Apple Watch Series 9
2023 · Fitness + health
Garmin Forerunner 965
2023 · Fitness + health
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple Watch Series 9 lands at 88 and Garmin Forerunner 965 at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Apple Watch Series 9 if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Pick Garmin Forerunner 965 if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testDisplay
TieCompared on the display sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Fitness
TieCompared on the fitness sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Health
TieCompared on the health sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Apple Watch Series 9Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Apple Watch Series 9 more score per dollar ($399 vs $599).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 9 | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2023 | 2023 |
Apple Watch Series 9
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
Garmin Forerunner 965
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
FAQ: Apple Watch Series 9 vs Garmin Forerunner 965
Which is better, Apple Watch Series 9 or Garmin Forerunner 965? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple Watch Series 9 worth the price? +
At $399, Apple Watch Series 9 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in display.
Is Garmin Forerunner 965 worth the price? +
At $599, Garmin Forerunner 965 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.
Does Apple Watch Series 9 or Garmin Forerunner 965 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is the better value, Apple Watch Series 9 or Garmin Forerunner 965? +
Apple Watch Series 9 — more score per dollar ($399 vs $599). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.