Garmin or Apple Watch For Triathlon (One Winner)

Garmin and Apple feature almost similar sports modes. Whether you own an Apple or Garmin watch, you’ll still access the biking, running and swimming modes by default.

On the Apple watch, You can use these modes independently, but you can’t combine them for a triathlon. However, Garmin watches come preloaded with the Triathlon Mode.

While you’ll have to switch modes on your Apple watch every time you change events in a triathlon, Garmin does that for you automatically.

Verdict

Garmin is the obvious winner here. All you have to do is switch to Triathlon mode and you’re good to go.

Water Resistance

Both Apple and Garmin waterproof their watches. Therefore, any of the two will work during the swimming stage of a triathlon. Both brands boast of a water resistance rating of up to 50m or 5 atmospheres.

Garmin watches, however, can stretch their water resistance up to 100m, which is in snorkeling territory.

Verdict

Garmin watches also win here. While Apple watches would do just fine, Garmin watches have better water resistance, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Battery Life

The best Apple watch battery can last only up to 18 hours on normal usage. Extensive use will give you just about 3 to 5 hours of usage before you need to recharge it.

Garmin watches with GPS on, will last you up to 40 hours. Standard use will get you several days before you need a recharge.

Verdict

A triathlon will last about 4 hours total, and you need a watch that can last much longer than that. Garmin watches win here.

Notifications

Apple watches give you a wholesome experience by maximizing their syncing features especially when connected to an iPhone. Not only will you receive and respond to email and text notifications, but you’ll also receive calls directly to your wrist.

For Garmin, the sync function has limits. On a Garmin watch, you can only receive text messages. No calls, no emails. For these, you’ll use your phone directly.

Verdict

Apple watches win. Apple watches offer a seamless experience between you and your phone.

Even when you’re away from your device, your watch bridges some essential functions. For Gamin watches, not so much.

Also read Garmin Watches For Open Water Swimming.

Does The Apple Watch Have Triathlon Mode?

No, the Apple watch lacks this sport mode.

Although Apple watches lack this mode, they feature other single sports modes. For example, you can set your Apple watch to either the running mode, the swimming mode or the cycling mode. Read Garmin Vs Fitbit For Cycling.

Many Apple watch users have use a manual switch between modes when training for a triathlon or taking part in one. This experience can be quite hectic, especially because Apple watches are better suited for professional functions.

Do You Need A GPS Watch For Triathlons?

Yes you do.

Here are several reasons you need a GPS watch for a triathlon.

Accuracy

When training for a triathlon, you want to calculate the distances you run, bike or swim. A GPS watch will give you these readings accurately.

They give more accurate speeds and distances than many smartphone apps would. While your smartphone will give you an accurate reading to within 6 feet, your GPS watch will do it to within 3 feet.

Real-Time Tracking

GPS watches help triathletes monitor their speed, distance covered and time used. You can also track your movement within locations with increased accuracy, which helps you plan for the triathlon better.

Tracking also motivates you to clock higher speeds and break your personal records. With various display formats, you can set your screen to show the exact metrics you’re tracking. This way, you can focus on winning the race.

What To Consider When Buying?

There are some essential things you should look at when buying a smartwatch for your

Sport Mode Transition

Get a smartwatch that supports the Triathlon Sports mode. It will make automatic switches between events, and this helps you focus on the race at hand. It also saves your time and gives you comprehensive feedback about your performance.

Fit and Comfort

Get a smartwatch that uses sports bands that fit well around your wrist. Comfort is essential, especially during a grueling triathlon event. Besides that, you’ll get more accurate readings from its sensors.

Battery

Get a watch with a robust battery that can run the GPS functionality for extended periods. A smartwatch that can last up to 8 hours with GPS use is ideal. Also, a good battery life lets you store relevant data for longer before you can sync it to your phone for better analysis.

Weather Proofing

Triathletes expose themselves to some tough weather. Get yourself a watch that is waterproof, swim proof and sweat proof. This helps prevent damage to your smartwatch because of exposure to sweat or water.

Ruggedness

Most triathlon watches are tough as the activity itself. You want a watch that can withstand a bashing throughout your triathlon race. It should have strong straps, a scratch-proof screen and robust impact resistance.

2 Best Garmin Watches For Triathlon

Garmin Forerunner 945

Sale

Garmin 010-02063-00 Forerunner 945, Premium GPS...

Premium GPS running/triathlon smartwatch with music
Download songs to your watch, including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer (may require premium subscription with a third party music provider)
Performance monitoring features include Vo2 Max and training status with adjustments for heat, altitude Acclimation status, training load focus, recovery time,...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Forerunner 945 is the ultimate triathlon watch. It has some stellar features, including a Triathlon Mode.

Health and Fitness Features

This watch packs some outstanding fitness features, including the Garmin Coach, Sports Apps, suggested daily workouts and a heart rate monitor.

These features help you stay healthy throughout your day.

Real-Time Tracking

The 945 LTE smartwatch uses onboard maps to guide you to newer goals. With these maps, you can get better accuracy on the distance you’ve covered.

Using multiple satellite systems, you can get better locations and navigation that exceed GPS functionality.

Safety

With your Forerunner 945 you can stay safe while on your triathlon. In case you face an accident or danger, your smartwatch sends messages to your emergency contacts. Also, you can use the Assistance Plus feature to let your watch call for medical help to where you are.

Pros

Features triathlon mode
Lightweight
Rugged
Reliable GPS/ Satellite tracking

Cons

Very expensive
Round face isn’t preferable for everyone.
Battery life is not so good

Garmin Forerunner 745

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Garmin Forerunner 745, GPS Running Watch, Detailed Training...

Swim, bike, run — do it all with a smartwatch that uses multiple satellite systems to accurately track your workouts
Switch up your workout routine whenever you like with preloaded activity profiles for running, triathlon, multisport, cycling, pool swimming, track running and...
Receive on-device run and cycling daily workout suggestions based on your current training load and vo2 max

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This Forerunner 745 is another mammoth watch by Garmin. Besides a Triathlon mode, here are other features it has:

Health and Fitness

A Pulse Oximeter helps you monitor your sleep patterns and improve your sleep quality. Also, it provides valuable information on your body’s adjustment to altitude.

For women, you can use the menstrual cycle feature to balance your workouts during this period.

Battery Life

Depending on your usage, this Garmin watch can give you a decent battery life. You can choose between three battery modes depending on your activities.

Notifications

The Forerunner 745 has an excellent notification feature. It will notify you of calls, messages and emails straight to your wrist. Android phones sync best with this device.

Fit and comfort

The Forerunner 745 comes with a silicone band that exerts little pressure on your wrist as you train. They are breathable and flexible, comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Pros

Have a triathlon Mode
Several GPS controls
Comes with loaded sports profile
Comfortable wrist bands
Water resistant up to 5 atmospheres

Cons

Overpriced
Terrible battery life

2 Best Apple Watches For triathlon

Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch Series 3 [GPS 42mm] Smart Watch w/Silver...

GPS
Retina display
Swimproof

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Here’s one of Apple’s best wearables, and for good reason. Check out what key features this watch has for triathletes:

Connectivity

The Apple Series 3 has an excellent sync with satellites, giving you accurate location data.

Not only that, but you can also receive calls and reply to text messages directly from your wrist using this watch.

Water Rating

The Apple Series 3, just like other Apple watches, has water resistance for up to 50M. Your Apple watch is ideal for the swimming session of your triathlon.

Fitness Features

When swimming, you have the open and pool swimming apps to record and track your workouts. Also, the running apps on your Apple watch give your actionable metrics that help you master your pace, time and distance all in one display.

With the Apple Series 3, you can also measure your heart rate and check on SpO2 while cycling.

Battery

A full day’s worth of battery will last for a full triathlon race run in a day. For a race that will last longer, you’ll need to recharge your Apple Watch.

Pros

Has the Always-On feature
Magnificent display
Built-in compass
Comfortable wristbands

Cons

No sleep tracking,
Incompatible with Android phones
Relatively poor battery life.

Apple Watch Series 6

Sale

Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 40mm) - Gold Aluminum Case with...

LEAVE YOUR PHONE IN YOUR POCKET: Apple Watch Series 6 GPS Model lets you call, text, and get directions from your wrist, while leaving your phone in your...
ALWAYS-ON RETINA DISPLAY: You no longer need to raise your wrist or touch the screen to see the time or other information on your watch face, because the...
ECG ON YOUR WRIST: With the ECG app, Apple Watch Series 6 is capable of generating an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram. It's a momentous...

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Just like its older sibling, the Apple Watch Series 6 is an elegant device to own. This behemoth has other features worth looking at:

Connectivity

The Apple Series 6 has more than just Siri, onboard maps and cellular connectivity. It also packs the latest GPS, accurate to within meters of your location. You can find your location and interact with your iPhone all from your wrist.

Health and fitness

Get all your health metrics displayed on your screen on demand. You can measure your ECG, check your oxygen levels and monitor your heart rate. With this watch, you can also track your sleeping patterns by resting with the watch on your wrist..

With its sports modes, you can choose to run, cycle or swim. These modes come in handy during triathlons.

Fit and Comfortable

Apple makes their Series 6 solo loop straps of silicon, and the braided option has an ergonomic fit on your wrist. Also, this single loop keeps this watch on your wrist always.

Battery

This watch will take you for about 18 hours with conservative use. With an active GPS and Cellular connection, you’ll have a drastic reduction in battery life. It will work well for triathlon races that last from 3 to 6 hours.

Pros

Clear Retina display
Monitors noise levels
iPhone Remote Camera
Ergonomic silicone bands
Excellent GPS accuracy

Cons

Poor battery life
No triathlon mode

Final Verdict

Garmin watches are the best smartwatches to get for your triathlon event. Their durable batteries, robust builds and weather resistance makes them ideal for sports events, including triathlons.

Also, the Triathlon mode, something the Apple watch lacks, is the ultimate feature that wins this for us.