Hardware

Battery Life

There’s no comparison between the two watches: the Garmin easily outpaces the Apple Watch. In my testing, the Garmin lasted several days without charging, while the Apple Watch needed daily charging. That said, I wish Garmin had adopted the Apple Watch’s wireless charging — it’s so much more practical day-to-day. Just setting the watch on its charger is an undeniable comfort compared to Garmin’s wired system.

Build Quality

After testing both watches, I can say it’s hard to compete with Apple on build quality. The assembly is flawless, and the absence of visible screws shows a level of attention to detail that’s hard to beat. Garmin, while robust and durable, doesn’t reach the same level of finish as Apple.

Another advantage with Apple: the insurance that covers accidental damage and battery replacement. In terms of durability, Apple commits to supplying spare parts for 5 years, versus only 2 years for Garmin. That matters to me, because I want my devices to last.

On charging: once I’d experienced the Apple Watch’s wireless charging, going back to Garmin’s wired system was tough. Even if the Apple Watch battery life is more limited, the convenience of simply placing the watch on a wireless charger is a real bonus.

Software

Mapping

On this point, Garmin crushes Apple. Garmin’s maps are far more detailed and — crucially — available offline. I really felt that gap with the Apple Watch, particularly during a hike in a remote area with no signal. I had to keep pulling out my phone to check my position, which would have been so much more practical directly from the watch.

Health

Garmin stands out for sports coaching and health tracking. I really appreciated the in-depth analysis and suggestions for improving my VO2Max or reducing body fat. That data motivates me to work on my overall health.

Connected Features

On connected features, this is where Apple shines. With the Apple Watch, I can leave the house without my phone and still:

• Open or close my connected garage door,
• Pay with Apple Pay,
• Stream music,
• Make calls or receive texts.

That technological independence is a major advantage for me — and it’s where the Apple Watch shows its superiority.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is Garmin’s weak point. I found the menus complicated and not very intuitive. On the other hand, the physical buttons proved very useful in situations where I couldn’t look at the screen — like during an intense running session. That said, launching an app or navigating menus with the Apple Watch’s crown or touch scroll is often faster and more intuitive than on the Garmin, making it much more pleasant for everyday use.

Preparing for a Sporting Event

On this front, Garmin is unbeatable. It let me prepare for a sporting event by building a tailored training plan. For a marathon, for example, the watch manages your calendar, asks about your availability, and proposes a complete programme. It doesn’t replace a coach, but I found this feature very useful.

The Gaps

Apple Watch

• Offline mapping: This is a major gap for the Apple Watch. I’d have loved to use detailed maps without needing a connection.
• Use with a chest strap: When I do CrossFit or climbing, I’d love to be able to put the watch in my pocket and use a heart rate chest strap instead. But the Apple Watch automatically pauses the activity once it’s locked.

Garmin

• Cellular connectivity: The lack of cellular is frustrating. For example, I can’t open my connected garage door without the watch communicating via the phone.
• Microphone: A mic would be useful for voice notes or hands-free timers. I really notice the absence — whether for jotting down a quick idea or rapidly adding something to my shopping list.

Conclusion

After testing both watches, here’s my take: the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 are aimed at different audiences. For me, the Apple Watch is the obvious choice thanks to its connected features that let me leave my phone behind entirely if needed. That said, I acknowledge that Garmin excels at sports coaching and performance tracking. If you’re a pure athlete, Garmin might be your best option. But for everyday use, the Apple Watch’s connected features are unbeatable.