Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Apple develops watches and wearables for their devices. Other watches also support iPhones and iPads. Can you link any other watch with the iPhone? Sure. In fact, Garmin and Fitbit watches are great options to look at. Which of the two is better? Let’s find out.
Garmin vs Fitbit Compared
Let’s look at how these two brands compare.
Battery Life
Garmin produces sports watches that have some of the industry’s longest-lasting batteries. Some of their watches have an innovative feature that harnesses solar energy to charge.
A single charge will have your Garmin watch running for close to an entire month on smartwatch mode before needing a recharge.
Double that up with power-saving features that turn off background processes in your watch and you have a productive watch.
Although not as robust as Garmin, Fitbit watches have outstanding batteries too. Your Fitbit will last you up to 7 days on a single charge and standard use, which is even better than your average Apple Watch.
These wearables have a fast-charging feature that gets you up to a full day’s worth of charge in just 12 minutes. Normal charging takes about 40 minutes to power your watch from 10% to 80%, which is still efficient.
Verdict
Garmin watch batteries last much longer than Fitbit batteries, although you can get by with both for extended periods.
Sensors
An On-wrist EDA scan app on your Fitbit watch measures electrodermal activity to monitor your stress levels throughout any given day.
Besides that, it assesses your heart for atrial fibrillation (AFib) and notifies you and your doctor of any irregular activity.
Fitbit sensors also track your skin temperature levels and oxygen saturation levels. You can view all these stats on the dashboard on your wristwatch.
In comparison, Garmin watches have on-wrist sensors that track several metrics including:
- heart rate variability,
- sleep patterns,
- oxygen saturation levels,
- stress management,
- respiration and hydration
Apart from that, Garmin’s ABC sensors monitor your altitude and atmospheric pressure for accurate weather readings. Its electronic compass helps you to navigate through unfamiliar terrain with more ease than usual.
Verdict
Garmin wins. While your Fitbit watch requires the Fitbit App to work, Garmin does not. You can review all your data directly on your Garmin watch, even though you can still use its app.
Read 3 Popular Garmin Watch For iPhone
Design
Garmin builds a lightweight watch in different colors. These watches use high contrast displays with bold colors on their faces.
Some have rugged designs tested with military-grade durability which you can use in punishing environments without scratches or breaking.
Durable gorilla glass ensures this.
Fitbit watches aren’t exactly similar to Garmin in design. Although tough, Fitbit watches have a softer, more glamorous design for the fashionable wearer. Like Garmin watches, use gorilla glass faces to prevent damage by scratching.
Fitbit bands also come in different colors and materials that give you unparalleled comfort and luxury.
Verdict
Garmin wins. Garmin designs its watches for specific functions. You’ll get watches suitable for adventure and others for indoor activities.
GPS
Garmin watches feature standard GPS trackers. Besides that, they support sophisticated navigation satellite systems such as Galileo and GLONASS that track your accurate location, distances, and even your movements in real-time.
Although Fitbit watches also have inbuilt GPS trackers, they aren’t as advanced as Garmin’s. Your GPS tracker can only give you accurate location data and your movement in real-time.
Verdict
Garmin wins because it supports more advanced satellite navigation technology than
Also see Garmin Watch Vs. Wear OS
What to Look for When Buying a Watch for an iPhone
If you’re considering a new smartwatch for your iPhone, here are a few things to look at:
Compatibility
Look for watches that are compatible with iOS. Also, ensure that your smartwatch apps can effortlessly work with the iPhone.
Sometimes, you’ll find apps that won’t function with Apple devices, especially with features such as text, email, and call notifications.
Price
Price is an essential component to look at on a smartwatch. Watches that support more features and functionality cost more. You may not need all these features. Also, some may not even work with your iPhone.
Go for a smartwatch with features you find essential to all your unique needs and can also link to Apple devices.
Battery Life
Battery life remains a big concern among smartwatch users. Look for a smartwatch that can push you for days on a single charge.
Better yet, get a watch that supports multiple methods of charging, including using solar energy.
Also, find a watch with battery-saving features to help keep it working for longer. Let your watch only run useful features to prevent your battery from draining rapidly.
Read Garmin VS Apple Watch for Hiking
Does Garmin work with iPhone?
Yes, it does.
However, you need to have an iPhone with at least iOS 7 or later. Also, download the Garmin Connect App and set it up using its default wizard.
With this app, you’ll view your health and fitness data, and track your daily and historic activities. Unfortunately, your Garmin watch may sometimes fail to connect to your iPhone.
In case that happens:
- Update both your iPhone and Garmin watch to the latest version.
- Confirm you’re using an iOS device with Bluetooth 4.0 or higher.
- Ensure both devices have battery power. Your charge capacity should be 50% and higher.
- Reset your Garmin watch and Pair it with your iPhone again.
The only drawback is your Garmin watch won’t get call, text, or email notifications or respond to them directly. Your Garmin watch also doesn’t support Apple Pay or access Apple’s Music store.
Which Garmin Watch Works Best with an iPhone?
Garmin Instinct Solar
- Vastly extended battery life through solar charging
- Rugged GPS Watch is water-rated to 100 meters and constructed to U.S. military standard 810 for thermal, shock and water resistance
- Built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter plus multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) track in more challenging...
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This adventure or outdoor recreation watch comes with a fiber-reinforced polymer case that’s hardy and robust. It has many remarkable features and is compatible with your iPhone.
Its gorilla-glass watch face can withstand moderate impacts and scratches, even with rough usage.
The Instinct solar also passes US military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, making this watch ideal for all your hiking, athletic, and water sport activities.
Features
- Its battery can also use sunlight to charge.That, coupled with an incredible battery, will allow your watch to function for up to 54 days on smartwatch mode. It also has a battery saver and fast charging features that keep it functioning for even longer..
- The Instinct Solar is compatible with both iPhone and Android phones. Besides that, your watch can connect to your smartphone by using Bluetooth or ANT+ technology.
- It comes preloaded with sports apps that help you track your swimming, running and hiking activities. Also, these apps come with guides that help you through different sports.
- Support for advanced satellite navigation systems like Galileo and GLONASS help you track your global position in real-time.
- Safety and tracking features that can link with your contacts. In case of any sudden event, your watch sends SOS messages with your current location to your emergency contacts.
- ABC sensors monitor the elevation and atmospheric pressure of your location and= predicts any change in weather.
- On- wrist sensors track and record key metrics like your heart rate, levels of oxygen in your blood, stress, and body energy levels. YOu can use this data later to improve your fitness and training regime.
Pros
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Scratch-resistant
- Long battery life
- Powerful navigation system
Cons
- No microphone and speaker
- Lacks onboard music storage
Does Fitbit Work With The iPhone?
Yes, it does.
To use a Fitbit, make sure your iPhone runs on iOS 13 or higher. Install the Fitbit: Health and Fitness app and set it up on your device.
Using Bluetooth or an internet connection, link the Fitbit watch and your iPhone.
Just like with Garmin watches, you’ll also experience some shortcomings with text, call, and email notifications.
Despite that, you’ll still access comprehensive data on your vitals straight from the Fitbit app.
Which Fitbit Watch Works Best with the iPhone?
Fitbit Sense
- EDA Scan app detects electrodermal activity which may indicate your body's response to stress and a built-in skin temperature sensor logs yours each night so...
- Assess your heart for atrial fibrillation –a heart rhythm irregularity- and easily share results with your doctor (The Fitbit ECG app is only available in...
- An on-wrist skin temperature sensor tracks yours each night so you can see how it varies. You can also see your nightly blood oxygen levels at a glance with our...
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Fitbit Sense is Fitbit’s latest watch. This device comes with advanced health and fitness technology that gives you outstanding results. It has an AMOLED Gorilla Glass 3 display that shows clear images and protects this smartwatch from impacts and scratches.
You can connect this watch to your Apple device, including your iPhone.
Features
- An on-wrist EDA scanner tracks your body stress levels and checks your heart rate for rhythm irregularities. With this information, you can reduce your risk of illness.
- A skin temperature sensor monitors your body temperature and notifies you if it exceeds or falls below your normal threshold.
- An Oxygen Saturation tracker, coupled with a Blood Oxygen app, helps monitor and analyze the level of oxygen in your blood.
- Fitbit has a special feature that helps women enhance their health during their menstrual cycles. It also gives tips on how to stay healthy during your monthly cycle.
- With its inbuilt GPS tracker, you can navigate through remote areas.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Voice assistant
- Track women’s menstrual health.
- Fast charging.
- Music experience
Cons
- Slightly expensive compared to other Fitbit devices.
Final Verdict and Best Pick
The Instinct Solar is a much better watch than the Fitbit Sense watch.
If you’re a fitness enthusiast, a Garmin watch will serve you better. For standard smartwatch functionality, Garmin watches are still better, although Fitbit’s app does a better job presenting data to you.
Both the Fitbit and Garmin watch work seamlessly with Apple devices. Unfortunately, because of iOS restrictions, you can receive text, call, and email notifications or respond to them from your smartwatch.
