Apple Watch Series 10 vs Garmin Forerunner 965
Apple Watch Series 10 (2024, listed at $399) and Garmin Forerunner 965 (2023, listed at $599) are different kinds of watch: a smartwatch and a sport watch. That changes what you give up for what you get.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Apple Watch Series 10
The all-rounder for iPhone users — thinnest Apple Watch ever, faster charging, full health suite.
Garmin Forerunner 965
Best AMOLED running watch — full-color maps, training readiness and 23-day everyday battery.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Apple Watch Series 10 wins on weight (36 g vs 53 g) and price ($399 vs $599); Garmin Forerunner 965 wins on battery life (23 days vs 1.2 days).
Check your phone first. The Apple Watch Series 10 works with iPhone only; the Garmin Forerunner 965 works with both iPhone and Android. A watch that does not pair with your phone is not an option however good its specs are.
Bottom line: on raw specs the Apple Watch Series 10 leads 2 to 1, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 10 | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 1.2 days | 23 days |
| Weight | 36 g | 53 g |
| List price | $399 | $599 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 7 | 7 |
| Case size | 46 mm | 47 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | iPhone only | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | everyday wellness, health tracking, gym and strength work and running | running and multisport and triathlon |
| Released | 2024 | 2023 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (6)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- on-device music
- contactless payments
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Only Apple Watch Series 10 (1)
- ECG
Only Garmin Forerunner 965 (1)
- offline maps
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Apple Watch Series 10 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $200 less.
- You want a lighter watch: 36 g vs 53 g.
- You need ECG, which the Garmin Forerunner 965 does not list.
- Your main use is everyday wellness, health tracking and gym and strength work: it is listed for that and the Garmin Forerunner 965 is not.
- You want the newer model (2024 vs 2023).
Skip it if…
- • You use an Android phone — it only pairs with iPhone.
- • You do not want to charge often — it is rated for about 1.2 days per charge.
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 46 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 965 if…
- You want fewer charges: about 23 days per charge vs 1.2 days.
- You need offline maps, which the Apple Watch Series 10 does not list.
- Your main use is multisport and triathlon: it is listed for that and the Apple Watch Series 10 is not.
- You use an Android phone: the Apple Watch Series 10 does not pair with it.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch Series 10 or the Garmin Forerunner 965?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 has the longer rated battery life: about 23 days per charge against 1.2 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Apple Watch Series 10 or the Garmin Forerunner 965?
The Apple Watch Series 10 has the lower list price: $399 against $599 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Apple Watch Series 10 and Garmin Forerunner 965 work with iPhone and Android?
Check your phone first. The Apple Watch Series 10 works with iPhone only; the Garmin Forerunner 965 works with both iPhone and Android. A watch that does not pair with your phone is not an option however good its specs are.
Which is better for swimming, the Apple Watch Series 10 or the Garmin Forerunner 965?
Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 5ATM. 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quizRelated comparisons
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