Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 - Which Premium Sports Watch Dominates 2025?

In the world of high-end sports smartwatches, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Forerunner 970 stand out as two of the most anticipated flagships. The Ultra 3 pushes Apple’s innovation to new heights with satellite connectivity, 5G support, extended battery life, and the brightest display ever on an Apple Watch. It also introduces advanced health monitoring tools like hypertension alerts, making it the most powerful outdoor watch Apple has ever built.

Meanwhile, the Garmin Forerunner 970 represents the pinnacle of Garmin’s athletic performance lineup. With a tougher, refined design, ultra-precise tracking, and in-depth training insights, it’s the ultimate companion for runners and triathletes seeking pro-level data accuracy and endurance.

Both watches deliver exceptional durability and premium performance, but their focus differs - the Apple Watch Ultra 3 leans toward an all-around intelligent experience, while the Forerunner 970 excels in sports tracking and battery efficiency. In this article, we’ll dive deep into design, display, health and fitness tracking, performance, and overall value to help you decide which smartwatch best fits your lifestyle. You can learn more from the article of Garmin Forerunner 970 Review and Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 - Design and Durability

When it comes to design and durability, both the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Forerunner 970 represent the pinnacle of rugged smartwatch engineering. Built for high-performance training and outdoor adventures, these flagship wearables deliver exceptional toughness, water resistance, and ease of control even in extreme conditions.

In terms of positioning, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is marketed as a “sports and adventure smartwatch”, designed to balance athletic functionality with premium lifestyle appeal. The Garmin Forerunner 970, on the other hand, continues Garmin’s legacy as a professional-grade running and triathlon watch, focusing on precision, endurance, and lightweight performance.

Their design philosophies highlight distinct identities. Compared with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 (Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Ultra 3) features a refined 49mm rectangular titanium case, giving it a bold, modern look that fits both urban and outdoor environments. In contrast, the Garmin Forerunner 970 uses a 47mm circular titanium bezel and composite body - an aesthetic that resembles a classic sports watch, optimized for comfort and prolonged wear.

Both watches utilize titanium construction for superior strength and corrosion resistance. The Apple Watch Ultra 3’s full titanium body ensures excellent durability and resistance to harsh elements, while the Forerunner 970’s titanium bezel with lightweight polymer housing maintains ruggedness without adding bulk, ideal for long training sessions.

Water resistance marks another key difference. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 boasts 100-meter water resistance and professional diving capabilities, compatible with the Oceanic+ app for underwater use. Meanwhile, the Garmin Forerunner 970 offers 5 ATM (50-meter) water resistance, sufficient for swimming and daily workouts but less suited for deep-sea diving.

In terms of hardware interaction, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 features the customizable Action Button and Digital Crown, blending tactile control with touch convenience. The Forerunner 970, true to Garmin tradition, uses multiple physical buttons for reliable control in motion and adds a built-in LED flashlight, a handy tool for nighttime runs or outdoor expeditions.

Summary:

• Apple Watch Ultra 3 – Combines cutting-edge design with premium titanium durability and superior water resistance, ideal for users who value versatility and rugged elegance.
• Garmin Forerunner 970 – Prioritizes lightweight comfort and practical performance, catering to serious athletes and endurance trainers.

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3

Reason: With its fully titanium body, 100-meter water resistance, and professional-grade build, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 stands out as the more complete and durable smartwatch in the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 comparison.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 - Display

In terms of display performance, both the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Forerunner 970 feature high-resolution color screens and support always-on display modes, ensuring clear readability during outdoor activities or workouts. The Ultra 3 offers a 1Hz Always-On Retina display, while the Forerunner 970 also provides an Always-On Display, keeping information visible even in low-light conditions. This capability is similar to that of the Garmin Forerunner 965 and Garmin Venu X1, which also prioritize continuous visibility. Also Read the article of Garmin Venu X1 vs. Garmin Forerunner 970 and Garmin 970 vs 965.

Regarding differences, the Ultra 3 uses a 1.96-inch LTPO3 OLED display with a resolution of 422×514 pixels, supporting dynamic refresh rates and automatic brightness adjustment. It delivers excellent visibility in high-brightness and wide-angle conditions, making it ideal for extreme outdoor use. The Forerunner 970, on the other hand, has a 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a 454×454 pixel resolution. While slightly smaller, its pixel density is high, and manual brightness adjustment allows for extended battery life, echoing the endurance-focused design of the Garmin Forerunner 570. Also read the article of Garmin Forerunner 970 vs. Garmin Forerunner 570.

In terms of materials and durability, the Ultra 3 screen is robust but does not feature sapphire hardness. The Forerunner 970 uses a sapphire crystal lens, offering superior scratch resistance and better durability for long-term outdoor training in rugged environments.

Summary:

• Apple Watch Ultra 3 – Advanced display technology with higher brightness and wider viewing angles, ideal for extreme conditions and outdoor visibility.
• Garmin Forerunner 970 – Durable display with high resolution and excellent battery efficiency, suited for long workouts and outdoor training sessions.

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3

Reason: The LTPO3 OLED display of the Ultra 3 offers superior brightness, viewing angles, and always-on functionality, making it more adaptable and readable than the Forerunner 970, while also standing out in the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 comparison.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 - GPS & Navigation

In terms of GPS accuracy and navigation, both the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Forerunner 970 provide precise tracking for running, cycling, swimming, and other sports, along with route planning and navigation. Both watches support offline maps, ensuring usability even without a network connection.

This approach is similar to the outdoor navigation capabilities found in Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and Garmin Venu 4, which emphasize reliable positioning in various environments.

Key Differences:

• Satellite Systems & Positioning Accuracy: Ultra 3 features L1/L5 dual-frequency GPS, compatible with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou, offering precise positioning in complex terrain or urban canyons. Forerunner 970 supports multiple GNSS systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou), providing stable outdoor tracking, much like the high-end positioning system in Garmin Fenix 8 Pro. Also read the article of Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Fenix 8 Pro.
• Satellite Communication: Ultra 3 has built-in two-way satellite communication, allowing SOS signals and location sharing in remote areas. Forerunner 970 requires a Garmin InReach device for satellite communication.
• Navigation Features: Ultra 3 supports real-time navigation, route racing, and pace guidance, with offline map downloads for network-free use. Forerunner 970 offers route planning, offline maps, and trackback functionality for safe outdoor activities, similar to the navigation features of Garmin Venu 4. You can also read the comparison review of Garmin Venu 4 vs Garmin Forerunner 970.

Summary:

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Best suited for users who need high-precision positioning, built-in satellite communication, and a wide range of sports features, especially in areas without network coverage.
• Garmin Forerunner 970: Ideal for those who prioritize multi-GNSS support and professional sports functions, performing reliably for running, cycling, and other outdoor activities.

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3

Reason: Dual-frequency GPS and built-in satellite communication make the Apple Watch Ultra 3 more capable in extreme and remote conditions, outperforming the Garmin Forerunner 970, Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, and Garmin Venu 4 in all-weather adaptability.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 - Battery Life

When it comes to battery performance, both the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Forerunner 970 feature rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, fast-charging support, and battery management tools. However, their endurance and usage scenarios differ.

Similarities

• Built-in rechargeable batteries for extended use.
• Support for fast charging, allowing quick power recovery.
• Battery management features to monitor health and optimize usage.

Differences

Summary

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Ideal for users who need satellite communication, 5G connectivity, and a rich smart ecosystem, especially in remote or network-free environments.
• Garmin Forerunner 970: Better suited for users who prioritize long outdoor sessions and sustained GPS usage. Its endurance outperforms the Ultra 3 in both daily and GPS-heavy scenarios, similar to what Garmin Fenix 8 Pro offers for adventure sports.

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 970

Reason: With longer daily and GPS-mode endurance, the Forerunner 970 is more reliable for professional athletes, long-distance runners, and outdoor explorers, outperforming the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and also offering comparable performance to the Garmin Venu 4.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 - Health and Fitness Features

When it comes to health monitoring and fitness tracking, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Forerunner 970 both excel, but they cater to slightly different user needs.

Similarities

• Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches feature wrist-based heart rate sensors for real-time tracking.
• SpO₂ Monitoring: Blood oxygen saturation tracking helps assess respiratory health.
• Sleep Tracking: Monitor sleep stages and evaluate sleep quality.
• Multiple Sports Modes: Support running, cycling, swimming, and other common workouts.
• GPS Tracking: Built-in GPS ensures accurate workout route recording.

Differences

Summary

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Ideal for users who want comprehensive health monitoring, women’s health tracking, and diving functionality. It is also well-suited for outdoor adventures and integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, much like the Apple Watch Series 11. Also read Apple Watch 11 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3.
• Garmin Forerunner 970: Tailored for professional athletes, especially runners, with advanced running metrics and training load analysis.

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3

Reason: Offers a more complete set of health and fitness features, combining outdoor adventure capabilities with everyday smart functions, making it ideal for users who value both health insights and Apple ecosystem integration.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 - Software, Ecosystem & Connectivity

Software, ecosystem, and connectivity are key factors that define the overall smartwatch experience. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Forerunner 970 share some similarities, yet also show distinct differences in these areas.

Similarities

1. Health & Sports Apps: Both watches come with built-in health and fitness tracking apps, supporting multiple sports modes and health monitoring features.
2. Companion Apps: Data syncing and device management are supported through official apps (Apple Watch via the Watch app, Garmin via Garmin Connect).
3. Bluetooth Connectivity: Both support Bluetooth pairing with smartphones and other devices for data sync and notifications.

Differences

Summary

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Best for users already in the Apple ecosystem, offering rich apps, smart assistant, AI features, and satellite communication—ideal for both daily life and outdoor adventures. This also aligns with features seen in the Apple Watch Series 11.
• Garmin Forerunner 970: Focused on professional sports tracking and detailed metrics, suitable for runners, cyclists, and serious training. The ecosystem emphasizes sports devices over general lifestyle integration.

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3

Reason: It delivers a more comprehensive software experience, ecosystem support, and connectivity, making it ideal for both everyday use and outdoor emergencies, especially for Apple users.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 - Price and Value

When choosing a smartwatch, balancing price and performance is key. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Forerunner 970 target different users and have distinct pricing strategies.

Similarities

• Both support multiple sports and health tracking features, suitable for daily fitness needs.
• Both provide reliable GPS functionality to ensure accurate workout data.

Differences

Summary

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Best for users seeking premium design, comprehensive health tracking, and deep ecosystem integration, especially ideal for Apple device users.
• Garmin Forerunner 970: Best for athletes or long-training users who prioritize sports performance, long battery life, and cost-effectiveness.

Winner: Depends on Your Needs

If you value smart features, health tracking, and Apple ecosystem integration, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers more value. If you prioritize professional sports performance and long battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 970 provides better cost-performance.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 - Final Summary & Recommendation

After a detailed comparison of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 in design, display, GPS navigation, battery life, health and fitness features, software ecosystem, and value, the differences between these flagship smartwatches become clear.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is ideal for users seeking an all-around smart experience, advanced health monitoring, and deep integration with the Apple ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Garmin Forerunner 970 focuses on professional sports tracking, long battery life, and excellent cost-performance, making it perfect for athletes and long-distance training.

Final Recommendation

• If you prioritize comprehensive health monitoring, outdoor adventure capabilities, and Apple ecosystem integration, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 comparison shows that the Ultra 3 is the better choice. To complete your setup, consider pairing it with premium Apple Ultra 3 straps from Bandletic, or explore our latest Apple Watch 11 straps and Apple SE 3 Watch straps for a personalized look.
• If your focus is professional sports metrics, long battery life, and cost-effectiveness, the Garmin Forerunner 970 will better meet your needs. Enhance your experience with high-quality Garmin Forerunner 970 straps from Bandletic, designed for comfort, durability, and style during intense training sessions.