HomeComparisonSmartwatch vs Sportswatch: Whats the Difference?
Many of my clients askWhich sports watch should I buy?
Behind this question is a deeper one: How are sportswatches different from smartwatches?
However, its not as simple as one watch versus the other.
Its more about the companies intentions, their projected future, and the overall user experience.
What is the difference between a smartwatch and a sports watch?
The biggest divide remained battery life and screen quality.
Still, there are five significant differences that could influence your buying decision.
The Apple Watch serves more as a passive advisor, providing you with the data without explicitly interpreting it.
Garmin, on the other hand, is more direct, giving you insights like poor sleep impacting training.
With Garmin, you might turn off the touchscreen to prevent accidental button presses.
However, the Apple Watchs touchscreen becomes less responsive or prone to accidental touches as your sweat levels increase.
Apple vs Garmin Ecosystem
The ecosystem becomes crucial when considering which watch to purchase.
Apple controls its ecosystem, maximizing user experience and limiting third-party access.
This control allows users to interact with notifications and use Siri on the Apple Watch.
Garmin offers notification access, but the interaction level is limited.
Customization
Customization is another area where Apple shines due to its user-friendly App Store.
Battery
For ultra-runners and endurance athletes, battery life is a critical factor.
The Apple Watch Ultra boasts 36 hours of regular use and up to 60 hours in low-power mode.
In contrast, the Garmin 965 offers 23 days of regular use and 21 hours in GPS mode.
This stark difference makes Garmin a clear winner for endurance athletes.
On the other hand, ultra-runners and athletes might prefer Garmin for its superior battery life and sports-first approach.
Which one you choose depends on what you value more: athletic performance or interconnected smart features.
Smartwatch vs Sportswatch: FAQs
What is the best smartwatch in 2023?
The best smartwatch depends on what youre looking for.
Some of the most highly-rated smartwatches of 2023 include the Apple Watch Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5.
For sports watches, top contenders include the Garmin Forerunner 965 and the Suunto 9 Baro.
Is an Apple watch considered a smartwatch or sports watch?
However, its comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities also make it a strong contender in the sports watch category.
Which Sportswatch has the best battery life?
Is a sports watch worth it?
They are designed to provide more precise tracking of various fitness activities.
Do smartwatches and sportswatches need a data plan?
Most smartwatches and sports watches can connect to your phone via Bluetooth for necessary data.
Some smartwatches do have an LTE option, which would require a separate data plan.
Can you text on a sports watch?
The ability to send text messages from a Sportswatch depends on the specific model and its capabilities.
Some sports watches have limited interaction with notifications, while others allow for more engagement.
Is it possible to make phone calls from a smartwatch?
Which watch is better for runners: a smartwatch or a sports watch?
It depends on the runners specific needs.
If the runner wants more detailed running metrics, a sports watch may be a better choice.
What are the top features to look for in a sports watch?
Advanced features may include altitude tracking, sleep monitoring, and training analysis.
What are the top features to look for in a smartwatch?
Can you use a sports watch or smartwatch without a phone?
Most sports watches can function without a phone, especially during workouts.
For smartwatches, it varies.
Some features, like notifications or music streaming, may require a phone connection.
However, some newer smartwatches offer LTE versions that can function independently from a phone.
