Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Series 11 vs Garmin Venu 3

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Apple Watch Series 11 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Existing Apple Watch users wanting a performance upgrade — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Series 11

4.3

$329as of Jul 6

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers a refined iteration of its predecessor with notable improvements in display brightness and performance thanks to the S9 SiP chip. PCMag's Andrew Gebhart notes it's a 'small but meaningful step forward' without dramatic redesigns. CNET's reviewer calls it a 'goldilocks pick' but suggests it's becoming harder to recommend over newer models. The watch maintains its strong position in health monitoring with enhanced ECG capabilities and always-on display improvements, though it lacks major innovations that would distinguish it from previous generations.

Strengths

— Improved brightness with up to 2,000 nits peak brightness for better visibility in sunlight
— Enhanced always-on display functionality with improved readability
— Faster S9 SiP chip delivering better performance and efficiency

Watch-outs

— No significant design changes from Series 10
— Still lacks standalone cellular connectivity in entry-level models

$329 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Smartwatches

Garmin Venu 3

4.2

$349.99as of Jul 6

The Garmin Venu 3 is a well-rounded smartwatch that excels in health tracking and fitness monitoring, according to Bandletic's review. It features impressive battery life, accurate sensors, and advanced sleep tracking capabilities. While it offers a sleek design and comfortable wear, reviewers noted limitations in third-party app support and the absence of an LTE version. This smartwatch is ideal for health-conscious individuals seeking accurate data and long battery performance, though those wanting extensive smart features may find it lacking.

Strengths

— Impressive battery life (up to two weeks)
— Accurate GPS and heart rate/HRV sensors
— All-day health and sleep tracking, including nap detection and morning reports

Watch-outs

— Limited third-party app selection and slow app downloads
— No LTE version available

$349.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 improves upon its predecessor with a faster S9 chip and enhanced display brightness, but unlike the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it lacks rugged durability and specialized outdoor features. Compared to the Apple Watch SE, it offers more advanced health monitoring and a premium feel, though it doesn't provide the budget-friendly value that the SE delivers. It's a refined upgrade for existing Apple Watch users but doesn't break new ground in terms of design or functionality.

Garmin Venu 3

The Garmin Venu 3 offers unmatched battery life compared to the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, but it lacks the app ecosystem and smart features of the Apple models. Unlike the OnePlus Watch 3, it doesn't have a large, high-resolution display or LTE support, and it's not as durable or water-resistant. It's a strong choice for health-focused users who prioritize long battery life over smart connectivity.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Apple Watch Series 11	Garmin Venu 3
Display	1.9-inch always-on Retina	1.4-inch AMOLED
Processor	S9 SiP	S9 System in Package (SiP)
Battery Life	Up to 24 hours	Up to two weeks
Water Resistance	50 meters	5 ATM
Connectivity	5G	LTE, UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3
Health Features	ECG app, heart rhythm monitoring	Elevate V5 sensor
Weight	37g (46mm), 30g (42mm)	47g (45mm)

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