Garmin Venu 4 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: Overview
The smartwatch battle in 2025 is heating up. With the Garmin Venu 4 launching at $549.99, many fitness enthusiasts are asking: Is it finally the real rival to the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Both watches offer premium features, but they target slightly different audiences. Let’s break down battery life, GPS, health tracking, and value for money to help you choose the right one.
🔋 Battery Life
- Garmin Venu 4: Lasts up to 12 days in smartwatch mode and around 20 hours in GPS mode. Perfect for travelers, runners, and those who hate daily charging.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Typically 36–48 hours with mixed use, but heavy users will recharge daily. Low Power Mode extends it further, but still shorter than Garmin.
👉 Winner: Garmin Venu 4 for endurance.
📡 GPS Accuracy & Outdoor Features
- Garmin Venu 4: Multi-band GPS ensures strong accuracy even in urban or hilly environments. Includes a built-in LED flashlight for safety during night runs.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Dual-frequency GPS and satellite connectivity deliver excellent performance. It also offers advanced safety features like SOS and fall detection.
👉 Winner: Tie — Garmin edges out for battery efficiency in long runs, Apple shines for safety integration.
❤️ Health & Fitness Tracking
- Garmin Venu 4: Expanded sleep tracking, HRV trends, lifestyle logging, and a new “circadian alignment” tool for healthier routines.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: ECG, blood oxygen, irregular rhythm notifications, and deep integration with Apple Health apps.
👉 Winner: Depends on your priorities — Garmin = deeper fitness analytics; Apple = medical-grade + ecosystem.
💲 Price & Value
- Garmin Venu 4: $549.99 (U.S. launch). Premium but slightly cheaper than Ultra 3.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Around $799 (U.S. market). High price, but part of the wider Apple ecosystem.
👉 Winner: Garmin Venu 4 if you want fitness + battery at a lower price. Ultra 3 if you want seamless Apple integration.
📊 Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin Venu 4 | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 12 days | ~36–48 hours |
| GPS | Multi-band + LED flashlight | Dual-frequency + satellite |
| Health Tracking | Sleep, HRV, lifestyle logging | ECG, blood oxygen, fall detection |
| Price (US) | $549.99 | ~$799 |
| Best For | Runners, outdoor, long trips | iPhone users, Apple ecosystem fans |
🏆 Final Verdict
If you want long battery life, strong GPS, and advanced fitness metrics, the Garmin Venu 4 is the smarter buy.
If you’re deeply tied to the Apple ecosystem and value premium design + integration, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is still king.
❓ FAQs
Is Garmin Venu 4 better than Apple Watch Ultra 3 for battery life?
Yes, Garmin Venu 4 can last up to 12 days, while Ultra 3 typically needs charging every 1–2 days.
Which has more accurate GPS?
Both offer excellent GPS; Garmin is better for long endurance tracking, Apple for satellite safety features.
Which is cheaper in the U.S.?
Garmin Venu 4 ($549.99) vs Apple Watch Ultra 3 (~$799). Garmin is the better value.