The Quick Verdict for Runners
For serious runners training for marathons and ultras: Garmin wins. The training analytics, battery life, and GPS accuracy are purpose-built for runners who care about data.
For casual runners who also want a smartwatch: Apple Watch wins. If running is just one of many things you do, Apple's polish and ecosystem integration outweigh Garmin's running specialization.
Now let's break down exactly why.
| Running Feature | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $799 |
| Battery (GPS Mode) | 31 hours | 12 hours |
| GPS Type | Multi-band (Dual-frequency) | Dual-frequency |
| Training Load | Yes (comprehensive) | Basic |
| Recovery Advisor | Yes | No |
| Race Predictor | Yes (5K to Marathon) | No |
| Running Dynamics | Yes (with HRM-Pro) | Limited |
| Maps | Full topo maps | Basic waypoints |
GPS Accuracy: The Foundation
For runners, GPS accuracy isn't optional—it's the foundation everything else builds on. Both Garmin and Apple now offer dual-frequency (multi-band) GPS, which dramatically improves accuracy in challenging environments like urban canyons and dense forests.
Garmin's Approach
Garmin has been refining GPS technology for decades. Their multi-band implementation (available in Fenix, Forerunner 255/955/965, and Epix) is consistently rated as the most accurate in independent testing. Garmin's SatIQ technology automatically adjusts GPS frequency based on environment, optimizing accuracy while preserving battery.
Apple's Approach
Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 brought dual-frequency GPS to Apple's lineup. Accuracy is genuinely good—much improved over earlier Apple Watches. In open environments, Apple matches Garmin. In dense urban areas or heavy tree cover, Garmin typically maintains a slight edge.
Decades of GPS expertise and SatIQ technology give Garmin the accuracy edge, especially in challenging environments.
Training Analytics: Where Garmin Shines
This is Garmin's killer advantage. The training features available on Forerunner and Fenix watches are years ahead of Apple—and arguably ahead of everyone else.
Garmin's Training Ecosystem
Training Status: Evaluates if you're overreaching, peaking, maintaining, or detraining based on workout load and recovery.
Training Load: Tracks acute and chronic load to prevent overtraining and optimize periodization.
Training Effect: Shows aerobic and anaerobic impact of each workout.
Recovery Advisor: Recommends recovery time based on workout intensity and accumulated fatigue.
Race Predictor: Estimates finish times for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon based on current fitness.
PacePro: Creates pacing strategies for races based on course profile and target time.
Running Power: Measures power output without additional sensors (built into Forerunner 955/965).
Running Dynamics: Ground contact time, vertical oscillation, cadence, stride length (with HRM-Pro strap).
Apple's Training Features
Apple Watch tracks workouts effectively and estimates VO2 max. But it lacks the sophisticated training load analysis, recovery recommendations, and race predictions that serious runners rely on. Apple focuses on accessibility over depth.
Third-party apps like TrainingPeaks or Strava can add some analytics, but they can't match the sensor integration that Garmin provides natively.
No contest. Garmin's training analytics are purpose-built for runners. Apple isn't even close.
Battery Life: The Ultrarunner's Choice
For marathon training, Apple Watch's battery is manageable. For ultramarathons? It's not even in the conversation.
Garmin Forerunner 965: 31 hours GPS mode / 23 days smartwatch mode
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar: 48 days smartwatch / 89 hours GPS (with solar)
Apple Watch Ultra 2: 12 hours GPS mode / 36 hours smartwatch mode
For a 50-mile ultramarathon that might take 12+ hours, Apple Watch Ultra barely survives. A Garmin will have power to spare—and enough left for the next day's recovery run.
2-3x more GPS battery life makes Garmin the only choice for long-distance running.
Smartwatch Features: Apple's Territory
Here's where Apple earns its place. As an everyday smartwatch, Apple Watch is superior:
Notifications: Apple's notification handling is seamless. Reply to texts, manage calls, see app alerts—all with an iPhone's polish.
Apps: The watchOS app ecosystem dwarfs Garmin's. Podcasts, audiobooks, music streaming, third-party apps—all work beautifully.
Siri: Voice control that actually works well. Garmin has no equivalent.
Apple Pay: Tap to pay is fast and universal. Garmin Pay works but with fewer supported banks.
Garmin watches are fitness tools that happen to do smartwatch things. Apple Watch is a smartwatch that happens to do fitness things. The philosophical difference shows in daily use.
For non-running functionality, Apple's polish and ecosystem integration are clearly superior.
Running Form Analysis
Garmin offers detailed running dynamics when paired with the HRM-Pro chest strap:
• Ground contact time and balance
• Vertical oscillation and ratio
• Stride length
• Cadence
These metrics help runners identify inefficiencies in their form. High vertical oscillation, for example, suggests wasted energy on up-and-down motion rather than forward propulsion.
Apple Watch offers basic cadence tracking but nothing approaching Garmin's depth. For runners working on form improvements, Garmin is the only choice.
Music & Podcasts on the Run
Apple Watch: Native Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify integration. Store thousands of songs or stream with cellular. The best music experience on any watch.
Garmin: Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer offline playback (with subscription). Works well but fewer options and less polish than Apple.
If music is essential to your runs, Apple has the edge. If you prefer to run without music (as many serious runners do), this category is irrelevant.
Price Comparison
| Runner Type | Garmin Recommendation | Apple Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Runner | Forerunner 165 ($249) | Apple Watch SE ($249) |
| Intermediate | Forerunner 265 ($449) | Apple Watch Series 10 ($399) |
| Serious Marathoner | Forerunner 965 ($599) | Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799) |
| Ultrarunner | Fenix 8 ($899+) | Not recommended |
Final Verdict: Which Should Runners Buy?
Choose Garmin If:
• You're training for a marathon or longer
• Training analytics and race predictions matter to you
• You want multi-day battery life
• You run ultras (50K+) or multi-day events
• Running form analysis interests you
• You don't need the latest smartwatch features
Choose Apple Watch If:
• You run casually (5K-half marathon) and want a smartwatch
• iPhone integration matters more than running features
• Music and podcasts are essential to your runs
• You value design and everyday wearability
• Running is one of many fitness activities you do
The Bottom Line
For runners who care about performance data, there's no real contest: Garmin is the runner's watch. The training analytics, battery life, and GPS accuracy are built by runners, for runners.
Apple Watch is an excellent smartwatch that also tracks runs well. If running is part of your life rather than the focus of it, Apple's broader capabilities might serve you better.
But at any ultramarathon, any serious running club, any elite training group—you'll see a sea of Garmins. That's not marketing. That's earned trust.