Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Ultra 2 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 Ultra 2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Outdoor adventurers needing rugged smartwatch — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Ultra 2

4.4

$729.96as of Jul 6

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, featuring rugged construction with MIL-STD 810H certification. PCMag's Angela Moscaritolo praised its brighter display and enhanced durability, while reviewer Jamie Balfour highlighted the innovative Action Button and flat display design. The device offers dual-frequency GPS and emergency siren capabilities, making it ideal for extreme conditions. However, its premium pricing and limited band options may deter casual users. This watch is best suited for active individuals who need a durable smartwatch for adventure sports rather than general daily use.

Strengths

— MIL-STD 810H certified for rugged durability
— Flat display design for enhanced protection
— Action Button offers customizable functionality and emergency siren

Watch-outs

— Premium price point
— Limited band selection and design
— Not suitable for everyday casual wear

$729.96 · 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 Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is built for extreme conditions and outdoor use, unlike the Apple Watch Series 11, which is more suited for daily wear. Compared to the Garmin Venu 3, it offers better integration with the Apple ecosystem and more advanced GPS capabilities, though it lacks the long battery life of the Garmin. It's not ideal for casual wear due to its premium price and limited band options, but it excels in ruggedness and emergency features.

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 Ultra 2	Garmin Venu 3
Display	Flat	1.4-inch AMOLED
Processor	S9 System in Package (SiP)	S9 System in Package (SiP)
Battery Life	Up to 36 hours of normal use	Up to two weeks
Water Resistance	100 meters	5 ATM
Connectivity	LTE, UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3	LTE, UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3
Health Features	ECG, heart rate monitoring, and blood oxygen saturation	Elevate V5 sensor
Weight	61.4g	47g (45mm)

← See the full ranking of best smartwatches