Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular vs Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Watch (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular
Titanium, 60hr battery, dual-frequency GPS, 100m waterproof, Action Button. Apple's sport flagship.
Check Price ↗ Full Review
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Watch
AMOLED, 11-day, offline music, Training Readiness. Best entry Garmin AMOLED with music.
Check Price ↗ Full ReviewAt 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..
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?
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..
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.
Also Worth Considering
Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Solar GPS Watch
Solar charging, full topo maps, 37-day battery, titanium bezel. The expedition multisport standard.
Check Price ↗ Full Review
Garmin Fēnix 8 Solar Sapphire GPS Watch
Sapphire, solar, 29-day battery, built-in speaker, scuba diving, multiband GPS. Garmin's flagship outdoor watch.
Check Price ↗ Full Review
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar GPS Watch
Solar, triathlon, 20-day battery, multiband GPS, ClimbPro, PacePro. The triathlete's watch.
Check Price ↗ Full Review