Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular vs Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Watch (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular

9.3/10 Excellent

4.7★ (3,800 owners)

Titanium, 60hr battery, dual-frequency GPS, 100m waterproof, Action Button. Apple's sport flagship.

Full Review

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Watch

9.1/10 Excellent

4.6★ (4,200 owners)

AMOLED, 11-day, offline music, Training Readiness. Best entry Garmin AMOLED with music.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular	Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Watch
247Verdict Score	9.3/10	9.1/10
Owner Rating	4.7★ (3,800)	4.6★ (4,200)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent
Battery	60 hours	11 days
Display	Brightest	AMOLED

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 9.1/10. Titanium, 60hr battery, dual-frequency GPS, 100m waterproof, Action Button. Apple's sport flagship. That said, the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Watch is worth considering if AMOLED, 11-day, offline music, Training Readiness. Best entry Garmin AMOLED with music. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular

60-hour battery in low-power mode for ultra marathons
Dual-frequency GPS L1+L5 most accurate Apple Watch
100-metre water resistance for ocean and cliff diving
Action Button customisable for gloved use
Brightest Apple Watch display in sunlight

£799 — most expensive Apple Watch, iPhone only
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar has indefinite solar battery
Not for Android users

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Watch

AMOLED at under £180
11-day battery life
Offline music storage for phone-free runs
Training Readiness score
Daily Suggested Workouts

No race predictor
Single-band GPS
No maps

FAQ

Which is better, Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular or Garmin Forerunner 165 Music?

Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular worth the extra cost?

Yes — Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular scores higher at 9.3/10 vs 9.1/10.

Who is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular best suited to?

Titanium, 60hr battery, dual-frequency GPS, 100m waterproof, Action Button. Apple's sport flagship.

Who is the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music best suited to?

AMOLED, 11-day, offline music, Training Readiness. Best entry Garmin AMOLED with music.

What are the main downsides of each?

Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular: £799 — most expensive Apple Watch, iPhone only; Garmin Fenix 8 Solar has indefinite solar battery. Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Watch: No race predictor; Single-band GPS.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular sits at 4.7★ from 3,800 verified Amazon owners, and Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Watch at 4.6★ from 4,200.

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