Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Garmin Forerunner 970
Get the Forerunner 970. Unless you want a smartwatch for apps and messages first and have an iPhone — then the Ultra 4.
Apple Watch Ultra 4
The Apple Watch for adventures and long days: about two days of battery, dual-band GPS, a tough titanium case, a very bright screen and satellite SOS.
Garmin Forerunner 970
The best watch for serious runners and triathletes: about two weeks of battery, maps, dual-band GPS, a flashlight and the most detailed training advice. Pricey.
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Both have accurate dual-band GPS and suit long runs, hikes and races. The Forerunner 970 lasts about two weeks, has better maps and the most detailed training advice and works with any phone; the Ultra 4 is the better smartwatch, but lasts about two days and needs an iPhone.
- —You want a smartwatch first and a sports watch second.
- —You have an iPhone.
- —You dive, or want satellite messaging with no signal.
- —You train for races or triathlons.
- —You want maps for trail runs.
- —You want days of battery, with any phone.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +About two days of battery
- +Accurate dual-band GPS
- +Tough titanium and sapphire
- −Big and heavy on smaller wrists.
- −Maps and navigation aren't as good as a Garmin's.
- −The touchscreen is hard to use when wet or with gloves.
- −Barely changed from the Ultra 3.
- +About two weeks of battery
- +Maps and dual-band GPS
- +Most detailed training advice
- −Chunky on smaller wrists.
- −Expensive.
- −Some running-economy metrics need Garmin's chest strap.
- −Smartwatch apps are basic next to an Apple Watch.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Apple Watch Ultra 4 worth it?
- Is the Forerunner 970 worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Tom's Guide, TechRadar, TechRadar, manufacturer specifications.