Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 - Which One Wins?

Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 - Battery Life

Similarities

• Multiple Usage Modes: Both watches support smart mode and sports mode, allowing users to switch based on daily wear or workout tracking needs.
• Reliable Battery Life: Both provide sufficient battery life to reduce the hassle of frequent charging.

Differences

• Smart Mode Battery Life: The Forerunner 970 lasts about 15 days without Always-On Display (AOD), dropping to around 4 days with AOD enabled; the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers about 2–3 days in smart mode.
• GPS Mode Battery Life: Forerunner 970 delivers approximately 23 hours in default SatIQ mode, 21 hours in highest-precision multi-frequency mode, and around 12 hours when playing music; Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers about 18 hours in GPS mode.
• Charging Method and Speed: Forerunner 970 uses a traditional magnetic charger with slower but stable charging; Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports faster MagSafe charging compatible with other Apple accessories, making charging more convenient.
• Real-World Usage: Forerunner 970 excels in long-lasting battery life, ideal for extended outdoor activities; Apple Watch Ultra 2’s improved battery life still requires more frequent charging, better suited for daily or shorter use.

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 970

Reason: Longer battery life tailored for extended outdoor use and intense activity, meeting professional athlete demands.

Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Health Tracking

For users focused on health management and scientific training, health tracking features are a key consideration when choosing a smartwatch. Both the Garmin Forerunner 970 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 excel in heart rate, sleep, and activity tracking, but they differ significantly in terms of data depth and professional utility.

Similarities

• Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches support 24/7 optical heart rate monitoring with high/low heart rate alerts.
• ECG Capability: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers built-in ECG functionality for detecting irregular heart rhythms. While the Forerunner 970 lacks ECG, it provides highly accurate heart rate data.
• Sleep Tracking: Both support sleep stage tracking (light, deep, REM), total sleep time, and nighttime respiration.
• Blood Oxygen (SpO) Monitoring: SpO measurement is supported on both devices, though the Ultra 2 has the feature disabled on some U.S. models due to patent restrictions.
• Respiration & Stress: Both devices monitor respiration rates at night. The Ultra 2 includes mindfulness tools, while the Forerunner 970 offers continuous stress tracking and recovery suggestions.

Differences

Garmin Forerunner 970 Advantages

• Advanced Training & Recovery Metrics: Features like Training Readiness, Load, Recovery Time, Running Economy, and Endurance Score support detailed, personalized training plans.
• Body Battery: Calculates body energy levels based on HRV, stress, and sleep data to help manage exertion and recovery.
• HRV Status Trends: Tracks heart rate variability trends over time to guide training intensity and rest cycles.
• Menstrual Cycle Tracking: Uses temperature sensors and other biometrics to help female users better understand physiological changes.
• Comprehensive Health Insights: Integrates various health metrics into visualized reports and actionable suggestions.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 Advantages

• Robust Health Ecosystem via watchOS: Includes medication reminders, noise monitoring, emotion tracking, fall/crash detection, and SOS features.
• Sleep Apnea Notifications: watchOS 11 introduces monthly alerts for abnormal breathing patterns during sleep.
• Mental Health Support>: The built-in Mindfulness app allows users to log mood states and analyze emotional trends alongside physical health data.
• Vitals App: Aggregates key biometrics like wrist temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate for easy daily reference.

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 970

Reason: Garmin provides more advanced training data, deeper recovery analysis, and actionable health insights, making it ideal for serious athletes.

Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 - Sports Performance

Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 - Sports Performance

• Wide range of sport modes: Both watches support over 30 workout types including running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and HIIT - covering most training needs.
• High-precision GPS: Equipped with dual-frequency multi-GNSS, both watches ensure accurate tracking even in challenging environments.
• Real-time workout feedback: Key data such as heart rate, pace, cadence, and elevation are displayed during workouts, helping users stay on track.
• Customizable training plans: Each supports personalized workouts and multisport setups to accommodate different goals and routines.

Differences - Pro-Level Running vs Outdoor Exploration

Garmin Forerunner 970 Advantages:

• More advanced training metrics: Offers VO Max, lactate threshold, running economy, endurance score, and more - ideal for competitive athletes and serious runners.
• Recovery & load analysis: Provides training readiness and recovery suggestions based on heart rate, HRV, and stamina data.
• Powerful navigation tools: Includes built-in maps, ClimbPro, and TracBack routing - great for trail running and long-distance events.
• Multisport auto-switching: Automatically detects transitions between running, cycling, and swimming - designed with triathletes in mind.
• Higher heart rate accuracy: 5th-gen optical heart rate sensor delivers faster response and reliable tracking even during intense workouts.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 Advantages:

• Stronger outdoor features: Includes offline maps, Backtrack, real-time elevation, and 3D waypoints - ideal for hiking and exploration.
• Superior water sports support: Offers stroke recognition, water temperature readings, and works as a dive computer via Oceanic+ (up to 40m depth).
• Enhanced cycling training: Supports power meter pairing, FTP, and Power Zones analysis, with real-time data shared through iPhone integration.
• Ecosystem synergy: Seamless integration with Apple Health, Maps, and other Apple services, offering a smoother smart experience.

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 970

Reason: For advanced athletes and endurance-focused users, the Forerunner 970 offers deeper training insights, better precision, and more practical tools for serious performance improvement.

Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 - Smartwatch Features

Similarities: Core Smart Features Are Covered

Both the Garmin Forerunner 970 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 come with built-in microphones and speakers, supporting voice calls and voice assistant functions. They also offer smart notifications for calls, messages, app alerts, and support Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi connectivity. Both watches can store and play music directly from the device.

In terms of basic smart features - like managing reminders, viewing notifications, and playing audio - they are quite comparable and meet most users' day-to-day needs.

Differences - Apple Watch Ultra 2 Offers a More Complete Smart Experience

Garmin Forerunner 970:

• No built-in cellular support - requires Bluetooth connection to a smartphone for calls and notifications.
• Runs on Garmin OS with a strong focus on fitness and health; limited third-party app support.
• Lacks Apple Pay, iOS app integration, or access to advanced smart features like gesture control.
• Overall smart functionality is basic compared to Apple’s offering.

Apple Watch Ultra 2:

• Features built-in LTE, allowing independent calls, messaging, and music streaming without an iPhone nearby.
• Powered by watchOS 10 with gesture controls like double‑tap, Smart Stack widgets, and wrist flick interaction. You can also check watchOS 9, WatchOS 11 and watchOS 10 vs 11 to know the differences between them.
• Seamlessly integrates with the Apple ecosystem - supports Apple Pay, Wallet, Car Key, Find My with UWB, Check-In, Emergency SOS, fall/crash detection, and more.
• Rich app ecosystem - supports major apps like WeChat, Alipay, Apple Maps, Music, Calendar, and more, delivering a comprehensive smart experience.

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 2

Reason: With a superior smart ecosystem, independent connectivity, and rich third-party app support, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the better choice for users who prioritize convenience and advanced smart features.

Final Conclusion and Recommendation

The Garmin Forerunner 970 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 each have their strengths, catering to different user needs. The Forerunner 970 is a top-tier running watch designed for serious athletes, featuring a durable build, rich and precise training data, and excellent battery life. It is especially suitable for those who prioritize professional sports performance and endurance training. With advanced recovery analysis and health insights, it helps athletes improve their training outcomes. Additionally, it offers strong compatibility with Android devices, providing greater versatility and practicality.

On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s most powerful sports smartwatch to date, deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem. It supports independent cellular connectivity and a wide range of third-party apps, delivering outstanding smart features and everyday convenience. It not only meets fitness needs but also serves as a multifunctional smart assistant for daily life, making it ideal for users who value seamless smart functionality and ecosystem integration.

If you seek peak athletic performance and professional training analysis, the Garmin Forerunner 970 is the better choice. If you prefer a robust smart ecosystem and diverse app experience, especially if you are already an Apple user, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will offer a superior user experience.

Whichever you choose, both can be powerful companions in your fitness journey and daily life, helping you embrace your next challenge. You also check Garmin Forerunner 970 Watch Bands and Apple Watch Ultra 2 Bands in our website to know more information.