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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Forerunner 965 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
For 2026, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is the smarter buy for serious runners, boasting a jaw-dropping 23-day battery life. In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 excels with a class-leading 3,000-nit display and rugged design, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. The trade-off? The Forerunner is featherlight at 1.87 oz, while the Ultra 3 weighs 2.18 oz, which might feel bulky on smaller wrists. If you need long battery life for extended training sessions, the Forerunner's AMOLED display is a game-changer, while the Ultra 3's features cater more to everyday smartwatch users seeking durability and advanced health metrics.
⚖️ Weight: 1.87 oz vs 2.18 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🔋 Battery: 23 days vs 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
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Garmin Forerunner 965
★4.7
(1,717)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens
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Apple Watch Ultra 3
★4.7
(425)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS
Case Size:49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Case Material:Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Garmin Forerunner 965
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin Forerunner 965
1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Apple Watch Ultra 3
1245 sq mm display area
Resolution
Garmin Forerunner 965
454 x 454 pixels
Apple Watch Ultra 3
422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin Forerunner 965
32GB
Apple Watch Ultra 3
64GBWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin Forerunner 965
Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin Forerunner 965
53 gWinner
Apple Watch Ultra 3
61.8 g
Water Resistance
Garmin Forerunner 965
5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Apple Watch Ultra 3
100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Apple Watch Ultra 3
watchOS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin Forerunner 965
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
Apple Watch Ultra 3
LTE and UMTS; Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; U2 Ultra Wideband chip
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
Garmin Forerunner 965
★4.7(1,717)Amazon
Apple Watch Ultra 3
★4.7(425)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,717)Amazon | ★4.7(425)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | watchOS |
Case Size | 47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm | 49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens | Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black) |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | Always-On Retina display (LTPO3 OLED) with flat sapphire crystal |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter | 1245 sq mm display area |
Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof | 100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft) |
Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens; Titanium bezel adds rigidity | IP6X dust resistance; MIL-STD 810H tested |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | LTE and UMTS; Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; U2 Ultra Wideband chip |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Apple Pay |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor | Electrical heart (ECG), optical heart (Gen 3), temperature (body/water), blood oxygen, depth gauge, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope |
Health Features | Morning Report; Training Readiness; HRV Status; Sleep Score; Body Battery; Pulse Ox; Women’s Health Tracking; Health Snapshot | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate zones, Sleep Tracking/Apnea notifications, Vitals app, Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates |
Workout Modes | Triathlon; Duathlon; Brick Workouts; Track Run; Ultra Run; Virtual Run; Cycling (Road, MTB, Gravel, eBike); Swimming (Pool, Open Water); Hiking; Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates | Multisport, Running (Advanced Metrics), Hiking (Topographic Maps), Ocean Diving, Swimming, Cycling |
Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) | Dual speakers; three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation; 86dB Siren |
Calls | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) | Yes (via Cellular or Wi-Fi) |
Battery | Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours | Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode) |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included) | Fast charging (0–80% in approx. 1 hour) with USB-C Magnetic Fast Charger |
Weight | 53 g | 61.8 g |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 135–205 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with 22mm QuickFit bands (requires tool to remove original pin) | Fits 130–210mm wrists (Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band) |
Extras | Preloaded TopoActive Maps; Full-color mapping navigation; Garmin Music (Spotify/Deezer/Amazon Music offline); PacePro; ClimbPro; Real-time Stamina | S10 SiP, Double Tap gesture, On-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, Flashlight/Night Mode, Crash Detection, Fall Detection |
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Garmin Forerunner 965
Rating:★4.7(1,717)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Resolution:454 x 454 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Durability:Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens; Titanium bezel adds rigidity
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:Morning Report; Training Readiness; HRV Status; Sleep Score; Body Battery; Pulse Ox; Women’s Health Tracking; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Triathlon; Duathlon; Brick Workouts; Track Run; Ultra Run; Virtual Run; Cycling (Road, MTB, Gravel, eBike); Swimming (Pool, Open Water); Hiking; Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only)
Calls:No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included)
Weight:53 g
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 135–205 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with 22mm QuickFit bands (requires tool to remove original pin)
Extras:Preloaded TopoActive Maps; Full-color mapping navigation; Garmin Music (Spotify/Deezer/Amazon Music offline); PacePro; ClimbPro; Real-time Stamina
✓ Pros:
- • Bright, high-resolution 1.4" AMOLED makes maps easy to read
- • Lightweight (53g) and slim profile ideal for racing and sleep
- • Excellent battery life (23 days) eclipses most AMOLED competitors
- • Titanium bezel adds a premium feel to the lightweight chassis
- • Native running power and advanced metrics (Training Readiness) built-in
✗ Cons:
- • Uses older Elevate Gen 4 sensor (lacks ECG hardware found in Fenix 8)
- • No built-in microphone or speaker for voice notes/calls
- • Water resistance is 5 ATM (standard) vs 10 ATM on Fenix/Epix
- • Stock strap uses a non-QuickFit pin system (requires tool to swap to QuickFit)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Apple Watch Ultra 3
Rating:★4.7(425)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later (incl. iPhone SE 2nd gen+) with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS
Case Size:49mm (49mm H x 44mm W x 14.4mm D)
Case Material:Aerospace-grade titanium (Natural or Black)
Display Type:Always-On Retina display (LTPO3 OLED) with flat sapphire crystal
Display Size:1245 sq mm display area
Resolution:422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m (ISO 22810); EN13319 recreational scuba diving to 40 m (130 ft)
Durability:IP6X dust resistance; MIL-STD 810H tested
GPS:Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5)
Connectivity:LTE and UMTS; Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; U2 Ultra Wideband chip
NFC Payments:Apple Pay
Sensors:Electrical heart (ECG), optical heart (Gen 3), temperature (body/water), blood oxygen, depth gauge, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope
Health Features:ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate zones, Sleep Tracking/Apnea notifications, Vitals app, Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
Workout Modes:Multisport, Running (Advanced Metrics), Hiking (Topographic Maps), Ocean Diving, Swimming, Cycling
Storage:64GB
Speaker Mic:Dual speakers; three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation; 86dB Siren
Calls:Yes (via Cellular or Wi-Fi)
Battery:Up to 36 hours (normal use); Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
Charging:Fast charging (0–80% in approx. 1 hour) with USB-C Magnetic Fast Charger
Weight:61.8 g
Band Sizes:Fits 130–210mm wrists (Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band)
Extras:S10 SiP, Double Tap gesture, On-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, Flashlight/Night Mode, Crash Detection, Fall Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading 3,000-nit display brightness
- • Rugged titanium build with 100m water resistance
- • Excellent battery life relative to category (up to 72h low power)
- • Precision dual-frequency GPS ideal for outdoor sports
✗ Cons:
- • Large 49mm case may be too bulky for smaller wrists
- • High price point
- • Exclusive to iPhone ecosystem
- • Minimal design changes from previous generation
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Which one is better?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is the better buy for most people - its 23-day battery life crushes the Apple Watch Ultra 3's 72-hour low power mode. That said, grab the Ultra 3 if you want a rugged design and advanced health features - it's built for adventure.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Forerunner 965 if: you prioritize long battery life for daily workouts, you want a lightweight design for racing, or you're focused on advanced training metrics. (1.87 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if: you need a robust watch for water sports, you want cellular capabilities for calls, or you prefer a high-brightness display for outdoor use. (2.18 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
Garmin Forerunner 965 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin Forerunner 965 excels if you value bright, high-resolution 1.4" amoled makes maps easy to read. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is better if you prioritize class-leading 3,000-nit display brightness. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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