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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Venu 3 vs Apple Watch Series 11
The Garmin Venu 3 is the premium option here, boasting an impressive 14-day battery life compared to the Apple Watch Series 11's 24 hours. In real-world use, this means you can wear the Garmin for nearly two weeks without worrying about charging, making it perfect for long trips or workouts. The Apple Watch Series 11's brighter 1.9" display with up to 2000 nits peak brightness is a game changer for outdoor visibility. If you're looking for a fitness tracker that doubles as a stylish smartwatch, the Venu 3 delivers with its vibrant AMOLED screen, though it lacks the advanced GPS features found in other Garmin models, like the Forerunner 265.
⚖️ Weight: 1.66 oz vs 1.07 oz💽 Storage: 8 GB vs 64 GB🔋 Battery: 14 days vs 24 hours
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Garmin Venu 3
★4.5
(5,399)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:45mm x 45mm x 12mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
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Apple Watch Series 11
★4.7
(1,649)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later
Operating System:watchOS 26
Case Size:42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D) or 46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D)
Case Material:Aluminum (Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural)
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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 Venu 3
Apple Watch Series 11
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin Venu 3
1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Apple Watch Series 11
989 sq mm (42mm) or 1220 sq mm (46mm)
Resolution
Garmin Venu 3
454 x 454 pixels
Apple Watch Series 11
374 x 446 pixels (42mm) or 416 x 496 pixels (46mm) (326 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin Venu 3
8GB
Apple Watch Series 11
64GBWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin Venu 3
Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours
Apple Watch Series 11
Up to 24 hours (normal use); Up to 38 hours (Low Power Mode)
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin Venu 3
47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only)
Apple Watch Series 11
42mm: 30.3 g (Alu GPS), 29.7 g (Alu Cell), 34.6 g (Ti); 46mm: 37.8 g (Alu GPS), 36.9 g (Alu Cell), 43.1 g (Ti)Winner
Water Resistance
Garmin Venu 3
5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Apple Watch Series 11
Water resistance 50 m (swimproof)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin Venu 3
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Apple Watch Series 11
watchOS 26
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin Venu 3
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
Apple Watch Series 11
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; Apple Pay; 5G (RedCap) and LTE on Cellular models
+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 Venu 3 vs Apple Watch Series 11
Garmin Venu 3
★4.5(5,399)Amazon
Apple Watch Series 11
★4.7(1,649)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Venu 3 | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(5,399)Amazon | ★4.7(1,649)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | watchOS 26 |
Case Size | 45mm x 45mm x 12mm | 42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D) or 46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Aluminum (Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural) |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | Always-On Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED; Ion-X front glass with 2x scratch resistance (Aluminum) or Sapphire crystal (Titanium) |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter | 989 sq mm (42mm) or 1220 sq mm (46mm) |
Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 374 x 446 pixels (42mm) or 416 x 496 pixels (46mm) (326 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes (Up to 2000 nits peak, 1 nit minimum) |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof | Water resistance 50 m (swimproof) |
Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens; Stainless steel bezel | IP6X dust resistance; 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass (Aluminum models); Sapphire crystal (Titanium models) |
GPS | GPS; GLONASS; Galileo (Single-band GNSS) | L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; Apple Pay; 5G (RedCap) and LTE on Cellular models |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Apple Pay |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG hardware); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor | Electrical heart sensor (ECG); 3rd-generation optical heart sensor; Temperature sensor; Compass; Always-on altimeter; High-g accelerometer; High dynamic range gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; Depth gauge (to 6m); Water temperature sensor |
Health Features | Sleep Coach; Nap Detection; ECG App (FDA cleared); HRV Status; Body Battery; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot; Women’s Health; Meditation | Sleep Apnea notifications; Hypertension notifications; Vitals app; ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates |
Workout Modes | Wheelchair Mode (pushes, weight shifts); Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates; Running; Cycling; Swimming (Pool); Golf; Tennis; Pickleball; and 30+ others | Custom workouts; Multisport; Race Route; Running; Cycling; Hiking; Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Snorkeling (to 6m); Tides app |
Storage | 8GB | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Calls) | Speaker (media playback supported); Microphone with Voice Isolation |
Calls | Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone) | Yes (via Wi-Fi/iPhone or 5G/LTE on Cellular models) |
Battery | Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours | Up to 24 hours (normal use); Up to 38 hours (Low Power Mode) |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included) | Fast charge capable (0-80% in approx. 30 minutes) |
Weight | 47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only) | 42mm: 30.3 g (Alu GPS), 29.7 g (Alu Cell), 34.6 g (Ti); 46mm: 37.8 g (Alu GPS), 36.9 g (Alu Cell), 43.1 g (Ti) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 135–200 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with standard 22mm Quick Release bands | Fits 130–200mm wrists (42mm) or 140–245mm wrists (46mm) |
Extras | Voice Assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby via phone); Wheelchair mode specialized metrics; On-screen muscle maps; Photos in notifications (Android only) | S10 SiP (64-bit dual-core); 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; Precision Finding for iPhone; On-device Siri |
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Garmin Venu 3
Rating:★4.5(5,399)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:45mm x 45mm x 12mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Stainless steel bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3
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 lens; Stainless steel bezel
GPS:GPS; GLONASS; Galileo (Single-band GNSS)
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG hardware); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:Sleep Coach; Nap Detection; ECG App (FDA cleared); HRV Status; Body Battery; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot; Women’s Health; Meditation
Workout Modes:Wheelchair Mode (pushes, weight shifts); Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates; Running; Cycling; Swimming (Pool); Golf; Tennis; Pickleball; and 30+ others
Storage:8GB
Speaker Mic:Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Calls)
Calls:Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days (5 days always-on); Battery Saver: Up to 26 days; GPS-Only GNSS: Up to 26 hours; All-Systems GNSS: Up to 20 hours
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included)
Weight:47 g (with included band); 30 g (case only)
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 135–200 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with standard 22mm Quick Release bands
Extras:Voice Assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby via phone); Wheelchair mode specialized metrics; On-screen muscle maps; Photos in notifications (Android only)
✓ Pros:
- • Bright 1.4" AMOLED display with refined, lifestyle-friendly UI
- • Built-in speaker and microphone for wrist calls and voice assistants
- • Latest Elevate Gen 5 sensor supports FDA-cleared ECG app
- • Dedicated Wheelchair Mode tracks pushes rather than steps
- • Excellent 14-day battery life significantly outperforms Apple/Samsung
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks Multi-Band GPS (found in similarly priced Forerunner 265)
- • Plastic case body feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
- • No LTE option available (phone required for calls/safety)
- • Gorilla Glass 3 is older tech compared to Sapphire or newer Gorilla Glass
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Apple Watch Series 11
Rating:★4.7(1,649)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later
Operating System:watchOS 26
Case Size:42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D) or 46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D)
Case Material:Aluminum (Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural)
Display Type:Always-On Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED; Ion-X front glass with 2x scratch resistance (Aluminum) or Sapphire crystal (Titanium)
Display Size:989 sq mm (42mm) or 1220 sq mm (46mm)
Resolution:374 x 446 pixels (42mm) or 416 x 496 pixels (46mm) (326 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes (Up to 2000 nits peak, 1 nit minimum)
Water Resistance:Water resistance 50 m (swimproof)
Durability:IP6X dust resistance; 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass (Aluminum models); Sapphire crystal (Titanium models)
GPS:L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; Apple Pay; 5G (RedCap) and LTE on Cellular models
NFC Payments:Apple Pay
Sensors:Electrical heart sensor (ECG); 3rd-generation optical heart sensor; Temperature sensor; Compass; Always-on altimeter; High-g accelerometer; High dynamic range gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; Depth gauge (to 6m); Water temperature sensor
Health Features:Sleep Apnea notifications; Hypertension notifications; Vitals app; ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
Workout Modes:Custom workouts; Multisport; Race Route; Running; Cycling; Hiking; Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Snorkeling (to 6m); Tides app
Storage:64GB
Speaker Mic:Speaker (media playback supported); Microphone with Voice Isolation
Calls:Yes (via Wi-Fi/iPhone or 5G/LTE on Cellular models)
Battery:Up to 24 hours (normal use); Up to 38 hours (Low Power Mode)
Charging:Fast charge capable (0-80% in approx. 30 minutes)
Weight:42mm: 30.3 g (Alu GPS), 29.7 g (Alu Cell), 34.6 g (Ti); 46mm: 37.8 g (Alu GPS), 36.9 g (Alu Cell), 43.1 g (Ti)
Band Sizes:Fits 130–200mm wrists (42mm) or 140–245mm wrists (46mm)
Extras:S10 SiP (64-bit dual-core); 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; Precision Finding for iPhone; On-device Siri
✓ Pros:
- • Battery life increased to 24 hours (up from 18h on Series 10)
- • Aluminum models feature 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass
- • First non-Ultra Apple Watch to support 5G (RedCap) connectivity
- • Includes sleep apnea and hypertension notification features
✗ Cons:
- • Uses the same S10 chip as the previous generation (no speed gain)
- • Design and dimensions are identical to Series 10
- • Requires iOS 26, limiting compatibility with older iPhones
- • 5G support limited to Cellular models
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Garmin Venu 3 is the better buy for most people - its 14-day battery life crushes the Apple Watch Series 11's 24 hours. That said, grab the Apple Watch Series 11 if you want a more stylish design and advanced display features - it's lighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Venu 3 if: you need up to 14 days of battery life, enjoy fitness tracking features, or prefer a vibrant AMOLED display.
Choose the Apple Watch Series 11 if: you want a brighter display for outdoor use, enjoy seamless integration with iPhone, or need advanced health notifications. (1.07 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin Venu 3 excels if you value bright 1.4" amoled display with refined, lifestyle-friendly ui. Apple Watch Series 11 is better if you prioritize battery life increased to 24 hours (up from 18h on series 10). 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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