Apple Watch Ultra vs Garmin Epix Pro

Garmin just released their new top of the line do everything watch with their sharpest AMOLED display with the latest greatest software advancements, improved HR tracking, and even a built in flashlight. Apple just announced some of what’s coming to WatchOS 10 for their top of the line do everything, durable Apple Watch Ultra. So with all of these big new announcements, it got me thinking . . . How does the Apple Watch Ultra compare to the all new Garmin Epix Pro?

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[pquirke]

I have owned both a Garmin Epix 2 and an AW Ultra. I love Garmin's rugged Military look and toughness, they also had the best leather strap. However, the AWU is better FOR ME because of the extra features I use all the time and the fitness aspects are good enough for my needs, sleep tracking, running, and walking. The additional features that are better (again FOR ME) are unlocking my Mac, Unlocking my iPhone if I am not entirely looking directly at it, paying for everything while out (a much easier process, double tap one button), turning up music playing from my phone or through my headphones, skipping tracks, podcasts. Answering calls while driving, setting timers with my voice, turning lights on and off with a tap, while driving getting turn-by-turn feedback vibrating on my wrist when I need to listen to the GPS voice or when I need to turn, using it as the Apple TV remote to change shows and apps on the TV. There are probably more that i take for granted. Again this is my opinion and my experience, i am not going to get all tribal about it.

[hovsepgasamanian]

I had been looking into garmin watches for a long time (maybe about 2 years). IMO its what you are used too. If you are an apple person then the ultra is for you. I got the ultra on the first release date and i loved it until the point that even 3 day battery life is sometimes not enough and maybe thats just me not remembering to charge it😂. About a month ago i finally caved in and got the fenix7x sapphire solar and although it was a good watch, it wasn’t an Apple Watch ultra. I returned it and appreciated my ultra more then before because it gave me the answer that i needed.

[andy-MTB]

Really well done! Glad you mentioned Garmin Connect. That's another key difference that's often overlooked and is so much better than using a patchwork of apps for Apple.

Garmin also offers vastly more sports apps residing natively... Golf yardages, scoring, shot and stat tracking is a big one for me. On top of that mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing etc.

[alexkhan]

Just got the Epix Pro 51mm to replace the Forerunner 745 and it's absolutely awesome. I've had the AWU for a while now and love it too. It's been my main watch on my left wrist while I only used the FR745 on my right wrist for running and workouts. Now that I've added the Epix Pro, it seems I'll be wearing both constantly. Hey, we have two wrists; why not adorn both with these technical marvels? Haha

The AWU has integrated so seamlessly and thoroughly with my Apple ecosystem for both work and personal usage that I can't do without it now. But, for my running, workouts, and long outdoor excursions, the Epix Pro leaves the AWU in the dust. It's not even close. The battery life on the Epix Pro 51mm is phenomenal for an AMOLED display. I have it on always-on mode with little power saving stuff turned on and it seems I'll easily get two full weeks before having to charge. Having used the FR745 for a while, I'm hooked on all the data and metrics that Garmin watches provide through the Connect app and online.

Well, to me, the AWU is an "apple" and the Epix Pro is an "orange", I guess. Obviously, they share similarities as smartwatches, but one is geared more towards mainstream usage with excellent all-round smartwatch features and good fitness/health features and the other is geared towards the serious athlete and sports enthusiast with the best cutting-edge fitness/health features and decent general purpose smartwatch features. And it seems it will stay that way for a while. Apple will try to catch up on fitness/health but Garmin will keep on working very hard to stay ahead while trying to catch up with Apple in other general purpose areas. Competition is good. I'll keep and use both. 😀

[thefoildesigner]

As yo said, the AWU for water sports is a nightmare, plus the need to buy third party apps to do what the Garmin out of the box was a no go for me and I returned it after a week. The only thing missing to the Garmin lineup is cellular connectivity. Once they add this (fingers crossed), it will be pretty much a no brainer to go with Garmin IMO.

[mortenvinther]

It comes down to what you want ( Smart watch or a Sport Watch ). For me i will pick a sport watch any day of the week, and thats why i go with Garmin.

[cristianocollarin]

Have had AWU for more than one year but now I have Epix Pro 2 51mm. Best sport watch so far. Don’t miss charging my watch every day

[eriktred]

I have the epix pro 51mm and apple watch ultra. I just ran a 50K with both. They both lasted the entire run, the garmin had many days left of battery, but AW had 20% battery left. I was using stryd app on AW. Here is why the Garmin wins. I have had AWU "crash" during two long runs and I lost my run data. I have never had a garmin software crash during a run (I've owned dozens of garmin over the years).

I would say epix pro 51mm is the best fitness watch I have ever owned. Build quality, screen clarity, battery life, hrt sensor, accuracy. It's been a long time since I've found what I would call "a perfect device."

[stanmakowski]

This is a great head to head video. Lots of great information on both watches and eco-systems. Currently have the Garmin Fenix 6X and looking to upgrade, your video gives great information and great points of view and options that each platform offers. Thanks for your great work.

[ZygiBoos]

If I not mistaken I think there is a way to stop activity by pressing both corona and bottom buton at once on any Apple Watch (Action button would be better, but no need to use only touch).

[wozzbeats]

Great review! I keep switching between the ultra and the epix pro and am still torn. I am not that bothered about the smartwatch features and do prefer the longer battery life so will prob end up sticking with the epix. The one thing I need to do is use the data in connect more as part of my training.

[davidbraswell]

I prefer AWU but I do love the maps of the Garmin 965 Forerunner as I now have both and wear one on each wrist! I may look funny but I don't care I am a Watch Fanatic!!

[andreaspape]

Tks for the great video, Matt. I‘m wearing the Ultra, before I had the Epix Gen. 2. What I miss the most is the way Garmin provides all data in Connect.

[pavan]

For me: Because I am in Apple ecosystem, AW for me with all its smart watch features. And I am not an athlete so I do not need all that detailed matrices. Happy with FR255 now along with my AW. When Garmin comes up with standalone LTE where I can leave my iPhone at home, I will switch (may be) completely to Garmin. And I saw what you did at 13:23 when you put AW for charging ;) ;). Great video as always Matt. Nice one :) :)

[JasonRaneses]

I have purchased the AWU twice now, with a mix of the original Epix 2 in between and now the 47mm Pro. The Epix Pro will be staying on my wrist until at least the next generation of the Apple Watch Ultra. Optimizing for fitness first, smart watch capabilities second.

[theghostofpcs]

Hey Matt! Just wanted to say thanks, because your videos/comments were very helpful in deciding between the forerunner 955 and the fenix 7, as an upgrade for my forerunner 245. I got the fenix 7 sapphire solar earlier this week, and I couldn't be happier!

[Knenemeka]

Great video ❤as always!! I have both but I like the Garmin much more

[UltraDad]

Like it Matt. Well done. I've owned both over the years. It seems like every couple years I reach a crossroads and switch. That's where I'm at right now. I currently use the Garmin Fenix 6 pro, but I am very tempted to jump back to the Apple Watch Ultra. I think it will do everything I need (smart + fitness), EXCEPT my 50+ mile ultras. For those I plan to keep the Fenix around. Thanks again!

[Sozialkompetenz]

I recently replaced the AWU2 with a Garmin Tactix Delta because I was at awe about the features and the freedom I have with the functions and how easy it is to get the results what you want when you use it. From workouts not being interrupted to using the map while on a walk to the insane battery life the 600 bucks spent on technology that was available in 2019 just blew me away and kind of demonstrated that the Ultra Running Explorer Deep Diver myth Apple is marketing their watch too, is just that. A myth. I don't need to update my Wordpress blog from my watch nor my Facebook page. Making a call is best done with some sort of mobile. However when I'm in a cellular black hole, I for sure know that this 2019 piece of hardware from Garmin will not let me down, it has everything on board and will keep running for days if not weeks. And that's not even the Tactix 7, the latest model. So my AWU2 got passed on to my wife, she's happy with it.

[jarenmullen]

For me it’s the ability to listen to music. I tried a Fenix for two days and the downloaded spotify tracks to bluetooth earbuds sounded like trash. Run w/ music a bunch so was a dealbreaker.