I DITCHED the Apple Watch Ultra for the Garmin Epix Pro!
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- Опубліковано 16 тра 2024
- In my Garmin Epix Pro review, I reveal five things it can teach the Apple Watch Ultra. I’m on the hunt for the best GPS sports watch, and this is yet another chapter in this fascinating experiment. In this video, you’ll find out who the Epix Pro is for and why it sits in a class of its own.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
01:43 - Epix Pro specs
03:50 - A class of its own
05:11 - Battery
06:22 - Round faces
07:10 - Price
08:13 - Ecosystem?
09:31 - Conclusion
Are you Team Garmin or Team Apple Watch? And why?
Team Garmin because they work on both Android and iOS. However, the functionality of your Garmin watch in terms of smart features is much better on Android than on iOS
Team Garmin for battery life and sports
Both, I simply use both Watches. xD
I love Fitness+ on the Apple watch when it comes to workouts and all that stuf, you can do there.
But when I am outside stuff, like riding my Bike for more then 1 or 2 Days, or other advenced sport Activitis. I am happy to have the Garmin with all it's advenced Sport features.
Garmin return apple watch shocking battery life
I own an Apple Watch 8 and a Epix Gen 2. They are both great watches.
I have a slightly different perspective as I was a long term Garmin user, then tried to switch to AWU because I really love Apple ecosystem but then ultimately went back to Garmin. And the main reason was that I struggled to figure out why should I use AWU. I found myself more often than not just reaching for my phone or talking to Siri because it was just more convenient and faster. Meanwhile, I was kind of surprised how bad AWU actually is for anything that's not running, diving or gym fitness. I've ended up deciding that Garmin gives me just enough smartwatch functionality while also having many unique aspects on its own. It feels like it's another tool that complements my other devices rather than just being an (very limited) iPhone on my wrist.
Spot on m8!
I love my original Garmin Instinct. I used to have an apple watch but sold it. I don't need another iphone on my wrist. And the garmin's battery is ridiculous. A week later after I charged it, it went down 1 bar out of 5. And the fact that I can use it on it's own without needing a phone for such things as hiking, etc. is perfect. Not to mention it's the most comfortable watch I've ever worn.
Agree! I did exactly the same but with samsung watch 6. I started wondering what to do with the samsung watch. Then i went back to garmin wich is really great.
odd one here... Droid mainly [until i needed a small cell watch standalone] now I have my Garmin Dive computer Mk2 + Mk3i + Ultra2 watch ....so need to run deco tools like multi deco.. [spite against droid is strong now] Linux an dUnix workstation for at home or laptop deco runtimes... looking into a tablet or a iphone for app use... [] I only need the garmins for Dive data, but I only need the ultra2 for bottom timer and cell phone [mainly cell hone] never can have enough backup on your dive gear. but it comes down to hardware for my dive planning and dive logs at home and on the go... so until I can have a linux cell phone with a linux watch and my linux desktop. I will need a mobile solution for cell phone and a place to run my subsurface sw garmin tools plus multideco ( these will not run on the watch, but the watch will go in the water ) now a tablet and phone might also be in the works for the software... and other tiems... [] I guarantee they will not be google based [] -- apple does have a system that works.. it may be that it is based using BSD and has had 15 years to get the stupid removed.
@@stromqvistarn - Which
Apple fanboy here, with a Garmin watch. Had an Apple Watch then switched to Garmin 7 years ago. Love my iPhone and my Garmin.
A lifelong Apple user who is just selling my Ultra having got the Epix pro. Suits my needs for all the reasons you mention. Having retired last year. I don’t need a smart watch, but a durable fitness watch that is geared to my cycling, hiking and fitness needs. It’s helped support my fitness gains. Garmin Pay is limited, but then I still have my phone for that.
So the Epix, Edge 840 and power meters etc, all feed into connect.
I've been using AWU for a year, just got the Epix gen 2 pro last week, and I'm in love. I like my AWU but this epix is the watch Ive always wanted. The design is much better, and the amount of info you get is silly. For back country use there is no comparison.
Great video! Garmin all the way. Ive used Samsung, Fitbit and Apple. They are good watches in their own ways. But Garmin is just a beast of a watch. I own the 51mm Epix Pro. Love this watch.
Ordered garmin epix pro gen 2, can't wait my first garmin device 😊
Both. I somehow can’t decide. I love my Garmin with all the stats in one plus, but miss my AW when I wear it, and the other way round 🤷♀️😉! All the best for 2024!!! 🍀
Apple and Tesla Fanboy, but using Garmin Instinct 2X Solar for much more longer battery time, and changed to Anker Headphones away from Apple as well. Last but not least the Garmin App and daily run recommendations are perfect. Also my wife moved to the Venue 3 away from AW, and has now 14 days of battery.
Well done, Cheers.
I’m an Apple guy and a « sometimes » Garmin user. The only drawback has always been the weak HR results on Garmin wearables.. but not this time bcause they finally nailed it 👌
I’m looking forward to switching definitely ✌🏼
I had an AW3 about 8 years ago, but i was a Garmin guy before and after. I have a Garmin Fenix 7X currently. I really like real buttons and the flashlight. I love the weight lifting tracking - it counts repititions and guesstimates what the exercises are, you can input how much weight you used. After your workout, you can correct the exercise. Then you can view the muscle groups. I do wish they'd do something with this info. I would like to see percentage of muscle groups so you could craft design your own workouts based on what needs work. Also I'd like to be able to create my own exercises.
Workouts and Pacepro with Bluetooth headphones is were the Garmin really shines. It's like having a coach with music telling you when your in and out of pace, heart rate, or power. Also, Workouts and Pacepro annouses what you did on the last segment and whats next.
My last feater is being to copy a exercise and customise the autolapse, alerts with datascreens for just that excercise. I like to setup a "Long Run" excercise which has 10 minute alerts for hydration reminders along with my favorite data screens just for my long run.
Nice review been struggling with this for 2 years, still can’t decide
AWU2 for me. The health insights take precedence over any fitness features. I like that my music can be on my wrist, and the integration to the Apple ecosystem. There is also the richness of apps that integrate into the watch from my phone. Taking calls. Using my watch as a remote for my iPhone camera. Replying to text messages. Boarding passes. Train tickets. Cycling / walking navigation.
Come to think of it, the AWU is a really cool watch. 😎
(I had a Garmin before getting an Apple Watch, and for my usage, Apple is way ahead in terms of my usage requirements)
I agree. The same for me and it also works great with Apple TV.
100% agree. I tried Garmin a few times with Fenix 6S, Enduro 1 and then Enduro 2 but every time I switched back to Apple Watch because of all the little features that just make it so good. Using the Apple Watch Ultra 1 now and still loving it after a year of use.
Meeeeeeeeeeeeh
Im watching this video with my Apple Watch on the left arm, and my FR965 on the right. I did 3 Ironman races with Garmin (FR945, FR955), a lot of half marathons and triathlons… Last year I bought the AW Ultra and bye bye Garmin. I mean, I tried to go back buying the FR965, but everything is better on the AWU except for the battery. But using Audible, Stryd, and many more apps on the AW is wayyyy better than just having Spotify on the Garmin. Apple Pay with all my credit cards, vs just one card on Garmin Pay, all the connections and features on the AW are just better on daily usage, and now with the screen mirroring to the iPhone when you are cycling, and connected to the power meters, turbo trainers and cadence devices… haven’t being able to go back to Garmin. Ps: Thank you for all of your videos and insights. Cheers from Colombia! 🎉🎉
Thanks for the lovely comment!
I always appreciate your approach and explanation for your videos. I totally get the battery life issue with the Apple Watch Utra. But, its ease of use, ecosystem compatibility being so seamless, and the fact I've yet to find an app that doesn't work with it, I really don't have any trouble with mine. At most I'll do 4 or 5 night hikes, and the Apple Watch definitely requires a charge at the midpoint of that...but, I don't find it too bothersome to connect to my battery pack overnight (which I need for my phone anyway) enough of an issue to grab a dedicated sports watch. I quite like Apple's health tracking info, all of which I'd lose or need to change over to Garmin. For me, that's the final deal breaker. Am I bias, very likely as I've been doing what I've been doing for awhile...battery alone isn't going to move me away. I know that's just me. I wouldn't fault anyone for feeling differently.
I totally get you but for me is exactly the battery that moves me away from the awu. I really wanted to like it and i do but i think l'll go back o using a Garmin watch just because i don't want to worry about another device to charge.
@@InnerFreediver I get it. I’ve no problem seeing how that is a deal breaker for people.
I have the Apple Ultra 2 because I don’t like carrying my phone and it’s the first Apple Watch I’m not afraid of breaking. The Ultra 2 is the best smart watch out there.
I have my Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire for hiking and all other physical activity. I’m currently tracking my sleep with the Ultra 2 but I’m finding the Garmin is more accurate tracking sleep also. Garmin makes the best sports watches out there.
I had the AWU2 and sent it back to buy an Epix Pro. I love it, a much more consistent and conclusive approach than AWU, almost as good as my old fenix 6 😊
Same but I went for the tactix 7 pro 😄😎👍
Good review. I picked the MIP display over the amoled. I like amoled on a phone, but not a watch. Looks too much like wearing a phone on your wrist. Plus, MIP is great outside and it doesn’t blind you inside. But that’s just a personal preference. Mip display does have super battery life. So that’s a super plus
I am currently in the conundrum of choosing between these two watches. I own both but find the Garmin helping to motivate me day to day with tracking my runs. The feedback it offers me is valuable. Not to mention, I can switch between Android and Apple very easily and let's face it the flashlight is epic. However, the Apple watch Ultra does a fantastic job as well. I can get some feedback but have to use other apps. It is not as valuable as what I get on the Garmin but it's usable. Also being able to use it with cellular and just the overall smart features is a game changer. At the moment the scales are tipped towards the Garmin but I find myself going back and forth. Eventually I will sell one of them though.
have you tried wearing both at the same time but different wrist? Garmin for fitness and AWU for smart features.
Nice video thanks! I’m also quite deep into the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad Pro, Mac mini Pro, AirPods Pro, HomePod, Apple TV, AirTag) but still had a nearly 6 Year old Garmin Vivoactive 3. I wanted to replace that Watch and read a lot of reviews and watched many UA-cam videos. For me there were too few benefits in favour of the Apple Watch, so I bought the Fenix 7S Pro in September this year. I absolutely love it. And you can connect your AirPods Pro with it. I use it for listening to Spotify (one of the few other companies I prefer over the Apple equivalent)
There were two things that I really like about my Garmin watch(es): physical buttons, and battery life (obviously). I had a Fenix 3 HR and now a Fenix 6X Pro Solar and I really like that the buttons are the same: they’re in the same locations and they have same functions as before. Heavy reliance on a touchscreen which presents information in a different manner and location from screen to screen and app to app is just a non-starter for me. And then there is the battery life. When Apple was making the (just a) watch, I expected it would have a poor battery, but when they came out with the Ultra - and called it a sport watch - I really expected there would be a better battery life. I also agree with “watch faces should be round.”
Mark, good video and well balanced. I think you should use what works for you! I use the U2 and for me it works just fine. At nearly 1AM (Texas time) I have 61% battery life and started with about 81% this morning. At 73, that’s more than good enough for me. Being that, like you, I’m in Apple’s ecosystem, the U2 is more than adequate for me. I traded in the U1, got $411 for it and got the U2 for the new SiP9, 64GB of RAM storage, & the even brighter screen. So, far I’m very pleased with the U2 and don’t care how it stacks up to the Garmin. I’ve no doubt it is better in many ways. Get and use what works for you, I’ll do the same. I’m keeping the U2 regardless of what Apple does going forward. When the time comes, I’ll replace the battery. The U2 will work just as well as anything that comes after and should the U3(etc.) do more, that’s nice. I’ve found the watch that works for me and I’ll stick with it.
Can you text on the Garmin or is it just presets? I’m coming from a Fenix 5X Sapphire to Ultra 2. So far it’s been nice. My Fenix is a tank, but it’s nice to have some things to help out with normal everyday tasks like texts, calls, walkie-talkie, and even start my truck on cold mornings lol.
Bought an epix gen 2 sapphire edition during black Friday and it is amazing. 10 days of battery with tracking for golf and mtbing. The ability to map and gps track mtb rides alone dominates AW
Good video.I started with Garmin owning a Forerunner 245, but I went through 4 replacements as the HRM would not turn off even when charging. Out of frustration I went to the Apple Watch and it was fine. I came back to Garmin and I had a Fenix 6 Pro for years and really liked it. I sold the Fenix 6 Pro 47mm and bought an Ultra 2 for 2 main reasons- I was beginning to find it hard to see the data fields (HR, Weather, steps, etc) encircling my favourite watch face, and the Garmin would not consistently get notifications from my daughter's diabetes Libre sensor. I miss being able to wear the watch while sleeping to get that extra bit of health data, and I feel I look less of an endurance athlete, but the consistency of the notifications, the high end build materials, and the easier readability calm my worries. If Apple ever came out with a round watch face (pipe dream I am sure) I would be all over it. Overall, the Ultra 2 covers all I need, perhaps not all I want/think I need.
I am sporting a Garmin as well along with the new Apple Ultra 2 I don't wear them at the same time during my daily activities but I did experimented with them once together in one of my runs and after that experiment I was wearing more of the Garmin and seems to grab and wear it every time I go out for a run, the Apple watch is more of an watch that I will wear in the office coz it looks good and gets more attention 😁, The Garmins Battery is just amazing even in the older versions than what you have there, thanks for sharing your incites
Im wearing Apple Watch since 2017 and after upgrading to AWU, I recently bought a fenix 7X. I really love it especially because I’m doing a lot of sports. What I’m missing from my AWU is how the data run smoothly in Apple Health App and obviously all the Apple eco system. So I will keep using both depending on what I’m doing (work or sports)
The best app I bought was Healthfit to display your exercise data
I am currently wearing an Apple Watch Ultra on one arm and a garmin forerunner 265 on the other arm and have been for about 2 months. It looks absurd, but the additional fitness information I get from the garmin is worth it to me (for now), but the smart watch features of the ultra within my apple ecosystem make it my primary wearable. I’ll probably go down to just wearing the garmin for sleeping and working out.
I wear a Garmin 965 and AWU. God gave us two wrists for a reason.
Ironically the Apple has better sleep tracking then Garmin.
Awu + 255 here 😅
I've had the Apple Watch 3 for a while now, it's getting quite slow. Looking to switch to a Garmin for the battery life, running and hiking features. Great review!
Great video. The battery life on the bigger side Garmin is nuts. I get 30 days lol. Both are awesome but I prefer Garmin. The looks, battery life etc
Great video, but me personally, I love my Apple Watch Ultra 2. I basically just wanted a fitness GPS watch that is indestructible and that I don’t have to worry about upgrading for a while. Garmin watches are great also, but I just prefer the Apple Watch Ultra. Great video by the way, I’m subscribing to it right now.
One is a fitness watch that has some smartwatch functionality. The other is a smartwatch with some fitness features. Both have come a long way! I settled on the Apple Watch - the most recent fitness software has had some nice features finally added that the garmin has.
No, as an ultra runner I dropped the Garmin Fenix Pro. It was to heavy for me when running for 12 hours. I also did not like the interface; the fatigue notification was great but ultimately I need a watch with a clear display that is not to heavy and can last for the distance.
I currently own an Apple Watch Ultra and a Fenix 7 pro . I much prefer the Garmin . The fact I get approximately 18 days battery , lots of training stats and I much prefer the app on my phone . With the garmin , I feel my health improving . While the Apple Watch is just a durable Apple phone on my wrist .
Is the screen really dim for you as well
Question.. do you wear both watches all the time? Thanks in advance!
@@THELIFEOFCBfor the garmin ? It’s definitely not as bright as the ultra but definitely useable !
@@jordanlawson7054haha I’m not cool enough to pull that off . I usually swap every so often . I’ll try the new beta on the ultra as they are released , switch back , etc
I have the ultra and Garmin fenix 3 HR. I switched to ultra for a few months and now I have the garmin back on. Something about the fit and reliability. Oh and yes the battery life! No more “charge before bed!”
I got the ultra 2 and although it's a welcome improvement from the series 7 (battery). I'm thinking in getting the Venu 3 or eoix gen 2. I dont want smart features but only fitness and having one of those with an awesome battery, round watch seems compelling. Plus one less thing t9 be locked on Apple ecosystem
Funny, I switched to the AWU because the Fenix 7 annoyed me. Whenever I needed the navigation it was slow as hell and Spotify connectivity was also bad. The battery and sturdiness of the watch are great, but the OS on the Garmin is just slow and buggy. Maybe the experience is better on Android, because on iPhone I've always had to connect the watch and phone manually. My conclusion is, that if you want a super sportswatch, that probably won't ever break take the Garmin. For the average person or someone who takes sports a bit more seriously, or even if you want a great smart watch the AWU is great.
Love your videos Mark. I’m also embedded in the Apple ecosystem, but do a bit of running / swimming so I’ve been looking at ditching my aw and moving to Garmin. I’ll be very interested in your future Garmin videos 👍
Great video! Like you I’m all in to the MB and iPhone, but Garmin has a good endurance athlete eco system with the app, web portal and integration with Strava. I have the Garmin Fenix, just ordered the Garmin epix Pro 51mm for hiking and road cycling. One more thing, the Garmin records heart rate continuously and has ECG for those that may have AFIB episodes.
I have had Apple Watches For years and there is no getting around the terrible battery life. I also find the Apple Watches too complicated. It does too much but nothing it does is great. I currently use a Fenix 6Pro and I absolutely love it.
Great video and excellent points. By the way, what is the watch face and complications you have on the Ultra? Looks very cool!
I did the experiment of having two watches: Ultra1 and Fenix 7 Pro. Conclusion the Garmin UI and software sets me back in time... 1990s lol they really need to update their UI and software. I prefer a smartwatch - enjoy the fluidity of iPhone and Apple watch applications. Yes battery on AW is nothing compared to Garmin but fast charging is great on Ultra.
Another thing I noticed garmin has done well is give the right kind of feedback. A base level garmin is going to encourage you to move every 45 minutes and set a step goal.
The fenix and sport focused garmins can do all of that but it’s all turned off. On the other hand, if you are getting into running, the rings and the constant pinging of the Apple Watch can be overwhelming. I can only pay attention to so many metrics in a day.
Moving from AWU to Epix. Do miss the remote camera app on AW, and connection to ecosystem. Enjoying the garmin(i have had it a couple weeks).
Former Apple Watch guy (AW3) and very much ensconced in the Apple Ecosystem (tm) with a MBP, iPad Pro, iPhone, HomePod Mini... hell, I'm even still using one of the AirPort Extreme Base Stations with a 2 TB hard drive (in limited capacity, of course). I switched to Garmin when the Fenix 6 Pro came out. I now have a Fenix 7 Pro and I honestly will never go back to Apple Watch. I was tempted with the AWU and held out hope that the AWU2 would be a big improvement but when it wasn't... I decided to never go back.
If you're into anything fitness related, even just casually, you'll love the Garmin ecosystem. And if you decide to get more into fitness, you'll find that their ecosystem scales with you just as easily as Apple's does.
I’ve been saying this to anyone that would listen for a while ! People that know, like serious athletes for example , just go with a Garmin. They are not using an Apple Watch or a ma Samsung watch, or any other variants of android watches out there. They need devices they can rely on every single time for their events and their training. Great video.
Good perspective of comparison awu and epix pro!
I’ve tried swapping this year and just couldn’t do it! I’ve decided for 2024 that I’ll be sticking to being an apple Fan Boy. Great content as usual though Mark
you can have them both when running or cycling
and for non-sport scenarios, you can choose which one suits the best
I do both. I started with GARMIM. Then moved up to the APPLE watch 5 ,then went to the ultra and I was in love with until it came to working out. It tends to pause a lot so I never get a true idea of what I have done. So I have finally had enough and purchased the Garmin epic pro 51. I am anxious to see what will be of this new Garmin.
Hello I have a friend that says the same thing but I have an ultra and it has never pause on me. Could you explain a bit more on what do you mean?
I am also all-in on the Apple ecosystem, and just recently got an Ultra 2. However, as a long-time army guy, my Garmin Fenix would be the one I'd risk my life with. Case in point, while I think the Ultra is great, I've spent two days trying to make it more Garmin-like (which isn't a good sign for Apple Design) and still charge it nightly (just in case). The big divide I've noticed is that my Garmin is a GPS first and a watch second, and it's the reverse for the Apple. Also, battery life could always be better. When the Ultra can go a week on a charge and has a dedicated GPS app then it might be more of a competitor to Garmin. But for true iPhone interoperability, obviously you only have one choice here. Also agree the round face is superior; Samsung Galaxy watch as well
Mark, thanks for the thoughtful videos. I have been with Apple since the mac mini came out. what a relief from Windows. along the way I had Polar, fitbit, Garmin Fenix 3hr and 5x plus, and even tried a google os watch. Got the first Apple watch, and then the 3rd, and 6th. battery life was annoying, but it seems that charging speed increased over time. Tried Polar again, and then got a Garmin 955. that is an excellent watch, brighter than the Fenix. Took the place of the Apple watch 6. More information than I needed, sports wise, but too little integration with the rest of life. Again, I loved the 955, but longed for the better screen. tempted with the 965, but too much, and not enough battery life compared to a more integrated AW. Looked at the Epix/Epix pro gen2s, and again, battery life is not that much better. charging on the Garmin 955 is fast, as is the Apple watch, so when Vitality offered an AWUltra2, I jumped in. The integration is good, the battery charges fast, (just went from 18% to 66% in less than 30 minutes), and I get, with always on OFF, 72+ hours of battery life. Not enough for a $100+ premium on epix gen 2 pro, especially given charging speeds.
I do like the Garmin integration with deep analysis of my life, eg body battery, training readiness, training recommendations, but it does take some work to understand and take advantage of all that Garmin offers. And that is similar to learning to use the apps offered for the AW ultra 2. The freedom available with the AW, to choose a system you understand and that is useful to you, along with what tends to be more accurate sensors on the AW is important to me, although I think Garmin is improving. the 3hr and 5x were pretty shabby. Finally, the watch faces on the Garmin watches, cf 955, were subpar and pretty ugly, and I tried plenty. The AWU2 new faces are quite useful. I will spend the next two years with the AWU2, hoping that the sip upgrade bears some fruit. Thanks again!
yea, it was a relief, from working on, reinstalling, fixing windows, to actually getting work done on a computer, as a tool. The mac/pc commercials in the 2000s were right, and apple took off. Apple has become more like Android/windows as of late, with deep menus with all manner of settings. like a science project. I do not think Steve Jobs would have allowed that. Garmin menu systems are almost like an old DOS game, awkward and require hour long videos for tutorials. to each his own as you say.
I am both an Apple person and a Garmin person. I have multiple devices from both companies. But I would never consider an Apple Watch for many of the reasons you mentioned. I do have a Garmin Fenix 5X Plus and am awaiting the Fenix 8. When they become available your channel will be the first I will look to for a review.
Nice!
Great points! Most people seem to ignore Apples diabolical battery life.Im sporting the 51mm Garmin Epix pro saphire , after a Apple watch and Samsung Watch 4 Classic. The Apple and the Samsung were basicly not viable for me, it just seemed everytime i wanted to have a workout, or go for a ride or run the damn watch would need charging, to be honest the Apple watches and Samsung are only really viable for people who work in offices, as they can just constantly keep popping them on charge. The Garmin Epix can do a weekend camping trip with navigating and tracking and starting with 30 percent battery life! You can easliy get 2 weeks of battery life, thats with notifications on, alarms, Garmin Pay and spotify! I havent even touched on the metrics yet! The information this watch provides is staggering, the connect App is absolutely superb. For Health and fitness the Garmin is in a different league. My only complaint of the Epix is the lack of a speaker, as the inbuilt beeper is so faint you barely hear it - but you soon forget as everything else is so good.
I have both. For the reasons you said about both. And I switch back and forth. Exercise hiking any sports Garmin. Work shopping dinner Apple Watch Ultra.
I was an Apple Watch fan (Apple Watch Ultra I) until I got a Garmin bike for my touring bike. This was after several disappointments where the Apple Watch didn't log my time on the bike correctly. The Garmin 1130 edge bike computer makes all that recording seamless. I can't get the 1130 to talk to the Apple Watch nor can I easily transfer all of my data into the Apple Health app. After this, I may go Garmin Watch.
Apple needs to realize that making people stay in the ecosystem for *everything* can push people away as well as keeping them in.
I will be watching for your Garmin videos. 🙂
Good video and nice perspective - I appreciate your candour. The reality is I have always wanted to love the Apple watch, I have an iphone, an ipad pro 12.9, a m1 mbp 14 and, having spent my formative years on PCs all the way back as far as dos 5.1 and having spent time messing about config.sys files and autoexec.bat files in the early years, I feel fairly safe in saying that I could probably be considered as one of the many older OG 'A' typical tech-loving guys. But... I have owned Fenix 3 and now sport a Fenix 5x 51mm, and though I love spending time in a coffee shop on my mac and, on occasions, am happy to enjoy some crushed avocado on soda bread, I do not class myself as a coffee shop dwelling avocado munching tech fiend sporting a man bag with a millennium outlook to life living in a social media connected world. As such, as cool as many of the features seem on the Apple watch, I couldn't really bring myself to consider jumping in on one until the ultra came along.
The hype was great, the idea of having a suitably robust apple watch that I could go walking in the mountains or diving to 40m, seemed really cool (though I haven't done that for many years). But... and it's a big but... Having a watch that only lasts a couple of days battery wise, while giving me basic mapping with what appears (since I have never owned one, so can't say for sure), the requirement to download third-party apps to get really good fitness tracking capabilities feels like a sub-par effort for anything trying to class itself as a true sports/robust watch, and for the sake of a bunch of notifications, which will only disturb me from my workflow (who really wants interruptions all day accept the young who have an insatiable appetite for being connected), the apple watch is well, just a bit techy and a bit shiny, but in my mind, just a bit of a gimmick.
Now, I am a slightly overweight, middle-aged guy, who is admittedly living by the mantra of 'the older I get, the better I was' regaling of stories of my ex-military days, but for all intents and purposes, I still think a watch should be functional. No doubt the apple watch standard is that, but in terms of the marketing hype and supposed change of target market that the ultra implies, I can only assume it is simply aspirational marketing to hit a sweet nerve for those who love the idea of travelling through the Andes and living life on the edge, but in reality are more likely conduct the school run in their 4x4 and take a summer walk up Snowdon wearing a pair shorts while walking the dog and relying on mountain rescue to come and save them like the AA when their flip flops (with slightly more rugged tread) let them down.
Have I been a little bit sarcastic in this message, probably. But hopefully, I have also put myself down sufficiently to rebuttal any criticism in an effort to be fair and share the love with everyone while also highlighting where the Apple Ultra is targeted, which it seems, is certainly not me. And just in case you were bored enough to get to the end of this diatribe... short of something new, it will probably be the Garmin Epix 2 next for me - which is probably the best of both worlds, but in a more meaningful (and useful) way
I was apple for a few generations then a real watch person. Switched to garmin last year and haven’t looked back!
I really appreciate a month long battery life and it has definitely turned me into a better runner.
It’s the perfect balance of utility for me. I didn’t like having notifications and communication features on my Apple Watch.
For those that do rely on watch calling/texting the garmin experience is pretty trash.
I love my original Garmin Instinct. I used to have an apple watch but sold it. I don't need another iphone on my wrist. And the garmin's battery is ridiculous. A week later after I charged it, it went down 1 bar out of 5. And the fact that I can use it on it's own without needing a phone for such things as hiking, etc. is perfect. Not to mention it's the most comfortable watch I've ever worn.
Same I had a Fenix 6 and Apple watch 7 for ages... Never missed the apple watch when I bought a pixel, I hated having to use third party apps and ending up with my data all over, when I didn't wear my fenix I really missed it. In short Garmin freed me from the Apple ecosystem... Though I just got a new ipad. 😅
Mark , Thank you for posting.
Very welcome!
Went back to Apple Watch from my Garmin Fenix 6, and I run 40-50 miles a week easily using my AW.
I just love seamlessly using my AirPods, Spotify, Apple Pay, calls, iMessage etc…..just don’t get that with my Garmin!
Both great products though 👏🏼👏🏼
Just wondering if this epix pro is the carbon gray version or slate gray version?
I have both and the biggest failure in the AWU is mapping. For trail running and hiking especially in new places give me the Garmin every time but for every day I’m AWU
Thanks for the video, it's very well put together. I used to have the Casio Calculator. It was cool until I took it up a mountain and the rubberised keypad bubbled up !!
Glad it was helpful!
I know how big Apple fan boy you are and below is my perspective (from another Sheeple). Great video Mark. One of the best AW and Garmin comparison video if I could say that. I have AW (not ultra ) and Garmin Forerunner 255(Not Epix). So I am aware of pros/cons of both but somehow get dragged back to AW. Below are my views for all 5 points you mentioned. All good here. These are for healthy discussion and not upset Garmin lovers/or you, mate :)
1. List of activities/exercises: All I do is jog (not a quick runner and I follow slow AF running community on FB), walk, occasionally swim and play badminton with my son so all the bells & whistles Garmin comes with, doesn’t bother me.
2. Battery life : As I am not ultra runner or the one who go on hiking in Snowdania, Lake District (as you mentions in the beginning of the video) and charge it overnight, battery life doesn’t bother me. I sleep wearing my Garmin for sleep tracking ;) ;)
3. Round Watch face: Wouldn’t be worried. I like both square and round. Will not contest this point :)
4. Price: Epix Gen 2/Pro or expensive than AW Ultra here in India. Both are close 1000£ (base model Epix) so yeah wouldn’t contest on this point.
5. Apple ecosystem: My favourite Apple gadget in the ecosystem close to iPad Pro M1. Then comes iPhone, AirPods, Mac etc. Thing I used most on AW when I was in UK was Apple Pay. I had Forerunner 235 & Forerunner 55 which I used in tandem with AW just to show off but Apple Pay was life saver when got message from wife to grab pint of milk from ASDA, Morrisons or local Tachbrook store in LSpa. Or if I fancied a quick latte at Costa by the Morrisons after finishing my run. I never carried my phone on me as it was heavy . Any emergency calls or quick pay was ace on my cellular version of AW.
Conclusion: Heart says Apple Watch and mine says Garmin. If they introduce cellular connectivity seamlessly as AW did so that I can leave my phone behind then I am switching to Garmin.
Awesome stuff - thanks!
If my AWU got half the battery life my Epix pro had I'd wear it more. I really like my AWU, its a really useful smart watch. My Epix pro though is a decent smart phone, and it tracks all my backpacking and Bike riding, and I almost never even think about battery. If I had to pick only one, it would be the Garmin Epix pro for sure.
Epix convert myself. The ultra is going on eBay on Friday. Something you mentioned but didn’t really detail… health. It has a metric ton of data available…all over the place though. None of it is curated in the same way that Garmin does. Garmin still has a lot of the same software issues it had years ago, and Bluetooth issues, and “App Store”, and sync issues, and lack of other integrations, etc. It’s just better though once you learn how to live in Garmin world.
I am exactly the type of person you mention. For computing and home, I am deep into the Apple ecosystem (iPhones, iPads, iMac, MacBook Air, Apple TV, HomePods etc). But, for health and fitness I am deep into the Garmin ecosystem. (Forerunner watch, Edge bike computer, scales etc). I have been using Garmin products since 2011 and, like the Apple ecosystem, their products work so well together. I have so much ‘health history’ recorded on the Garmin Connect app that I am loathed to change. As a side note, the data links between Garmin Connect and Apple Health have been improving recently. Indeed, I note that my weight measurements from the Garmin scales show to one decimal point in Garmin Connect but it shows to two decimal points on Apple Health.
I’m rocking the fr 965 and I love it. The only thing I miss about my apple watch is being able to skip songs on spotify will I’m doing choirs using my mac to play music.
I’m about to do the same. And can’t wait!
Great video, perfectly on point! Love it ❤
I got the 51 mm version and get over 10 days of battery life with always on display.
I’m an 🍎 fan boy too, but their ⌚️ is nowhere near where it should be…
Nice video, Mark. I'm wearing the Apple Watch Ultra 2 along with the Garmin EPIX 2. I just didn't see the need to upgrade to the Garmin EPIX 2.5 Pro...
Got both on sale but have Ultra 2 and Series 9. I sleep in my 9 to get sleep data and when I wake up I put on my ultra 2. All data just transfers over automatically. I never have a dead battery and got both of them for the cost of the Epix 2 pro. Plus next year I can keep my nine without upgrading for sleep tracking and I’ll probably get over $400-$459 for a trade in for the Apple Ultra 3 and don’t have to sell my Garmin on EBay. Plus I get I Apple Care so I never have to worry about it breaking or not working since it is always covered under warranty. Love Apple because I can set personalized timers, reminders, alarms, standing minutes, walking heart rate average, better sleep tracking which is almost more important if not more than exercise (sleep is very important), AirPod and CarPlay functionality, siren, sos calling, no need to take a phone in a run or to the store if I forget it, I never have a dead battery, the list goes on…….
I respect your wish to experiment. I am Garmin Fênix user for about 7 years now, prior to that I used Garmin vivoactive..
This was interesting video for me, perspective wise. I would look like that if I was to try Apple watch... But for me sport and fitness features comes in the first place, that's why I use sport watches.
One thing I need to emphasize: I have used iPhones in the past and never liked the feel of using them. It was like I'm the guest on a my device. I don't have freedom to use or abuse it however I want. There is always that lack of choice, of customization and feeling of being cornered by the people who have clear idea how they want me to use my device.
love my forerunner 965, which is also oled display so that mean i still have a beautifull bright display but in the gym it track my weight lifting, my runs, swim, hike and etc. and when traveling I dont need my cell phone data to find great hike or to listen to music because they are already on my watch. I just put my earphone and I enjoy life.
Always been Garmin! Had the fenix 5x,instinct ,delta solar and tactix 7
Agree with most of that Mark, but I can’t drop my AWU either. A round one with better battery life would be lovely though.
very good video and finally a big apple fan who is not biased.. :) i am like you having macs and ipads and i love em but i will never buy a apple watch for 1 reason: Battery life. for so much money the battery is a joke..i bought the Garmin epix 2 pro and i love it :)
Garmin makes you a better person. AWU2 just makes you a more techy person. There is no comparison between both watches. I have a AWU2 and Fenix 7S SS. Currently, I can easily live without AWU2, but I miss the Fenix all the time I'm not wearing it.
Thanks for offering your thoughts. As for no comparison - a _lot_ of people are making this comparison before buying - trust me!
@@Zane_Zaminsky never trust a person who rocks more than 1 watch. Pretentiousness at the highest level.
I went the other way. Dropped the Garmin for the AWU. I do ultra marathons and the weight of the Garmin Fenix Pro was just to much after 10 hours.
@CraigEggleton what a stupid remark. More than one watch makes you pretentious? Really? Ludicrous statement.
A stupid remark. Garmin makes you a better person? Please explain how...
AirPods can also connect to the Epix for music during activities, works great! Even touch controls are retained for volume etc.
Garmin person here. Unpopular opinion but I love the MIP display versus the AMOLED. I know MIP is an endangered species, but outdoors, in the sun, especially with polarized shades, MIP is simply better. Indoors, AMOLED wins, hands down, but I do like how MIP just looks, at first glance, like a real physical watchface. Something not mentioned in this video is how flawlessly the Garmin ecosystem works within Android. I can't speak to the iPhone, but with my various Android devices, I've never once had an issue.
Agree 100%
MIP displays are great especially for always on displays. I currently have a Fenix 6S Pro and its display is great an even visible on a glance. But the Fenix 7 Pro I tried last week had a lot more reflections. Maybe it is the touch and solar layer on top. But I couldn't get used to it. Maybe it is a bad sample of the Fenix 7 Pro. Garmin has always had a great variation of how good their displays are even within the same device... :/
I love my 51mm Epix Pro Gen.2 BIG and STRONG Watch 👑GarmiN👑
Had an Ultra and gave it to my son after I got the Garmin 965, battery life and amoled are just amazing. For me it's about going away for the weekend or week and not bringing another charger.
I have a vivoactive 3 that I bought four to five years ago and I am only getting about 28 hours ish out of the battery. But I can’t go to a watch that at best is 18 hours of battery no matter what the cost. I think it will be Garmin epic pro2 or (GEP2) for short
Love my Apple watch, but the battery life is never 2 days and sometimes catches me out on a long (6 hour) weekend walk.
The latest update also removed distance travelled from my weekly summary and I can’t find it without adding every day together. Ho, hum!
If Garmin has got its game fully together I may well return to their platform when I next buy an activity watch; one thing that is certain is that I will continue to wear one as my daily fitness activity / routine has increased significantly since I first began and that has to be a good thing as I attempt to maintain my fitness levels.
8:46 You’re right on the money here Mark. I switched to Apple ecosystem 3 years ago. First mac, then ipad, iphone and airpods. The last thing I switched was Garmin to apple watch. And this was the biggest disappointment. Zero benefits. Thank you for this video, I am making a switch back. I used to have Fenix, but now I am definitely buying Epix pro.
Spot on . 👍
Does anyone use this garmin with an iPhone? How well does it works or do one needs to switch for android which I really don't want to do. Have had 3 different awu last one was a gen 2 and I like them but wanting better battery life is important. Would love to have one if it could last like atleast 5 days with regular use.
Love how easy it is to connect to airpods pro with them and leave the phone at home.
I used an Apple Watch Series 3 years ago, then I went to a Garmin Venu for about 2 years, now I went back to Apple Watch. It works ok and no issues. However, going back to Apple Watch has been great. You get to realize how much you miss the ecosystem from Apple and how practical it is. Of course, the Garmin is great too but it all comes down to what you are doing. There are some out there that will be using it for 4-5 camping excursions and need the battery but hey, if you are going on an excursion like that, you know you will be taking some battery packs out there. That is what I would do. But I needed a smart watch first and then a fitness device which the Ultra does very well. For my needs of speed walks, cycling and hiking, I am good with it.
Definitely Team Garmin. I had Garmin 6X previously and I was considering upgrade to Epix Pro or switch to Apple Watch. Thank God I decided for Epix Pro and I loved them so much. Amoled display definitely worth it over the transreflective of 6X.
I have the Garmin Fenix Pro and the AW7. Garmin is still way ahead of Apple for sports tracking. When cycling outdoors though, I have my Garmin head unit so I don't have to wear the watch but I do wear the AW7 as it has cell service and therefore do not need to bring my phone.
Will be honest with you I'm a Polar person. I invested in the Polar V3 after years of apple watches and finally the 1st gen ultra. I've always been an Apple fanboy, but recently took fitness more seriously. I looked at Garmin, Polar and Suunto. Polar V3 won for me. It's just miles ahead for fitness. Smart watch it ain't, but then it highlighted how much of a smart watch the ultra is. I mean you just can't do triathlon with an ultra. Just simply doesn't have the battery. And I actually have come to really appreciate how basic notifications on the Polar V3 are. It's like having just enough info with minimal distractions if you enable them. And the Polar flow app integrates into Apple health. You get guided training and very in-depth insights as well as superior sleep metrics. End of the day the day the watch is stylish, works really well and is packed with features just like Garmin. And the data collected has value and is used to guide you in a meaningful way. With Apple things like sleep metrics don't really mean much. Just tells you that you didn't sleep well, where as with Suunto, Garmin, Polar give you very useful insights. It could be argued that both are just different, but I don't think anyone serious or wants to get serious about health would choose any Apple watch. Without anything else limiting the ultra, it's the battery that is the biggest defining factor as why it's probably not the best choice. Great Video.
Nice video. I’m looking at those two watches and also the Suunto Vertical and the Race. Do you have experience with the Suunto watches?
I have used Apple Watch Ultra, Fenix 7X, Suunto Vertical and Epix Pro in the recent year - so it’s mostly about your preference between the “smartness” of the watch (and LTE connectivity) to recommend AWU, sports and ruggedness but good Amoled display with Epix (Pro) and Suunto Race, insane battery and sports capabilities with Vertical and Fenix 7 (Pro). The price range is also quite wide, with Race starting at 450USD and Epix Pro (51mm) going to 1100USD, the rest sitting in between. Try them and see how they meet your expectations..Suunto has a nice comeback with the Vertical/Race, they are nice devices, sturdy and reliable but not as feature rich as Garmin. Garmin offers a lot of features (too many?) in the sports area and good accuracy/battery life. AWU is a smartwatch with decent sports support and is considered the best smartwatch around. You can find some thoughts and reviews about these watches (Fenix, AWU, Vertical) here liviunastasa.com, if you want to learn more about other’s experience.
Hi Mark, my sentiments entirely you hit the nail on the head with this one. I always had a Garmin watch, then I was bought the Apple watch as a present, like you all my devices linked with ease. My Garmin watch is old and sadly I broke the strap shoulder so can't wear it. Apple really need to up their game when it comes to providing the same data as a Garmin watch. At the minute I'm researching the Garmin stable for a watch. You mentioned Garmin pay sadly there are only a few banks that accept it.
I have the Epix Pro 51mm titanium/sapphire… I can warmly recommend it to anyone who`s ready to pay that premium. That watch is the reason i started moving and working out. It works really really well. But remember, it`s a sportswatch, not really a smartwatch
My 51mm with always on display goes for 11 days before charging. 18+ days screen off with continuous heartrate and 40 days with battery saver
I was an Apple fan but now I’m definitely a Garmin enthusiast with mij Epix Pro Gen 2
I use a Fenix 7X SS due to cost reasons (what sounds counter intuitive at first ;) ).
I cycle a lot, also travel on bike occasionally.
As I don't want to have a bulky and expensive bike navigation I clip my Fenix on the bike. With it's display it could run for four days in navigation mode, additionally showing radar information, before running out of battery and I don't need another device.
Same for hikes - without the radar in that case. ;)
Additionally supporting so many types of sports without needing additional apps + the lack of monthly fees for those... Currently I would not give it back.
In November I switched from AWU1 to a Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro (Epix Pro with aviation functions). I haven’t looked back, don’t miss the Apple ecosystem on the watch at all. I have the MacBook, iPad, AirPods and iPhone… just like you mentioned. But the watch works better for me and for my needs than the Apple Watch. The health and fitness functions/metrics, battery life and the look, feel and the way it fits into my life.. is better for me than the Apple Watch. Yes the Apple Watch is cool, but frankly the Garmin watch has it beat.
Great review, good points Mark, BUT the watches serve to me 2 different purposes, one is a smartwatch with fitness purposes (Apple Watch Ultra) the other a fitness watch with smarts purposes
(Garmin). The Garmin is for the really extreme athletes (And I mean REALLY EXTREME ATHLETES) who spend days Hiking or Running, so they would need a watch that has a battery life
that extends a bit beyond their activity, whereas the Apple Watch Ultra covers those athletes who maybe run Marathons or any other activity that run over a few days rather than multiple days.
Now I have an Apple Watch series 9 because I'm not an extreme athlete nor a marathoner, ( all though, I did run a few half marathons and 10k runs back in the day (Those were the days).
My Walking is mainly done on a treadmill ( with the occasional walk to work and back, or to do errants down the street) you get the picture.
Anyway I defy any person who wouldn't charge their watch (be it a Garmin or Apple Watch Ultra) either overnight or whenever there's a wireless charger around. that would be like standing next
to a rubbish bin and not be bothered to put your rubbish in it. of course you would recharge to watch in offered a wireless charger, you just don't do it, because you are too lazy to do it, or you just
want to put one over the other person.
Apple Watch 7 user here, for me it’s the phone free running with Apple Music on board, and phone free Apple Pay so I can pop in a shop on the way back from a run for a snack/drink, not sure how well Garmin pay is supported here in the UK with the banks/shops, but I am always Garmin curious though 😁