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Head-to-head · Best Gps Running Watches

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Enduro 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.

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The short answer

Garmin Enduro 3 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). Garmin Enduro 3 is best for: Endurance athletes prioritizing battery life over AMOLED visuals or smart features. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Apple Watch Ultra 3
Ranked #4 in Best Gps Running Watches
Apple Watch Ultra 3
3 sources$649as of Oct 16

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 introduces two-way satellite communications, a first for the line that Dcrainmaker found works seamlessly in remote conditions to enable emergency SOS and text messaging. The LTPO3 OLED display delivers up to 3000 nits of brightness and a faster 1Hz always-on refresh rate, with OutdoorGearLab measuring peak luminance at the stated maximum. Battery life routinely exceeds Apple’s 42-hour claim, reaching 55-62 hours in daily use according to Birchtree.me, while charging to 80% takes approximately 45 minutes. However, the titanium case remains bulky at 12mm thick and 61.8g, making it cumbersome for sleep tracking or formal wear as noted by Ablogtowatch. Native workout tracking lacks map screens during activities, forcing users to rely on third-party apps like WorkOutDoors for route navigation, a limitation highlighted by Trail & Kale. This device fits outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize safety and battery endurance over specialized sports analytics, while serious athletes seeking detailed training metrics should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Satellite connectivity enables SOS emergency calls and two-way text messaging when off-grid.
  • — LTPO3 display offers wider viewing angles, up to 3000 nits brightness, and a 1-second always-on refresh rate for ticking seconds.
  • — Charging speed improved from 60 minutes to roughly 45 minutes for an 80% charge.
Watch-outs
  • — The titanium case measures 12mm thick and weighs 61.8g, making it bulky compared to standard smartwatches.
  • — Native workout tracking lacks map screens during activities, requiring third-party apps like WorkOutDoors for route navigation.
$649 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Garmin Enduro 3
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Gps Running Watches
Garmin Enduro 3
3 sources$799.99as of Oct 11

The Garmin Enduro 3 delivers up to 120 hours of GPS battery life, extending to 320 hours with solar charging, a feat Dcrainmaker verified across epic hikes and endurance rides. Bettertrail recorded smartwatch battery life of 36 days without solar, highlighting the device's exceptional longevity for ultra-marathoners and thru-hikers who need weeks of off-grid reliability. However, the single 51 mm case size limits comfort for everyday wear or smaller wrists, a trade-off that OutdoorGearLab confirmed through lab tests of continuous GPS tracking. While Gearjunkie praised its durability in extreme conditions, Hodinky-365.com noted the thick profile and plastic lugs raise questions about long-term build quality compared to titanium predecessors. This watch fits endurance athletes prioritizing battery life over AMOLED visuals or smart features; those seeking a discreet everyday wearable should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Delivers up to 120 hours of GPS battery life, extending to 320 hours with solar charging.
  • — Features a redesigned solar panel that is 120% more efficient than the previous generation while improving screen clarity by removing the transparent display overlay.
  • — Weighs only 63 grams, making it significantly lighter than comparable titanium models like the Fenix 8.
Watch-outs
  • — The single 51 mm case size is considered large and limits comfort for everyday wear or smaller wrists.
  • — Lacks a built-in microphone and speaker, preventing direct wrist calls found on higher-end Garmin models.
  • — Uses a Memory-in-Pixel display that reviewers note feels dated compared to modern AMOLED screens.
$799.99 · Buy at garmin.comFull review →

How they stack up

Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 lists 14 hours of GPS battery life, under the 20 hours of the Garmin Forerunner 55, the 41 hours of the Coros Pace 4 and the 120 hours of the Garmin Enduro 3. Its 49mm titanium case weighs 61.8g, close to the 63 g Garmin Enduro 3 and nearly double the 32g Coros Pace 4.

Garmin Enduro 3

The Garmin Enduro 3 lists 120 hours of GPS battery life, or 320 with solar, against 41 hours for the Coros Pace 4 and 21 hours for the Garmin Forerunner 970. It uses a memory-in-pixel display where those two use AMOLED panels, and at 63 g it weighs almost twice as much as the 32g Coros Pace 4.

Specs side-by-side

SpecApple Watch Ultra 3Garmin Enduro 3
Display SizeLTPO3 OLED (1.92in)—
Display TypeAlways-on LTPO3 OLEDMemory-in-pixel
GPS Battery Life14 hours120 hours (320 w/ solar)
Water ResistanceWR100 / EN1331910 ATM
Case Size49mm51 mm
Case MaterialtitaniumSapphire crystal
Weight61.8g63 g
Battery LifeUp to 42 hours of normal use—
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