Apple Watch Series 9 & Garmin Venu 3 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Series 9 rather than the Garmin Venu 3.
Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 9?
- The Apple Watch Series 9 features an LTPO OLED display with up to 2000 nits brightness for significantly better outdoor visibility during workouts and navigation, whereas the Garmin Venu 3 uses an AMOLED display with lower peak brightness.
- Apple Watch Series 9 includes the S9 SiP with a Neural Engine for faster app responsiveness and smoother animations during daily interactions, while the Garmin Venu 3 uses a less powerful Garmin chipset.
- It supports on-device Siri processing for quicker commands such as starting workouts or sending messages without relying on the phone, whereas the Garmin Venu 3 uses a phone-dependent voice assistant passthrough.
- The Apple Watch Series 9 comes with ECG functionality for precise heart rhythm assessments during irregular heartbeat episodes, while the Garmin Venu 3 has heart rate monitoring but no ECG feature.
- Apple Watch Series 9 includes wrist temperature sensing for cycle tracking insights and overnight trend analysis, whereas the Garmin Venu 3 does not include a temperature sensor.
- It supports optional cellular connectivity to enable calls, texts, and streaming without a phone during runs or errands, while the Garmin Venu 3 lacks any LTE or cellular capability.
- The Apple Watch Series 9 features faster magnetic charging to minimize downtime and allow quick top-ups before workouts, whereas the Garmin Venu 3 uses a slower proprietary cable charging system.
- Apple Watch Series 9 includes a wider third-party app ecosystem through the watchOS App Store for more advanced productivity and health apps, while the Garmin Venu 3 uses the more limited Connect IQ Store.
Maybe the Garmin Venu 3 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 9. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Display type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Always-On AMOLED |
| Display size | 1.69″, 1.9″ | 1.4″ |
| Max brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to ~1000 nits |
| Case material | Aluminum or Stainless Steel | Fiber-reinforced polymer with stainless steel bezel |
| Front glass | Ion-X glass or Sapphire crystal | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Processor | S9 SiP dual-core with Neural Engine | Garmin proprietary chipset |
| On-device voice | Siri on device | Phone voice assistant passthrough |
| Cellular option | GPS + Cellular models available | No LTE / cellular option |
| Battery life (watch mode) | Up to 18 hours typical | Up to 14 days smartwatch mode |
| Battery life (GPS) | Up to ~7 hours GPS workout | Up to 26 hours GPS-only GNSS mode |
| Charging method | Magnetic wireless fast charger | Garmin proprietary cable charger |
| Operating system | watchOS | Garmin OS |
| App ecosystem | watchOS App Store | Garmin Connect IQ Store |
| Health sensors | Electrical ECG, optical HR, skin temperature | Optical HR , no ECG, no skin temperature |
| Advanced recovery | Limited recovery metrics | Body Battery, HRV Status, Sleep Coach, Nap detection |
| Sleep tracking style | Sleep stages with basic metrics | Detailed Sleep Score with coaching and nap logging |
| GNSS / GPS mode | GPS/GNSS | All-Systems GNSS modes |
| Payments | Apple Pay | Garmin Pay |
| Phone compatibility | iPhone only | Android and iPhone |
| Buttons & controls | Digital Crown + side button + double-tap gesture | Two side buttons + touch screen |
| Strap connection | Apple proprietary band system | Standard quick-release strap |
| Price | Check Apple Watch 9 Price | Check Garmin Venu 3 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Always-On Display: Both watches include an always-on display, allowing users to see time and essential information without raising or tapping the screen. This improves usability during workouts, meetings, and daily tasks where hands-free visibility is important.
- Touchscreen: Both models feature responsive touchscreens for navigating menus, apps, and settings. A touchscreen makes interactions intuitive and quick, especially when selecting workout modes or managing notifications.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches include continuous heart rate monitoring for measuring resting heart rate, workout intensity, and overall cardiovascular health. This consistent tracking helps users better understand fitness performance throughout the day.
- Blood Oxygen Monitoring: Each device includes an SpO2 sensor capable of reading blood oxygen levels. Monitoring oxygen saturation helps users track wellness trends and can alert them to potential breathing or altitude-related issues.
- Sleep Tracking: Both watches provide sleep tracking with insights into overnight patterns. This helps users improve sleep habits and understand how rest impacts energy and health.
- Stress Monitoring: Each model includes stress monitoring using heart rate variability and other metrics. This feature helps users understand how their body responds to daily challenges and encourages mindfulness or relaxation when needed.
- GPS: Both devices include built-in GPS for accurate route tracking during outdoor activities. This ensures users get precise distance and pace data without needing a phone.
- Bluetooth: Both watches use Bluetooth to connect to smartphones for notifications, calls, and syncing data. This enables seamless communication and fitness data transfer to their respective mobile apps.
- Wi-Fi: Each device supports Wi-Fi for updates, syncing, and app downloads when the phone is not nearby. Wi-Fi connectivity ensures faster data transfer and smoother app performance.
- NFC Payments: Both watches support contactless payments via Apple Pay or Garmin Pay. This allows users to make purchases without carrying a wallet or phone.
- Water Resistance: Both models have 5 ATM water resistance, making them suitable for swimming and everyday splashes. This durability ensures reliable use in wet environments and workouts.
- Workout Tracking: Each watch includes a wide range of workout modes for fitness and sports tracking. Users can record activities like running, cycling, and strength training with detailed metrics.
- Music Storage: Both offer built-in music storage for offline playback. This allows users to listen to music during workouts without needing a smartphone.
- Microphone: Each device includes a microphone for voice functions and phone call support. This enhances convenience for hands-free communication.
- Speaker: Both watches have a built-in speaker for audio alerts, calls, and voice feedback. This allows users to hear notifications or guidance during workouts.
- Fall Detection: Both devices include fall detection capabilities to alert emergency contacts if a hard fall occurs. This adds an important safety layer for users during daily activities.
- Emergency SOS: Each model supports SOS alerts in critical situations. This feature allows users to quickly contact help when necessary.
- Voice Call Support: Both watches can handle voice calls when connected to a smartphone. This makes it easy to take calls without pulling out the phone during activities.
- Smart Notifications: Both devices mirror smartphone notifications such as messages, calls, and app alerts. This keeps users connected without needing to constantly check their phones.
- Customizable Watch Faces: Both support customizable watch faces to match personal styles or show preferred data. This flexibility enhances both aesthetics and convenience for daily use.
Common Features
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Garmin Venu 3 |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Oxygen Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Stress Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| NFC Payments | Apple Pay | Garmin Pay |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Workout Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Call Support (when connected) | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable Watch Faces | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Apple Watch 9 Price | Check Garmin Venu 3 Price |