Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro Gen 2

“Apple Tax” is a colloquial term for the premium pricing that generally comes from any number of Apple products, including iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches. And while the Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s priciest smartwatch investment for iOS fans, some of Garmin’s smartwatches make the Ultra look cheap.

We’re not going to include the Garmin Marq, Tactix, Descent or D2 Mach 1 because they range in price from around $2,000 to an eyewatering $3,000. Instead, we’re pitting the Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) because the pricepoint is around about the $1,500ish mark for all three smartwatches. Let’s see who comes out on top.

There’s not a lot in it on the premium pricing front, but the Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes out on top in context. It’s the cheapest with one model at $1,399 RRP, while prices for the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro kick off at $1,349 RRP and Garmin Epix Gen 2 $1,529 RRP. There are different strap types and lengths for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and different models for the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Garmin Epix Gen 2. While Garmin has more choices across its smartwatch case sizes, outside of the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro specifically, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the cheaper premium smartphone.

You shouldn’t really expect to find the Garmin Fenix or Epix smartwatches from big-name mobile providers like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, though Telstra does offer a selection of cheaper Garmin smartwatches. To take advantage of the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s independent cellular capabilities, you’ll want to pair it with a compatible plan.

Vodafone charges $5 per month on top of any of its mobile plans that offer the ‘NumberSync’ feature if you’re looking to pair an Apple Watch Ultra 2. Check out the popular Vodafone SIM-only plans below that support eSIM devices like the Apple Watch Ultra.

For Optus plans, keep an eye out for any Choice Plus plan that offers ‘Number Share’. Like Vodafone, it’ll cost you $5 extra per month to add cellular data on an Apple Watch Ultra 2. Here’s a look at the most popular Optus Choice Plus plans from our comparison engine.

Finally, Telstra also charges $5 a month for Apple Watch Ultra 2 eSIM support via the ‘One Number’ feature. You’ll need a Telstra Upfront (SIM-only) plan to access the feature. Below is a list of popular Telstra Upfront plans from our database.

In terms of the all-important basics, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 all come with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a connectivity edge, though, with inbuilt cellular support, meaning it’s not dependent on a linked smartphone for internet connectivity. That said, the bigger edge for Garmin smartwatches is they’re compatible with Android and iPhone, while the Apple Watch Ultra line is effectively only compatible with iPhone.

In terms of the actual design, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (and its first-gen predecessor) come in a single 49mm case size. Meanwhile, the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Garmin Epxi Pro (Gen 2) lines have a choice of 42mm, 47mm and 51mm cases. Apple has a reputation for stunning displays, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is no exception. You should notice a side-by-side prettiness upgrade with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro, but the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 gives Apple a run for its money with its AMOLED screen.

The smartwatch case is really down to personal preference. Apple Watch Ultra 2 fans get titanium, while both Garmin smartwatches have fibre-reinforced polymer. There’s also a titanium rear for the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 if you prefer the feel. Controlling inputs on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is primarily done via touchscreen, although there is a customisable physical ‘action’ button. But the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro Gen 2 have multiple physical buttons alongside their respective touchscreens, which means full operation via touch or buttons (the latter is handy during exercise).

In terms of battery life, the Garmin smartwatches are the clear winners. While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a respectable 36 hours, the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro offers up to 11 days or two weeks with solar, while the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 boasts up to 31 days of battery life. As for the remaining numbers, the water rating is effectively identical across smartwatches, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has double the capacity with 64GB storage.

If you’re an avid iPhone user, the Apple Watch Ultra is the better overall choice, while Android users, by default, should consider the Garmin Fenix 7 or Garmin Epix Pro lines. It’s not a massive victory for the Apple Watch Ultra, though. While Apple does have a cellular edge, the Garmin smartwatches offer a huge battery life edge and different case sizes to suit a wider range of wrists.