Garmin
Garmin Vivoactive 5
2023 · Fitness + health
82
/ 100
From $299
VS
Apple Watch Ultra 3 wins by 12
Apple
Apple Watch Ultra 3
S10 chip · 49 mm titanium · 3000 nits
94
/ 100
From $799
Specdex verdict
Apple Watch Ultra 3 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Garmin Vivoactive 5 lands at 82 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 at 94. That puts Apple Watch Ultra 3 ahead by 12 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Garmin Vivoactive 5 if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Pick Apple Watch Ultra 3 if…
- ✓49 mm titanium chassis
- ✓3000 nit peak display
- ✓Up to 42 hours normal use
Garmin Vivoactive 5 82
vs 94 Apple Watch Ultra 3
Score breakdown
Garmin Vivoactive 5
82 battery 94
display 88
fitness 82
health 80
durability 86
Apple Watch Ultra 3
94 battery 84
display 96
fitness 96
health 96
durability 96
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Garmin Vivoactive 5 | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2023 | — |
| Chip | — | Apple S10 chip |
| Case | — | 49 mm titanium |
| Display | — | Up to 3000 nits |
| Water resistance | — | 100 m (ISO 22810:2010) |
| Battery | — | Up to 42 hours; up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode |
| Starting price | — | $799 |
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Pros
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
Cons
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Pros
- +49 mm titanium chassis
- +3000 nit peak display
- +Up to 42 hours normal use
Cons
- −Same chassis as Ultra 2
- −Expensive at $799
- −Battery only extends to 72 h in low-power
FAQ: Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
Which is better, Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Apple Watch Ultra 3? +
Apple Watch Ultra 3 scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 12. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Garmin Vivoactive 5 worth the price? +
At $299, Garmin Vivoactive 5 delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.
Is Apple Watch Ultra 3 worth the price? +
At $799, Apple Watch Ultra 3 delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in display.
Does Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Apple Watch Ultra 3 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.