The Garmin Fenix 8 is the latest in the company's ultimate outdoors watch range. But Android users looking for a rugged smartwatch might have their head turned by the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.

Garmin's Fenix 8 has new features that make it comparable to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but one premium smartwatch still comes out on top.

Some say the Fenix 8 doesn't have enough new features, but some of the core changes likely won't ever come to previous generation watches like the Fenix 7 Pro.

Our Garmin Fenix 8 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 comparison will help you if you're looking for a great outdoors smartwatch. These are two of the best smartwatches you can get, with both offering a winning combination of great design, useful smart features and insightful sports tracking and training analysis.

Apple Watches are known for their sleek, stylish look, while Garmin watches offer a more utilitarian design that’s made for athletes and outdoor adventurers. Apple simply does some things better than Garmin — and vice versa. Here are the top benefits for each brand’s products.

You don’t need the black Apple Watch Ultra 2. There’s nothing truly new here. This is the same as the regular Ultra 2. The only difference is that this is black. That’s it. It bears reminding: the Ultra 2 is $800.

There’s no Apple Watch Ultra 3 yet, but Apple is upgrading its most premium Watch nonetheless. Here are the new Ultra 2 features.

Note: We first saw the Apple Watch Ultra 2 hit its lowest price ever on Amazon on September 13, 2024. Shortly after, it went back to full price—but as of September 18, 2024, it is back down to $689, its lowest price ever.