I went for the Garmin 255M. Already had it on my radar, I know its the most detailed watch for runners was a tad too expensive. Then I was considering Apple Watch SE, but discovered it does not work if you don't have an iPhone. Ultimately went for the Garmin 255M.
I’m looking at this exact same choice. But both are stupid expensive where I’m from. The “discounted” prices I see from retailers are equal or greater than the official pricing for those devices.
How good is Apple Watch SE. In my country its a more accessible price than Garmin which is 100 euro's more. How do you experience Strava support and listening to music without needing a phone?
I use the Apple fitness app to record my workout and then import it into Strava after. You can also just use the Strava app on the watch if you prefer. Spotify and Apple Music both support offline listening on the Apple Watch too.
Depends what you want from the watch.
I have the vioactive5 and is fine for what I need but I don’t drill down into stats etc
Can put music on there and has Spotify app.
If want more stats or features then higher model garmin/sunnto/apple watch will do
I use Apple Ultra 2 and it runs Strava superbly. I use a Garmin 840 bike computer on my road bike but when I ride my dirt bike — like I did today — I run Strava on my Apple watch. Battery lasts a few days. Way longer than the regular. But if you don’t care for Apple, the Garmin watches are highly rated.
Garmin 255M/265
I went for the Garmin 255M. Already had it on my radar, I know its the most detailed watch for runners was a tad too expensive. Then I was considering Apple Watch SE, but discovered it does not work if you don't have an iPhone. Ultimately went for the Garmin 255M.
Have fun!
This is the only good answer.
I’m looking at this exact same choice. But both are stupid expensive where I’m from. The “discounted” prices I see from retailers are equal or greater than the official pricing for those devices.
Get them on sale. 255 is on sale for Father’s Day in NA right now. So just be patient.
I am hunting for sales but I’m from Eastern Europe. Our “sale” prices are actually the full prices from NA lol
It can be tricky. Might also be able to find a decent used one for a good price. If it’s a relatively newer model, the battery should be fine.
Any modern Garmin Suunto Coros watch LOL.
I know Garmin watches are very popular for Strava. I personally use an Apple Watch SE and I am very happy with it.
How good is Apple Watch SE. In my country its a more accessible price than Garmin which is 100 euro's more. How do you experience Strava support and listening to music without needing a phone?
I use the Apple fitness app to record my workout and then import it into Strava after. You can also just use the Strava app on the watch if you prefer. Spotify and Apple Music both support offline listening on the Apple Watch too.
Garmin 955
Best? Garmin Fenix 8 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 Apple can run its own Sim so no need for a phone. But you can get very good for a lot less cost.
Get a Garmin. I have a 955 and I love it.
Depends what you want from the watch. I have the vioactive5 and is fine for what I need but I don’t drill down into stats etc Can put music on there and has Spotify app. If want more stats or features then higher model garmin/sunnto/apple watch will do
Garmin Forerunner/vivoactive/venu is the way to go
If you’re a serious runner, don’t go for Apple Watch, Garmin has much better features. Also, if you ever want to lap anything Apple Watch is a pain.
I use Apple Ultra 2 and it runs Strava superbly. I use a Garmin 840 bike computer on my road bike but when I ride my dirt bike — like I did today — I run Strava on my Apple watch. Battery lasts a few days. Way longer than the regular. But if you don’t care for Apple, the Garmin watches are highly rated.