Pulse & Plate

Apple Watch vs Garmin

A mainstream smartwatch vs an accessible running watch — compared on battery, GPS, training and smart features.

By Stephen V.Last updated How we research

Apple Watch and Garmin are the two names most people weigh when they want a real fitness watch, but they were built with different priorities. To compare like with like we put Apple’s mainstream pick, the Apple Watch SE, against Garmin’s accessible running watch, the Garmin Forerunner 165. Both have built-in GPS and cover the fitness basics well; the gap is in what they optimize for.

The Apple Watch SE is a true smartwatch first: a huge app library, calls and payments from the wrist, Crash and Fall Detection, and tight iPhone integration — at the cost of roughly a day of battery and no ECG or blood-oxygen sensor. The Forerunner 165 is a training watch first: a bright AMOLED, all-systems GPS, structured workouts and recovery tools, up to eleven days of battery and no subscription — but far fewer smart apps. Crucially, the Apple Watch is iPhone-only, while the Garmin works with iPhone or Android. Below is the short answer, a side-by-side matrix, and who each watch suits.

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FeatureApple WatchGarmin
Battery lifeAbout 18 hoursUp to 11 days
Training featuresCapable Fitness app + many appsDeeper running metrics + plans
Ecosystem / phoneiPhone only, deep watchOSiPhone or Android
Smart featuresFull — apps, calls, Apple PayNotifications and basics
GPSBuilt-in GPSBuilt-in all-systems GNSS
Best foriPhone owners wanting an all-rounderRunners wanting battery + training
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)

Apple Watch

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)

Buy this if: You own an iPhone and want a true all-in-one smartwatch — apps, calls, payments and safety features — with solid fitness tracking.

Strengths

  • Full watchOS with a huge third-party app library
  • Built-in GPS plus Crash and Fall Detection
  • Fast, familiar performance in the Apple ecosystem
  • Calls and Apple Pay from the wrist

Trade-offs

  • No ECG or blood-oxygen sensor
  • About 18-hour battery — charge daily
  • Works only with an iPhone
$249.99 · View on Amazon

Price as of July 20, 2026. #ad How we’re funded

Garmin Forerunner 165

Garmin

Garmin Forerunner 165

Buy this if: You're a runner who wants accurate GPS, real training guidance and days of battery — on either iPhone or Android.

Strengths

  • Up to 11-day battery with built-in all-systems GPS
  • Bright AMOLED with strong running metrics and training plans
  • No subscription — full data in Garmin Connect
  • Works with iPhone or Android

Trade-offs

  • Base model has no onboard music storage
  • Far fewer smart apps than watchOS
  • Lacks the advanced multisport tools of pricier Forerunners
$204.00 · View on Amazon

$249.9918% off

Price as of July 20, 2026. #ad How we’re funded

Frequently asked questions

Is the Apple Watch or Garmin better for running?

For pure running, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is the stronger tool, with deeper running metrics, structured training plans and up to eleven days of battery. The Apple Watch SE tracks runs well and adds a huge app library, but its roughly one-day battery is limiting for long training blocks and races.

Does the Apple Watch SE work with Android?

No. The Apple Watch SE requires an iPhone and does not pair with Android phones. If you use Android, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is the better choice here, since it works with both Android and iPhone. Match the watch to the phone you already own.

Which lasts longer, Apple Watch or Garmin?

Garmin wins clearly on battery. The Forerunner 165 lasts up to about eleven days in smartwatch mode, while the Apple Watch SE lasts roughly 18 hours and needs daily charging. If you want to track sleep without charging around it, Garmin is the more practical option.

Does the Apple Watch SE have ECG or blood oxygen?

No. The Apple Watch SE does not include an ECG app or a blood-oxygen sensor; those are reserved for higher-end Apple Watch models. The Garmin Forerunner 165 also lacks ECG but does offer Pulse Ox (SpO2). For cleared ECG, see our health-monitoring wearables guide.

Sources

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