Reaching maturity, next model expected soon
Best for: iPhone users who want the most capable smartwatch health experience available. Ideal for anyone who values medical-grade monitoring (ECG, blood pressure, SpO2), a premium always-on display, and the best Apple Watch workout tracking. If health is your priority, this is the one to get.
Full details →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Users who want Garmin's best health analytics and sports tracking on a stylish AMOLED watch that doesn't look like a hiking GPS. Works equally well for Android and iPhone. The best Garmin option for someone who prioritises everyday wellness over extreme outdoor sports.
Full details →| Apple Watch | Garmin Venu | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Smartwatch | Smartwatch |
| Platform | iOS only | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 1 days | 14 days |
| Always-on display | ✅ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ✅ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | ecg, spo2, skin temp, hrv, blood pressure | hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, nap detection |
| Released | Sep 19, 2025 | Sep 7, 2023 |
| Cycle length | 364 days | 868 days |
| Cycle advice | neutral | bad |
| Deals advice | neutral | good |
| Next model | Apple Watch Series 12 (Expected fall 2026) | — |
The Series 11 is the first mainstream smartwatch to offer FDA-cleared hypertension (high blood pressure) detection — a feature that could flag silent health risks.
At 9.7mm, the Series 11 is significantly slimmer than previous models — noticeably lighter on the wrist for all-day and sleep tracking.
On-demand ECG, continuous blood oxygen monitoring, and sleep apnea detection (FDA-cleared) make this one of the most medically relevant consumer wearables available.
Garmin's signature energy monitoring tracks stress, sleep, and heart rate variability to give you a daily 0–100 energy score — more nuanced than raw step counts.
The Venu 3 automatically detects when you nap during the day and logs it accurately in your sleep data — a unique wellness feature among smartwatches.
Most AMOLED smartwatches last 1–2 days. Garmin's efficient software architecture stretches the Venu 3 to 14 days — a huge practical advantage.