Garmin Venu X1 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Which Is Right for You?

Looking at Garmin Venu X1 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2, you're likely wondering which premium smartwatch delivers better value, features, and performance. Whether you're a runner, hiker, or someone who wants cutting-edge health insights, both watches bring something powerful to the wrist. Garmin's latest, the Venu X1, is a clear rival to Apple's Ultra 2—not just in price, but in design and advanced tracking. If you're torn between the two, this hands-on comparison will help clarify which model fits your needs best.

Design and Display: How Do These Smartwatches Look and Feel?

Both watches are visually striking but cater to slightly different preferences. The Garmin Venu X1 sports a 51.2 mm AMOLED display with sapphire glass, giving it both premium aesthetics and durability. Its 41g lightweight titanium-polymer case makes it sleek and wearable all day. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 leans bulkier at 61g with a full titanium build and a slightly smaller 49mm Retina OLED display. If you prefer a brighter, bolder screen with a slimmer profile, Garmin may win here. But if you like the signature Apple rugged look with a diveproof rating and seamless iOS integration, the Ultra 2 still holds strong.

Battery Life and Performance: Which Lasts Longer?

When it comes to endurance, Garmin Venu X1 comfortably beats the Ultra 2. With up to 8 days of battery life, it’s perfect for extended hikes, travel, or multi-day workouts. Apple’s Ultra 2, while powerful, tops out around 36 hours, often requiring nightly charging for active users. That said, Apple offers LTE support and faster app responsiveness thanks to its S9 chip. Garmin, on the other hand, leans into GPS reliability with multi-band support (including Beidou and QZSS) and longer-lasting performance. If longevity matters more than connectivity, Garmin takes the crown here.

Fitness and Health Tracking: Who Does It Better?

Both smartwatches offer deep health and fitness features, but they emphasize different strengths. Garmin Venu X1 shines for athletes and serious outdoor users—it tracks advanced metrics like VO2 Max, sleep stages, heart rate variability, and recovery insights. It’s also more flexible with GPS modes and compatible with a wider array of fitness platforms. Apple Watch Ultra 2 integrates beautifully with Apple Health, offering ECG, blood oxygen, and precision location data. It’s ideal for users who want lifestyle balance, strong third-party app support, and a smooth iPhone ecosystem experience. Your choice boils down to Garmin's data-rich ecosystem vs Apple's all-in-one lifestyle package.

Whether you're team Garmin or team Apple, both watches represent the pinnacle of smart fitness tech in 2025. If you value battery life and hardcore fitness data, the Garmin Venu X1 is a top-tier choice. If you’re after smart features, sleek design, and seamless Apple integration, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 still delivers.

Let your priorities guide you—and either way, you're getting one of the best adventure smartwatches available today.