preset before the workout. If you have to manually do laps, Ultra has a new side button that can do it.

Agree with all but the auto detection. It’s very good.

I swim for health and fun and I love it to keep track of my laps and my heart rate. Even if it’s not perfect I don’t need it to be. I have an Apple Watch and it fits into my everyday life so it’s not something that’s single purpose. I like Apple Pay since don’t really carry my wallet on me but in my backpack and I also don’t have my phone on me so I can still play music on my runs or workouts.

I used my Apple Watch, but I used the IntervalTimer App. Worked really well.

I think the battery life is the main issue of the AW. Fitness features are constantly improving but the fact that it’s also a “mini” iPhone means a high battery consumption. The Ultra is only a bit better in that department but is bulky and expensive

I think the battery life is the main issue of the AW. Fitness features are constantly improving but the fact that it’s also a “mini” iPhone means a high battery consumption. The Ultra is only a bit better in that department but is bulky and expensive

Agreed. I own an Apple Watch Ultra, a garmin instinct, an aura ring and a whoop. There is no perfect fitness tracker, they all have pros and cons. People who give a black and white “x is better than y” always get a raised eyebrow from me.

Mine’s pretty accurate but it doesn’t pick up lengths I do with a kick board.

The lesson I’ve learned this year from moving to Coros is - incredibly - an Apple Watch with Strong app is light years ahead of the ‘sport’ watches for strength training. Or 5x5 app. This kind of blows my mind 😂🤷‍♂️

I've got an AW and 955. As others have said, AW is a smart watch Garmin is a fitness watch. Do you need battery life for long runs/rides? Garmin Do you need cell service/text/calls? Apple I wear my AW most of the time because its got my work calendar on it plus I get texts etc. I also use it for swimming, surfing, and sports where I don't want to bring my phone because I need cell service. I had an emergency surfing about 5 yrs ago and got an apple watch with cell service immediately after. This is one area garmin fails. I wear my 955 for my runs and workouts. I find it track HR much better - no drops. If you are wearing a chest strap then they would both be the same for that. I prefer garmin for sleep tracking as well. Pretty sure bike power meters wont play nice with AW either. As far as health stats, I actually use healthfit for both AW and Garmin which gives me more than either of them.

Am I the only one where my Apple Watch (all 3 I’ve owned) call a length a lap? Drives me nuts.

I keep saying that and all those tied whoop users keep saying there's no need for an update technology and then it keeps being asked so its funny to watch that bipolarity 😆 regarding alternatives i would say garmin singe you going to use a band anyway to sleep then a watch dont make difference and is way better in general use and better in sports I would say if you have ios then apple watch If you dont like to sleep with eatch then you need to go to a ring or withings sleep matress or some really expensive 8sleep Those are the alternatives i remeber

I went for the AW Ultra 2 recently and I am really happy with it. 48+ hours of battery from 100 to 25% with daily workouts and 24/7 data usage. S10 is the newest alternative, with twice the smaller battery but twice faster charging. Both will be doing great work for you. I personally went for the ultra because of the design and to avoid being without battery without timing the charges.

I use it for every swim. I'm only doing 1500m of breaststroke but like to be able to compare time to previous swims. It's a great way to monitor progress.

Agreed, the health measurements of apple watch are just too good.

When I first started climbing I wore my Apple Watch with the hope of tracking overall fitness, took it off pretty much immediately and never wore it again. Too much risk of scraping it /banging it on the wall

I agree, I have an Epix Pro and an AWU, I wear my AWU 98% of the time, I only wear my Epix for big adventures when I need off the grid comprehensive mapping with GPX files. The AWU is more dynamic and adaptable.

I use the Apple Watch in my own 32ft outdoor pool and it’s absolute trash at tracking my laps even with the pool length set properly. It consistently tracks less than I do, I wouldn’t recommend.

Yep, I have swam with it about 8 miles a week for over a year and I love it. Zero issues.

I love my Apple Watch so much. I got it “renewed” (refurbished) for cheap on Amazon. It’s been great for a year now, zero issues.

Love my Apple Watch: perfectly tracks lap count, splits, stroke style, heart rate, etc. I don’t have to do anything but select “pool swim” as my workout, and go. It’s amazing. Love love love it.

Apple Watch is very accurate once calibrated over a few weeks of use. It is waterproof for swimming, and uses water lock. No reason to get something else “water proof” unless you plan to dive deep.

Buy an Apple Watch instead. You'll get a smartwatch AND a training device. The Garmin is only good for training and looks clunky and ugly the rest of the day.

Ich habe die gleiche Erfahrung gemacht. Alle schreien immer wie toll die Akkulaufzeit an der Garmin ist. Vergleich AWu mit EPIX pro 2: Oxygen an, Always on display an, Ich höre bei jeder Laufeinheit Musik. Dual Band an, kein SatIQ. Die Garmin zeigt mir jedes Mal nach dem Aufladen 14 Tage an. Prima. Erfahrung: Nach 3-4 Tagen ist die Uhr schon unter 20%. Die Apple Watch Ultra hält rund 2-3 Tage. Ich lade aber sowieso jeden Tag nach dem Aufstehen, bis ich das Haus verlassen. Das sind meist rund 30 Minuten. Dazu kommt, dass die AWU die Möglichkeit hat, zu telefonieren. Apple Pay, Garmin Pay ist wohl eher ein Witz. Und auch die sonstigen Funktionen braucht man gar nicht erwähnen. Der Unterschied der Batterielaufzeit ist wirklich nicht so groß, wie hier immer behauptet wird.

I'd honestly rather not swim than go to the pool having forgotten my apple watch because if it's not recording my data I fear it doesn't count. Same for training at the gym. I'm dependent on this lil gadget that makes me feel like Kim Possible. I still count my lengths in my head but like the safety net of my watch to make sure I'm not losing track and it's fun to follow my data and changes over time.

Unless you need the battery life for long events like Ironman or ultras, Apple Watches are better fitness watches than garmins are smartwatches. If you really value the smartwatch portion, you could easily get a used, low ish end garmin or coros for <$200 and use it for your couple of big events a year, and use the Apple Watch the other 360 days.

I use it always!

I shake my head at the fact that in 2024 garmin can make a smartwatch that has anywhere from a two week to 4 weeks battery life and with more bells and whistles than Apple. But all Apple can only give you 2 days battery life max. What a damn shame. Apple is robbing people blind. Hell, I would be happy with one week of battery life.

Garmin has watches with amoled display that give you 16 days battery life. Room for everything? Garmin watches give you way more options than Apple Watches and make room for everything. All that with 16 days of battery life. Apple Watches are suppose me to have these better processors that are power efficient. Yet year after year, it’s still the same 1-2 days max of battery life

I have both watches. I wouldn’t say the Apple watches ‘clearly’ does more. Sure with other apple devices ices it integrates better. But that’s pretty much it.

I wore an Apple Watch while training for the Boston Marathon, running 60+ miles. Battery life is really a non-issue—the quick charge is very effective and so if you just drop it on a charger for 30-45 min while you get ready in the morning you’ll be fine. What was most annoying was lack of buttons. Wet clothing or raindrops triggering unintended touches is a major annoyance and the only option is to lock the touchscreen, which is annoying in its own way. Obviously you lose the Garmin training data side of things, which is a mixed bag. A lot of that stuff doesn’t really add much besides another thing to obsess over.

The bad review bias is strong because we happy customers don't have a need to spam reviews. I've had my 4 for couple of weeks now and I'm extremely happy with my product. I had the Gen 2 before this but the battery was so worn out after years of use that it was basically useless, so I decided to upgrade. The problem I had with the Gen 2 was that it was one size too large and it had hard time tracking my sleep reliably. With the 4 I decided to go with as small as possible. The first 4 days I was sceptical did I buy too small and I had to remove it from my finger time to time just because an unpleasant feeling. I did not had any actual physical symptoms. After I got used to it I don't feel it at all and it tracks everything perfectly. The battery in the 4 is simply amazing. I get like 6-7 days of battery. I have my charger at my desk so I just pop it in every once in a while when I remember. I think the battery size depends slightly on the ring size so just for the information I have size 10. I love the automatic activity tracking! It might not be as accurate in calories as my Apple Watch but it does detect all my activities correctly automatically and that's the most important thing for me. In Apple Watch I have to activate the activity in advance and with Oura I just simply confirm the activities afterwards when I remember. That's amazing feature! The stress meter is very eye opening for me and it gives me clues on what actually stresses me out and what helps me recover. I love my Oura 4 and I would buy it straight away again if it gets lost or breaks.

Well I've had my Apple Watch for 4 years and I still get solid 30 hours of battery. It means it still needs to be charged every night. To me 8 hours of battery in Apple Watch indicates that something is wrong with it.

I've had an Apple Watch and switched to the Coros Pace Pro. If you're only going to use the watch for crossfit and exclude any sort of running then I would say skip the pace pro. A lot of the stats is catered towards running/runners

Been using my Apple Ultra with Athlytic along with my whoop in comparison for the last 4-5months just incase whoop pulled this with the upgrade. Athlytic largely gets you all the data whoop does so they just made very easy mentally for me to cancel

Yes, wouldn’t be without it.

Look at some YT tests, it's one of the most accurate watches out there. Looks great and the battery handles full distance IM. Also perfect if you own an iPhone, only downside is the price

Why do you need manual laps? I swim with it and it does the laps very acvurately for me. When jogging/cycling you can switch between screens and some of them have the zones as well and you can set your default zones. The only thing is the customization yeah, but that's an overall issue with apple products, but they're doing it more and more customizable on the iPhone and I believe the watch is not far behind

I was going to say this. My newest gen apple watch records everything, including kick sets, very accurately and automatically. However, it has a hard time if I am doing some kind of drill like broken/1 arm fly or something like that, which makes sense to me bc I would imagine its harder for the watch to detect.

Same about me. I get the hype about AW and I\`m very comfortable with them as Iphone extension, but garmin with it\`s battery life and training programs get training expirience so much forward. I fucked up so much with forgetting to charge my AW and missing my swim/run session.

Apple Watch right now but eventually I’ll go back to the Garmin life

If you plan to wear it daily and you are inside apple’s ecosystem then it’s a no brainer for the apple watch

You can use strava I think to sync your swim workouts but it’s more focused for running and cycling, when I had the apple watch I just used the ios stock one and I think it does enough.

I use garmin and I love it. I used to have an Apple Watch for me it was the look. I can’t stand the square Apple Watch look but… Apple Watch is a smartwatch that can do some fitness tracking and garmin is a fitness tracker that can do some smartwatch

I use a sweatband over top of my Apple Watch. If I’m snatching I may turn it inside out as well. May not be perfect as I’ve definitely hit the face with the bell but so far so good.

Had a size 9 gen 4 since launch, replacing a gen 3. Very happy with both. As above I don’t find value in the timeline, it’s not something I personally look at. I think the main page should be modular where we can add sections based on our ‘favorites’ or interests. But overall I’m quite happy with my purchases. Also own and wear an Apple Watch since launch, most recently an ultra 2, I feel Oura does the app quite a bit better.

I use the Apple Watch Ultra but I also have a Garmin Epix 2, both of them work fine: * Garmin: * Health and fitness metrics: Garmin will give you a lot of metrics (maybe too many if you are not training a lot) (Body battery, HRV, stress levels...) * Physical buttons: works better with sweat and rain than a tactile screen. * Haptics: very useful for running series. * Battery: 10x the battery of an Apple Watch * Android: if you do not have an iphone this the one to go * Apple: * Apple Ecosystem: works great with your Iphone, Airpods, Apple Pay etc * Health and fitness metrics: with the new update it gives you some metrics that will determine how tired you are, how was your sleep etc (for me these are more than enough)

I think the sleep tracking is pretty good. It usually makes me feel better about my sleep, actually. I often have a negative perception of my sleep, and sometimes the watch convinces me I slept longer\\better than I thought I did. lol It does provide some measures of cardio fitness measured in VO2 Max, lots of heartrate related measurements, respiratory rates, physical effort measured in METs, it does track calories and "active calories". I am not sure how accurate the measurements are, but I think they are accurate to themselves (ie if your trend is going up or down that is probably accurate). It also can count steps but that feature seems to not be emphasized. I had to use a third party app called Duffy to get a step complication on my watch face. This did allow me to replace my Fitbit. The steps counted were very close to the Fitbit's numbers when I was wearing them both. The watch definitely helps me. It tracks your progress each day (standing hours, exercise minutes, and active calories). You configure goals for yourself and the watch will periodically remind you. And if you don't make your goal, you have it forever marked against you on the calendar. This kind of pushes me to do the bare minimum to close my rings every day I can, lol. I definitely exercised more today than I wanted to (and more than I would have if I didn't have the watch) just to get the damn move ring closed. It works for me.

I go into the sauna with my apple watch so I can track my heart rate. My time in the sauna ends once my heart rate hits a certain level which I find to be much more helpful versus a set time. I'm guessing your watch will be fine in there as well.

I completely agree with you. I have used Garmin watches in the past but the ultra2 with cellular just gives that piece of mind when I am out on my own running, I don’t want to take my phone running and I want to have that safety feature available to me. The apps replicate what Garmin offers and the software and UX and UI are far better than what Garmin offers.

I have used both Apple and Garmin, I prefer the Apple and I know this makes me opposite of most but Garmin is lacking in sleep accuracy, the HR during activities is questionable (recommend a HR strap for good data) and a lot of the features they have for heath and wellness are more gimmicks than actual relevant data. With the plethora of apps you can choose from with apple you can customize the data you want to receive. You would be giving up battery life but with the new Ultra I get 3 days, I was using the FR265 where I was only getting 5 so it really wasn't a huge difference for me.

I run and train with power using a Stryd pod, Apple has the best set up for that with the Stryd app and I’m in the Apple echo system. I use the Ultra2. I got sick of the Garmin software bugs and bad UI and UX after 10 years. Great hardware but so behind in the software. I have always had Apple Watches so it works. But I was gifted a Suunto Race S. That is a beast of a watch for the price point. All the features of the Forerunner 965 and a new rate sensor. It’s a beauty. I often have both it and the U2 on when hiking.

I would add that apple measures heart rate continuously during all activities.

I would agree with your assessment of Garmin for the most part but completely disagree of your assessment of the Apple Watch. Apple can do everything that a Garmin watch can do with the right apps and your idea that most apple users don't use the fitness abilities of the watch is a huge assumption. I would also add that you can have the option to have a cellular connection on the Apple Watch. The Ultra can get 2-3 days so not that far off the lowest level of a Garmin. The Garmin app is not user friendly and the UX and UI is awful. The hardware is amazing but the software is not great. Suunto has some great watches the Race S is a great price point and has much the same metrics as the forerunners and it has maps which are only included on the higher priced Garmins. Coros is also a good choice.

The Suunto Race S is a great watch, I was gifted one, it has a long list of features and a great price with lots of colour/metal options, Coros is another great brand also great features at a much better cost point. Garmins are expensive for what they give you and the competition are catching up quickly and doing so for a better price. I have never used a Polar watch so I can't comment on them but their heart rate straps are the best in the business. I currently use the Apple Ultra2 and I love it, but if I didn't I would use my Suunto daily.

Apple Watch for sure. I used my whoop for a while and the HR was wildly inaccurate. I could be sweating and tired on a high resistance portion on the bike and my HR would only show zone1-2….. I find my HR accuracy with my Apple Watch.

Apple Watch will do fine for a long time - only got a Garmin last year. However once you go to only having to charge your watch once every two weeks you just can’t go back to Apple. I have a Garmin Fenix (on the $$$ side) but I wear it every day as my normal watch too and have had zero issues making the switch. However there’s heaps in the range, I love accuracy, maps, long battery and lots and lots of data so I can overthink every run - so Fenix it is! The forerunners are great and the vivoactives are a good mid range model. There’s other brands like Suunto, Polar etc. For true accuracy on any wrist watch you may need a chest monitor. But if you really like your Apple Watch I found it pretty good unless you’re somewhere with not much reception

The swim workout on apple watch kind of sucks. I use the swim.com app instead. It kind of sucks too, but I feel it tracks my laps in the pool a little more accurately. I use the apple open water swim for open water swims. It just does a gps track. Nothing extra.

Had a Fitbit. It didn’t have heart rate alarms or integration with Apple Health. Had a heart attack. Received the Apple Watch after that and have been wearing one ever since.

I’m in a very similar position and thought I’d weigh in with the discussion. I too have a SMP300 seaweed (great choice OP) and I also have a Tudor BB41 Monochrome. I daily an Apple Watch Ultra (I work in a GMP environment meaning no jewellery other than a plain wedding band) which I typically keep in a pocket when moving around GMP areas (still tracks steps - unsure how accurate). Once I’ve closed my move ring, I celebrate by putting on something a bit smarter. So this motivates me to use the gym or hit 10k steps early in the day to wear my nicer pieces for longer. Your mileage will vary with this of course. Some days I can run before 9am and close my rings. Some days I close them at 9pm and only get an hour or two wear of my nicer timepieces. Edit: I’ve considered a whoop but there’s been a bit of controversy with them recently regarding “free lifetime upgrades” and then a fee to update from 4.0 to 5.0. Also, I do like the badges / awards on the Apple Watch and I am unsure how the whoop would work in a pocket, or maybe if have to try the bicep strap when in GMP areas. https://preview.redd.it/8aw988xhmr3f1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4d1d643ae8484091f7557a7e22ab17a26052255e

I have had many Fitbits, an Apple Watch and a Garmin Venu 3. The Fitbits have gone downhill since Google bought them and they usually break right when the warranty is over. So I can no longer recommend although I have owned at least 10 Fitbits over the years. I own an Apple Watch and never use it. It shows my calorie burn insanely high (I am talking several hundred calories high each day). And it has to be charged every day which is a pain. I've had my Garmin Venu 3 about an a year and a half. I like it a lot. It is not super complex but does what I want. Like all fitness tracker/watches it tend to over estimate calories a bit as did all of them. But it is closest to accurate.

I have the Apple Watch Ultra and it records kick drills just fine for me.

Ive tried a few and here’s my feedback. Apple watch: it’s a smart watch not a fitness watch. It has improved recently (the latest models should be significantly more accurate than the one I had 4+ years ago) however for me personally it’s the distraction element that I do not like. I do not need another screen. Fitbit; data is ok for a beginner, but definitely not great or accurate for someone training 5-6x a week and combining cardio, sports, weights etc. Whoops: no screen which is a major + for me. Can wear it on wrist, bicep or underwear. Really good measurement of sleep and calculation of sleep/down time based on your daily activity. That helps a lot plan your sleep and have better recovery and as a consequence, perform great in the following day. I am quite curious to try Oura and Garmin (even though I’d hate to go back to screen wearables) maybe i’ll get one of them next year but so far, Whoop is 100% the best Fitness tracker out there imo. In addition, I’ve realized that in all High End resorts that I’ve been in the past 3 years, people wear 2 things: a rolex or a whoop 😂 so as a Henry I guess that’s a good indicator.

I’m going into my 3rd year with the AW Ultra and it’s been great. I wouldn’t go back to a regular AW. Nor do I feel like I’m missing anything I need compared to Garmin, Coros, etc. The lack of dedicated lap button and precision start was a huge pain point on the regular AW. The better battery life and GPS is also nice. But as a runner, the lap button is the real deal differentiator. It’s a pain taking splits on a touchscreen otherwise.

I personally only wanted 1 watch and didn’t want to exercise with my phone. Apple Watch was a no-brainer. While limited compared to non-Apple fitness devices, its heart rate and gps are excellent. For long-distance endurance sports, the most sophisticated fitness watch is worthless if I can’t call, text, or share my location with others. In addition, i believe many amateur athletes begin relying on technology long before they understand their bodies’ rhythms and limits.

I literally leave my phone at home because the watch can call and text. No illusions.

I prefer the cool 'tech' style of the apple device, the Garmin products are way better but they look like a Texas Instruments calculator on your wrist and they feel a bit cheap - despite being anything but.

Do you have any details on what isn't accurate on the Garmins compared to other products? I had an apple watch for years but switched to a Forerunner 965 and have been very happy; didn't notice any accuracy differences. I can't even name 10 competitors in the smart watch market so I'm not sure if that's an exaggeration?

Only thing keeping me on whoop at this point is I like sleep tracking, but don’t like sleeping with my Apple Watch on..

I use it every swim. I also stopped using the apple fitness app for swimming because it gives inaccurate pace times. I installed the Swim.com app and it’s great, EXCEPT, it doesn’t pick up any kicking sets. If you can mimic the swim.com app, but toss in kicking, it would be the best.

Thing that blows me way about my AW is it’s ability to know what stroke you’re doing. My watch is about 98.5% or better on tracking yardage.

I’ve been using Apple Watches for almost 5 years, 3-4 hours a week in the pool. Waterproofing is flawless Accuracy: The delta in my self reported yards (on the USMS tracking app) vs my watch is like 1.15% this year. Occasionally the watch misses one kicking lap in a 300 yard set or maybe if I’m swimming with fins or doing drills. Rarely misses anything w/ straight freestyle or other strokes My biggest beef with the watch is how it refers to kick sets as “kickboard”. Did Apple ask a single swimmer what to call this???

Apple does track splits automatically but it’s not super accurate. If you’re resting more than 5 seconds between repeats the sets are reasonably accurate. Total yardage is in the 99% accurate range for me

Current version of Apple Watch does record kick sets

Stroke recognition is pretty amazing I think. I’ve noticed errors lately on butterfly more often. Maybe my stroke is degrading and Apple is telling me I can’t acknowledge that crap as butterfly…

It is slightly less accurate than when tracking freestyle, but Im happy to have the feature.

I’m not missing the point at all. My watch gives me a pretty good record of my workout. I don’t use it at all DURING workouts— the pace clock is the right tool then obviously. Ive never used a Garmin but Apple is designed to be locked out during the actual workout. But for a good sense of what I have done over the course of the week, my watch is more than accurate enough (and mine is pretty consistently 98-99% over any given time frame— agree that it’s most vulnerable to errors on kick sets and some of my coaches favorite drills really mess it up) I can’t recall ever being off my more than 25y in a workout of up to 3500y) It frankly never occurred to me that anyone would use it in lieu of a pace clock. That’s crazy

Garmin >>>> Apple. I tried on Apple and didn’t like app on watch and the constant talking. Also screen harder to read. Garmin was easier and more customizable data screens

Garmin or Apple, you can get a solid run tracking watching from China for 40-50$ I think the Xiaomi Smart band is what Dr Mike uses and they're like 40$ and do adequate work. If you love apple and don't mind charging your watch every night, get the apple watch. If not Garmin.

I have RingConn and an Apple Watch. I use both daily. The watch has the most data. I utilize the ring for sleep tracking (I don’t sleep with watch). Watch is used for more stuff. Apple Pay, weather, timers, messages and more. Both are beneficial.

I have an Apple Watch and it doesn’t do everything I need. I’ve heard good things about garmin, but i don’t think any watch will do what we need straight out of the box. That’s why visible has a market. The trick is to make sure that whatever watch you choose can be compatible with other apps. I have symptom shark as well and it tells my HR but it says “oh yeah your HR went to XX ten mins ago”…no, I need something that will alert me now. TBH, no matter what app you choose there aren’t a ton that do exactly what we need for an illness like ours. Maybe one day they’ll create a wearable just for ME/CFS and other energy limiting illnesses like long covid. There’s millions of people with this so there’s a market for sure.

I went from Apple Watch to FR265s. I didn’t love my Apple Watch, it on my gave basic tracking features and battery died quickly, but the communication/phone functionality was definitely better. I much prefer the 265s to get more in depth training stats and love that it’s not as easily connected to my phone so I don’t have a mini phone on my wrist and get a break lol

The Apple Watch uses Apple Health, so that’s exactly what you want. I have no issues at all with the WW app syncing to the activity my Apple Watch measures.

For me, I don’t like to be ripped of. I’m not a junkie that must have the product. I don’t like the feeling of getting played because I “must have a thing”. I get on fine without it and use an Apple watch, which has the added benefit of unlocking my devices, apple pay, gps and voice control of my house 🤷 But no judgement. Get what suits your life 🫶

Just to add, I still have my Apple Watch and use it for exercise tracking as I think that’s the main thing the Oura doesn’t do as well. It still has some functionality so you could manage it all through it, but my Apple Watch and Strava sync into it anyway so I still use those alongside

I have both Garmin 945 and Apple Watch and they both get really close. Have doublechecked them against a polar device on my temple and all three were comparable.

I did the same thing. Got the apple watch once I cancelled and I charge it before bed every night and it lasts the entire day. That's the only thing Whoop will now have on apple watch. The charging.

Absolutely, but having the screen isn't all that bad. It is useful. You can also set notifications to a minimum if you don't like distractions. You can also set focus's which is great. It's also a significantly less burden on the wallet over time.

But only slightly. Heart rate is much more accurate on Apple Watch. That may change with 5.0 hardware/software update. But Apple Watch isn't a bad product at all. When you factor in the cost, I believe you get more bang for your buck with Apple Watch.

Good news is you can program your watch by either (or both) focus's and notifications. The watch isn't the same as whoop. But it gives you all of the same features depending on which subscriptions you have. They are all significantly less than whoop though. I frequently golf and was drawn to whoop years ago and I loved it. I learned a ton on what is good and what is bad for me. I cancelled shortly after the 4.0 drop because I already learned everything there is to know. But I still wanted the data. I just couldn't fathom spending an annual subscription that was as much as the Apple Watch itself when I didn't see Whoop trending in the right direction. Whoop 3.0 was it's peak. Once they started selling eye masks and new bands at a rate of 300% more than it was in the blink of an eye, I was out. I use; Bevel = $50/year Heart Analyzer = $9/one time fee HeartWatch = $6/one time fee AutoSleep = $6/one time fee Heart Analyzer and HeartWatch both offer V02 Max, Bevel will probably offer this in the future. All of the above offer HRV. AutoSleep measures HRV during sleep and upon waking (Breathe app is recommended which is free) The others track HRV through SDNN and RMSSD. Whoop tracks it more often, however you still get multiple readings per day with the other apps and can manually trigger it using the Breathe app. Bevel is the highest cost but also provides you: * Recovery score * Stress score * Energy bank * Sleep score * Sleep recommendations * Strain score * Strength builder * Journal * Lifestyle impact analysis * Training zones * complication/widgets for the watch Autosleep: * Automatic sleep detection * Plethora of sleep metrics and analysis * Sleep bank * Smart alarm

I tried the Watch Ultra and I'm sad to say I didn't like it as much as my Garmin Fenix 7x sapphire. So I'm selling the Ultra and sticking with Garmin. 1. Battery life 2. Quality/durability of the watch 3. Accuracy 4. Flashlight 5. Overall feel on my wrist

I think the Garmin 55 would work for you. Of all my running watches, it’s the one I use the most. I’ve come to appreciate the minimalistic nature of it. Easy to use. Not too many distractions. I can swim, bike, run, ski, etc with it. Shows vo2 max (is off from a real scan I had but it’s consistent). Tracks sleep but I don’t use it for that (hence the vo2 being off). I’ve had decades worth of gamins and I like this one the most. Easy to use and small. I also use an Apple Watch Ultra 2. It does all you need but is out of that budget and more than you need it to do so I’d skip that. I also have a Suunto 9 which does all of the stuff you need but I think was more expensive and I don’t love it. Too many functions and not as intuitive as the garmin. I’d check out the garmin 55 if I were you.

Same as you. My charge 6 just died on me one fine day. Considered Garmin Lily and Apple Watch, finally went with Apple simple because there’s more support where I live. The biggest learning curve was how frequently Apple Watches need to be charged.

Try a used Apple Watch 7 first. See if you use the features of the watch enough. Buy extra chargers , since u have to charge it daily. The Apple Watch 8, 9, ultra and ultra 2 is not going to be massively different from the 7. When you are frustrated with daily charging or charging every 2 days, then u will be ready for ur first Garmin. May I suggest the forerunner series 165, 265 , 965. Software is well supported for 4-6 years easily. Battery life is 7-10 days from new, and even if u use it frequently, since you are only charging it every 7-10 days, ur battery health is going to be good and the decay won’t be as much as the Apple Watch. 5 yrs later your battery life will degrade to 4-7 days -> still double or triple that of a brand new Apple Watch battery life.

Try a used Apple Watch 7 first. See if you use the features of the watch enough. Buy extra chargers , since u have to charge it daily. The Apple Watch 8, 9, ultra and ultra 2 is not going to be massively different from the 7. When you are frustrated with daily charging or charging every 2 days, then u will be ready for ur first Garmin. May I suggest the forerunner series 165, 265 , 965. Software is well supported for 4-6 years easily. Battery life is 7-10 days from new, and even if u use it frequently, since you are only charging it every 7-10 days, ur battery health is going to be good and the decay won’t be as much as the Apple Watch. 5 yrs later your battery life will degrade to 4-7 days -> still double or triple that of a brand new Apple Watch battery life.

I use my Apple Watch and Seconds Pro.

I use mine to count laps as well

I started with Fitbit but switched to an Apple Watch and I love it. I have a friend who has a Samsung watch and loved it but she switched to Apple Watch also and loves it. I think it also depends on preference and what your are looking for in a fitness tracker. I would think it’s a toss up between Apple Watch and Samsung Watch.

Compared to my 4 year old Apple Watch it‘s really slow. And the UI is terrible.

I switched back to Apple Watch after a week 😜

I’d recommend apple watch ultra 2 or apple watch 10 if you use and like apple products. Im swimming with watch ultra 2 and like it very much!

I highly recommend it. As my first Fitbit, I’ve been wearing it for the past three months, and it has exceeded my expectations. I compared it to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 during a one hour walk, and its heart rate accuracy was nearly identical. Given it’s much lighter on the wrist, it made me question needing a bulky smartwatch. As a sleep tracker, it’s outstanding. While I’m not familiar with the old app interface, aside from screenshots shared on this subreddit, I’m impressed with its design language. I've come to prefer its muted and minimalistic tone over the old color rich interface which I find to be distracting and busy. A five star experience so far.

Apple Watch is already in the post

I wanted the most accurate sleep tracking and, according to the Quantified Scientist, Apple watches are the best.

I use the smartwod app on my phone to set the interval. Plays over my music + counts down to start/stop. I just use my Apple Watch to track distance but have been debating on switching back to Garmin for more accurate miles.

Mine stopped syncing last week, exactly 1 year and a week after I bought it.. Got a brand new Apple watch in the black friday sale..

I have the Ultra… as a gift. It might be overkill for my/your needs but “we” got it to monitor my heart/AFib. It actually woke me up in the middle of the night last week because my HR was below 40 **(33!)** for ten minutes. You can add tennis 🎾 to the fitness tracker.

I bought an Apple Watch hoping it would serve as a smart and sports watch. Not satisfied with the sports function. All my friends have Garmin or something else and their km/h measuring and battery life is much better. Not familiar with the Apple Watch Ultra though.

If Apple Watch could last a 70.3 and moreso a full IM, I'd actually prefer it over Garmin. The UI is better and easier to understand, plus I get to wear it whole day as a normal watch since it kinda suits what I wear at work. The functionality which is also customizable is also exceptional and the resulting data (HR, distance, etc.) is the same with Garmin. Plus, I do use an iPhone and airpods. I used to run using the apple watch and then pair it with my airpods - i loved that I get to listen to music without bringing my phone, and a voice which says if im over HR target range or if my run/rest interval is done.

I’m using a Apple Watch and I love using the function to use spotify offline so I can listen to music without my phone. Is this also possible with a Garmin Watch?

Apple Watch is the obvious answer

Look at what Garmin offers. I’ve gone back and forth between Apple and Garmin, including the Apple Watch Ultra, and Apple just hasn’t caught up to Garmin for fitness tracking. The compatibility with their other accessories for cycling like power meter pedals and computers is great. Might now have a need now but you’ll be thankful later. Apple battery life is also terrible. My wife has an Apple Watch and forgot the charger for a 2 day trip so we had to stop and buy one. Even an overnight trip would have been too much for Apple to handle. My Garmin goes for a month.

You stated an Apple Watch could never last a 100 mile race. This is AWU1 on the lowest power mode. No charging. 34h

Bare bones mode with HR belt

My Apple watch closely matches the heart rate given by hospital equipment, but my skin is very pale, which makes optical sensors work much better. If you happen to also be pale, there's a good chance that a high quality Android-based watch will work similarly well. Not a very helpful suggestion if you're not on the pasty side, sorry! Best of luck with your recovery!

You'll get basically all the tracking (Apple will surely have blood pressure monitoring if Whoop does). And if you like the Whoop app's style of Strain, Sleep, journalling etc.. you can get an app like Bevel or Athlytic for a couple of bucks a month. Personally I'll be ditching my Whoop due to this pricing and using my Apple Watch with Bevel.

I have semi-recently made the switch from an Apple Watch Ultra 1 to a Garmin Forerunner 965, and my Garmin is leagues better than the Apple. If you don't want to spend 600, that's perfectly ok. [Everything on this list will likely suit your needs pretty well](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/c/sports-fitness/swimming-smartwatches/)

Apple Watch does not collect 24/7 second by second hr and Hrv data which Garmin does That’s a main flaw for me on the Apple Watch + battery life is a pain in the ass :/

I used my Apple Watch Ultra for a race last weekend and with automatic transitions enabled, it never transitioned from T2 to run, showed it being in T2 the entire run. I am going to try manual transitions next time unless anyone has a suggestion as to what went wrong?

I used the ultra for two years and switched to Coros- data wise apple was great and accurate for what I needed. As always is said, it was battery life that lost me. With much better battery life, I probably would have stayed with the ultra.

I like the simplicity of the coros pace pro. I dont get overloaded with notifications like my apple watch and the battery life is amazing.

I can make a series watch last for an Olympic distance on low power mode. Even then I still need to charge to get through the rest of the day. My Garmin 955 will last for a complete Ironman with 65% of the battery left. I still sometimes use my Apple Watch for shorter runs or bike rides if I forget to change it out, but the Garmin is my go to training watch.

Both my partner and I love our Apple Watches but they are horrendously bad at tracking accuracy and would terminally underestimate distance by around 5-10%. For some reason my partner’s would only record her heart rate for around 20% of a workout. Tried all the usual (tightening wrist band, re-pairing etc) but they just don’t work as a fitness tool. It’s a real shame because as a smart watch they are amazing (especially leaving your phone at home with the cellular models), but as a training tool, my 8 year old Forerunner 235 is a better option than my 1 year old Apple Watch.

I have used Apple Watch for a year and have been very happy with it. Prior to that I had a Fitbit, which was brilliant tracking workouts but not so much climbing. I use my Apple to track all my workouts in the gym and indoor and outdoor climbing. It’s accurate and easy to use.

The Apple Watch really just felt like a second phone on my wrist with a few fitness tracking features. I didn’t need to see that I got a Gmail notification on my wrist and my phone at the same time. The constant clearing of notifications from my phone and watch was really annoying. After turning off all of those features to make it more fitness focused, I thought why am I paying for this when I could spend around the same amount of money and get more features that I want with the garmin? So I am keeping the garmin over the Apple Watch.

Ugh - tried to use my Apple Watch to push heart rate to garmin for calculations / metrics - no go … third party apps can “display” but garmin cannot ingest the data to interpret/compute. What gets me is that Apple is so slow to make a viable alternative yet it’s got a stranglehold on the wearables market. Annoying.

I wear my Apple watch every time. It has normal wear and tear, nothing crazy. I don’t do dynos (yet) which is the only thing I can think of that is not currently contributing to my watch condition.

This is why I own a AWU2 and I could get a full day of HR recording. Btw what is the use of this? If I want a recording that has medical relevance I lease a Holter monitor.

Went from Epix 2 to AW Ultra 2 and then back. For me the biggest difference is that almost everything in Garmin is much better integrated. Morning report, training readiness etc. combine all the collected data nicely, where with AW you have separate apps.

Exactly this. When you use a Garmin you can tell it was clearly built for purpose (endurance sports), and Apple Watch is clearly not. Just different uses and different uses.

I have always used my Apple Watches to track sleep. The newer ones charge quickly so it’s never been a problem, plus the newer ones charge ultra last multiple days.

I did Apple Watch forever but got tired of being “so connected” Moved to whoop a few months ago. It’s ok… not sure I love it or really understand everything it’s telling me, but it does the trick

I’m just getting back into swimming after like 25yrs and have been using my Apple Watch paired with the swim.com app on it and my phone(free). I really like that it syncs with my Apple health. I can ideally load my workout onto it, it’s fairly accurate in knowing how much of a rest I take etc.

I switched from Garmin to AW. I found HealthFit, which is free. If you’re a runner, HealthFit is a must. Other than that, I rely on Apple for everything else.

Apple Watch Ultra + Bevel is the only thing I’ve found that’s close. Garmin is a great fitness tracker with great battery life. But, from my experience a lot of the metrics like training readiness have an impact from your sleep. But, after about 4 months of testing the Sleep Tracking is noticeably worse than both AW and Whoop. Which in turn makes some of the metrics feel like bullshit. All great devices but I think for accuracy and versatility AWU/Bevel. If you want a smaller form factor with pretty accurate data/sensors Whoop is a good pivot.

Apple Watch Ultra for timers. Had zero problems.

I can run on trails without my phone and the GPS still gives me accurate distance/pace. It's just a better engineered product specific to athletes (runners, bikers, swimmers, etc). The Apple Watches spans across so many features that it doesn't do the core things a runner needs from a watch as good as a Garmin (coming from a 800-1500 middle distance runner). If your a sprinter I guess an apple watch will do bc all ya need is a timer.

AW Ultra is enough for any sport if you are hobby sportsman and if you are okay with battery. Why you want to change? And to question: first of all you must choose between AMOLED and MIP. I recommend Fenix 7 PRO, 8, Instinct 3 or Forerunner 955.

You can try this:  https://testflight.apple.com/join/UsxwxjJh Swimming Lap Tracker It works best with ultra but uses rotation of the crown on non ultra watch.

Firstly you need to set it up to use action button in Watch settings. Then you need to launch the app with the action button, press start swim, and then a tap on action button should register a lap. If you don’t launch the app with the action button it doesn’t work sometimes in the app to count laps. Also, the timings are a bit unreliable. This is assuming you have ultra watch (Apple doesn’t allow third party apps to use the hardware buttons in non ultra watches) And thinking of adding a stop button but currently using pause resume which is pressing 2 buttons at once

I use Apple Watch to play music on left wrist, and Suunto Race S on right wrist for run. It was supposed to be a transition period thing from AW to Suunto, but I am kinda getting used to two watches now lol.

This is what I am thinking especially since the ultra now tracks strain, waiting for WWDC in case they release a new one. Just don’t like the whole screen thing. But whoop has become a joke.

I have Apple and it’s the worst thing ever. It locks itself into water mode restricting you from using stop watch etc.

That must have been a long time ago… I have used Apple Watches for about 6 years, and it’s always identified the stroke!

At the moment I’m comparing my Apple Watch with a Garmin Fenix 6x Pro that I bought recently. On most swims the Garmin will record a distance about 20-25% higher than the Apple Watch. There are a few swims that I do that I can easily verify the distance on a map (eg where we swim along a river from one bridge to another) and for those, the Apple Watch normally gets the distance about right, so I think generally the Garmin overestimates distance. I don’t see why the watches should give different distance though - like someone else commented, GPS is easily accurate enough to measure distances like this to within a few feet. Both watches might be trying to measure some kind of “effective distance”, eg swimming 1 mile upstream should count for more than 1 mile downstream, but I’ve never seen that written down anywhere. If you really care how far you’ve swum, record your swim with a watch, but then manually measure the GPS track on a real map.

I wear a whoop on a bicep band and swap out my SMP for an Apple Watch when I go to the gym

I'm a non serious track runner that got an ultra on the cheap cheap. I love it. The track feature is awesome.

If you're already in the Apple ecosystem then an Apple Watch will be good choice that's pretty straightforward to use. A Garmin Instinct2 is also a good, relatively low cost option, but you'll need to use the free Garmin Connect app on your iPhone to view your exercise data. The Garmin is more complicated to set up.

PS, battery life is 1-2 days on the Apple Watch and up to 28 days on the Garmin

I have the Apple Watch Ultra and had Series before it (including the 4). I recently did a 70.3 after forgetting to charge it the night before and still ended up with 55% battery life remaining. I wouldn't trust a Series to last for a 70.3. I think the best point that you make is in regards to "already having the Apple Watch" or at least how the watch fits in with the rest of your life. If I wanted a watch solely for an Ironman, it would be a Garmin, but for the rest of everything I do, the Apple Watch Ultra makes more sense. Even for training, the ecosystem on the Apple Watch gives me apps and connectivity that are lacking on other watches, which make it worthwhile. Especially useful are the FindMy and Focus modes for when my wife is trying to reach me.

If you and your partner are in the Apple ecosystem, then the Apple Watch Ultra 2 makes sense. One of the main reasons why I use it is because I need the better "smart watch" features to deal with training without being off-grid when it comes to work/family. I'd probably also get a Garmin if I was more serious about competition, but for my use the AWU2 meets my needs and will last through a 140.6.

Yes, I wear it most of the time. I also have an S10 which I wear when I want something more comfortable or that looks better. I sleep with the Ultra and really appreciate the Vitals it gives in the morning. I make sure to check them before beginning long workouts since they can show early indicators that something is wrong (like an infection). Garmin is a better sports watch mostly because of the physical UI (buttons), and while the battery is better on the Garmin, I think it's overrated. I have no problem charging my Ultra on a routine basis and it lasts longer than me, so it's "good enough". The one thing that I dislike the most about the Ultra is that you can't manually adjust distances. The problem here is that when you're doing an event, having a device measure the distances has limitations (with any device). How a device deals with GPS and vector based measurements can vary, and the way Apple does it is fine (probably ideal for me) for training, but the result is to (usually) undercount distances. In training this is fine because I'll do longer distances and during the event do better than expected. However, what sucks about this is that when you do an actual event, the discrepancy means that it won't log the event (or give you an award badge) for what you did because the watch things you're a bit short. For example, I did a 140.6, but it measured the swim slightly short of 2.4 miles, so it logged it as a 70.3 distance triathlon. I'm a total gamification whore, so it's a bit of a let down, but also can make going through your logs annoying because some of the events don't show up as the actual distance events that they were.

I have an Ultra 2, which I think is maybe my 5th or 6th Apple Watch. It’s exceptional, I couldn’t imagine anything else being better or providing more comprehensive data.

I do. I charge it in the evening when I’m getting ready for bed, wear it overnight, and then charge in the morning when I’m showering etc. It’ll easily last 2 days if I forget.

This! I had a Whoop and Apple Watch at the same time. I was out swimming and the Apple Watch screen came off and was flapping in the water. Never bothered to get a new one, I don’t need a watch, I want a fitness/health device and screens are just a failure point.

Depends on your phone and budget. The Apple watch will still be the best casual smartwatch for iPhone users. If you're a hard-core runner/outdoors person, go for Garmin. Apple watch price ranges from 16K to 55K. Samsung users will best benefit from Galaxy Watch. Prices range from 16K to 41K.

I just the Apple fitness app with my Apple watch. Does everything I want it to do and more.

I've had Fitbit, Galaxy Watch, and Apple Watch. Of the three, Apple Watch has been the best and most accurate. It was also the easiest to connect and synch. Apple Fitness seamlessly integrates with Apple Health, and Apple Health easily integrates with WW. The only issue I've had, I've had with all three, is I get points for activity AND steps...and the activity is what created the steps. Not a big deal since I don't use the points. YO!!! WW Devs!!! Please turn the ability to stop tracking activity points back on, THANK YOU!

I have the Apple Watch ultra too, and the gen three ring. I use my Apple Watch a lot more and I sleep with it on. You don’t care about fitness tracking which is perfectly understandable, but personally, I do prefer the Apple Watch because I like getting notifications and stuff. But it seems like the rain would do most of the stuff you wanted to do and it would’ve better battery life. It might be less accurate to be fair, but I don’t notice massive differences in the sleep tracking data from my ring and from my Apple Watch.

I use my Apple Watch and the [Swim.com](http://Swim.com) app to count my laps every morning at the pool.

I have an Apple Watch but I’ve recently started working in the medical field and wearing a watch increases infection risks. I rather have slightly worse accuracy than catch an infection because gloves don’t cover watches well.

As a long time user, I may just upgrade my Apple Watch and cancel whoop . This is getting ridiculous and for that price + some extra cash get a new Apple Watch.

Apple Watch. I bought a very cheap screen cover that cracks almost immediately, but I can usually keep it on for a few months before replacing it. I like having the watch to track heart rate and calorie burn. However inaccurate these might be, I find them useful to gauge my sessions in the gym. I do not wear my watch when I climb outside.

Fitbit is the least reliable. Apple Watch is ok. If it’s really important to you, get a real running watch. Even an entry level model will be better. Or stick with the Apple Watch. It’s not terrible, just not super accurate and the battery life leaves a lot to be desired.

I wear my Apple Watch with Strava running. It’s a bit scratched up, my strap would come off very easily in the case of a snag, I’d be wary which straps I use especially outdoor climbing to reduce degloving risk 🤢

Apple Watch with the sleep watch app on it. Pure gold!

Yes they are pretty rubbish for swimming. I just switched to a Garmin Fenix which hopefully will be better. The Apple Watch managed lap counting ok for me but open water was a disaster and the rest of its counting (calories etc) was also well off by the looks of it. Your does sound even more broken than just being rubbish though. It should be able to count laps fairly accurately, I think most of them can do that ok.

My Apple Watch adds a lap here and there.

Just to play devil’s advocate - w/ the Apple Watch Ultra I’m down to about 50% a day (with all features-including always on display turned on, so you can probs get even longer) so plugging it for about a 10 min shower per day keeps me charged without really thinking about it. You can get a pretty good deal on an ultra if you go refurbished too. Tracking can be really good if you use an HRV tracking app like CHIPR

I hear you - the charge on those is sick. Just stating how somebody can make it work w/the slightly longer charge on the Ultra (relative to other Apple Watches(

Everybody’s motivation level varies so much. For me the Garmin is to collect, analyze data so I can run faster during the races. 255 is an excellent runners watch that can grow with you all the way to marathons. But if you want it just for occasional training and are more into smartwatch like features, Apple does an excellent job there. With Garmin, you get excellent battery life, great support for running and other sports but not much else. I ran with a Garmin and Apple Ultra at the same time so I don’t have to carry the phone. Good luck in your decision

I use my Apple Watch to track the run, and the RunIntervals app to give me run/walk alerts

I do really short intervals (:30/1:00) so programming that for a long run would be terrible. And I don’t always catch the haptic alerts from my watch. Audio alerts work better, and I run with my phone anyway.

This. People act like AW can’t offer all the same data and more

Althugh you can get an app for all those features if you want on AW

Apple Watch with screen protector and it works great for me.

Garmin may do some things better when it comes to pure fitness tracking but when you’re talking about a smartwatch as a whole package, the watch ultra has no realistic competitor on the market, it’s way better than everything else. You could call it the iPad of smartwatches.

Yes I do, an ultra 2

I also have an AmazeFit and like it. It last a way long than my Apple Watch ever did. I have several pairs of Tozo headphones that are great, so I’d trust that brand. I’m not an audiophile though, just casual need to hear podcasts and music headphones user.

Same. I swim with it 3-4 times a week and take couple of saunas on those days. I usually mostly palm it while sitting in the sauna to shield it from some of the löyly.

Well. Yes and no. I swim multiple times a week and go from the pool to sauna and back without removing my Apple Watch. Obviously would not wear my watch if only for sauna.

I use it every time, mostly for counting laps.

I use my apple watch. I bought it for the heart rate monitor and afib detection before I started Chemotherapy since a lot of the chemo drugs really do a number on your heart. Now I use it mostly to track my burn throughout the day.

Try the Apple Watch you already have. You’ll like it enough or not.

If you’re an apple person, apple watch is the answer.

There’s an app called Work Outdoors on Apple Watch. Works well for me.

That’s what I did a few years ago. My Apple Watch +Athlytic. I was an early adopter of whoop 3.0 and a day 1 4.0 but spending hundreds a year wasn’t worth it anymore if I’m always wearing Apple Watch. It’s like $30 a year for Athlytic and tells me everything I need to know

I’ve run with AW for about 5 years including marathon blocks up to 60 mpw. No complaints. No battery issues…will easily last a full marathon and the rest of the day. Some HR accuracy issues early on, but seems to have been solved by playing with bands and placement. Personally I don’t mind double-tapping the screen to lap during track work.

This. Much to my dismay; no Garmin around has this offering so I literally look like an ass with a watch on each arm but it serves two purposes: 1. Apple Watch - able to call / text during long runs. More useful than you could ever imagine. Especially for emergencies / time overruns etc 2. My Garmin - my preferred device for my running metrics.

I have an apple watch. When I flare, my resting heart rate is about 15 beats faster per minute than when I am healthy.

It will be even better once the OS update comes with actual fitness tracking

Training load/Sleep stress

Only ever used an Apple Watch, had a Fitbit charge 2 before that but that always needed phone to be connected for GPS etc. I think the Apple Watch is very accurate

I found that the Apple Watch goes a bit funky if you pause the timer after intervals . Usually you get that Apple Watch kind of tacks on a “lap” that is blank in distance , with a time on it . Occasionally if I do a lap where I extend my dolphins quite a bit , it triggers the watch to say I was doing butterfly rather than freestyle . The other time it goes funky is when I start swimming at the start of a session without activating the watch at all (ie : I am just warming up ) . Once I try to start a timer it actually begins part way through an interval , and records the warm up as no distance .

Similar here. Picked up the fenix 8 the other day. Selling both AWU and fenix 7SS. The fenix 8's mic and speaker, and diving functionality actually replaces three of my devices. I have a dive watch, but will hang on to that for redundancy.

Sorry to say this but none of that is true. You can easily customize the screens and get exactly the infos you need. You can easily see in which zone you currently are and you can also set specific goals for your next workout and the Apple watch will inform you perfectly during your workout wether you’re hitting your goals or not. And the lack of manual zoning for different swim styles is imho not needed, because your watch recognizes your swimming style for every lap separately and sets it as segments automatically. And with the current version, it can even remove the need for a cycling computer.

Sure! Here’s a tutorial on how to setup custom workouts. I use it mostly to set specific paces (especially for PRs), so the watch will tell me exactly whether I’m on time or not. But there are many more customizing-functions: [YouTube tutorial to setup custom workouts](https://youtu.be/J2f6vK0ebxs?si=KZlwK00-sh83CAxQ) And here is the support guide to setup custom data screens: [Custom data Screens](https://support.apple.com/en-sg/guide/watch/apd72879df4d/watchos) If you still have your Apple Watch Ultra, I would definitely recommend trying it. I definitely prefer it over the Garmin stuff. Only downside is the battery, but I just have a magnetic tripple charger next to my bed where iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch can charge, which makes it very convenient (at least to me).

My AWU can get close enough to a Garmin with WorkOurDoors app to satisfy my needs - mid-pack runner who peaks at 50k for now. There’s no Garmin that can come close to AWU for all the other stuff. Wallet, car key, door key, garage door opener, calls/text, music, podcasts. If I can get my lazy ass to the longer distances, I’ll need to get a Garmin solely for the battery life. Not sure it would last for a 50 miler, and not a chance it’ll last for 100.

I can do this with the workout app in my Apple Watch, just set the activity to pacing or create a manual workout. If you’re not satisfied with that maybe NRC could work?

I have Apple Watch and whoop. I recommend Apple Watch all the way!!

I depend on my watch for counting lengths and time for determining pace. Previously I used to swim without it, but having used it for more than a year I find it a great help in the pool.

I own both the Apple ultra 2 and the Garmin forerunner Runner 965. I definitely strongly prefer the Garmin for activity tracking. The activity tracking on the Apple just is too simple for me. Like the Garmin has things like your interval pace and automatic rest timer.  Maybe the Apple has it too, but by default it does not  I will sometimes also bring along the apple if I want a second screen with directions when I am going on a bike ride Or if I want to stream music off the Apple Watch on my swim headphones or stuff like that But Garmin is hands-down way better as an activity tracker, if nothing else just because the battery is 10 to 20 times better

I have both and have tried swimming with both  Apple is terrible for swimming. Doesn’t even have a rest timer. Get Garmin. The only reason I use the Apple is as a key for my Tesla when surfing and because I can call 911 when I’m surfing

Garmin isn’t always accurate, but Apple doesn’t even make an effort in my experience. It doesn’t detect rest intervals at all, and the yardage is off in the way that you described because it tries to be too precise. In comparison, the Garmin is smart enough to know that my distance is always gonna be a multiple of 25 yards. My swimming style is a slow graceful gliding so I can understand how it might not detect that I have stopped and thinks I’m still going sometimes.  Either way if I need a really precise number I wouldn’t use auto rest timer from any brand. I would manually do it. The Garmin is good enough to keep track of my weekly mileage though.

I have had my Oura 4 for about two weeks. I’ve only had to charge it twice! I haven’t had any issues with the physical quality either. I’ve used an Apple watch for tracking for about a year. All of my data from Oura is super comparable. I feel like the sleep is much more accurate, I love the temperature tracking / integration with Natural Cycles, and I LOVE how it adjusts your activity goal based on other data. For sizing, I chose an 8. It was the size that could fit on my index finger tightly, middle finger comfortably, and room to move to my ring finger if I was super swollen.

The Apple Watch probably is more accurate but has significantly less frequency when not in workout mode. Still, the Apple Watch can replace a Whoop but the Whoop can’t replace an Apple Watch.

I use both. AWU hr data, garmin marq with garmin he strap. Cadence, hr, pace are virtually the same, AWU a bit more conservative

I use the default workout app. Lately i use Watchletic, as it downloads trainings from the training app Trenara, the latter is insanely good. I use both watches as I have both. Awu for music, lte and afib, during exercice i prefer garmin (workout page is very readable). Music on garmin is a pain

I used to have an Apple Watch but got rid of it for accuracy reasons for running marathons. Had to buy a Garmin to get accurate km splits and accurate instant pace. I use my Garmin also for swimming now. If it’s a decision between Garmin and Apple and you want accurate and reliable data I would go with Garmin every time. Also consider if you ever want to do open water swimming as many watches do pool swimming only and that doesn’t work at all well in open water. Good luck with your whatever you decide.

Same here. Literally the same story. Apple Watch shat the bed, bought a Fenix 7X and it’s been a life changing upgrade. 8 months in, dropped about 12/13kg, ran a few half marathons, gym 5/6 days a week. Good stuff!!

I started with Apple Watch. Once I got serious about running I switched to garmin. Garmin syncs up with NRC so all runs get uploaded there.

I use mine every single time. What is your app idea? I mostly ask because I can’t think of anything I want my Apple Watch to do for swimming that it doesn’t already do.

I've had AW ultra 2 and getting a Garmin for several reasons: 1) far better battery life 2) no pulse ox on AW with lawsuit 3) no online maps on watch 4) higher Garmins have a real flashlight 5) no stress score on AW without paid apps 6) much more data and information on fitness 7) like regular watch design and shape more 8) can control with just buttons if hands sweaty or wearing gloves 9) if decide to switch to Android can still use it 10) typically less bugs or issues Just my opinion on what works for me

If you have an iPhone I wouldn’t even consider anything but Apple Watch or gamin Apple Watch never fails at counting laps and has the best wrist based heart rate sensor, both in and out of water

Inversely, I never had more than more than one lap difference between Apple Watch and real measurement

If you got an iPhone : Apple Watch, or garmin as a second choice Otherwise : garmin all the way Apple Watch is the most accurate both for distance, heart rate, does automatic stroke detection, and you can upload your workouts to it which makes it easy to follow during your swim Garmin does all these too, but less accurately for swimming at least

What I do, just to have a weekly goal, is track all food in MacroFactor. And then, with my Apple Watch, I have a goal to burn 3500 workout calories, tracked in the streaks app. It really started helping me to keep the two separate worth the two different systems/apps, rather than combining them like other food tracker apps do. I can manage my calorie intake much more accurately this way and not feel the need to eat extra

Well, it is not necessary, but definitely it helps. I’d recommend you to buy at least some basic Garmin Forerunner - it doesn’t cost much, has a decent battery life and is light. Regarding AW, for marathon, you should buy ultra, which is a lot of money. Whoops is more an add-on than running tracker. It’s not very comfortable to run with a phone and the watch shows live metrics, which is very useful. So yes, you should.

Pairing a Bluetooth heart rate strap with the Apple Watch will improve its battery life during workouts since it can turn off the optical hear rate sensor. Disabling the always on display can make a noticeable difference as well.

All of my family have apple watches. The fall detect works well but can give false positives but you just tell it you didn’t fall and that you are ok - assuming that you are indeed ok. Also, you can just tell Siri to call 911. That is why I got them for my husband and in the first place. Also, I am a medic and moved to the ultra version because it will last thru a full shift and has a bit bigger face so easier to compute med doses on it and do other fx. It is more pricey but IMO, worth it.

All of my family have apple watches. The fall detect works well but can give false positives but you just tell it you didn’t fall and that you are ok - assuming that you are indeed ok. Also, you can just tell Siri to call 911. That is why I got them for my husband and in the first place. Also, I am a medic and moved to the ultra version because it will last thru a full shift and has a bit bigger face so easier to compute med doses on it and do other fx. It is more pricey but IMO, worth it.

I have an Apple Watch. It syncs with your Apple health app very well. I’ve been extremely happy with it. It even can accurately assess that I am doing a workout. I had a Fitbit, garmin and now Apple Watch and so far apple watch has been the best

Personally I turned off most of the “smart” features of my Apple Watch last year. I found 95% of it was just some garbage spam notification from a social platform or some other app vying for my attention, like having a 2 year old with me everywhere I go grabbing at my wrist. Once I disabled them all, at that point my watch just became a health tracker with the ability to pay for things (and occasionally tell me the time). Garmin watches are superior to apple in that regard, so it made sense to switch. Also, and this is purely subjective, I think the garmin epix and Fenix line look infinitely better than apple stuff. The chunky bezels and circular shape make it look like an actually fashionable watch instead of a toy screen on my wrist

How accurate is the GPS, especially when running through woods or on overcast days? I've found Apple watches and even lower end Garmins don't handle position tracking very well in those conditions. Sometimes they'll be as much as a half mile off for a several mile run. That's the only time I can't fault the Fenix series watches, the GPS is nearly flawless. The only thing I've found more accurate is a handheld.

I tried Whoop and Apple Watch. In general, I think it might just be around your WOD habits. I find myself more focused on the tasks and technique needed and/or strategy when not using a tracker. Plus, if you use any kind of grips or wrist wraps it’s not efficient to get all that together. My 2 cents: get a WOD tracker app like BTWB and log your reps, weights and workouts. It’s oddly not perfect but, if you want some sort of tracking going that’s good. TLDR: whoop is expensive and will tell you that you are exhausted when you are obviously exhausted (listen to your body). apple watch is expensive and I was sceptical of the durability when using various weight types.

My main gripe about Apple Watch and multisport training is the lack of structured swim training support (and given the fact that pool swimming is quite monotonous, it's the area where I find the structured training on your wrist to be the most useful). When I'm swimming with my Garmin, I get into the pool, open Swimming activity, accept the workout that pops up automatically (because it was pushed there from the training calendar), start the activity and simply switch off my mind - the watch will buzz when the interval is done and it's time to either do the next interval or take a break and recover (and show it on my wrist as well). With Apple Watch I need to be constantly aware of my workout, mentally count how much is left in the interval and what I need to do next.

Apple Watch. Works great for what I need

I use an Apple Watch. My last one cost $400 and lasted 4+ years. It was honestly still fine after 4 years, but the battery life was struggling a bit. I was able to trade it in for $70 credit when getting the new version.

Swimming is the one sport my Apple Watch was better at than my Coros. Never missed a lap, even detected kickboard sets, where on a Coros or Garmin those don’t register at all.

I’ve had regular Apple Watch and decided to come back to running. It was decent for that, had all the data, but didn’t have extras like recovery times, hrv and quite a lite others, including daily training recommendations and health summaries. Probably achievable with 3rd party apps, but I grew out of it quickly because of battery life. 15k run with audio streaming was almost killing battery, while Garmin uses like 10-11% for the same thing, with AOD on. On AW I didn’t used AOD because of battery. So it might be fine at the beginning but when you switch to longer distances you will face the wall because of battery life. Also Garmin has a top notch portal Garmin connect accessible via website as well where you can go through your workouts and health summaries easily

Apple Watch is quite suboptimal for OWS - it doesn’t track distance accurately whenever you’re not doing a freestyle strike (eg, breast) - this is actually confirmed on the Apple Support site - and it’s wildly inconsistent on distance when swimming the same route. Additionally, the touch screen often doesn’t work when coming out of the water. I’m looking for a replacement for my own Apple Watch for my OWS swimming in SF Bay…

I trust my Apple Watch for counting laps far more than I trust myself to count.

I went from Apple Ultra 2 -> Epix Pro 2 -> Enduro 3. Battery life is significantly better on Garmin (2+ weeks compared to 2 days with Apple). I get a ton more stats across running, sleep, body battery, etc - all for free with Garmin compared to having to sign up for monthly subscription 3rd party apps with Apple. The flashlight also works really well on the Garmin for both seeing and being seen vs Apple which is just to be seen. I have zero interest in music, stocks, etc being on my watch. I just want to be able to track my workouts and sleep without having to worry about charging ever 2 days

if you are an ios user; apple watch is a no brainer but if you want a long lasting fitness watch go for garmin

Hard disagree on the watch. The Apple Watch is essential to my day to day. I’ve been using it every day since it initially launched back in like 2015. I use it for keeping me off the phone because I get my notifications on my wrist, controlling my music and Podcasts, tracking my exercise, setting reminders, doing shopping lists, setting timers to keep my kids on track, keeping me focused, and of course telling the time. When I don’t have my Apple Watch, I definitely feel less productive. The Ring however, I have absolutely no idea what purpose it serves.

I’ve used a Garmin Fenix, Garmin Swim 2, and Apple Watch for swimming and by far the garmins were superior. My Apple Watch would die after about half an hour in open water, regardless of water temp, and was always inaccurate with my laps and interval times in the pool. The swim 2 and fenix work much better.

For a time i wore an apple watch with cell service and i got all my notifications as usual while doing a swim workout

I never use the autorest feature on garmin and my splits are spot on. I ditched the apple watch because there was no manual lap reset option.

I have an Apple Watch but I wish I had a Garmin. 😥

Nike Run Club app and it’s training program on my Apple Watch. Sometimes it’s slow to update the phone app, but overall very happy with it.

Apple Watch. Works well for me

It’s never missed a lap for me, even though I’ve heard this reported for others. I always touch the wall with my hand wearing the watch though. Someone said to do that

I’ve swam maybe 100 times with Apple Watch. It’s been off maybe twice, by one lap. Dunno what to tell you though

Track your swim workouts using the built-in Apple Fitness app on Apple Watch, then analyze performance data with SwimNow.

TBH at this point it is much better investing it on a Garmin, apple watch or an aura ring and that's from my perspective only I am about 80% sure I wont resub and wont upgrade

Love my Apple Watch for tracking. It is waterproof and has survived the many many hot yoga classes I have practiced in and taught over the last couple of years. I like that I can track different types of workouts in the same gym visit(sometimes I’ll start with some yoga and then move on to some strength training and then finish with some type of cardio) and see the overall accumulation of the workout benefits. Lots of other cool features on it but I’m not trying to sell you on it.. just saying it’s a great option for tracking those yoga sessions 🥰

Yes for metrics, but not sensors, Garmin & Coros aren’t even close in that regard. The new update will also include training load & structured swim workouts, which historically you could just fill the gap with 3rd party apps. Don’t get me wrong, I have both a Garmin and AWU, I prefer my Apple Watch though.

Apple Watch vs Polar H10 carries an R score of .99-1 during most outdoor activities, so no actually it’s not BS. Blood oxygen sensor is much better as well. Apple Watch allows you to stream music without your phone, dual band GPS, structured workouts, running power. But yeah, god forbid it doesn’t give you a body battery score