Apple Watch Ultra vs Garmin Epix 2 - Which one is actually ULTRA? In-Depth Comparison!

Apple Watch Ultra

Apple Watch Series 8

Apple Watch SE

Apple Watch Series 7

Apple iPhone 14 / 14 Pro

Garmin Epix Gen 2

Garmin Forerunner 955 / 955 Solar

Garmin Fenix 7s

Garmin Fenix 7

Garmin Fenix 7x

Polar H9 Chest HR Sensor

Polar Verity Sense HR Sensor

Garmin HRM Pro Sensor

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00:00 - Intro / Overview
00:47 - Purchasing Options / Pricing
02:15 - Compatibility
02:39 - Size and Weight / Size Comparison / Internal Storage
03:52 - Design / Aesthetics
04:43 - Water Resistance / Dive Features
05:17 - Display / Flashlight Comparison
06:43 - Apple Watch Ultra Interface
08:09 - Garmin Epix User Interface
08:59 - Smartwatch Features
11:03 - Safety Features
12:16 - Wellness Tracking / Daily Health
13:45 - Training Tools / Training Feedback
15:45 - Activity Tracking / Activity Profile Customization
17:32 - Running Power / Advanced Running Metrics
17:52 - External Sensor Support
18:13 - Mapping / Navigation
19:32 - Battery Life
20:54 - GPS Modes / Accuracy
21:48 - Heart Rate Sensor Accuracy
23:00 - Final Thoughts / Which one is right for you?

[ariomanousi]

I used the 735xt for 4 years before upgrading to the Epix. Had it for a few weeks before the AWU was announced. I debated between the two for a LONG time and decided to return the Epix and get the AWU. It was love at first sight! The integration with the Apple Ecosystem, the smart features, and accurate pool swimming mode (my main issue with Garmin). But after about 2 months, I started to miss the Garmin. I do triathlons and train around 10-15 hours a week, I do a few long trail runs each year, and wear my watch all the time.
As good as the AWU was, it wasn't a true sports watch to me.
1- Pausing the workouts even with the two buttons is a nightmare, especially here in Alberta (Canada) with long winters when I'm wearing layers and thick gloves outside
2- Putting workouts into the watch is so complicated
3- I downloaded the Athlytic app on the watch but what I see and how I feel don't match. I do a hard run workout and the watch says I'm 100% recovered???
4- Initially, the battery life was fine but eventually, having to charge the watch every couple of days became annoying.
5- I do ski touring and there is no mode for that, so I had to put it into hiking mode
There are just a lot of small things that a true sports watch does way better.
I ended up selling the watch for a loss and going back to the Epix. AWU might be the best watch for someone who wants smart features but also exercises for fun. But if you are a serious athlete, don't make the mistake I made and stick to a true sports watch!

[palypster]

About the pricing, it's really relative. In the US, Ultra costs 800 USD and Epix2 1000 USD. In my country it's exactly opposite - Ultra costs 1000 EUR and Epix2 840 EUR. So a very big difference, from market to market obviously, which may lead to a different value for money ratio.

[bufferino]

I liked my Apple Watches but it is a mini smart phone. As a teacher who sees kids addicted to phones and then reflects on my own smart phone habits, it isn’t a good combo. Garmin’s limited smart watch functions are a good thing in my book. I wish Garmin could make their Fenix/Epix more stylish. I like the quick fit bands and I like the round watch face, but I don’t always like the “rugged” look of it. Give me a stylish Fenix.

[MihaRekar]

Very happy with my Epix, having switched from 945. That said, Ultra is the first Apple Watch I'm even slightly interested in. So it's a great first step from them which means that in ~3 years, when I'll be looking to switch from my Epix there will hopefully be a much more capable Ultra.

Garmin still has the advantage for most of us outdoor people, but Apple is seriously catching up.

[candidobm]

Apple can catch Garmin one day. But this day isn't today.

[MDZac]

I have had my Watch Ultra since Friday and sure, it’s not Garmin battery level, but I am getting 48-60 hours easily with cellular service, and lots of notifications and workouts, Always on Display. It’s exceeded Apple’s marketing of 36 hours and then some. Fantastic device. It’s more of an extreme sport-smartwatch with a ton of smartwatch capability (probably the most), whereas the Garmins are legit extreme sport watches with some smartwatch capability.

[HCG]

One of the best features of Apple Watches in general is the integration with the entire Apple ecosystem. I can control my music library on my computer, control my Apple TV, find any of my Apple devices, ping my phone if it’s somewhere in my room, control my AirPods, etc. The integration alone is worth enough where I wouldn’t switch to any other smartwatch.

[freepat]

I’m not sure if you covered it, but as an AW user, I really wish Apple would build out a desktop app like Garmin Connect for the computer. I think that is a serious differentiator between Apple and Garmin. If you’re a Strava user, maybe some of this is mitigated by that desktop site, but it’s nowhere near as detailed as the Connect site.

[mralex]

I have been using Fenix6 for 2+ years and now I have bought Apple Watch Ultra. First of all I am so amazed by the number of features in the Ultra, I can't even compare this huuuuge difference between Apple and Garmin in terms of smartness, usability for a daily life. After using Fenix for a pretty long time I still forget what one or another button does and what button should I hold to open some menu. Fenix also doesn't propose me to start tracking activity if I forget to do so and there's no option to enable it (other cheaper Garmins have this option) and this is kinda weird. Being a little stupid Garmin is still a very good watch with the big advantage of a long-lasting battery. I won't sell my Garmins but will use them much more rarely than Apple.

[mickeybrumfield]

Being into hiking and climbing really think at this time I will stick with Garmin and their maps with the extended battery life. I do welcome the competition from Apple though and hope they can help keep the prices down on these devices. All in all great comparison review.

[rajmadhure]

Just did a 4 day backpacking trip in the Sequoia Forest with an Epix. The navigation features on the Garmin just can't be beat. And the battery life is just not there with the Apple Watch. So much as I'm tempted gonna stick with Garmin for now.

[nazukeoya]

Excellent comparison! I got my Ultra in today and I'm already in love. The screen size is so much more useful and nicer than my Series 6. I also like it more than my Fenix 6X Pro Solar.

[bearnose]

Great video! The exact comparison I needed! In the end I went with the Epix since I’m replacing a Fenix 5 and thus invested in the Garmin ecosystem. That combined with lack of ANT+ sensors and not as integrated training features. It was not an easy choice though. I originally bought a garmin watch to use it for training and for training the Garmin line is still superior it seems, especially after watching your comparison! Thank you!

[austinfarner]

I bought both! I use the Apple Ultra for daily around home and town use. I will use the Garmin for outdoor trips such as multiple day long fishing trips, hikes, etc where daily charging is not possible. I really do wish the Garmin had a cellular option built in though as that would be a huge plus not having to carry your phone also! Thats a big win for Apple on that part.

[mden]

Thanks for the in-depth review. I have the Apple Ultra with always on display off, and average about 30% of battery usage a day, which calculates to about a little over 3 days of battery life on a full charge.

[richardhodgson]

Epix for me. Off hiking in Albania, off-grid for 6/7 days. Epix battery life and navigation tools are what i need

[Seahawks]

I've owned both and they are both fantastic. I lean ultra but only because it fits my lifestyle slightly better. If I had the money I'd have both though lol.

[mateuszwardzynski]

As for today: Epix. But what people at Garmin should be really afraid of is AW Ultra 2....

[WizardTyrel]

Great video. For me, the Ultra reveal was the first time that I ever even considered getting an apple wearable. For a few days, I watched previews for the ultra and was liking what I was seeing...except for the battery life. Then I discovered the Epix and decided it made much more sense to upgrade my fenix 3 to an epix and I couldn't be happier. The Ultra definitely seems like the best smartwatch on the market, but the wealth of information coupled with the insane battery life that Garmin provides is simply in another class. For an outdoor/fitness enthusiast, the Epix really is a no brainer.

[Jan-bmpi]

I am an Apple user through and through but sold my AW in favour of the Epix. Solely based on the fact that Apple doesn’t bother to bring the software to a level where you don’t need 5 subscriptions to cover fitness data interpretation, navigation app and advanced activity tracking apps. Garmin just includes all of this out of the box. I’m sure that Apple will improve on this in the future, but it will probably take 3-4 more Watch os updates