Gear Guide
Apple Watch vs Garmin: Which Running Watch Should You Buy?
Published December 23, 2024•8 min read
Apple Watch or Garmin? Both are excellent running watches, but they serve different needs. Here's how to choose the right one for you.
Apple Watch: The All-Rounder
Pros
- • Best smartwatch features (calls, texts, apps)
- • Beautiful, intuitive interface
- • Great for casual to intermediate runners
- • Excellent fitness tracking ecosystem
- • Strong app store
Cons
- • Shorter battery life (1-2 days)
- • Less detailed running metrics
- • GPS can be less accurate
- • More expensive for equivalent features
Garmin: The Runner's Choice
Pros
- • Superior battery life (5-14 days)
- • Advanced running metrics (VO2 max, training load, etc.)
- • More accurate GPS
- • Better for serious runners and athletes
- • Training plans and workouts built-in
Cons
- • Less polished smartwatch features
- • Interface not as intuitive
- • Limited app ecosystem
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Apple Watch if: You want a smartwatch that also tracks running, value ecosystem integration, and are a casual/intermediate runner.
Choose Garmin if: Running is your primary focus, you want detailed metrics, need long battery life, or are training for races.
Works with Both Watches
RunGuru works with screenshots from both Apple Watch and Garmin. Track your runs regardless of device. Start free with 8 workouts per month.
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