Two ecosystem giants with different philosophies. Garmin focuses on athletes and outdoor sports; Apple Watch prioritizes general health and smart features. Both track HRV, but with different approaches and depths.
Comparison Overview
| Category | Garmin Watches | Apple Watch |
|---|---|---|
| HRV Features | HRV Status, Training Readiness, Body Battery ✓ | Basic HRV logging in Health app |
| Garmin provides actionable HRV insights | ||
| Training Analysis | Deep training load, recovery time, VO2 max ✓ | Basic workout tracking |
| Garmin is built for athletes | ||
| Smart Features | Limited notifications, no apps | Full smartwatch: calls, apps, payments ✓ |
| Apple Watch is a better smartwatch | ||
| Battery Life | 7-14+ days ✓ | 18-36 hours |
| Garmin wins decisively | ||
| Accuracy | Good PPG, excellent with chest strap | Good PPG, improving each generation |
| Both adequate for HRV trends | ||
| Ecosystem | Open—pairs with many apps | Apple Health integrates with third-party apps |
| Both allow data export | ||
| Price Range | $250-1000+ | $250-800+ |
| Similar range, different focus | ||
The Bottom Line
Choose Garmin if you're a runner, cyclist, or outdoor athlete who wants deep training metrics and multi-day battery. Choose Apple Watch if you want a smartwatch first that also tracks health, and you'll pair with third-party HRV apps for deeper analysis.
Detailed Reviews
Garmin Watches
Great for athletes already in the Garmin ecosystem. Recent models include solid HRV tracking, though features vary...
Full reviewApple Watch
Convenient if you already wear one, but not recommended as a primary HRV device. The native Health app provides...
Full review