Review
Fitness Trackers Face-Off: Apple Watch vs Fitbit vs Garmin
Updated July 28, 2024 | 12 min read
We tested the latest flagship fitness trackers from Apple, Fitbit, and Garmin across 6 months to determine which offers the best combination of accuracy, features, and value. Here's our comprehensive comparison.
The Contenders
🍎 Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular)
Standout Features: ECG monitoring, blood oxygen sensing, fall detection, comprehensive health apps, cellular connectivity
Best for: iPhone users, comprehensive health monitoring, smart features priority
🎯 Fitbit Sense 2
Standout Features: Stress management, skin temperature tracking, sleep stages, guided workouts, excellent battery life
Best for: Fitness enthusiasts, sleep tracking, stress management, long battery life priority
⌚ Garmin Forerunner 265
Standout Features: Advanced running metrics, training load analysis, recovery advisor, multi-band GPS, exceptional battery
Best for: Serious athletes, runners, outdoor activities, training optimization, ultra-long battery
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Apple Watch Series 9 | Fitbit Sense 2 | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Rate Accuracy | 95.2% vs chest strap | 93.8% vs chest strap | 94.9% vs chest strap | Apple Watch |
| GPS Accuracy | Very Good | Good | Excellent (Multi-band) | Garmin |
| Step Counting | 97.3% accuracy | 98.1% accuracy | 96.8% accuracy | Fitbit |
| Sleep Tracking | Basic stages | Detailed stages + score | Comprehensive analysis | Garmin |
| Workout Detection | Good auto-detection | Excellent auto-detection | Best-in-class detection | Garmin |
| Smart Features | Full smartwatch OS | Basic notifications | Limited smart features | Apple Watch |
| Battery Life | 18-36 hours | 6+ days | 13-15 days | Garmin |
| App Ecosystem | Extensive App Store | Limited third-party apps | Connect IQ store | Apple Watch |
Detailed Analysis
Fitness Tracking Accuracy
We tested each device against laboratory-grade equipment:
- Heart Rate: Apple Watch led in overall accuracy, especially during high-intensity workouts
- Step Counting: Fitbit showed most consistent results across different walking styles
- Calorie Burn: Garmin provided most realistic estimates using advanced algorithms
- Distance: Garmin's multi-band GPS delivered superior outdoor accuracy
Health Monitoring Features
Apple Watch Series 9
- ECG readings with FDA clearance
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Fall detection and emergency SOS
- Irregular heart rhythm notifications
- Temperature sensing for cycle tracking
Fitbit Sense 2
- Stress management with EDA sensor
- Skin temperature variations
- SpO2 monitoring during sleep
- ECG app (requires Fitbit Premium)
- Mindfulness reminders and guided sessions
Garmin Forerunner 265
- Body Battery energy monitoring
- Recovery advisor and training readiness
- HRV status and stress tracking
- VO2 max estimation
- Training load and effect analysis
Smart Features Comparison
Apple Watch (Winner)
Full smartwatch experience with:
- Native apps and third-party App Store
- Siri voice assistant
- Cellular connectivity options
- Apple Pay and digital wallet
- Seamless iPhone integration
Fitbit Sense 2
Basic smart features including:
- Smartphone notifications
- Music control
- Voice assistant (Amazon Alexa)
- Limited app selection
- Fitbit Pay (select banks)
Garmin Forerunner 265
Sports-focused features:
- Basic notifications
- Music storage (32GB)
- Connect IQ apps
- Garmin Pay
- Limited smart assistant support
Battery Life Deep Dive
Real-World Testing Results:
- Apple Watch: 18 hours typical, 36 hours in Low Power Mode
- Fitbit Sense 2: 6-7 days with moderate use, 4-5 days with GPS
- Garmin Forerunner 265: 13-15 days smartwatch mode, 20 hours GPS
Subscription Services
Apple Watch
No required subscriptions, but cellular models need data plans ($10-15/month)
Fitbit Sense 2
Fitbit Premium ($9.99/month) recommended for:
- Advanced health insights
- Detailed sleep analysis
- Guided workouts and programs
- Premium health reports
Garmin Forerunner 265
No subscriptions required, all features included
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Apple Watch Series 9 if you:
- Own an iPhone and want seamless integration
- Priority comprehensive smart features
- Want the most advanced health monitoring
- Don't mind daily charging
- Value premium build quality and design
Choose Fitbit Sense 2 if you:
- Focus on fitness and wellness tracking
- Want excellent battery life
- Prioritize sleep and stress management
- Prefer guided wellness programs
- Want good value for comprehensive health features
Choose Garmin Forerunner 265 if you:
- Are a serious athlete or runner
- Need ultra-accurate GPS tracking
- Want the longest battery life
- Value advanced training metrics
- Don't need extensive smart features
- Prioritize durability and build quality
Final Verdict
🏆 Overall Winner: Context Dependent
🍎 Apple Watch Series 9
Best Overall Smartwatch
🎯 Fitbit Sense 2
Best for Wellness Tracking
⌚ Garmin Forerunner 265
Best for Serious Athletes
Accuracy Testing Methodology
Our testing involved:
- 6-month evaluation period with daily use
- Heart rate comparison against Polar H10 chest strap
- GPS accuracy testing on measured courses
- Sleep tracking validation with sleep diary
- Step counting comparison with manual counting
- Battery life testing under standardized conditions
All devices were tested with latest firmware. Results may vary based on individual usage patterns and wrist positioning. Consider your primary use case when making a decision.