The trend of smartwatches for sport and health caught my attention years ago. Back then, they weren’t really “smart” in the way we know them today but more like a sports tester that could receive simple notifications from a phone. My first watch was the Suunto Ambit 3 Peak. Although it lacked advanced features, it did exactly what I needed – and it did it brilliantly.

Then Apple came along with its revolutionary Apple Watch, turning the industry upside down. As a fan of Apple, I didn’t hesitate and decided to try out what these new watches had to offer. Switching from Suunto to Apple Watch was a big leap. My original watch didn’t even measure heart rate, while Apple Watch handled it effortlessly and provided excellent integration with my phone.

Although the first models of Apple Watch weren’t perfect for athletes, each new generation brought significant improvements. Meanwhile, brands like Suunto and especially Garmin were also stepping up their game, making the competition increasingly exciting.

Apple Watch: Perfect Integration but Limited Sports Features

For many years, I remained loyal to Apple Watch. Some of my friends couldn’t understand how I could use a watch that needed daily charging, but it never bothered me. Charging in the car, at the office, or at home during dinner was never an issue.

For running, swimming, and walking, Apple Watch worked well. However, I was always disappointed that it couldn’t measure cross-country skiing. At the time, I wasn’t fully aware of what competing brands like Garmin were starting to offer.

When more and more of my friends began switching to Garmin, I decided to give it a try. Since I primarily run, walk, and occasionally cycle, I chose the Garmin Forerunner model. The experience was a bit of a shock – in both good and bad ways.

Garmin: A Leader in Smartwatches for Sport and Health

What Garmin watches offer in terms of running stats and health data is a completely different world. They give me a more precise overview of my training, readiness for training and help me better monitor my overall health. The data screens for individual sports are more detailed and can be tailored to specific needs. And the longer battery life? That’s a great bonus every user appreciates.

On the other hand, my first Garmin watch didn’t have a touchscreen. Compared to Apple Watch, it felt less convenient, but I got used to it. In the winter time when we wear gloves it’s actually an advantage. After two years with Garmin, I don’t plan to switch. The Apple Watch Ultra is undoubtedly intriguing, but its price is unnecessarily high, and it doesn’t offer anything significant that a more affordable Garmin can’t provide.

I’m not a professional athlete, but Garmin’s training and health features suit me perfectly, even though I only use a fraction of their potential.

Conclusion: Which Smartwatch Is Right for You?

Everyone has different needs and preferences. If you’re looking for seamless integration with your phone and a wide range of smart features, Apple Watch is an excellent choice. However, if you want detailed stats, long battery life, and customizable sports features, Garmin watches are ideal.

My Recommendations:

Garmin Forerunner 965 or Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
Both models offer very similar features. The Forerunner series is lighter and features an AMOLED display, while the Fenix series is bulkier and more rugged. The Fenix models also include solar charging. The choice between these two ultimately depends on your personal preferences. For me, I’d go with the Fenix series.