Apple Watch 10 vs. Garmin Instinct 3: Performance, features, and value for fitness enthusiasts

When it comes to health-focused wearables, two of the most popular options on the market today are the Apple Watch 10 and the Garmin Instinct 3. Both offer a range of features designed to enhance your fitness experience, but they cater to different needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, we explore the strengths and weaknesses of each device, helping you decide which one suits your lifestyle best.

We’ll also dive into the results of a 5,000 Steps Walk-off using both to see how these two wearables perform in a real-world scenario.

Design and display: A contrast of styles

Both watches feature distinctive designs, but they are built with different priorities in mind. The Apple Watch 10 boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic, with a smooth, rounded display that fits comfortably on the wrist. Its high-resolution Retina display is a standout feature, offering vibrant colors and a touchscreen interface for easy navigation. The Apple Watch is available in various materials, including aluminum and stainless steel, making it both functional and stylish.

On the other hand, the Garmin Instinct 3 has a rugged, outdoor-oriented design that’s built for durability. Its polymer casing and five-button layout are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who need a device that can withstand harsh conditions.

The Instinct 3 offers two screen options: a traditional Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display with solar charging capabilities and a brighter AMOLED version for better visual clarity. The rugged design and longer battery life make the Garmin Instinct 3 a great choice for those who value practicality over aesthetics.

In terms of size, the Apple Watch 10 is lighter and slimmer, making it more versatile for daily wear and even formal occasions. In contrast, the Garmin Instinct 3 is bulkier, designed for users who prioritize outdoor functionality over elegance.

Fitness and health features: Different needs

These wearables excel in tracking fitness and health metrics, but they target different types of users.

Watch 10 from Apple best suited for everyday fitness tracking, offering features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, blood oxygen measurement, and advanced metrics for workouts like cycling, running, and swimming. One of its standout features is the Fitness+ integration, which provides guided workouts and personalized fitness plans, making it an excellent choice for those looking to engage in a variety of fitness activities with a more polished, connected experience.

On the other hand, Instinct 3 is designed for outdoor athletes and adventurers. It includes more specialized features like GPS tracking, altimeter, and barometer, making it ideal for activities like hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. The Body Battery and Training Readiness features on the Garmin Instinct 3 are also tailored for users looking to monitor recovery and energy levels, offering insights into how well you’re physically prepared for a workout.

The Apple Watch 10 also provides a broader range of lifestyle features, including the ability to receive calls, texts, and notifications, along with Apple Pay and Siri integration. The Garmin Instinct 3, while capable of basic notifications, focuses more on raw fitness data and outdoor functionality, without as many smart features as the Apple Watch.

Real-world performance: 5,000 steps walk-off

To better understand how the Garmin Instinct 3 and Apple Watch 10 perform in real-life situations, Dan Bracaglia, a senior writer about fitness & wearables from Tom’s Guide decided to conduct a 5,000 Steps Walk-off. The goal was to see how accurately each watch tracks steps and activity during a simple walk, which is a common daily fitness goal.

Apple Watch 10: The Apple Watch 10 provides a smooth, user-friendly experience with its touchscreen interface. During the 5,000 steps walk-off, the Apple Watch was quick to start tracking steps and provided constant, real-time feedback on the screen. The step count was displayed clearly, and the watch vibrated to notify us of every 1,000 steps completed. It also took note of heart rate, calories burned, and the time spent walking, offering an overview of the activity.

Garmin Instinct 3: This device uses a five-button layout, which some may find less intuitive than the Apple Watch’s touchscreen interface. It tracked steps accurately, offering a simple display, along with performance metrics like elevation gain and heart rate for more detailed fitness insights.

While both watches tracked steps similarly, the Garmin Instinct 3 excelled in providing outdoor-focused data, while the Apple Watch 10 offered a sleeker, more visually engaging and user-friendly experience.

Battery life comparison: Durability of each device

Battery life plays a crucial role in choosing between fitness trackers and smartwatches, especially for outdoor use.

The Apple Watch 10 offers up to 18 hours of battery life with regular use, but heavy activities like GPS tracking and continuous heart rate monitoring can drain it faster. It charges quickly, but frequent charging is required. The Garmin Instinct 3 shines in battery life, lasting up to weeks with normal use, thanks to its MIP Solar display. The AMOLED version lasts up to 7 days on a full charge, ideal for outdoor tracking.

For extended battery life, the Instinct 3 is the better choice, particularly for outdoor activities or long trips where charging is limited.

Pricing and value for money

In terms of pricing, The Apple Watch 10 starts at $399, offering a premium experience with sleek design, smart features, and fitness tracking. It’s a great option for those seeking a versatile smartwatch.

Meanwhile, the Garmin Instinct 3 begins at $299, with higher-end models reaching $499. It focuses on outdoor durability and fitness tracking, making it ideal for athletes. Both watches offer excellent value, with the Apple Watch 10 shining in versatility and the Garmin Instinct 3 excelling in outdoor and fitness features.

Choosing the right watch for you

The Apple Watch is ideal for those seeking a stylish, multifunctional smartwatch that integrates well with an iPhone, perfect for tracking workouts, receiving notifications, and monitoring health metrics. Garmin Instinct 3 is better suited for outdoor enthusiasts or athletes who need a rugged, durable watch with specialized fitness tracking, long battery life, and detailed outdoor metrics.

In the 5,000 Steps Walk-off, both devices performed well in step tracking. However, the Garmin Instinct 3 advances in fitness features and durability. The Apple Watch 10, with its advanced smart features and stylish design, is ideal for daily wear. Your decision ultimately depends on whether you value style, versatility, or outdoor performance.