Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2
Verdict: The Garmin Forerunner 965 excels in battery endurance and GPS precision, delivering 23 days of smartwatch use versus the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s 36 hours (per Garmin, per DC Rainmaker). However, the Ultra 2 offers a richer health sensor suite, cellular connectivity, and a more rugged titanium build, which the Forerunner lacks (per Apple, per RTINGS). For athletes prioritising ultra‑long battery and precise navigation, the Forerunner is the clear pick, while adventure‑oriented users who value cellular and advanced health metrics will favor the Ultra 2.
Garmin Forerunner 965 lists at $499.99 while Apple Watch Ultra 2 lists at $799 — Garmin Forerunner 965 undercuts Apple Watch Ultra 2 by $299.01 (60%).
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 2
Garmin Forerunner 965: 7.5/10
Apple Watch Ultra 2: 8/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Garmin Forerunner 965 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.4" MIP (1000 nits) | 2.5" Retina LTPO OLED (1000 nits) |
| Battery Life | 23 days smartwatch / 31 hrs GPS | 36 hrs typical / 72 hrs low‑power |
| Storage | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Weight | 52 g | 61 g |
Garmin Forerunner 965
What works
- Exceptional GPS accuracy (per DC Rainmaker)
- Up to 23 days battery life (per Garmin)
- Lightweight for long runs (per Runner's World)
What doesn't
- Limited third‑party app ecosystem
- No LTE connectivity
- Higher price than basic fitness bands
Apple Watch Ultra 2
What works
- Robust titanium case with EN‑13319 certification (per Apple)
- Comprehensive health sensors incl. ECG, temperature (per Apple)
- Cellular connectivity and vast app ecosystem (per RTINGS)
What doesn't
- Battery life shorter than Forerunner in GPS mode
- Higher price point
- Larger bezel may feel bulky
Bottom line
Our pick: Apple Watch Ultra 2.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
Related Comparisons
- Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Whoop 50
- Hoka Bondi 8 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Garmin Watch Ultra 4
- Google Pixel Watch 4 vs Apple Watch Series 11
- Garmin Index S2 vs Withings Body Comp
- Nike Pegasus 41 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 51mm vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Galaxy Watch FE vs Galaxy Watch SE (2nd Generation)
- Garmin Fenix 8 vs Apple Watch Series 11
- Samsung Galaxy Watch FE vs Samsung Galaxy Watch SE (2nd Generation)
- Oura Ring 4 vs Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Whoop 5
People also compared
- Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 fitness
- Hoka Bondi 8 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 fitness
- Nike Pegasus 41 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 fitness
- JAXJOX Kettlebell Connect 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 Fitness
- Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 970 fitness
- Garmin Forerunner 970 vs Garmin Forerunner 965 fitness
Affiliate disclosure: GoodPickr may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through partner links on this page. Verdicts are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate relationships.
GoodPickr · Data-backed product comparisons · Built by Golden Consulting Partners