Apple Watch Ultra vs Garmin Epix Pro - 5 Deciding Factors!

Garmin Epix PRO

Garmin Fenix 7 PRO

Garmin Epix Gen 2

Apple Watch Ultra

Apple Watch Series 8

Apple Watch SE

Apple iPhone 14 / 14 Pro

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00:00 - Intro / Overview
00:54 - What they have in common
01:57 - Do you own an iPhone?
02:19 - Cellular or Not?
03:43 - Out of Box Experience
05:11 - Offline Maps / Navigation
08:48 - Battery Life
10:44 - Flashlight
12:12 - Final Thoughts / Conclusion

[denncardoso]

I will describe my experience here, you people can judge me. I was using an Apple watch ultra for my running and strength training for 21k and I was very upset with the confusion of the Apple Watch to force me to use third-party apps to configure my interval runs and consolidate my information at the end of the day. I sold my Apple watch Ultra and move back to Garmin, bought a Forerunner 965. The out-of-the-box experience was excellent, I can connect my account with my trainer app on my iPhone and download my interval runs automatically. Better training status, better battery. I don't care about LTE or phone functions on my wrist. I want my training data being collected and consolidate efficiently.

[tomaszjakubowski]

Deciding factor #7 in Garmin's favor is their excellent customer service. I've started with Garmin with Forerunner 310 and even then when my wife's Forerunner broke way out of warranty they replaced it for a small fee with a re-certified unit. It just happened to me when my Fenix 6x Saphire broke, almost 3 years since purchase and they are replacing it with a re-certified unit for $150. Those watches are awesome but also pricey and having an option to get a replacement past warranty keeps me as their customer.

[devniel]

Epix pro is now the ultimate SPORT watch

[cbenson]

I tried the Ultra and moved to the Forerunner 965. Somewhat for map/nav features, but ultimately Garmin is so much better for multisport training integration, sensor support, interval and other workout types, and training and recovery metrics. It will be years before Apple is anywhere close on those things imo.

[viridionwaves]

Excellent summary and contrast. I think the Apple watch ultra looks to fulfill all the potential of what a smartwatch can be, and has fitness functions, while the Garmin is for competitive athletes or people serious about fitness, and has smartwatch functions. The garmin has many more metrics that track and analyze performance, and Garmin Coach and was a major reason for me to buy Garmin (not to mention the buttons). But the AWU looks much better from a UI perspective and can do a lot more phone things. Both great devices, but for fairly different purposes. The Garmin is probably narrower in its focus on fitness and advanced health/activity tracking. While the AWU is a mini phone.

[mlegrand]

Commenting for the algorithm and to mention that this video will crush. I love the fact that you’ve boiled this down to 5 key factors. 👌

[FJDIAZ]

I’ve just traded my Fenix 7 SS for an AW Ultra 2 and I cannot be more disappointed at the moment, the out of the box experience is just disappointing sadly. I regret it a lot. I mean, great hardware, but if the software and experience is no different from the standard AW… I don’t see the Ultra justified. I’m trying so hard to give it an opportunity but the desire of switching back is there. Great video as always!

[paolaroblesgil]

I have the AW Ultra and the Epix 2 (not Pro) and I completely I agree with your analysis. I use them both, but one is a much better smartwatch and the other a beast of a fitness and sports watch.
All of your points reflect exactly how I feel about them. Some people ask me about the differences and now I can point them to your video! Thanks :)

[sharkuify]

Great video, I'd definitely go for the Epix pro simply because I'm an outdoors type and looking forward to a new S24 ultra next year.

[DM-mimo]

Adding Garmin Messenger to the current capabilities (inReach) would take away any issue related individual’s connectivity while you’re out on the field, and most importantly worldwide, no conditions, no limitations. Having or not the iPhone with you, at that point become an individual’s choice. This is what makes Garmin watches insuperable for appassionate runners. Both Fenix 7 and Epix have great compatibility with IR, straight from the watch!

[unityxg]

Epix for the win. I came from a Galaxy Watch 5 Pro to the Epix Gen 2 Sapphire and for the things I like to do, it is well beyond my expectations of its functionality.

[lgmarquez]

I got both. I use both when I go for runs but for everyday tasks I use my ultra all day while I put away my Garmin in a drawer until the next morning when I need to go for a run.

[alexkhan]

I have both and wear both all the time - well, not the AWU when I go to sleep. To me, they are totally different kinds of watches. The AWU is an extension of my iPhone and another very useful and compact/mobile endpoint for my Apple ecosystem. For running and other sports activities, there is no comparison: it's the Garmin Epix Pro 51. Now, I have no need to take the phone with me on my runs, gym workouts, hikes, or whatever other physical activities. The AWU handles my phone calls, Messages, Apple Music, other general stuff and general Health info and the EP51 handles all the detailed sports and health-related data.

They can each do some of what the other is best at, but not nearly as good. I also use the AWU with Stryd on my runs so that I can get another set of running data along with what EP51 is providing. So, to me, they are very complementary and I have two wrists, so why not both? I know that around $2K for both is a lot but is surely a lot less than luxury watches from the likes of Rolex, Omega, and Cartier, etc., a few of which I have and almost never wear except for a few stuffy social events every now and then when I have to wear a suit. I think both are great and love 'em. I have things set up so they don't overlap and each does what they are best at.

[andrewcollier]

When I'm out running, the least thing I want is to have phone calls and messages coming in on my watch. I just want to run and listen to music. No outside world thanks.

[freepat]

Good review here, but would also point out that the price difference here is $300 with the Pro’s priced in north of $1k. I mention this also because WorkOutdoors and Athlytic are the two apps that make the AWU very comparable to Garmin for mapping and training readiness and they are both discounted here as having to be bought, extra.

The flashlight is a tie here, imo. They both have them and they both work for backups. If anything, Garmins torch is over the top.

[arcadialive]

Garmin Epix Pro 100%. If you're into working out or competitive sports, there isn't a competition, :D Garmin Epix Pro is even wearable to dinner as much as it is in the mud. It's also a conversation starter. Whereas the Apple Watch you might get teased for wearing that.

[GOLFADDICT]

i ended up going with the EPIX PRO due to i am an avid this watch and everything about it...cheers all

[mattiamele]

Epix is a sport Watch, Apple ultra is a smartwatch! This is the difference. I love Garmin’s ecosystem! Thank you for this video!

[wozzbeats]

Great review! I was using the AWU since it was released and really enjoyed it. I did however recently move to the Epix Pro because a mate recommended it and I took the plunge after doing some research. I then went back to try out the iOS10 on the AWU and missed the fact I had to much more fitness data all centralised in one app and I didn’t have to charge it so often. I’m back on the Epix Pro and will prob stay there. 😊

[infinity--]

Excellent review and spot on. In a nutshell, Epix is for serious outdoor athletes / use while Apple is for everyday urban use. Period.