Apple Watch Series 10 vs Garmin Forerunner 570: Fitness Tracking Showdown on Seattle's Lake Union
August 7, 2025
A recent article compares the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Garmin Forerunner 570 in a fitness tracking challenge during an 11-mile bike ride around Lake Union in Seattle.
The Garmin is tailored for fitness enthusiasts, boasting superior battery life and a range of training tools, while the Apple Watch serves as a versatile smartwatch with integrated fitness and wellness features.
During the bike test, the Apple Watch recorded a distance of 11.03 miles, closely aligning with the Garmin's 11.09 miles and the Strava app's tally of 11.14 miles.
Despite Garmin's slight edge in distance and speed, the Apple Watch was ultimately declared the overall winner due to its more accurate elevation data and overall reliability.
The Garmin reported an elevation gain of 741 feet, significantly higher than the Apple Watch's 647 feet and Strava's 663 feet, suggesting potential over-calculation by Garmin.
In terms of speed, the Garmin recorded a maximum of 25.8 mph compared to the Apple Watch's 20.7 mph, although both devices displayed similar average heart rates and calories burned.
Battery performance was another point of comparison, with the Apple Watch draining 16% during the ride, while the Garmin only used 6% of its battery.
Both devices are equipped with advanced technologies, including optical heart rate sensors and GPS, but the Garmin features a more advanced multi-band GPS antenna for better tracking in challenging environments.
The Garmin Forerunner 570 was launched at a price of $549, while the Apple Watch Series 10 debuted at a more accessible price of $399, highlighting their differences in pricing and features.
In conclusion, the article recommends both smartwatches for fitness tracking, emphasizing the user's choice between a dedicated sports watch and a multifunctional smartwatch.
Summary based on 1 source
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Tom's Guide • Aug 7, 2025
I biked 11 miles with the Apple Watch 10 vs Garmin Forerunner 570 — here’s the winner