| Apple Watch | Garmin Venu | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $399★ | $549 |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ℹ️ Optional — $70/yr |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 32g★ | 42g |
| Water resistance | 50m | 5ATM |
| Battery | 1 days | 12 days★ |
| Always-on display | ✅ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ✅★ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS only | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Smartwatch | Smartwatch |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Sep 18, 2026 | Sep 22, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | good★ | neutral |
| Deals advice | good | great★ |
| Next model | — | — |
The new health sensing system samples heart rate every five seconds all day — 60x more often than the Series 11 — and measures HRV every five minutes.
A daily 0–10 readiness score combines sleep, vitals, training load, and activity to suggest how hard to push.
On-demand ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep apnea detection, and hypertension notifications carry over from the Series 11.
The Venu 4 adds on-demand ECG (a first for the Venu line) alongside Garmin's signature Body Battery energy score — combining health monitoring and daily readiness in one watch.
A white/red LED flashlight and a speaker/microphone for hands-free calling — practical features that set the Venu 4 apart from the Venu 3.
SatIQ multi-band GPS for precise tracking in cities and trails, with up to 12 days of battery life in the 45mm model — significantly more than any comparable smartwatch.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$399 vs $759 over 3 years.
12 days vs 1 days battery.
10 sensors · 0.2 Hz HR sampling.
32g.
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 →Users who want Garmin's best health analytics and sports tracking on a stylish AMOLED watch for everyday wear. Works equally well for Android and iPhone. The Venu 4 adds ECG and a flashlight to the formula — ideal for anyone who wants a capable lifestyle watch with genuine health monitoring depth.
Full details →