Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link)
2023 · Fitness + health
Garmin Forerunner 965
2023 · Fitness + health
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) lands at 93 and Garmin Forerunner 965 at 88. That puts Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Pick Garmin Forerunner 965 if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testFitness
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link)Compared on the fitness sub-score
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) leads on fitness (93 vs 88).
Health
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link)Compared on the health sub-score
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) leads on health (91 vs 86).
Display
TieCompared on the display sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Garmin Forerunner 965Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Garmin Forerunner 965 more score per dollar ($599 vs $829).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2023 | 2023 |
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link)
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
Garmin Forerunner 965
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
FAQ: Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) vs Garmin Forerunner 965
Which is better, Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) or Garmin Forerunner 965? +
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) worth the price? +
At $829, Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in fitness.
Is Garmin Forerunner 965 worth the price? +
At $599, Garmin Forerunner 965 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.
Does Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) or Garmin Forerunner 965 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for fitness, Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) or Garmin Forerunner 965? +
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) — leads on fitness (93 vs 88). Compared on the fitness sub-score.
Which is better for health, Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) or Garmin Forerunner 965? +
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Leather Link) — leads on health (91 vs 86). Compared on the health sub-score.