Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin fēnix 8
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (2025, listed at $799) and Garmin fēnix 8 (2024, listed at $1099) 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 Ultra 3
Apple's 2025 adventure flagship — satellite messaging, 5G, and the longest-ever Apple Watch battery.
Garmin fēnix 8
Garmin's no-compromise multisport flagship — built-in dive computer, AMOLED, multi-band GPS.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Apple Watch Ultra 3 wins on weight (61 g vs 73 g), price ($799 vs $1099) and tracked features (9 vs 7); Garmin fēnix 8 wins on battery life (16 days vs 1.7 days).
Check your phone first. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 works with iPhone only; the Garmin fēnix 8 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 Ultra 3 leads 3 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 Ultra 3 | Garmin fēnix 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 1.7 days | 16 days |
| Weight | 61 g | 73 g |
| List price | $799 | $1099 |
| Water rating | 10ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 9 | 7 |
| Case size | 49 mm | 47 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | iPhone only | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | multisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure, running and health tracking | multisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure and running |
| Released | 2025 | 2024 |
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 (7)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- on-device music
- contactless payments
- AMOLED display
- offline maps
- swim tracking
Only Apple Watch Ultra 3 (2)
- ECG
- LTE / cellular
Only Garmin fēnix 8 (0)
Nothing unique.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $300 less.
- You want a lighter watch: 61 g vs 73 g.
- You need ECG and LTE / cellular, which the Garmin fēnix 8 does not list.
- Your main use is health tracking: it is listed for that and the Garmin fēnix 8 is not.
- You want the newer model (2025 vs 2024).
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 1.7 days per charge.
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 49 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
Pick the Garmin fēnix 8 if…
- You want fewer charges: about 16 days per charge vs 1.7 days.
- You use an Android phone: the Apple Watch Ultra 3 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).
- • You want something light enough to sleep in — it weighs 73 g.
- • You are watching your budget — the list price is $1099.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 or the Garmin fēnix 8?
The Garmin fēnix 8 has the longer rated battery life: about 16 days per charge against 1.7 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 or the Garmin fēnix 8?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has the lower list price: $799 against $1099 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin fēnix 8 work with iPhone and Android?
Check your phone first. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 works with iPhone only; the Garmin fēnix 8 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 Ultra 3 or the Garmin fēnix 8?
Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 10ATM. 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so.
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 quizWhere each one ranks #1 in our quiz
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