Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970
Critics score the Apple Watch Ultra 3 85 and the Garmin Forerunner 970 86 out of 100, from 9 and 9 professional reviews. 5 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Apple Watch Ultra 3 higher and 3 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple Watch Ultra 3 2 points ahead.
Image: AppleApple Watch Ultra 3
Praised for: display (6 of 9), health tracking (6 of 9), battery life (4 of 9)
Criticised for: price (5 of 9), battery life (2 of 9)
The catch: It is expensive and bulky, and a small step over the Ultra 2.
All 9 reviews of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 →
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Image: GarminGarmin Forerunner 970
Praised for: health tracking (6 of 9), display (3 of 9)
Criticised for: price (9 of 9), battery life (5 of 9), software (3 of 9)
The catch: It is very expensive, and battery life is shorter than the 965.
All 9 reviews of the Garmin Forerunner 970 →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Garmin Forerunner 970 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC Rainmaker | 79est. | 79est. | same |
| TechRadar | 90 | 90 | same |
| Trusted Reviews | 90 | 90 | same |
| OutdoorGearLab | 85 | 83 | +2 |
| Wareable | 92est. | 83est. | +9 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 minus the Garmin Forerunner 970. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Compare either one with another smartwatche → · All smartwatches ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 or the Garmin Forerunner 970?
Critics rate the Garmin Forerunner 970 higher: 86 against 85. 5 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Apple Watch Ultra 3 higher and 3 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple Watch Ultra 3 2 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 970?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3: broad agreement, scores from 77 to 92. The Garmin Forerunner 970: critics agree, scores from 79 to 90.