5 reasons to choose a Garmin tracker over an Apple Watch

There’s a variety of fitness trackers on the market, but Garmin and Apple frequently come head-to-head. Both companies make high-quality, capable wearables that are worthy of your money. Nevertheless, I stick to Garmin trackers for some key reasons. Here’s why.

1 Compatibility

Apple is an exclusive club

First and foremost, let it be known that I use an Android phone (insert gasp here). So, even if I wanted to use the Apple Watch, I wouldn’t be able to pair it to my phone. Without that pairing ability, it’s essentially useless. To use an Apple Watch, you need an Apple phone.

Garmin, on the other hand, is much more versatile, working with any Apple iOS or Android device. That includes the iPhone, iPod Touch, as long as they’re running iOS 15.0 or higher, and any Android phone or tablet that natively supports the Google Play Store and has 7.0 Android Operating System or higher. The only phones that could experience issues are Huawei phones, the Lenovo Vibe X S960, the Meizu MX4, and the Samsung J3 Model J320FN, though they may just require some Bluetooth troubleshooting.

One of the key advantages of Garmin is its compatibility with a wide range of devices. This broad compatibility means that even if I decide to switch from my Samsung phone to something else, I can still use my Garmin watches without any issues. That flexibility alone is reason enough for me to stick with Garmin over Apple for my fitness watch needs.

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2 Selection

If you want options, Garmin has them

Apple makes three configurations of its Apple Watch, though functionally, there’s not much difference between them. Meanwhile, Garmin offers 17 distinct product lines (minus the two made for kids) with multiple versions within each category. These watches are purpose-built for different types of activities, such as running, swimming, hiking, flying, golf, and more.

While each of Garmin’s watches offers superb versatility, allowing tracking of all sorts of activities beyond the main purpose, they also offer specific features just for that primary activity. There’s lots of overlap, to be sure, but there are also unique features on each that you won’t get on others. For example, the Forerunner series, which Garmin designed for runners, offers running metrics that you won’t have access to on the Instinct, the company’s rugged, long-lasting series of watches.

If you are hyper-focused on a specific sport, having a watch that is designed just for that is highly beneficial. It provides unique insights and valuable tools that you could be missing out on otherwise. Even if you are more of a generalist or casual athlete, Garmin’s extensive lineup offers a diverse range of looks, so you can choose a watch that fits your style. Some of Garmin’s watches are even customizable, allowing you to choose your case material and color with a wide range of watch band materials and colors.

Such a wide selection can be intimidating, so I suppose this could be a negative for people as well. Luckily, Garmin makes it relatively easy to sort through which watch might be best for you based on features and activities that you take part in. I see the large selection as a win, as I can pick something that very specifically fits my needs instead of opting for a device that is more generally built.