If there’s one thing that could ruin me financially, it’s my love for smart gadgets. Phones, watches, tablets, laptops — I’m always curious. Unfortunately, my bank account doesn’t share my enthusiasm.
Over the years, I’ve used both Apple Watch and various Garmin models — Venu, Vivoactive, even Epix.
Last year, when I got back into running, I treated myself to a very impulsive gift: the Garmin Epix. And, honestly, I kind of regretted it.
Here’s the thing: those watches are fantastic — but for serious athletes. I’m not one (yet). Sure, the metrics are amazing. But I didn’t need that many. In fact, they made me feel worse. I’m the kind of person who wants instant progress, and seeing how small each run was in the bigger picture just crushed my spirit.
I wore the Epix for about six months — I call it “six months of humiliation.” My husband, by the way, now wears them and loves them (he just turned off most of the stats). But that wouldn’t have worked for me.
Eventually, I pulled my dusty old Apple Watch out of the drawer — and haven’t looked back since.
Why I love the Apple Watch
- It’s convenient. Music, payments, cellular — all from your wrist. I can run without carrying my phone.
- The metrics actually make sense. Steps, active time, heart rate, VO₂Max — just the basics. I don’t get overwhelmed with unnecessary data. I did miss recovery metrics, but I solved that by installing a third-party app.
- Activity rings keep me going. Garmin lets you set goals and leaves you alone — great for pros. But Apple reminds me to move every day. For someone building a fitness habit, that’s a game-changer.
And the monthly challenges? They’re fun and based on your own stats, so they’re always achievable — just enough to push you, not scare you.
At the start of this year, I gave myself a simple rule: close my rings every day. So far, I’ve only missed four days (when I was sick). I haven’t broken the streak yet.
The downside? Just one. But it’s big.
Battery life. Garmin? A week without charging. Apple Watch? Daily charging. Sometimes twice, if I run in the morning and cycle in the evening.
I still love them — but this is the one flaw that’s hard to ignore.
So, what’s next?
I know I’ll need to upgrade eventually. But for now, my Apple Watch still helps me stay active. I’ve given myself six more months — time to:
- Reach my yearly goals
- See how serious I am about running
- Stick to a consistent training routine
After that, I’ll decide whether it’s time for an upgrade.
Who should get an Apple Watch?
- You own an iPhone
- You’re new to fitness or still building the habit
- You don’t want complex data
- You need daily motivation
- You don’t mind charging it every day
Who should consider Garmin?
- You’re already consistent with your workouts
- You don’t need reminders to move
- You train multiple times a day
- You want advanced metrics and performance tracking
But please, learn from me: If you’re not a pro athlete (or made of money), don’t jump straight to the top-tier Garmin models like Epix, Fenix, or the premium Forerunner. You’ll likely use only 30% of what they offer. The mid-range ones are more than enough — and a lot more forgiving on your wallet.
Good luck out there — whatever you’re training for 💪
